Community

Benches destroyed in act of vandalism at Hubberston Park

Published

6 months ago

June 18, 2025

Volunteers left disheartened after community efforts undone by senseless damage

HUBBERSTON PARK volunteers say they are “gutted” after picnic benches recently installed at the skate park were torn apart in a shocking act of vandalism.

Photos taken at the scene show custom-made timber benches, worth £250 each, smashed into pieces. One has been completely destroyed, while another has been left badly damaged. Litter and debris surrounded the wreckage.

The benches were part of ongoing efforts to improve the park using voluntary donations, grants, and fundraising.

Lauren, a local volunteer with the Hubberston Community Association, said: “These benches were expensive and built to order to give families somewhere to sit and enjoy the park. We’re devastated. I’ve been told the names of those responsible and I’m disappointed — and shocked — because we know their families.”

She confirmed that due to cost, the benches and bins damaged in recent months — some burned and others stolen — will not be replaced. “We simply can’t afford to keep replacing things that get destroyed within months,” she added.

The incident comes just weeks after the community shared exciting 3D designs for a brand-new inclusive junior play area, which will replace broken and outdated equipment. The project, costing £135,840, will feature an Inclusive Castle, roundabout, bouldering cube, swing set, and coloured safety surfacing — all based on community votes held during last summer’s Funday.

The new park has been designed to ensure accessibility for children with additional learning needs, including Freya, a wheelchair user who lives near the park and whose story inspired the push for inclusive play.

But with funding still short and more vandalism taking place, volunteers say morale is low. “We’re trying so hard to make this a safe, inclusive space for everyone — but incidents like this make it really hard,” Lauren said.

Community service workers visit once a month to help with maintenance, but a small group of volunteers manage the rest of the park, including litter picking and general upkeep.

Residents are now being urged to support the ongoing fundraising drive via GoFundMe, and anyone who can spare time to help is asked to get in touch via the park’s Facebook page.

The GoFundMe campaign can be found here:
👉 gofundme.com/f/new-inclusive-equipment-for-hubberston

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)