Community

Memorial concert raises £6,100

Published

9 years ago

November 4, 2016

(Top L-R) Sue Reece, Fundraising Manager for West Wales, Macmillan Cancer Support, June Harries and Sandra Dade, Charity Manager for Paul Sartori Foundation: With (Bottom L-R) Amy, Harry and Ben Phillips-Harries, June’s grandchildren

A CONCERT and auction in memory of Phil Harries raised over £6,000 for two charities this September.

A cheque for £6,100 was recently presented to Paul Sartori Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support after the concert and auction was held at Clarbeston Road Memorial Hall on September 24.

During Phil Harries’ illness, both organisations offered support to him and his wife, June, wanted to give something back to them. Alongside supportive family and friends, June organised the fantastic event in Clarbeston Road.

June said that her family were a ‘fundamental support’ to her organising the event: “Three of my grandchildren attended, Ben, Harry and Amy, and were a great help on the evening. The event was well supported by the local community and I want to thank everybody for attending and making it a very special occasion.”

Appearing on the evening were Harmoni and West Wales Show Choir, as well as soloists Pippa Williams, Anthony Morgan and Gwyn Morris, who delivered a wonderful performance.

The evening featured a great family auction, with prizes donated from local individuals and businesses. There was also a raffle with the prize of having a gardener for half a day.

The highlight of the night included members of the Llys Y Fran YFC and Clarbeston Road AFC performing a hilarious ‘Calendar Boys’ sketch.

Sandra Dade, Paul Sartori Foundation Charity Manager, thanked the family for their crucial support and said: “The amazing amount you have raised will directly help people in Pembrokeshire, and ensure that we can continue to offer the vital care and support to people living in the county with a life limiting illness.”

Sue Reece, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan, said: “We are very grateful to June and her family for choosing to raise money for Macmillan. Without such kind donations, we would not be able to provide support and advice to people affected by cancer in the local community.”

Memorial concerts and events like these are crucial to the Paul Sartori Foundation, with the local community always coming up with new ways of fundraising in memory of someone special.

If you have an idea for a local fundraiser and would like some help and advice, the Foundation urges you to contact Toni Dorkings, the Community Fundraiser, either via email on toni@ paulsartori.org or by phoning 01437 763223.

The services provided by the Paul Sartori Foundation are free of charge, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and enable people who are living in the later stages of any life-limiting illness to die at home if that is their wish, with dignity, independence, pain-free and surrounded by those they hold most dear.

Community

St Davids lights up for annual Christmas tree and wreath contest

Published

1 minute ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Menevia WI, Girl Guides and local groups among the winners at a packed Cross Square event

CHARITIES, schools and community groups lit up St Davids on 29 November 2025, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship and festive spirit as hundreds gathered in Cross Square for the annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Competition.

The winners were chosen by public vote. Taking first place in the adults’ category was Menevia WI, whose extraordinary tree, nativity scene and decorations were ingeniously created from a clothes airer and wooden pegs.

Second place went to the City Council Coffee and Chat Group with a thoughtful Christmas-and-Remembrance design, featuring hand-knitted red, white and blue decorations. St Davids RNLI secured third with a lifeboat-themed tree celebrating their lifesaving work.

In the children’s category, St Davids Girl Guides took the top spot with a charming design featuring “Girl-Guide-ified” Santas, tents and the iconic Guide logo. Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi (YPD) came second with a colourful puzzle-themed tree carrying the message: “In this school you are a special piece of the puzzle.” Close behind in third place was Brawdy Hayscastle YFC with an inventive cow-themed Christmas tree.

The wreath category also highlighted the community’s talent. The Drifters claimed first place with a striking star-shaped wreath, while Lego Church secured second with a brilliantly crafted Lego design. Third place went to Rebecca Thornton for her beautifully knitted wreath featuring Santa and his reindeer.

As the Christmas lights were switched on and Cross Square filled with families, the event once again showcased the creativity and community spirit that make Wales’s smallest city shine at Christmas.

Community

Haverfordwest’s first memory tree brings community together this Christmas

Published

4 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Spud Box is delighted to launch a brand-new festive initiative for the people of Pembrokeshire – Haverfordwest’s first Memory Tree, now open to the public at our premises.

The idea, inspired by Drew from The Big Pembs Panto, invites members of the community to write and hang personal messages on the tree. These can be tributes to loved ones, cherished memories, or simple Christmas wishes.

The project has been created to give people a meaningful way to connect during the festive season. All materials – including paper, plastic pockets and ribbon – are provided free of charge. Visitors are also welcome to enjoy complimentary hot drinks, kindly supplied by Connect: Pembrokeshire, along with mince pies donated by Brakes.

Anyone who prefers to create their message at home can bring it in, and the team will be happy to help attach it to the tree.

Donations are being encouraged in support of Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity, making the Memory Tree both a reflective and charitable community event.

The tree itself looks spectacular thanks to Sion from DSR Batteries, who supplied the lighting. The project has also received generous support from Marty at Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity and Pure West Radio. Spud Box welcomes other community groups or organisations who wish to get involved.

Community

Pembrokeshire Lottery makes Superdraw winner’s Christmas extra special

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONE lucky Pembrokeshire Lottery player has scooped a festive windfall after winning the £10,000 Christmas Superdraw held on Wednesday 3 December.

The winner, Mr Damon McGarvie, formerly of Milford Haven and now living in Llangwm, was selected with lucky number 41475. He plays through a salary-deduction scheme run by his employer, Pembrokeshire County Council.

Mr McGarvie’s name was announced live on Radio Pembrokeshire, after which the Pembrokeshire Lottery team made contact and presented him with his cheque later that day.

Speaking after the win, Mr McGarvie said he and his wife will be jetting off on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday over the festive period, thanks to the surprise Christmas windfall.

Pembrokeshire Lottery Manager Abigail Owens said:
“I am so pleased for Mr McGarvie. He has contributed to the Pembrokeshire Lottery for many years, and it is only by the continued support of our players that we are able to assist so many local businesses with interest-free funding from the loan fund.”

The regular weekly £2,000 draws continue in the run-up to the January Superdraw, which will offer a £4,000 prize.

To sign up or order Pembrokeshire Lottery gift subscriptions for Christmas, call 01646 690800.

Photo caption: Damon McGarvie with his winner’s cheque.