Community

Carmarthenshire honours local heroes at British Empire Medal ceremony

Published

6 months ago

June 16, 2025

A SPECIAL presentation ceremony took place at County Hall on 29 May to honour two remarkable individuals who have been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of their outstanding service. The event, hosted by the newly appointed Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Dot Jones, marked her first official engagement and was attended by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, who presented the honours on behalf of His Majesty The King.

The British Empire Medal, first established in 1917 and reintroduced in 2012, recognises individuals who have demonstrated hands-on, impactful contributions to their communities. Nominations come directly from the people who witness these contributions every day; colleagues, neighbours and friends, making the honour personal and meaningful.

Mrs Marian Louise Evans was recognised for services to business. As founder and Managing Director of Elevate Business Consultancy, Mrs Evans has delivered transformational change across the sector. As a multi-award-winning professional, she has been widely acknowledged for her leadership, particularly in championing women in business. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she offered vital support to over 2,000 businesses through free resilience sessions and online content, reaching over 300,000 people each month. Her voluntary work has earned her titles such as UK Mentor of the Year and Inspirational Woman of the Decade. She received her medal from the Lord-Lieutenant and was presented with flowers on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council by Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Chloe Faulkner.

Miss Judith Harvey received the British Empire Medal for services to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Having begun her career as one of the UK’s first female wardens, she has dedicated her life to conservation, land management and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. As Head Warden since 2012, Miss Harvey has mentored countless apprentices and volunteers, led significant restoration projects and worked passionately to protect the park’s ecosystems and heritage. She was presented with her medal by the Lord-Lieutenant and flowers from Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Zuzzana Radkowska, before addressing the audience in a moving speech.

Closing the ceremony, the Chair of the Council praised both recipients for their service and reflected on the importance of role models in public life, especially for women and girls. She noted the growing presence of women in leadership roles, while recognising that progress must continue at all levels of local democracy. Their achievements, she said, lay a strong foundation for others to follow.

Cllr Phillip Hughes, Cabinet Member for Organisation & Workforce, said: “These awards are a true testament to the power of local action and leadership. Marian and Judith exemplify the values of dedication, service and inspiration. We are proud to celebrate their success and the example they set for others in our communities.”

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)