News
Work starts on hospice
BUILDING work for a brand new £2m inpatient hospice serving Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion got underway earlier this week. Skanda Vale Hospice are developing their existing facilities to include a six bedroom in-care unit. The new hospice will begin phasing in their new services from November 2015, offering inpatient respite and end of life care services that are not currently available anywhere in the three counties. Since 1993, monks and nuns from Skanda Vale multi-faith monastery have been offering practical, emotional, social and spiritual care to families affected by life-threatening illnesses, completely free of charge.
The local community will soon benefit from much more choice and support, at one of the most difficult times of life. Dr. Pat Purcell, a local Palliative Care Consultant and voluntary clinical advisor to the hospice project said: “The new hospice unit will meet an urgent need in our community – many patients currently have to travel long distances to get the care they need. The hospice is ideally located, near the borders of Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, to serve a large number of local people.
Both myself and the palliative care team look forward to collaborative working with the staff at Skanda Vale Hospice.” The equivalent of 5 palliative nursing jobs will be created – though the hospice is unique in that all support staff are fully qualified unpaid volunteers. Brother Michael said: “Skanda Vale Hospice is run by volunteers, so our overheads are far less than similar sized organisations. More than 94p in every £1 donated can be invested in patient care.We’d like to thank our local community for all their support over the years. This hospice is for the people of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. We want to encourage people to get excited about this amazing project and come and be a part of it.”
Community
Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby
SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.
Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.
The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.
Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.
Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.
As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.
For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.
With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.
Community
Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan
ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.
At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.
The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”
With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.
Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.
Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.
Charity
Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues
ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.
Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.
-
News3 days ago
Police and air ambulances at ‘serious incident’ at West Wales school
-
Business1 day ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Crime3 days ago
Pembrokeshire pensioner accused of 17 sexual offences against children
-
Crime2 days ago
All three school stabbing victims discharged from hospital, police confirm
-
Community4 days ago
County Hall to offer space for community banking
-
Crime5 days ago
Brian Davis: Wanted on suspicion of commercial burglary
-
Education7 days ago
Target of 1m Welsh speakers by 2050 is “almost impossible”
-
Sport5 days ago
Swifts eyes on double.