HUNDREDS of worshippers gathered at Pembroke Castle today for a major Christian event bringing churches together from across Pembrokeshire and beyond.

The Picnic, Prayer and Praise event took place on Sunday (Jun 14), with people invited to bring chairs, blankets and picnics for an afternoon of worship inside one of Wales’ most historic castles.

The event was led by Sound of Wales, alongside local churches, and also included Korean Christians from London who took part in their own distinctive style.

The programme began at 1:00pm, with free entry for worshippers between 12 noon and 5:00pm.

Organisers said the aim was to unite Christians in prayer for Pembrokeshire and Wales, while celebrating faith through music, worship and fellowship.

Castle Trustee Roger Baker previously described the gathering as “an extraordinary opportunity to unite Christians in one of the great castles of Wales.”

He said: “What a way to give Pembrokeshire a united voice of praise to our God and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The event has become a growing fixture in the Pembrokeshire Christian calendar, with previous gatherings attracting large crowds despite challenging weather.

Today’s event made full use of the castle’s dramatic setting, with worshippers gathering within the ancient walls for an afternoon of praise, reflection and community.

A YEAR 11 pupil at Milford Haven School has been praised after putting his first aid training into action to help an injured member of the public following an accident.

Aryan, who is currently working towards lifesaving qualifications, including first aid training, found himself faced with a real emergency when a woman suffered a head injury after a fall.

Rather than panic, the teenager stepped in immediately and calmly took control of the situation.

According to Milford Haven School, Aryan used a first aid kit to treat the injury, helped make the woman comfortable, and provided clear aftercare advice while remaining calm and compassionate throughout the incident.

School staff said his actions demonstrated maturity, confidence and professionalism beyond his years.

Applying first aid in a genuine emergency can be far more challenging than practising in a classroom setting, but Aryan rose to the occasion and put his training into practice when it mattered most.

Milford Haven School said it was “incredibly proud” of the Year 11 pupil, describing him as “a fantastic example of courage, responsibility and care for others.”

The school added that Aryan’s response showed the importance of young people learning practical lifesaving skills and highlighted the positive impact they can have within the community.

Da iawn, Aryan — a credit to Milford Haven School and the wider community.

Photo caption: Helping hand: Year 11 pupil Aryan has been praised after using his first aid training to help an injured member of the public following a fall (Pic: Milford Haven School).

Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give highlighted at Haverfordwest River Festival

A LONG-RUNNING Pembrokeshire charity that has quietly helped thousands of people over more than a decade was given recognition during the Haverfordwest River Festival.

County councillor Thomas Tudor met with charity founder Amanda Absalom-Lowe during Saturday’s (June 13) event at the Riverside Shopping Centre, praising the work of Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give.

Cllr Tudor said it was “lovely to catch up” with Amanda, describing the organisation as a charity that does “amazing work in our community.”

Founded in 2009, Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give has spent more than 13 years helping vulnerable people across Pembrokeshire and beyond by combining environmental recycling projects with practical community support.

The charity, based in Haverfordwest, helps redistribute surplus food, unwanted household items, clothing and essential goods to people struggling financially, homeless people, hospitals, charities and community groups.

Its work also includes providing “Rainbow Emergency Packs” for patients unexpectedly admitted to hospital, Christmas toy donations for children, emergency household support for families affected by fires or hardship, and aid for animal rescue centres.

The group says it has helped divert tonnes of waste from landfill through its recycling initiatives, encouraging residents to donate items rather than throw them away.

Amanda Absalom-Lowe, founder and chairperson of the charity, has received a string of honours for her work over the years, including the Radio Pembrokeshire Local Hero Green Award, the Haverfordwest Town Council Award of Merit, and the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services Volunteer of the Year Award.

In 2020, she was also recognised nationally after being named in the BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour Power List, celebrating inspirational women making a difference.

The charity has supported numerous causes including Patch Charity, Wales Air Ambulance, Paul Sartori Foundation, Blood Bikes, Greenacres Rescue, Bristol Children’s Hospital, children’s wards across Wales and homeless support initiatives.

Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give operates from Kiln Road in Haverfordwest and relies heavily on donations and community support.

The charity’s message remains simple: “Recycle4Charity — don’t throw it away, donate it.”

Community support: Amanda Absalom-Lowe with County Councillor Thomas Tudor at the Haverfordwest River Festival (Pic: Supplied).