Community

Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority announces new chair and deputy

Published

6 months ago

June 16, 2025

MID AND WEST WALES Fire and Rescue Authority has elected a new leadership team to guide the organisation for the next two municipal years.

At the Authority’s Annual General Meeting held on Monday, 9 June 2025, Councillor John Davies of Pembrokeshire was elected as Chair, while Councillor Matthew Crowley of Neath Port Talbot was appointed Deputy Chair.

Councillor Davies has served on the Fire Authority since May 2022 and was Deputy Chair from 2023. A longstanding member of Pembrokeshire County Council since 1999, he was Leader of the Council from 2004 to 2012. His public service career includes a decade as Chair of the Board of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, where he was named an Honorary Life Vice-President in 2022. He has also served two terms on the S4C Authority and held the role of High Sheriff of Dyfed.

Speaking following his election, Cllr Davies said: “It is a huge privilege to be elected Chair at a time of both significant change and ongoing challenges in the fire and rescue sector in Wales.

I will work alongside my fellow Authority Members to ensure close engagement with all stakeholders—from the dedicated staff who shape our Service to the communities we are here to protect. I am proud to be part of a Service that responds so effectively in people’s hour of need.”

Cllr Matthew Crowley has served on the Fire Authority since 2017. He began his public service career in 1982 with Afan Borough Council and most recently served as Mayor of Neath Port Talbot (2024–2025).

Cllr Crowley is active in numerous community roles. He is President of Aberavon Green Stars RFC, a member of the Aberavon Lifeguard Club, a life member of the GMB Union, and chairs the governing bodies of both Awel y Môr and Tywyn primary schools.

Commenting on his appointment as Deputy Chair, Cllr Crowley said: “It is both a privilege and a personal honour to be elected Deputy Chair of the Fire Authority.

Public services across Wales face difficult times, but with the dedication of our Members and Officers, we will continue to deliver the best possible Fire and Rescue Service.

This role also holds special meaning for me, as I follow in the footsteps of my late father, who served as Deputy Chair and later Chair of the Fire Authority between 2007 and 2009.”

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

6 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

1 day 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

1 day 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)