Community
Local charity wins funding from Lloyds
FOLLOWING fierce competition from many charities in Pembrokeshire, Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Charity Support Centre was nominated for the top funding of £3000 from Lloyds Bank to be used to the benefit of cancer patients using its Dew Street Care Centre. The Charity was founded by leukaemia victim, Adam Evans- Thomas, eleven years ago. Its main aim was to raise funds for a new state of the Art Cancer Care Day Unit for Withybush Hospital.
The charity honoured Adam’s wish that both hospitals that cared for him should benefit from the charity’s fundraising. So in 2009, a high dependency room on the new Transplant Unit in University Hospital, the Heath, Cardiff, called ‘The Pembrokeshire Room’, was paid for. Whilst waiting for news of a new unit for Withybush – two Directors of the Charity died from their cancers. It was then decided to move from pure fundraising to supporting patients who were waiting for the promised unit to materialise. And this was when the three storied project took off in Dew Street Haverfordwest.
The charity offers an Aladdin’s cave of activities, all funded by the charity shop fronting the building. Three therapists offer pain relief and relaxation massages, two beauticians offer pampering sessions, while a podiatrist travels from Aberystwyth to take care of Patient’s feet and posture. The charity has several counsellors, as well as music and art activities.
The highlight of the week is Wednesday’s Coffee Morning where you have to be quick to grab your soap box and have your say on the week’s news. The charity has a hidden warm and inviting Coffee Shop turning out menus to feed volunteers and customers alike. This group of lively patients (some are volunteers in the venue) have been given the best and most uplifting Christmas present they could possibly wish for – they have been invited by the local health board to form a “Focus Group” to give help and advice on the new Cancer Care Day Unit and to the refurbishment of the new Ward 10.
Mrs Bernadine Rees visited the cancer warriors on one of their Coffee Mornings along with Mr Paul Hawkins and Mrs Sue Lewis to confirm that both projects are now starting and should be completed in a time frame of 73 weeks. This caused great excitement as for months volunteers have been worried about travelling away from Pembrokeshire in ‘nauseous and in some cases extremely painful situations’.
Chris Evans-Thomas told The Herald: “The relief that the news of their cancer services are going to be ‘the best in the West” and supported by haematology, oncology and palliative consultants is better than any tonic. I thought that this level of excitement only happened with children on Christmas Day! “All in Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Care Centre would like to thank Lloyds Bank for their generous donation which will be used (among other projects) to add a new hair dressing and wig cleaning facility to their pampering services.” For more information as to what the Charity venue offers please contact: 01437 779400 or call in and pick up a leaflet (with a cup of coffee and chat) any time Monday to Saturday 10.30am – 4.30pm.
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.
Community
Train disruption expected due to essential works at Clarbeston Road
PASSENGERS are being asked to check before they travel between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour next week when Network Rail will be carrying out essential work on the platforms at Clarbeston Road station.
Buses will replace trains at all stops between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour on the West Wales lines from Saturday to Tuesday 27-30 April inclusive.
Network Rail engineers will be working at Clarbeston Road station, preparing the platforms to be able to accommodate new Class 197 trains.
The work will include lowering the platforms by removing the coping stones on the platform edge, altering walls, installing new coping stones, and finally laying new tarmac surfacing.
Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “These essential works will prepare Clarbeston Road station to accommodate the new Class 197 trains our colleagues at TfW are introducing.
“We’re grateful to passengers and local residents living near Clarbeston Road station for their patience and understanding while we carry out this important work.”
The line between Carmarthen and Milford Haven will also be shut all day on Sunday 12 May and Sunday 19 May, when buses will again replace trains, as Network Rail engineers carry out essential track renewals on a 100-metre stretch of track near Haverfordwest station.
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