Community

Store employs forth graduate

Published

11 years ago

November 20, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Haverfordwest store: Jacqueline, Jeanette, Caroline, and Emma (Manager) are pictured

FOUR job hunters have been taken on by a Pembrokeshire retailer thanks to the support of a local employment project. Jacqueline Mason from Letterston was employed by the Original Factory Shop in Haverfordwest this summer– its fourth ‘graduate’ from the South West Workways Project. Since 2011 the retailer, which has 180 stores across the UK, has added a new member to its team thanks to the assistance of the EU funded employment project. Jacqueline follows Lisa Phillips, who joined the store in 2012;

Caroline Thomas, who joined in 2011 and Jeanette Thomas who joined in 2010. Forty one year-old Jacqueline signed up to Workways for tailored support and advice in May 2013 following many years out of the job market to raise a family. Workways staff helped her improve her CV and interview techniques and once confident enough she applied for a temporary position at The Factory Shop where she was later offered the part-time position before being given a permanent post this July. “Workways was a great help,” said Jacqueline.

“They gave me the opportunity to improve my confidence and prove myself. Being able to return to work through their support was invaluable. I can’t say thank you enough!” Set up in 1969, The Original Factory Shop retails a range of goods including clothing, footwear, electrical goods, and home furnishings. Its first Workways ‘graduate’ was 51 year-old Jeanette Thomas from Haverfordwest who joined in August 2011. She was followed by Caroline Thomas, 45, also from Haverfordwest who was taken on by the retailer in March 2012 and is now a Supervisor. Lisa Phillips, 30, from Haverfordwest was employed in November 2013.

The Original Factory Shop Manager, Emma Charles said they had built up a great relationship with Workways over the years. “I would highly recommend the project to any employer,” she said. “Being able to get to know and have an insight into the individual during the temporary contract was very useful as an employer. Jeanette, Caroline, Lisa and Jacqueline all proved their worth and continue to be valued members of the team here.” Workways is backed by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government. The project is led by Neath Port Talbot Council in collaboration with Bridgend, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Swansea Councils. For more information about Workways, call (01437) 775265 or visit www.workways.co.uk

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

17 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

17 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)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).