Community

50th Anniversary celebrations for Rotary clubs

Published

10 years ago

May 4, 2016

Tom Sinclair

French twin club members: With Robbie and Liz Burns

THE ROTARY CLUB OF NARBERTH AND WHITLAND celebrated their 50th anniversary last week with a dinner at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth, attended by over 100 Rotarians and guests including representatives of Whitland and Narberth Town Councils and other local organisations and supporters.

During the much enjoyed evening Club President Dr Paul Crawford proposed a toast to the Club’s guests whilst South Wales District 1150 District Governor, Rotarian Chris Williams of the Fishguard & Goodwick Club replied on behalf of the guests with a toast to Narberth & Whitland Rotary Club and its Members who he said was a shining example of how a Rotary Club should be run and the enthusiasm and commitment of the members made it a real pleasure to visit. It was no surprise that the Club was so successful he said.

During the evening, District Governor Chris was delighted to be able to present three ‘Paul Harris Fellowships’ on behalf of the Club to Rotarians Robbie Burns and John Hughes and Robbie’s wife Mrs Liz Burns for her unstinting support to Rotary.

The PHF is Rotary’s highest award and recognises the recipients’ contribution to Rotary over many years and during the evening it was asked if a husband and wife had both previously been awarded the highly coveted award previously on the same occasion.

From its inception in 1966 to the present day, the club has strived to be of service to others, nationally, internationally and locally, in and around the communities of Narberth and Whitland.

Their work has included a wide range of activities from providing aid to those affected by natural disasters and supporting the “End Polio Now” campaign to delivering meals on wheels, assisting with transport of disabled sports participants and encouraging young talent in our local schools.

Through promotion of concerts with Welsh pop stars and ‘Racing the Dragon’ in the annual Welsh Dragon Boat Championship, the Rotarians of Narberth & Whitland have provided the funds to support worthwhile causes which improve the lives of those less fortunate both at home and abroad.

It will always remain a bone of contention concerning who actually thought up the idea of the formation of a Rotary Club in Narberth, but there is no doubt that a Mr Eric Shott (Customs and Excise) and Mr Alan Lock (Head Postmaster) were involved, with the assistance of Mr Tommy Nicholas (Groceries) who also had adequate accommodation at a nearby hostelry, the Dragon Inn, of which he was the licensee.

The District Extension Officer was the late Rtn Reg Pickett (Cardiff), whilst Rtn Roger Wright (Llandrindod Wells) was the then R.I. Representative and Chairman of District 1150 Council (to be known later as District Governor). The Tenby Club (President Joe Joseph) agreed to act as sponsors and act as ‘Mother Club’ to steer its ‘Daughter’ through the early difficult days.

A well-attended inaugural luncheon was held on January 19 1966 at the Queens Hall, Narberth and the late Mr John Lee Davies was appointed as the Clubs Founder President. He ably led the club through its ‘Interim’ days and the first year after the granting of its Charter (No.1023) at the Dragon Hotel, Swansea on April 20 1966.

In its earlier days the Tenby members who were frequent visitors assisted the club in no small way. The Clubs original founder members and officers are listed elsewhere.

One or two of the original classifications were a little dubious – Founder Secretary, the late Rtn Alwyn Morgan (Horticulture), was a retired banker and only tended his garden, and the preponderance of farmers was distributed amongst the various sub-divisions of that noble profession so there was room for everyone.

Had the Club been formed in the current climate with the more relaxed approach to classifications there would have been no problem in increasing membership.

And so from a slow start Rotary activities increased and the fledgling club made its presence felt in the community, principally Narberth, as there was only one Whitland member in the early days.

However, it would not be fair to conclude this detail on the clubs formation without a comment that subsequent membership from the Whitland area has had a marked impact on the success and achievements of the club.

The two most significant events to affect the club’s membership development have been the change from lunchtime to evening meetings and the admission of women as members.

Both decisions were taken despite resistance from a minority, some of whom resigned their membership as a result. Several years on from both decisions, there can be little doubt that they have resulted in a sustained improvement in recruitment and retention of new members, many of whom have transferred in from other clubs across the UK.

The club is a successful dual gender club with an enthusiastic and youthful (in spirit) membership. However, they are always looking to increase their numbers and are welcoming of new members. N&W now have a significant presence on social media and a wealth of further information on the World Wide Web.

Membership has remained at a comfortable level of between 30 and 35 for several years. The youngest member is 24 years of age she also happens to be female and is soon to be joined by another lady of the same age. The oldest member is 94 so as you can see they cater for everyone.

The club were delighted to have eight Rotarians visit on the weekend from their twinning club Fontenay le Comte, in France. Rotarian Ken Morgan first started the twinning process 20 years ago. The Clubs visit each other biannually.

The venue for meetings has also changed many times. The club now meets at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel in Narberth where food, service and value-for-money is envied by other clubs in south west Wales. For the future, membership recruitment and retention remains one of the main challenges that the club faces and it is looking forward to the next chapter.

Community

Johnston FC pays tribute after sudden death of Rhyan Nolan, 27

Published

6 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Community rallies around grieving family as club honours much-loved player at weekend fixture

JOHNSTON FC paid an emotional tribute at the weekend to Rhyan Nolan after his sudden death at the age of 27.

The club marked the occasion with a flawlessly observed minute’s silence before kick-off, as both teams, officials and supporters came together in his memory.

A signed match ball and Rhyan’s much-worn number ten shirt, covered in messages from team-mates and friends, were also prepared to be handed to his family, who were present for the tribute.

The death of Rhyan has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many gathering around his loved ones in the days since the devastating news emerged.

A fundraiser set up on GoFundMe says his family received the heartbreaking news on Monday that they had lost their “precious, loving son and brother” suddenly at such a young age.

The appeal names his close family as Nichola, Shamus, Brandon, Callum and Lilly, and says relatives are hoping to ease the financial burden while giving Rhyan the send-off he deserves.

It states: “Rhyan deserves a celebration of his short life.”

Johnston FC said it had been a difficult week for all those who knew and loved him, but said it had also been heartwarming to see such an outpouring of love at the match.

The club thanked everyone who helped make the tribute possible, along with those who had sent messages of support and donated towards helping the family.

Photographs shared after the game showed the scale of the moment, with both sides lined up in silence and the orange number ten shirt left covered in handwritten tributes.

For many in attendance, it was a powerful and deeply personal farewell to a young man clearly held in enormous affection.

A GoFundMe appeal has now been launched to support the Nolan family.

Community

Flood Alert issued for Pembrokeshire coast as weather conditions worsen

Published

1 day ago

April 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued a Flood Alert for the Pembrokeshire coastfollowing rising water levels. The alert, which affects areas between St Dogmaels, Cardigan and Amroth, warns that flooding is possible in the region due to adverse weather conditions and high tides.

The alert was issued at 12:53 PM today (Apr 4), urging local residents to be prepared for potential flooding in the coming hours.

Key Advice for Residents

As the flood risk increases, NRW has shared crucial advice to help people stay safe:

Prepare a flood plan: If you have one, now is the time to follow it.
Protect valuables: Residents should move important items, such as documents and sentimental belongings, to higher ground or safer locations.
Stay alert and pack an emergency kit: Ensure your phone is charged, and pack essential items like medications, chargers, insurance documents, and warm clothing in case you need to evacuate quickly.
Check on vulnerable individuals: Ensure that children, elderly relatives, and pets are safe, with a plan for their evacuation if necessary.

Avoid Floodwater at All Costs

NRW is also stressing the importance of avoiding floodwater, as even shallow levels of water can be extremely dangerous. As little as 30 cm (1 foot) of floodwater can sweep away a car, and 15 cm (6 inches) can knock you off your feet.

Authorities are urging everyone to never walk or drive through flooded areas.

How to Stay Updated

Residents are advised to stay informed through NRW’s website, where they can track water levels and access real-time updates. The agency also recommends checking its social media accounts for the latest information.

For more detailed information or if you need assistance, call Floodline at 0345 988 1188 (quick dial number: 503013).

For More Information:

Flood Warning Details: Flood Warning Page
Check River and Rainfall Levels: River Levels
Floodline: 0345 988 1188

Follow NRW on Twitter: @NatResWales

Image: Herald file photo

Business

Harbwr Brewery plans for Saundersfoot Old Chemist pub

Published

2 days ago

April 4, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A FORMER Pembrokeshire county councillor who owns many hostelries in the county has submitted plans to the national park to rejuvenate a “tired” seaside pub.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Mike Evans of Harbwr Brewery, a former county councillor and national park authority member, seeks a partly retrospective permission for works at the Old Chemist Inn, The Strand, Saundersfoot.

The works include proposed internal alterations to the basement and ground floor, a new rear balcony area to replace the existing one, improvements to front façade, a change of use of shop space to food/drink, and installation of seating booths in the rear garden.

It says the changes proposed will increase the number of staff employed to 15 full time and 10 part-time.

No objections to the proposal were raised by local community council Saundersfoot.

A supporting statement through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect, says the 19th Century pub “has endured many alterations during its lifetime and at present it needs improvements to echo the recent upgrading of the village, both in the general tourism support facilities, as well as the new innovative harbour development,” with the appearance and interior facilities “tired” and needing “works both inside and outside to enable the inn to achieve and provide the high levels of cuisine and facilities now expected”.

It says: “The Inn has been purchased by a local company who have a number of establishments within Saundersfoot and Tenby. The company is owned by local people, they use local produce, they employ local labour and work actively with local communities to achieve the high standards expected.

“The proposals include internal alterations to the internal layout of basement and ground floor which will improve bar, kitchen and food facilities and allow a much more varied menu including lots of local produce and locally caught seafood dishes. New toilet facilities will be provided on both levels to cater for the increase in visitors to the Inn.”

It adds: “The applicant has recently purchased the small retail unit on the ground floor. This was a single room, situated in between the two entrances into the Inn and with its own entrance door from the street.

“The current proposals include integrating this unit into the public house bar area and consequently the application includes a change of use from retail to the serving of food and drink.”

It goes on to say: “The rear ‘beer garden’ will be improved to allow more space and comfortable seating areas.

“The applicant is well known for the extensive use of external plotted plants in open areas at their establishments and the garden area will give the opportunity of using such to soften the garden area whilst giving greater habitat opportunities for birds and insects.”

There were initial objections from the Park’s buildings conservation officer to some of the parts of the design, a 2025 application being withdrawn early that year; amended plans being later submitted.

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.