Community

Pembrokeshire carpenter reaches semi-finals in National Competition

Published

1 year ago

August 15, 2024

PEMBROKESHIRE carpenter Christopher James has nailed down a spot in the semi-finals of the prestigious Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2024 competition, emerging from a pool of thousands of applicants across the UK and Ireland.

Christopher, 37, who owns Kingsmere Carpentry and Construction, has been in the trade for over 15 years. His dedication to his craft, combined with his commitment to mentoring apprentices and giving back to his community, made him stand out to the judges. He recently installed a defibrillator in his hometown, showcasing his dedication to both his trade and his local area.

The competition, now in its 15th year, celebrates the best tradespeople in the UK and Ireland. If Christopher progresses to the final, he will compete against nine other top tradespeople at Screwfix LIVE on 27th September 2024. The ultimate winner will be crowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2024, taking home a prize bundle worth £20,000, including tools, technology, and training.

Reflecting on his achievement, Christopher said, “To receive the call that I’d made it to the semi-finals was unbelievable. Reaching the national final would be such a great achievement, especially considering the calibre of the other tradespeople I’m up against. I hope my passion for carpentry and my commitment to supporting the next generation will secure me a place in the final.”

Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, praised the competition’s semi-finalists, stating, “The nation’s tradespeople are often unsung heroes. This award aims to shine a light on the very best of them, recognising the outstanding work they deliver and the impact they have within their communities.”

The final decision will be made by a panel of industry experts, who will assess the finalists during the in-person event in September. The winner will join the ranks of past champions, including last year’s winner, Astrid Arnold from Devon.

With this achievement, Christopher is on the brink of joining the Screwfix Top Tradesperson Hall of Fame, a testament to his skills, passion, and dedication to the trade.

For more information on the competition, visit Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2024.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

8 minutes 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

23 hours 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

24 hours 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)