Community

Street Cat Bob’s quick read crusade

Published

9 years ago

February 23, 2015

BESTSELLING author James Bowen and his famous furry friend Street Cat Bob are on a mission to get the nation reading. “He’s a life-changing little man,

Quick reads: One man, one moggie, one mission !

that’s for sure. “Worldwide bestselling author James Bowen can barely contain his gratitude and love for Bob, the small bundle of ginger fluff who completely reversed his fates. When the pair met while Bowen was a homeless addict, Bob gave his new owner a sense of responsibility and the pair became a regular fixture on London’s busking circuit – shortly before Bowen was given the chance to tell his (and Bob’s) story in a series of successful books.

Now the pair are hoping to encourage others to take up reading, via the Galaxy Quick Reads campaigns, which offers people an accessible route into the world of books. All the Quick Reads are written by big name authors, but are shorter and easier to tackle: Perfect for adults who are less confident in their reading skills. For Bowen – a prolific reader, who says he has books all over his flat – reading has had a profoundly positive impact on his personal wellbeing: “Reading, or in fact anything that can help you focus your mind, is absolutely an essential part of the plan in helping someone with a mental illness or any emotional problems,” he explains.

“Especially if someone is wanting to escape depression; reading is uplifting. However, some people find it hard to read when depressed though, maybe due to a lack of concentration. I’m really proud to have my book turned into a Galaxy Quick Reads – because they are bite size they are great for people who want to read but might struggle with bigger books. I think reading can help heal the mind, giving the reader something to connect and relate to.”

As both a reader and an author, Bowen offers some insight into just what makes books such magical things: “Reading is such a great way to switch off from the outside world and relax. But it can also open your mind to new ideas, people and places. It’s a great form of escape, if you are sitting on a train or a bus or something, books are a great thing to have because the time will fly past!” he laughs – and as a man who has completed many book tours over the last few years Bowen knows a thing or two about keeping occupied whilst travelling.

But in his opinion, books definitely offer something more than just an enjoyable distraction. “If you are reading a good book, and it really sinks in to you, then you can really experience something else,” he says. “Somebody wrote a comment on Amazon that my book was the twentyfirst century version of ‘Down and Out in Paris and London’ by George Orwell, and while I could never accept that kind of honour, I do believe that books like mine – especially autobiographies – give people a whole new perspective on a kind of life that they might not know about.”

For Bowen, Dostoyevsky’s classic ‘Crime and Punishment’ was a total game-changer: “It’s such a brilliant book – quite a difficult read though, I wouldn’t recommend it for an early Quick Reader – but having been a drug addict, I can understand the story of having to make money and having to take responsibility for the consequences.” Before he had a place of his own, Bowen would sometimes take a break from the streets to spend time in a bookshop or library: “It is a shame that bookshops aren’t as prominent as they used to be. I have a real soft spot for comics and graphic novels, I’m a bit of a geek like that, so I would always hit the graphic novel section first. I love bookshops and libraries because you could be looking for one thing and stumble across something totally different. They suck you in like that!” he smiles. Thankfully, Bowen’s homeless days are long behind him now, mainly thanks to Bob, who still keeps him company, wherever the author’s work takes him: “He is always by my side,” he smiles. “Even if I have got my nose stuck in a book – which is a lot of the time – he’s not on my lap but he is always nearby, on the arm rest or by my side on the sofa. He’s wonderful, such a calming chap.” Galaxy Quick Reads are bite-sized books written by best-selling authors which cost only £1. They are available from bookshops, supermarkets and online or can be borrowed from libraries across the country. For more information visit www.quickreads. org.uk.

Community

Appeal for information on war-time friend as US veteran turns 99

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AN American WWII veteran, who was once stationed in Haverfordwest during 1944, is reaching out over international waters to reconnect with the family of a long-lost friend,.

At the remarkable age of 99, John Jecovich, seeks assistance from local residents to uncover any information regarding Jean Young, a friend he made during his service in the town. The quest to find Jean or her descendants comes as the D-Day celebrations approach, adding a poignant note to this year’s commemorations.

Jean-Marc Bordeaux, a representative of the Jecovich family, explained that Mr. Jecovich’s memory of his time in Haverfordwest and his friendship with Ms. Young remains strong. According to Mr. Jecovich, Jean was around 24 or 25 years old in 1944, while he was just 19. “John recalls that Jean’s father might have been a mayor or manager of the town, and she worked at an office with him on what he believes was East Essex Street,” Mr. Bordeaux shared.

The appeal stretches beyond local boundaries, aiming to touch anyone who might remember the Young family or have records that could shed light on their whereabouts. The family has also provided a contact number in the United States and a link to a YouTube channel featuring Mr. Jecovich, to help Pembrokeshire locals get a personal glimpse of the man behind the appeal.

“This is more than a search; it’s a call to our sense of community and historical camaraderie,” said Mr. Bordeaux, expressing hope that Pembrokeshire’s residents will embrace the opportunity to aid this venerable veteran. “We believe that with the help of the local media and the community’s collective memory, we can piece together Jean’s story and, hopefully, reconnect Mr. Jecovich with his friend’s family.”

The Jecovich family eagerly awaits any information that can be provided by the people of Haverfordwest, as they hold on to the hope of a meaningful reunion, be it through memories or family connections.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact The Herald.

This story not only celebrates a longstanding friendship forged in wartime but also underscores the lasting bonds that such experiences can create.

Community

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Resettlement and Migration Team needs you…

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

Luke Sinclair

IT is just over two years since the invasion of Ukraine, and the situation has not improved enough to allow families to return and rebuild their lives and homes.

We are reaching out again to the people of Pembrokeshire, to come forward and provide homes for Ukraine families and support us to help the Wales Nation of Sanctuary efforts for refugees.

It is known there is a lack of affordable accommodation in Pembrokeshire and we do not want to place additional pressures on this sector. This is why it is vitally important for us to use hosting arrangements to support Ukrainian families.

Pembrokeshire County Council has an impressive 52 hosts, who continue to provide an immense level of kindness and support to 113 Ukraine people.

The Ukraine families are extremely grateful to be able to seek sanctuary, build a life and to continue to provide for their families until it is safe to return home.

One person being hosted in Pembrokeshire said: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the UK government, the local community of Pembrokeshire, and my lovely hosts for their support and assistance in this difficult time for Ukrainians.

“The local council always provides all the support I need and helps me solve various problems.

“It should be noted that I am very lucky with my hosts, I feel safe in their home, and they are always happy to give advice and help. They are more than hosts to me, they have become my friends.”

Another added: “Thank you for always being in touch, always ready to help me and my children. We are happy to have received such support in your country.”

The UK and Welsh Government have extended the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and our team are looking for additional hosts to come forward, who can open their hearts and homes to offer a safe place for Ukraine families to live.

Under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, hosts are entitled to a £500 tax free thank you payment for each month a Ukraine person lives with them.

There is a need for larger accommodation to home reunited families and more accommodation of two bedrooms or more is sought. If this is near any of Pembrokeshire’s towns or with access to transport networks that would be desirable.

If you feel that you, could open your homes, to a Ukraine family please contact 01437 776301 or [email protected] and the team will provide you with more information and explain the support that is given to our hosts in order to build a strong hosting relationship.

Many of our hosts have been providing a home for a year or more and the Council recently held an event for our hosts as a thank you for their continued support. We asked them for feedback and received some lovely comments:

“It is so vital to be able to contact people from the county council to seek help or advice when needed. We have found that the team in Pembrokeshire make themselves available, provide help when needed. A good team who seem to work well together”.

Another added: “We are very pleased to be able to help out, our guests are charming and hardworking… the support we had from Pembrokeshire was amazing.”

Community

Locals’ concern as St Davids scout hut threatened with demolition

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THERE is widespread concern over the future of St David’s Scout Hut in Ffynnon Wen, which faces potential closure and demolition.

Built in 1992 through public donations and local craftsmanship, the hut has served as a vital community hub. Despite being a cherished venue for numerous groups and events, its future is now uncertain as the Scouts can no longer manage the facility.

The hut, situated on land owned by Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC), was offered to St David’s City Council by the Scouts in an effort to save it from demolition.

A generous offer of a 125-year rent-free land lease from PCC accompanies this proposal. The Scout association expressed hope that, should scouting resume in St Davids, the group would be welcomed back under the same terms currently extended to other community groups.

The urgency of the situation brought together over 70 locals for a fundraising coffee morning at the hut, raising £312. The event underscored the community’s strong desire to preserve this facility, with attendees expressing enthusiastic support for its continued use.

The city council is expected to meet soon to decide whether to accept the building and lease the land. Vicky Swales, representing the Scout Hut Supporters Group, highlighted the importance of the hut for activities involving adults with learning disabilities, praising its accessibility and the benefits it provides to participants.

County Councillor Bethan Price reflected on the gathering, noting the community’s strong connection to the hut and their collective determination to save it. Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, Henry Tufnell, also voiced support, stressing the importance of such community spaces in tourist-heavy areas like St Davids.

Residents are encouraged to show their support by signing a petition, joining a dedicated Facebook group, and contributing to a crowdfunding initiative aimed at securing the hut’s future.