Community

Eglwyswrw teacher crosses Cardiff Half finish line for dementia awareness

Published

7 months ago

October 8, 2025

A 63-YEAR-OLD physics teacher from Eglwyswrw has completed her first Cardiff Half Marathon to raise funds and awareness for vascular dementia.

Catherine Stevens took up running only a few years ago but decided to dedicate her efforts to supporting the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru in memory of family members affected by cardiovascular disease.

“The more I ran, the more I realised I wanted to do something meaningful with it,” she said.

Catherine’s motivation comes from personal loss. Her mother, Philippa Gould, and her mother-in-law, Miriam Stevens, both suffered from vascular dementia — a condition caused by poor blood flow to the brain that leads to memory loss and cognitive decline.

“Mum masked her dementia very well,” Catherine explained. “She was also battling lung cancer, which ultimately contributed to her death. Miriam went from being active and engaged to really struggling with her health — it was heartbreaking for my husband and his sister to go through that.”

She said the experience has left a lasting impact on her family: “We’re looking forward, but we can’t help thinking—could this be us one day?”

Catherine chose to support BHF Cymru because of its work funding research into vascular dementia and heart disease. “As a scientist, I really appreciate the academic rigour behind their work. But they’re also part of the community through their shops and outreach.”

After months of training, Catherine crossed the finish line with pride and determination. “It’s been surprisingly enjoyable and has really boosted my self-confidence,” she said. “The support from my school’s physics department has been incredible — they’re all keen runners and have really taken me on board.”

Rhodri Thomas, Head of BHF Cymru, said: “We are so proud of Catherine and all our runners at this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon. Each month, around 800 families in Wales lose a loved one to cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack and stroke. It’s people like Catherine who help bring us closer to a future where everyone has a healthier heart for longer. Diolch o galon.”

With more than 27,000 runners taking part, Catherine said she was proud to stand among them: “It’s just me out there, but I’m running for everyone affected by these conditions. Each stroke, each moment of decline — it eats away at a person’s personality. That’s why I run. That’s why I’m raising money: to help fund the research that might one day stop this from happening to others.”

Photo captions:
Catherine Stevens crosses the finish line at the Cardiff Half Marathon; Catherine pictured with her family after completing the race (Pics: BHF Cymru).

Community

Milford Haven groups recognised at Mayor’s celebration tea

Published

25 minutes ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Charities, volunteers and cadets honoured as Mayor’s Charity Fund donations are handed out

COMMUNITY groups, charities and volunteers from across Milford Haven were recognised at a special Mayor’s Celebration Afternoon Tea.

The event was hosted by the Mayor, Cllr William Elliott, and his Consort, Mr Lloyd Jones, as an opportunity to bring together many of the individuals, groups and organisations who support the town.

Afternoon tea was provided by Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, with several cadets achieving their Catering badge as a result.

Deputy Lieutenant Dr Chris Martin OBE DL MStJ presented certificates, badges and thank-you gifts to the cadets. Gifts were also presented to those who provided stewarding support, and to the adults who helped with instruction and support over the weekend.

The Mayor and Consort also presented donations from the Mayor’s Charity Fund following fundraising carried out during their term of office.

Recipient	Donation
Milford Haven Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets	£4,250
Milford Haven Town Band	£4,250
Pembrokeshire Friends of Prostate Cymru	£4,250
Pill Social Centre	£1,000
The Harrier Association	£501.57
Gelliswick Community Choir	£500
New Pembrokeshire Pride	£500
2nd Milford Haven Sea Scouts	£500
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society	£400
Milford Haven Bowls Club	£300
NCI Wooltack Point	£300
St Katharine’s Stratford Players	£300
Hubberston and Hakin Luncheon Club	£300
Megan’s Starr Foundation	£300
Milford Haven Chess Club	£300
Hubberston and Hakin Stroke Survivors Short Mat Bowls Group	£300

A raffle held during the afternoon raised £300 for The Wallich, to support its homeless outreach work.

The Mayor also presented Civic Awards in recognition of community service and support to the town.

Recipients included NCI Wooltack Point, Pembrokeshire Pride, Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Callum Goodland RNR, Gelliswick Community Choir, Frank Hart, Anthony Williams of Milford Haven Royal British Legion, Jackie Davies, and Mayor’s Cadet Leading Cadet Connor.

The Freedom of the Town was also presented to Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, and Milford Haven Town Band.

Cllr Elliott and Mr Jones said: “Thank you for all of your support for our two years as the Mayor and Consort of Milford Haven.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed it once again, meeting and supporting many of the wonderful groups, charities and individuals in our town.

“For those that received an award or a donation, thank you for all you do to support and make our community great — making Milford Haven the safe and welcoming haven it is.”

Community

Haverfoodfest hailed a success after busy day in town centre

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFOODFEST has been hailed a success after bringing crowds, colour and community spirit to Haverfordwest town centre on Saturday (May 2).

The annual food and drink festival returned with artisan produce, street food stalls, entertainment and family-friendly attractions across the town.

County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward, said it had been “brilliant” to help with the event, starting at 7:00am on traffic duties before assisting two of the festival’s popular characters, Mr Pizza Man and Mrs Strawberry, as they made their way around the town.

He said: “What an amazing day we all had, and thanks to everyone involved who made this event such a success, which is only getting bigger and better every year.”

The festival, promoted as “the big one” for 2026, ran from 10:00am to 4:00pm and attracted visitors into the centre of Haverfordwest throughout the day.

Organisers and volunteers helped support the event, which showcased local food, drink and produce while also providing a boost for town centre businesses.

Cllr Tudor thanked those involved, including Alison Tudor, Tim Evans, James Phillips and Cllr Bethan Price, for helping make the day a success.

The event has become one of Haverfordwest’s best-known annual attractions, bringing together traders, volunteers, performers and families for a celebration of local food and community life.

Community

Scooter rally brings colour and nostalgia to Tenby

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TENBY is buzzing with the sights and sounds of classic scooters this Bank Holiday weekend as the Welsh National Scooter Rally continues in the seaside town.

Hundreds of scooter enthusiasts have travelled to Pembrokeshire for the four-day event, which runs from Friday (May 1) to Monday (May 4), bringing a splash of colour, chrome and Mod culture to the resort.

The rally, organised by Scooter Collective South Wales, is taking place across several venues, including De Valence Pavilion, Tenby United Rugby Club and the Ex-Servicemen’s Club.

Entertainment includes live music, Northern Soul nights, club events and the traditional rally atmosphere which has made Tenby a popular stop on the national scooter calendar.

A ride-out was also planned from Tenby RFC’s ground at Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon, with scooters heading through the surrounding area. A Custom Show and Traders Fair were also due to be held at the rugby club.

Classic Vespas, Lambrettas and custom scooters have been seen around the town throughout the weekend, with visitors adding to the atmosphere in local streets, pubs, cafés and hotels.

This year’s event also marks 25 years since the first national scooter rally was held in Tenby in 2001 at Kiln Park, when soul legend Edwin Starr headlined.

Before that, smaller local rallies had taken place in 1999 and 2000, while Tenby had already become a regular weekend destination for South Wales scooterists during the 1990s.

The 2026 event is understood to be the 12th time a national rally has been held in Tenby, underlining the town’s long-standing connection with the scooter scene.