Community

Welsh and Pembrokeshire books are coming home

Published

1 year ago

August 2, 2024

NARBERTH-born Dr Ruth Chilcott (1929-2023) lived most of her life in England, but never forgot her roots. Her grandfather had built many of the houses in the town, and her father, T.R. Francis, was the local headmaster. Her childhood there was tinged with sadness, overshadowed by the death of her mother giving birth to her, and coloured by World War II and its aftermath. Despite this, Ruth always loved Pembrokeshire.

After studying medicine at Cardiff University, she moved to London to practice as a doctor. But still having family and friends in Narberth, she visited often, and over the years amassed a large collection of books about Pembrokeshire and Narberth. Those books are now returning to Wales, and will be available for ‘rehoming’ at this year’s Llangwm LitFest.

Ruth’s daughters, Sian and Rhian, recount that as their mother got older, the stronger her bonds to Wales felt. Hers was perhaps the only house in Essex decorated extravagantly with Welsh flags. The family Welsh dresser – made from oak felled on the family fields – dominated the sitting room. She died last year at the age of 93, but they smilingly note that in her final months, she was determinedly trying to teach her carers Welsh, and existed mostly on a diet of cockles and prawns from South Wales.

Now to honour her bond to Narberth, the daughters want to find good homes for as much of their mother’s library as possible. “We are bringing the books to Pembrokeshire, because we know we will find a great community of people who both love books and are interested in Welsh history” said Rhian. “And the Llangwm LitFest is the ideal way to connect with this community.”

The books are an eclectic selection, from rare historical accounts of drovers’ roads to modern language learning materials. “There is a bit of everything,” says Sian, “from poetry to coffee table books to memoirs. Whether you like ghost stories, or recipe books, or family history collections… we hope you’ll find something to interest you.”

Anyone who takes a book will be invited to make a donation in return, and the sisters will donate the proceeds to the Narberth Museum of which Ruth was a lifelong friend. Sian and Rhian’s stall will be next to Claire’s bar in the Big Marquee during the Llangwm Literary Festival. The festival takes place between 9 and 11 August 2024 in Llangwm. For more information on the festival, please contact [email protected], or visit their website: www.llangwmlitfest.co.uk

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)