Community

Chance for residents to have a say on the future of libraries in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 years ago

May 16, 2024

THE PEMBROKESHIRE LIBRARY SERVICE is a well-used and much loved service, which is available to everyone. However, we need to make changes to this service to reduce its cost as part of wider measures to reduce costs across all of Pembrokeshire County Council’s services.

Public Library Services across the UK are having to make difficult budget decisions, and we are no exception.

New Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “Like every department in the Council, we have to reduce our costs. It is imperative that we do so with a full understanding of what people need from our Library Services so that we can focus the resources that we have on those in most need.

“As such, we are launching an extensive Library Needs Assessment exercise, which will include public meetings, focus groups, one-to-one discussions with key stakeholders and a survey. This is an opportunity for local people to help us to shape the future of libraries in the county.”

Cllr Harvey added: “Nine years ago, the Library Service faced similar budget challenges and undertook a similar Needs Assessment. That work led to the creation of a number of important partnerships with local communities and Town and Community Councils, which helped to protect libraries from closure.

“I am confident that by working together again, and getting an up-to-date understanding of people’s needs, we can find a way through this new challenge which will allow us to continue to provide services for all our population while in particular, protecting the most vulnerable.”

An extensive programme of engagement with residents, community groups and stakeholders will start from Wednesday, 15th May and will run through until 6th August.

This consists of:

A questionnaire survey available online and in paper copy (from libraries and other front facing PCC service points such as leisure centres and the archives)
Six public meetings across the county during June – dates and venues information is below
A range of focus groups and one to one conversations with key stakeholders

All feedback received will be properly considered, and the findings will be used to help us to develop options, which we will formally consult on later in the year.

Public meetings are planned for:

Monday 10^th June, Fishguard Town Hall, 6.30-8.30pm

Wednesday 12^th June, County Hall, Haverfordwest, 6.30-8.30pm

Monday 17^th June, Pembroke Town Hall, Main Street, 6.30-8.30pm

Wednesday 19^th June, Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock, 6.30-8.30pm

Tuesday 25^th June, Greenhill Centre, Tenby, 6.30-8.30pm

Thursday 27^th June, Milford Haven Library, Cedar Court, 6.30-8.30pm

These meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend.

Booking is not essential, but it would help us greatly if we have a rough estimate of expected numbers, so if possible, please could you register your interest in advance online, anytime after 20th May. Thank you.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)