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Pembrokeshire movement calls for UK to open homes to Palestinians

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A MOVEMENT that began in Pembrokeshire has grown into a UK-wide campaign urging the UK Government to allow communities to open their homes to Palestinians displaced by the war in Gaza.

The group, Communities for Palestinians UK, says hundreds of people across Britain have come forward to express interest in welcoming families under the UK’s community sponsorship model — a scheme that enables local groups to support refugees resettled through the UNHCR.

However, the current scheme does not extend to people fleeing Gaza.

The campaign was started by experienced community sponsor groups, alongside grassroots organisations and individuals with friends and family in Gaza. It has already received more than 650 responses from people wishing to help.

There have been demos to support Gaza in Pembrokeshire in recent months (Pic: Herald)

One of the organisers, Vicky Moller from Pembrokeshire, said: “It has been an adventure of love, laughter and learning. Our rural market town shone with pride in its hospitality. All we ask is permission to bring our friends here, to start their healing journey, bringing their courage, courtesy and talents.”

The group argues that allowing communities to nominate and support families directly would help address public concerns around migration, while offering a humane route to safety.

A founder of the coalition said the model offers “integration through trust,” adding: “The families we want to host will come to the communities ready to integrate — with security, work, friends and neighbours. In Wales that means children learn both Welsh and English in their first year.”

Personal testimonies from Gaza paint a grim picture of the ongoing humanitarian crisis, despite the temporary ceasefire.

A 19-year-old woman told the group: “I’ve been waiting for two years. These are the days of my youth, and I must seize them, learn, and help my family.”

Another young father said: “I was displaced more than 18 times due to evacuation orders. I dream of reaching the UK. The war shattered everything.”

The UK Government has said it continues to provide humanitarian aid in the region, but has not announced any plans to expand community sponsorship to Palestinians.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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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.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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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)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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