Community

Grab a glass to deal with spiders says British Pest Control Association

Published

1 year ago

October 29, 2024

ARACHNOPHOBIC residents in Pembrokeshire can call a pest professional for help, says national trade body British Pest Control Association (BPCA), but spiders are best left alone, or removed to a sheltered spot if needed.

Experts at BPCA say spiders might sneak indoors as the weather turns colder, and while trapping and releasing them in a suitable shed or outhouse is the quickest way to tackle the problem, they will disappear in a few months if left alone.

However, BPCA members are on hand for anyone who has a severe phobia, or who believes they may have an allergic reaction to a spider bite from species such as the False Widow Spider.

Natalie Bungay is Technical Manager at BPCA. She said: “Native spiders are not considered dangerous or a threat to health, but pest professionals are on hand to help anyone who suffers from arachnophobia if spiders are becoming a nuisance.

“Calls for False Widow Spiders tend to peak in October as numbers increase during the winter months and then they become more conspicuous as the males wander in search of a mate.

“False Widow Spiders are venomous but not aggressive – bites generally seem to occur through accidental contact. They can be very painful but are no more dangerous than a wasp sting.”

For most spiders, trapping them under a glass, sliding a stiff piece of paper underneath and releasing them in a garage or shed is all that is required.

Natalie added: “Spiders have an important role to play in our natural eco-systems, so releasing them in a sheltered place where they won’t succumb to the cold is generally the best alternative if you can’t quite cope with them inside the house.

“However, if spiders are becoming a nuisance, you have a phobia, or believe you are likely to have a severe reaction to a spider bite, we’d recommend you seek advice from a pest professional.

“A BPCA member will have the knowledge required to ensure the infestation is contained as much as possible and have access to a range of specialist products that are not available to the public.”

BPCA members are trained, experienced professionals who are regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636 and endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme.

To find a professional pest controller visit bpca.org.uk/find

Community

St Davids lights up for annual Christmas tree and wreath contest

Published

2 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Menevia WI, Girl Guides and local groups among the winners at a packed Cross Square event

CHARITIES, schools and community groups lit up St Davids on 29 November 2025, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship and festive spirit as hundreds gathered in Cross Square for the annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Competition.

The winners were chosen by public vote. Taking first place in the adults’ category was Menevia WI, whose extraordinary tree, nativity scene and decorations were ingeniously created from a clothes airer and wooden pegs.

Second place went to the City Council Coffee and Chat Group with a thoughtful Christmas-and-Remembrance design, featuring hand-knitted red, white and blue decorations. St Davids RNLI secured third with a lifeboat-themed tree celebrating their lifesaving work.

In the children’s category, St Davids Girl Guides took the top spot with a charming design featuring “Girl-Guide-ified” Santas, tents and the iconic Guide logo. Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi (YPD) came second with a colourful puzzle-themed tree carrying the message: “In this school you are a special piece of the puzzle.” Close behind in third place was Brawdy Hayscastle YFC with an inventive cow-themed Christmas tree.

The wreath category also highlighted the community’s talent. The Drifters claimed first place with a striking star-shaped wreath, while Lego Church secured second with a brilliantly crafted Lego design. Third place went to Rebecca Thornton for her beautifully knitted wreath featuring Santa and his reindeer.

As the Christmas lights were switched on and Cross Square filled with families, the event once again showcased the creativity and community spirit that make Wales’s smallest city shine at Christmas.

Community

Haverfordwest’s first memory tree brings community together this Christmas

Published

6 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Spud Box is delighted to launch a brand-new festive initiative for the people of Pembrokeshire – Haverfordwest’s first Memory Tree, now open to the public at our premises.

The idea, inspired by Drew from The Big Pembs Panto, invites members of the community to write and hang personal messages on the tree. These can be tributes to loved ones, cherished memories, or simple Christmas wishes.

The project has been created to give people a meaningful way to connect during the festive season. All materials – including paper, plastic pockets and ribbon – are provided free of charge. Visitors are also welcome to enjoy complimentary hot drinks, kindly supplied by Connect: Pembrokeshire, along with mince pies donated by Brakes.

Anyone who prefers to create their message at home can bring it in, and the team will be happy to help attach it to the tree.

Donations are being encouraged in support of Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity, making the Memory Tree both a reflective and charitable community event.

The tree itself looks spectacular thanks to Sion from DSR Batteries, who supplied the lighting. The project has also received generous support from Marty at Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity and Pure West Radio. Spud Box welcomes other community groups or organisations who wish to get involved.

Community

Pembrokeshire Lottery makes Superdraw winner’s Christmas extra special

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONE lucky Pembrokeshire Lottery player has scooped a festive windfall after winning the £10,000 Christmas Superdraw held on Wednesday 3 December.

The winner, Mr Damon McGarvie, formerly of Milford Haven and now living in Llangwm, was selected with lucky number 41475. He plays through a salary-deduction scheme run by his employer, Pembrokeshire County Council.

Mr McGarvie’s name was announced live on Radio Pembrokeshire, after which the Pembrokeshire Lottery team made contact and presented him with his cheque later that day.

Speaking after the win, Mr McGarvie said he and his wife will be jetting off on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday over the festive period, thanks to the surprise Christmas windfall.

Pembrokeshire Lottery Manager Abigail Owens said:
“I am so pleased for Mr McGarvie. He has contributed to the Pembrokeshire Lottery for many years, and it is only by the continued support of our players that we are able to assist so many local businesses with interest-free funding from the loan fund.”

The regular weekly £2,000 draws continue in the run-up to the January Superdraw, which will offer a £4,000 prize.

To sign up or order Pembrokeshire Lottery gift subscriptions for Christmas, call 01646 690800.

Photo caption: Damon McGarvie with his winner’s cheque.