Community
Motorcycle club combines mechanics and mental health support in West Wales
IN CARMARTHEN, the West Wales Motorcycle Club is changing lives by blending a love for motorcycles with community and mental health support. Founded in 2017, this not-for-profit organisation offers a unique approach to well-being through hands-on mechanical work and social interaction.
The club’s bi-weekly workshops, held every second Saturday between 9 am and 3 pm, provide members with access to a well-equipped space for repairing and restoring motorcycles. These project bikes, some seemingly beyond redemption, are revived thanks to the combined expertise of the members. The process is not just about mechanics; it fosters a sense of accomplishment, builds confidence, and diminishes feelings of isolation among participants.

Inclusivity is at the heart of the club’s ethos. Membership does not require motorcycle ownership, allowing anyone interested to join the community. Whether they wish to learn about motorcycle maintenance or simply enjoy a cup of tea with fellow enthusiasts, members find a welcoming and supportive environment. The club also boasts members with mental health support backgrounds, including trained mental health first aiders, ensuring that those struggling can access a listening ear and be signposted to specialist organisations if needed.
Originally supported by a significant National Lottery Grant, the club has since sustained itself through smaller grants and recently secured funding from the National Lottery’s All Wales Grant Scheme. This funding guarantees at least another year of operations, providing the necessary time to see.

The club’s workshops not only serve as a hub for mechanical learning but also as a means to promote positive mental health. The collaborative efforts on motorcycle restoration projects provide a therapeutic outlet for members, allowing them to connect with others who share their passion. Through these social and mechanical interactions, the club offers an innovative approach to community well-being.
Graham Sines, the club’s Secretary, highlights the project’s uniqueness and invites interested individuals to visit during a workshop session to see the initiative in action. The club’s focus on inclusivity, social interaction, and mental well-being makes it a standout organisation in the West Wales community.
For more information, visit their website at https://www.westwalesmotorcycle.club or contact them via email at [email protected].
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
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
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
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).
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