Community

Blue plaque unveiled to honour Lord Gordon Parry on centenary of his birth

Published

6 months ago

November 30, 2025

Community gathers at Bethesda Chapel to mark Neyland figure’s lasting legacy

NEYLAND residents gathered at Bethesda Baptist Chapel on Sunday (Nov 30) to mark the centenary of one of the town’s most influential sons, Lord Gordon Parry.

A blue plaque was unveiled on the chapel’s front wall, commemorating the Labour peer’s early life in Neyland and his long-standing contribution to public life in Pembrokeshire and Wales.

Plaque unveiled at birthplace chapel

The plaque was formally unveiled by Phil Thompson, who funded Neyland’s first blue plaque and has been closely involved in the town’s heritage work. Joined by the Mayor of Neyland and representatives from local organisations, Mr Thompson pulled the cord to reveal the new marker honouring Lord Parry’s links to the chapel.

Lord Parry, born on November 30, 1925, worshipped at Bethesda during the pastorate of his father, the Rev Thomas Lewis Parry, from 1929 to 1945. The plaque notes this connection and is the latest addition to Neyland Heritage’s growing programme of historic recognition.

A strong turnout of townspeople, councillors and former colleagues braved the cold to watch the unveiling. Many recorded the moment on their phones, while others spoke warmly about Lord Parry’s contribution to local civic life.

Evening talk and musical tribute

The commemorations continued at 7:30pm inside Bethesda Chapel, where historian Dr Simon Hancock delivered a talk titled ‘Lord Gordon Parry of Neyland (1925–2004)’.

Before the talk, Neyland Ladies Choir performed for the audience, and refreshments were provided in the adjoining hall. Donations were collected for Bethesda Baptist Chapel and the Friends of St Tudwal’s. Refreshments were supplied courtesy of Audrey Johns Ltd and the Neyland Cooperative Store.

A lasting impact on Pembrokeshire

Elevated to the House of Lords in 1976, Lord Parry spent three decades representing Welsh interests nationally while remaining deeply rooted in his hometown. His work in education, heritage, tourism and community development left a significant imprint across Pembrokeshire.

Organisers said they were delighted to see so many residents attend the centenary event and encouraged those with memories of Gordon Parry to share them with local heritage volunteers.

Community

Duck race draws crowds to Cresswell Quay

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AN ANNUAL Rotary duck race and pig roast brought crowds to Cresswell Quay on Friday (May 29), with organisers hailing the evening a success.

The event, organised by Narberth and Whitland Rotary, saw yellow ducks released onto the water as spectators gathered along the quay to watch the race unfold.

Perfect conditions

ORGANISERS said the tide and weather “could not have been better” for the popular community event.

Families enjoyed a relaxed evening of entertainment, food and fundraising, with Bat-A-Rat proving popular with youngsters while adults enjoyed a pig roast, with pork provided by Tom at Andrew Rees Butchers.

Live music from Jack Castle added to the atmosphere as people gathered at the riverside venue.

***Rotary fun: Crowds gathered at Cresswell Quay for the annual Narberth and Whitland Rotary Duck Race and Pig Roast***

Thanks to supporters

JOHN Sleigh, of Narberth and Whitland Rotary, thanked everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success.

He said: “What a fantastic evening. The tide and weather could not have been better for the annual Rotary Duck Race and Pig Roast at Cresswell Quay.

“We thank you all for being there and making the event such a success.”

Community

Crisis response dogs launched to support people through trauma and distress

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW project using specially trained dogs to support people during moments of trauma, grief and crisis has been launched by Cariad Pet Therapy.

The volunteer-led Crisis Response Dogs project aims to provide comfort, emotional support and compassionate human contact to people experiencing distress, loss or heightened stress.

The dogs and their trained handlers will be able to support people in hospitals, schools, emergency response settings, wellbeing events, relief centres and community support environments.

Cariad Pet Therapy says the project is designed to offer a calm and non-judgmental presence at times when people may be struggling to cope.

Volunteers involved in the scheme have undertaken a bespoke training programme, including accredited Mental Health First Aid, Emotional First Aid, Trauma-Informed Practice, Safeguarding, Professional Boundaries, Dynamic Risk Assessment, Dog Welfare, Crisis Awareness, and training in psychological responses to trauma and distress.

The project is also working with emergency management and resilience partners, including the South Wales Local Resilience Forum, to support communities during emergencies, major incidents and recovery situations.

As part of its development, volunteers have attended specialist seminars on suicide prevention, the human-animal relationship, emergency planning and resilience.

Robert Thomas, Crisis Response Dogs lead for the project, said: “We have already witnessed the incredible impact these dogs can have on people facing difficult moments.

“Sometimes a calm presence, a conversation, or simply the comfort of a dog can make someone feel seen, supported, and less alone.”

The project has received funding from The National Lottery.

For more information about Crisis Response Dogs, or to request a deployment, contact Robert Thomas on 01437 609985 or visit www.crisisresponsedogs.co.uk.

Crisis response dogs: Cariad Pet Therapy has launched a new project to support people during trauma, grief and distress across Wales (Pics: Cariad Pet Therapy).

Community

Youth centre given colourful new look thanks to local firm

Published

3 days ago

June 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people at a Haverfordwest youth centre have helped transform one of its rooms into a bright and welcoming space.

The Edge Youth Centre, Haverfordwest, has thanked W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd for supporting the painting and decorating project, which saw young people work alongside Chris, a painter and decorator from the company.

The project has given the room a colourful refresh, creating a cheerful space for young people using the centre.

Rabart Decorators Merchants, Pembroke Dock, also supported the work by supplying the colourful paints.

A spokesperson for The Edge Youth Centre said: “We’d like to extend a huge thank you to W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd for supporting us with the painting and decorating of one of the rooms at our Youth Centre.

“The young people were fortunate enough to work alongside Chris, a painter and decorator from W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd, to transform the room.

“Thanks to Chris and the young people’s hard work and enthusiasm, the space is now looking bright, welcoming, and cheerful.

“We’d also like to thank Rabart Decorators Merchants, Pembroke Dock, for generously supplying the colourful paints. Your support has helped create a vibrant room that young people can enjoy for years to come.”

The centre added: “Thank you both for your generosity and for helping us create such a positive space for our young people.”

Photo caption: Bright new look: Young people worked alongside W.B Griffiths & Son Ltd to refresh a room at The Edge Youth Centre, Haverfordwest.