Community
Fun days support families over summer holidays
THE Pembrokeshire County Council Early Years Integration Team has been working in the Tenby and Fishguard areas to support families with children 0-7yrs for a summer of fun.
The Team works closely with Midwives and Health Visitors to run groups and parenting sessions for families from pregnancy onwards.
For summer the team ran some Family Fun Sessions as the school holidays can be very long, especially with the inconsistent Pembrokeshire weather.
They teamed up with local schools to ensure a ‘Plan B’ indoor space was available for all six sessions.
Three sessions took place in each area and luckily all but the last had sunny weather so the families were able to make use of the great outdoors.
The Play Works Grant was accessed to provide fruit pots and healthy wraps that families were able to create. The Healthy Preschool Practitioner from Hywel Dda University Health Board gave her time at each event to ensure this ran smoothly.
Local charities and organisations were invited to support the events, including Family Information Service, ASD Family Help who provided circus skill activities and general outdoor equipment and Citizens Advice Bureau who provided some fun colouring and badge making that incorporated messages around budgeting.
Small Woods brought a new dimension to the sessions with fantastic nature activities that saw children and adults creating brilliant bunting and willow wands.
Volunteering Matters rounded up some of their local volunteers who supported each event to provide a range of interesting activities including making crowns, light catchers and lanterns, as well as a drumming session and board games.
The families provided some great feedback as well as all the providers enjoying the atmosphere.
Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham, said: “These series of events have been so much fun and brilliant support for the families involved across the summer. My thanks go to everyone who has been involved.”
A total of 84 adults and 165 children attended the Tenby sessions with 60 adults and 106 children attending the sessions in Fishguard.
With the Early Years Team providing other activities for families to enjoy together, it created lots to do for all ages, a particular favourite was children face painting their parents!
Plant Dewi Project Worker Carys came along to provide some interesting ‘messy and sensory’ play and promote a new group (see below).
The Early Years Team are joining Plant Dewi to provide a new Families Together Group starting in St Teilo’s Church Hall, Tenby on Wednesday 4th September and running every week 9.30-11.30am.
To find out more information about what is going on in your area please contact Helen on 07774900140 email [email protected] and follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EYITeam/
Community
Henry Tufnell MP advocates for Pembroke’s bell restoration project
LAST weekend, Henry Tufnell MP visited St David’s Cathedral, where he had the opportunity to witness the tradition of bell ringing and meet with members of the St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project. The meeting underscored the vital importance of preserving Pembroke’s unique heritage while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the restoration team.
St Mary’s Church, located in the heart of Pembroke, is home to a set of historic bells that have been a cherished part of the town’s life for over 260 years. However, due to structural and safety concerns, these bells have been silent, putting a pause on their role in significant civic and cultural events, including Remembrance Sunday and local celebrations.
A significant £150,000 from the £10.5 million UK Government funding pot has been allocated to this restoration project, but delays in finalising the grant have hindered progress. Henry pledged his commitment to ensuring that the project receives the attention it deserves to move forward without further obstacles.
Following his visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Speaking with members of the St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project at St David’s Cathedral highlighted how much this initiative means to the people of Pembroke. Restoring these historic bells is about more than just tradition; it’s about community pride and keeping our heritage alive for future generations. I’m determined to help ensure this project gets the green light it needs and I will be doing everything in my power to ensure it happens.”
The St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project has garnered widespread support from local residents and businesses, whose donations have helped secure the match funding required for the Fund. Completing the project would be a significant milestone, securing a vital piece of Pembroke’s history for years to come.
Community
Haverfordwest Castle Ward’s councillor addresses leaf hazard
AS County Councillor for the Castle Ward, Cllr Thomas Tudor has responded swiftly to concerns raised by residents of Oakwood Grove about the build-up of fallen leaves on the pavements. The leaves, described as a potential hazard for pedestrians, were flagged as a danger, especially in wet conditions.
Following Cllr Tudor’s report to Pembrokeshire County Council’s maintenance team, the pavements have now been cleared, restoring safety for residents.
Cllr Tudor expressed his gratitude, saying: “Many thanks to all involved; it’s very much appreciated.”
Before and after photos provided by Cllr Tudor illustrate the improvement made for the community.
Community
Advent procession at St Davids Cathedral marks start of festive season
A DEEPLY moving Advent Procession took place at St Davids Cathedral this evening (Dec 1), marking the start of the festive season with a celebration of light amidst darkness and a reflection on the longing for Christ’s return.
The service began in solemnity at the West Door, with the congregation gathered in darkness. As the procession made its way through the Quire and toward the High Altar at the East, light was carried forward, symbolizing the arrival of hope and illumination in the season of Advent.
The event was enriched by a combination of hymns, carols, and Scripture readings, creating an atmosphere of reverence and spiritual anticipation. Each moment of the service invited attendees to reflect on the Advent themes of waiting, hope, and preparation for the coming of Christ.
St Davids Cathedral, renowned for its historical and architectural significance, provided a fitting backdrop for this ancient tradition, with its stone arches and candlelit spaces adding to the profound sense of occasion.
The Advent Procession is a cornerstone of the cathedral’s seasonal offerings, drawing worshippers from across Pembrokeshire and beyond to prepare their hearts and minds for Christmas.
(Photos: St Davids Cathedral)
-
News4 days ago
Local MP’s family avoids farm tax bombshell
-
Health5 days ago
New hospital for west Wales faces delays due to funding issues
-
Business7 days ago
Haverfordwest butcher wins best banger in Wales
-
Sport4 days ago
Local Angharad James-Turner leads Cymru in historic Euro ’25 play-off final
-
featured1 day ago
Teenager killed herself after ten months of hell, says heartbroken mum
-
Politics6 days ago
Pembrokeshire council tax could increase by 16 per cent
-
News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire miracle cat survives journey beneath moving recovery truck
-
Education5 days ago
Young musicians delight at Valero Secondary Schools’ Music festival