CHARITIES, volunteers and community groups from across Pembrokeshire gathered at Bluestone National Park Resort on Friday (Feb 6) to celebrate the growing impact of the Bluestone Foundation, which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for local causes.

Around eighty guests attended the event, held inside the resort’s Serendome, marking two years of focused community support through the foundation.

Supporters, staff and representatives from partner organisations came together to share success stories and highlight how funding has helped projects tackling environmental issues, wellbeing and social inclusion across the county.

Speakers included Marten Lewis, Chair of the foundation, alongside Mike Slack from Get The Boys a Lift, Barry John of the VC Gallery and Ellen Petts from FRAME, each outlining the difference local backing has made to their work.

Founded in 2010, the Bluestone Foundation was created to channel support from the resort into environmental, economic and social initiatives across Pembrokeshire. It works in partnership with Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services to distribute grants and strengthen grassroots organisations.

In 2025 alone, more than £60,000 was raised and invested into local projects.

Groups supported range from environmental organisations including Sea Trust Wales, BlueGreen Cymru and Greener Growth CIC, to wellbeing initiatives such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift and the No Shame Foundation. Creative and heritage groups including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and the VC Gallery have also benefited.

Organisers said the event was an opportunity not only to reflect on achievements so far, but to strengthen partnerships and encourage further community involvement.

More information about the Bluestone Foundation is available via Bluestone Wales’ website.

A NEYLAND councillor has called for traffic calming measures in the town where “a terrible tragedy” was avoided by “sheer good luck” after a car recently hit a house wall, the fifth such incident in less than a decade.

At the most recent meeting of Neyland Town Council, residents expressed their concerns at vehicle speeds in a part of the town.

Town council member, and county councillor, Simon Hancock said: “They came to express their concern at speeding cars losing control on the corner where Honeyborough Road leads into Kensington Road.  On Sunday afternoon a speeding car mounted the pavement and smashed into the wall of No 43 coming to rest in the middle of the road. Emergency services were on the scene.”

He said images of the incident and its aftermath were shared on social media and to the council.

Following that, Cllr Simon Hancock, who is also the county council’s presiding member, said: “I am extremely concerned by some drivers travelling at excessive speeds at this bend.  This is the fifth serious incident in nine years where cars have collided with houses in the terrace.

“Any pedestrians on the pavement at the time could have been killed or seriously injured. I have written to the chief executive, leader and cabinet member [of Pembrokeshire County Council] insisting on road traffic calming measures at this location.

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson said: “We are liaising with the police over the incident to determine the cause of the accident before considering what measures the Highway Authority may take.”

STUDENTS training for careers at sea in Pembrokeshire are set to benefit from enhanced practical learning after fresh backing from the Port of Milford Haven.

Learners on the Marine Engineering Pre-Cadetship at Pembrokeshire College will now receive additional hands-on maritime training, funded by the Port, alongside their classroom studies.

Launched in 2023, the enhanced programme is aimed at young people hoping to enter the maritime, deck and engineering sectors. It combines technical teaching with industry-focused skills to help students prepare for work at sea.

For the past three years, the Port has covered the cost of uniforms to encourage professionalism and team spirit among cadets. This year, its support has been widened to include a series of accredited practical courses delivered through the Royal Yachting Association.

These include radar operations, first aid training for mariners, navigation and seamanship, and professional practices and responsibilities — qualifications designed to give students recognised safety and operational skills before entering the industry.

Brian Stewart, Assistant Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, said the training provides valuable real-world preparation.

He said: “The Pre-Cadetship training at Pembrokeshire College gives students a real insight into life in the maritime, deck and engineering sectors, while building key qualities such as discipline and teamwork. It’s great to see these enhanced practical opportunities being offered this year, which will provide students with invaluable experience and a clearer pathway into our diverse industry.”

Tim Berry, maritime lecturer in the college’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing, said the extra funding would make a “tangible difference” to learners.

He added: “These RYA-accredited practical courses allow the Pre-Cadets to translate classroom theory into real maritime skills, building their confidence and readiness for a career at sea. We’re incredibly proud of the opportunities this partnership continues to create for the next generation of marine engineers.”

The Port, one of the county’s largest employers, has increasingly worked with local education providers to encourage young people into maritime and energy-related careers, helping retain skills and opportunities within Pembrokeshire.

More information about the Marine Engineering Pre-Cadetship is available at pembrokeshire.ac.uk.

Cover photo:

Pre-Cadetship students with lecturer Tim Berry and Port of Milford Haven representatives Brian Stewart and Emily Jones (Pic supplied).