Charity

Pembrokeshire celebrates as Bluestone’s Blue Lagoon reopens

Published

9 months ago

March 3, 2024

PEMBROKESHIRE residents returned to the Blue Lagoon at Bluestone National Park Resort, not only to bask in the attractions but also to support a commendable local initiative.

Previously, the Blue Lagoon welcomed both locals and tourists to enjoy its pool, wave machine, jacuzzis, and water slides. However, this opportunity was halted during the Covid-19 lockdown, leading to widespread disappointment among the local community.

Bluestone declared last year its plans to reopen the Blue Lagoon for locals through charity events. The inaugural event was a success, raising substantial funds for the mental health charity, Get the Boys a Lift. Nearly 600 community members participated in this event, which is the first among many planned to support the water park.

The proceeds from the ticket sales benefited Get The Boys A Lift significantly, with the charity receiving 75% of the approximately £6,000 raised, while the remaining 25% was allocated to the Bluestone Foundation.

These community gatherings aim to provide exclusive access to the Blue Lagoon for locals, while also raising funds for Pembrokeshire’s charitable and non-profit organisations.

The relaunch of the Bluestone Foundation and its community fund was highlighted during the first event. Local charities and non-profits are now encouraged to apply for funding, and to organise events at the Blue Lagoon.

Since its establishment, the Bluestone Foundation has contributed approximately £333,000 towards initiatives that empower individuals through economic, social, and environmental efforts. The success of the GTBAL event has revitalised the foundation’s commitment to these causes.

The forthcoming community event at the Blue Lagoon, scheduled for May 28th, will benefit the VC Gallery in Haverfordwest, continuing the foundation’s support for local initiatives, particularly those that engage veterans and the community through art.

Collaborating with the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS), the foundation ensures a transparent and fair distribution of funds. PAVS offers guidance to applicants before their proposals are reviewed by the Bluestone Foundation Committee.

Marten Lewis, chair of the Bluestone Foundation, expressed his delight at the overwhelming turnout and support for the first community event. Lorna Livock, funding development officer at PAVS, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the significance of the partnership in supporting local projects amid challenging financial times.

This partnership with PAVS allows Bluestone to leverage their expertise in project initiation, compliance with regulations, and volunteer management, ensuring impactful support for community initiatives.

Organisations interested in applying for funding can do so through PAVS year-round, with details available for the upcoming Blue Lagoon event and ticket purchases online.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Charity

Milford Haven RNLI celebrates heartfelt donation from Neyland Ladies Choir

Published

4 days ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN RNLI Fundraising Group received a generous donation of over £1,000 from Neyland Ladies Choir this October, marking a touching tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Beckett, one of the RNLI’s longest-standing supporters.

The Neyland Ladies Choir held a special concert at St. Mary’s Church on Waterloo Road, Hakin, to celebrate Dorothy Beckett’s 90th birthday. A lifelong supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Dorothy has played a crucial role in lifeboat fundraising in the Milford Haven area, dating back to the 1970s. She was instrumental in establishing the Hakin Point RNLI fundraising group, which has raised over £500,000 to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

The concert’s proceeds were presented in a moving ceremony at Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland. Accepting the donation on behalf of the RNLI were Steve Lewis, Chairman of the fundraising group, and Thomas Kehoe, Deputy Coxswain of the Angle Lifeboat.

Adding to the evening’s celebrations, Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager, presented Dorothy with the Long Service Medal, recognizing her fifty years of dedication to the institution. This award, given by the RNLI, honors Dorothy’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

“Thank you, Neyland Ladies Choir and Dorothy Beckett,” said the RNLI in a heartfelt message to the community. “Your support and dedication mean the world to us.”

The Milford Haven RNLI Fundraising Group encourages supporters to share and spread the word, hoping that Dorothy’s legacy inspires continued community support.

Charity

NHS staff take on Parkrun for charity

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

Richard Lewis

STAFF from the Frailty Unit at Withybush Hospital took part in the Haverfordwest Parkrun and raised a fantastic £1,478 for the unit.

The staff took part in the 5k Parkrun in August at the Haverfordwest cricket club, whilst others volunteered, sold refreshments and held a raffle.

Lisa Marshall, Senior Sister, said: “I am so proud of Estelle and the team for organising a successful fundraiser and helping to raise money for our unit.

“It was a great team building day and we all had lots of fun. We are as always grateful for the support and donations we receive, and we look forward to our next fundraiser!”

Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you and well done to Estelle, Lisa and the Frailty Unit team for completing their Parkrun fundraiser.

“Thank you so much for dedicating your time to once again raising funds for your amazing unit.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the NHS charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to the Hywel Dda Charities website.