Charity

PAVS ‘delighted’ to appoint new Chief Officer

Published

5 months ago

June 11, 2024

THE Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services says it is delighted to announce the appointment of Jessica Bickerton as the new Chief Executive Officer for the organisation. Her appointment comes as the organisation prepares to bid farewell to Sue Leonard, who will be retiring at the end of August after over 20 years of service, 16 of those as Chief Officer.

Jess joins PAVS having worked for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for 25 years. Her role has seen her work around the globe with involvement in aid programmes, supporting international crises, and organising major events such as the Coronation.

Since moving to Pembrokeshire five years ago, she has been keen to bring her skills and experience to her local community. Jess says “the opportunity to lead PAVS – with its strong reputation and track record of making a difference to the voluntary sector, communities, and individuals – was too compelling. I will be stepping into some big shoes though!”.

Sue Leonard, current Chief Officer notes “PAVS is a great organisation and one that I have been proud to lead over the past 16 years. I can’t quite believe that I have reached retirement age and that the time has come to hand over to someone new. I am confident that Jess brings an excellent skills set to the PAVS team alongside a genuine commitment to the County. I know the Association will be in safe hands for the future.”

“With Sue’s retirement we knew we would have big shoes to fill, and tasked ourselves with finding a new inspirational leader to support the great work PAVS carries out,” says Claire Incledon, Chair of the Board of Trustees, “we are delighted to have appointed Jess and are confident that she will continue to develop PAVS and support the vital work of the third sector in our community”.

Jess is due to start her new role at PAVS in mid-August and is looking forward to getting to know our members and partners over the weeks that follow. In the meantime, you are welcome to come and meet Jess and say goodbye to Sue in the Community Zone at the Pembrokeshire County Show, taking place on 14^th and 15^th August 2024.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

1 day 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

2 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

1 week 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.