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Desperate plea to save Anchorage Day Centre, Pembroke Dock

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AN impassioned plea to give Pembroke Dock’s closure-threatened Anchorage day centre a breathing space, a potential victim of the need for cash-strapped Pembrokeshire County Council to balance its books, was made at County Hall this week.

The county council is currently changing care provision for older adults and those with learning disabilities, and fears have been raised recently that Pembroke Dock’s Anchorage day care centre is to close.

A series of engagement events have taken place at The Anchorage recently, outlining the reasons and the options in continued service.

The Anchorage Day Care Centre in Pembroke Dock has been a “safe and happy place” for adults with learning difficulties and additional needs for decades.

In more recent years it has expanded to support elderly dementia sufferers.

At the July 18 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, members received two petitions calling for the council to reverse a decision to close day centres in Pembroke Dock, Crymych and Narberth.

Speaking at the meeting, Anchorage petition creator Peter Welsh  – who said there had been no real consultation on the proposals – was joined by many of the service users in the public gallery at County Hall, Haverfordwest.

He launched an impassioned plea for the centre to remain open, saying of the service users: “They are a family, a happy group of individuals that enjoy being together in safety at their home, the Anchorage.

“They are effectively voiceless, we will be their voice.

“It’s an injustice; inexcusable targeting of the vulnerable. Please don’t use these vulnerable individuals as pawns for a money-saving gain.

“We may lose this battle today, but I hope not; they need your support. Just imagine if it was your son or daughter or grandchild being put through this uncertainty that is affecting their lives; you would feel the same sense of anger as us.”

To thunderous applause from the gallery, he finished: “July 18, 2024; for those in the gallery, today it is their day, their lives; yet it could be today that is also your day. Today we appeal to you on their behalf, today you have an opportunity to right a wrong.”

Cabinet Member for Social Care & Safeguarding Cllr Tessa Hodgson said the service was moving away from being building-based and the council was facing immense financial pressures.

Cllr Hodgson said that was exacerbated by a last-minute cut in the 2024 council tax rise, from an expected 16 to 12.5 per cent, which had contained warnings of dire service cuts.

Along with this were building repairs costs of well over £300,000 needed , as well as a decline in numbers attending the centre, especially post-Covid, members heard.

Chief Executive Will Bramble said the pressures on social services in the county were so high that the 12.5 per cent council tax increase did not even meet the demands of that department alone, adding: “The only reason we were able to have a balanced budget was by cutting services in order to have a balanced budget.”

Local Pembroke Dock councillor Tony Wilcox said a purpose-built facility, part of the nearby Pembroke South Quay development, expected to be completed in a few years, could provide a new home for the service users, asking they remain where they are until that was completed.

“I feel strongly that Cabinet should reconsider keeping the Anchorage open as it is, for a period of two or three years before the new facility opens.”

He was joined by fellow Pembroke Dock councillor Brian Hall, who had originally opened the Anchorage “many, many years ago”.

“The South Quay move would’ve been perfect, but they haven’t started building it yet; why can’t they just leave them where they are until the building is completed? It’s not a lot to ask and it would probably save money.”

He later said: “I think it is a sin to all the clients there; what harm is it keeping them there for three years? A lot of these clients are closer to Pembroke than Pembroke Dock; I hope the Cabinet will leave them stay there for three years; three years is all we ask, it’s the way forward to keep people happy that are there now.”

The factor of a lower council tax increase putting the centre in jeopardy was raised by Cllr Maureen Bowen, who said: “I’m so sorry for the stress this has caused everyone,” adding: “I voted for a low budget knowing these changes were going to happen; sometimes we know the cost of everything and the value of nothing.”

The final word went to Mr Welsh, who had disputed the building not being fit for purpose.

“For the time being keep the Anchorage going, as Cllrs Wilcox and Hall said, keep these guys where they’re comfortable and where they are happy.”

A report on the Anchorage Centre is expected to come before the September meeting of the county council’s Cabinet, ahead of any final decision.

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

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MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

  • Goal Scorer: Lola P
  • Players’ Player: Annabelle G
  • Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

  • Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
  • Players’ Player: Olivia D
  • Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

  • Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
  • Players’ Player: Annabelle G
  • Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

  • Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
  • Players’ Player: Annabelle G
  • Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

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News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

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As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

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Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

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PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.

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