Charity

Pembrokeshire farming couple takes bull by the horns in family fund raiser for talented singers

Published

1 year ago

April 21, 2025

A Pembrokeshire farming couple will be taking the bull firmly by the horns next month after agreeing to take part in one of the toughest cycling challenges in Wales’ cycling calendar – the Carten100.

Mark and Caroline Davies – who run the 265-acre dairy farm at New House, Little Newcastle – have agreed to do the 108-mile cycle to raise funds for ‘Anna’s Song’, which is a charity set up in memory of Caroline’s 13-year-old niece who died in a swimming tragedy in Florida in 2024.

“When my sister, Liz, first mentioned that she’d be cycling the Carten100 to raise funds for ‘Anna’s Song’, I started googling it and decided it would be a good idea to take part too,” explained Caroline. “Liz did it five or six years ago, but when I told them about my idea to take part too, they all laughed!”

But a week later, Caroline received a road bike, complete with a helmet, from Liz’s husband Pete, who is himself a highly accomplished cyclist.

“Pete had every faith in me, and this has helped to spur me on and start training for an event that I never imagined would be possible.”

Last December Caroline’s husband, Mark, decided that he, too, would take part in the Carten100 which extends from Cardiff city centre to Cowbridge, Swansea, Llanelli, Burry Port, Carmarthen, St Clears and Tavernspite before finally terminating at Tenby Harbour.

But with around 400 head of cattle to manage as well as three young daughters aged 11, 7 and 2, the couple’s training schedule has been challenging..

“It goes without saying that our lives are very hectic, but we’re managing to find time to either get out onto the roads or have half and hour on the turbo,” continued Caroline, “Obviously turbo training can be pretty boring, but at least there’s a little wild rabbit who comes out into the garden which I can watch which helps relieve the monotony.

“This morning I managed to do half an hour and I’lll be doing another 30 minutes later this evening. Over the weekend we’ll be going out for a much longer ride, but this takes a lot of planning. The vet is coming out for a routine visit first thing on Saturday morning, we’ve got a meeting scheduled for later that day and then we have to make sure we have a babysitter on hand to look after the children.

“And when we get back from the ride, it’s back on with the wellies to do some more farming.”

‘Anna’s Song’ was launched following Anna Beaumont’s tragic death in May, 2024. The 13-year-old was a highly accomplished singer, who had performed extensively with Only Kids Aloud and Only Girls Aloud on platforms across the UK as well as at Disneyland, Paris, and St Davids Hall in Cardiff. The charity is raising funds to help support talented teenage singers with professionally led workshops, live events and partnerships to help them pursue a career in singing.

“The first workshop was held at the end of March at the Welsh College of Music and Drama and the feedback we’ve had from the families of the six young people who took part has been phenomenal,” said Caroline.

“The charity’s aim is to offer opportunities to inspire young singers by hosting workshops, events and mentorships.”

Meanwhile, with just three weeks to go before the Carten 100 takes place on May 10, Caroline and Mark are doing everything they can to step-up their training regime so they can complete the challenge together with Liz, Pete and their son, Jake Beaumont who, at 12 years old, will be one of the youngest cyclists taking part.

“Now that it’s getting closer, the stress levels are definitely starting to kick in, and it’s getting to the point where I’m beginning to wonder whether it might be easier to sit all my A’ levels again,” laughs Caroline.

“There’s no way that I would be doing the Carten100 if it wasn’t for the family circumstances, and at the end of the day, I’m determined not to fail. Mark and I are doing absolutely everything we can to ensure our fitness levels are capable of completing it, and I know that once we set off from Cardiff on May 10, the adrenaline is going to kick in. All we want to do is help to boost ‘Anna’s Song’ just that little bit more.”

If you would like to make a donation to Anna’s Song, click on the link

Charity

Chief’s Tour honours fallen officers with 75-mile Pembrokeshire ride

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Dyfed-Powys Police team raises thousands for bereaved police families charity

A TEAM of officers and staff from Dyfed-Powys Police cycled 75 miles across west Wales on Wednesday (May 6) in memory of colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The annual “Chief’s Tour of Pembs 2026” saw participants travel from Fishguard to Carmarthen while raising money for the charity Care of Police Survivors, commonly known as COPS.

The force said the event raised £2,690, with funds going towards support for the families of police officers who have died while serving their communities.

Along the route, cyclists stopped at several locations to meet relatives of fallen officers and take part in moments of reflection.

In a statement shared on social media, the force said the tour was held “in memory of all Dyfed-Powys Police officers who have lost their lives in service.”

The post added: “Those we’ve lost will always remain in our thoughts.”

COPS supports the families of officers who have died on duty by organising national and regional events, helping survivors build support networks and friendships with others who have experienced similar loss.

Dyfed-Powys Police thanked members of the public who supported the cyclists during the challenge.

“A huge thank you to our community for showing our Chief’s Tour cyclists support as they passed through Pembrokeshire,” the force said.

“Your cheers, waves and encouragement kept spirits high for those taking part.”

The 75-mile challenge took riders across parts of north and west Pembrokeshire before continuing east towards Carmarthenshire, combining physical endurance with remembrance and fundraising.

Police charities such as COPS often work quietly behind the scenes, supporting bereaved families long after national attention fades following the death of an officer.

Charity

Milford Haven Town Council Continues Support for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting local residents by awarding funding to Paul Sartori Hospice at Home following a successful application for financial assistance.

The £500 contribution will help support the ongoing delivery of vital day and night home nursing care for people receiving end-of-life care in the Milford Haven area.

The Mayor of Milford Haven, Councillor William Elliott, said: “It is a privilege for Milford Haven Town Council to continue supporting this important and vital service, which provides much-needed care and reassurance to residents in our community when it is needed most.

The work of Paul Sartori is incredibly important, and we thank them for all they do — not only for people in Milford Haven, but across the whole county.”

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is a registered charity providing high-quality end-of-life care and a wide range of free services to individuals and families throughout Pembrokeshire. Through an open referral system, patients, carers, and family members can access specialist clinical care, emotional support, guidance, and practical assistance, with many services delivered directly in patients’ homes.

A cheque for £500 was presented by the Mayor of Milford Haven to Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

Judith Williams said: “We are extremely grateful to Milford Haven Town Council and its councillors for their continued support. Donations such as this make a real difference locally, helping us provide compassionate, dignified care to people in Milford Haven at the end of life.

Support from town and community councils not only helps sustain essential nursing services, but also reflects the strong partnership between Paul Sartori and the communities we serve. We truly value this ongoing commitment.”

The Paul Sartori nursing team currently provides approximately 150 hours of care each month within the Milford Haven area. Funding from Milford Haven Town Council will directly support local residents, enabling them to remain at home and receive professional, compassionate care surrounded by loved ones.

Alongside day and night nursing care, the charity also offers equipment loans, complementary therapies, bereavement and counselling support, and future care planning services — all free of charge and designed to maintain dignity, comfort, and independence for patients and families.

Families across Pembrokeshire living with a life-limiting illness can benefit from Paul Sartori Hospice at Home services. However, as a charitable organisation, the service relies heavily on the generosity of local communities, supporters, and fundraising initiatives to continue delivering this essential care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is encouraging town and community councils across Pembrokeshire to consider supporting the charity to help ensure high-quality end-of-life care remains accessible throughout the county.

Photo Caption:

Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, pictured with the Mayor of Milford Haven, Councillor William Elliott.

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

2 days ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.