Community

Pembrokeshire puffins to star in new children’s books

Published

12 years ago

August 26, 2013

PEMBROKESHIRE’S famous puffins and the other island wildlife on our local islands are the lead characters in a new series of children’s books by Lucy Griffiths from Marloes and her co-author and designer Christopher Thomas.

The initial print run will be funded by a ‘Crowdfunding’ campaign using the popular online site ‘Kickstarter’ which helps creative people get their projects off the ground by taking pledges from backers who receive rewards for their pledges. The campaign which launches this week offers backers the opportunity to pre-order copies of the books via the site, and if it’s successful in achieving its £1000 target the books will be printed here in Wales and despatched in time to be sent out as Christmas gifts.

The pair created their first three books as a way of encouraging very young children to learn about nature whilst also developing an adventurous, enterprising and independent approach to life.

They are keen supporters of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and are planning to create educational materials using the characters from their books that will help the Trust reach out to young children with their messages about conservation.

Lucy and Chris are both lecturers at the University of Wales Trinity St David, where they run enterprise education and career development workshops to encourage students to take an enterprising approach to their careers. However, in order to reach beyond the students they work with at the University they set up their Social Enterprise ‘We Are Lucky’ to provide resources and experiences based on the principle that you ‘make your own luck’ in life.

Lucy says ‘I was born and raised in Marloes, so the puffins and other wildlife on Skomer and Skokholm have played an important role in my childhood. Through these books I’d like other young children to learn about the amazing natural resources we have here in Wales, whilst also developing some of the wonderful enterprising characteristics these birds show in adapting and surviving in difficult conditions.’

Chris said ‘We hope anyone who loves Pembrokeshire’s wildlife, and the messages behind these stories will back us by pledging their support to the Kickstarter campaign.’

Further information about the project can be found at: www.wearelucky.org

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

16 hours 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

2 days 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

2 days 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)