Community

Veteran to run The Great Wall of China

Published

9 years ago

May 11, 2017

Sean Rice (right): Pictured with founder of The VC Gallery, Barry John MBE (left).

AN EX-SOLDIER from Haverfordwest will be running the Great Wall of China next week, in aid of The VC Gallery.

Sean Rice served with the Royal Engineers and Director of Blayney’s Developments, and hopes to raise a grand total of £2,000 for The VC Gallery.

The VC Gallery, which stands for Veterans and the Community, is a drop in centre on High Street in Haverfordwest for veterans, but also helps various groups of people within the community through art engagement.

Speaking to The Herald, Sean said: “Danny King and Barry John asked me if I would to it for their charity. Obviously being a veteran, I found the cause and everything they do for the people of Pembrokeshire is very good – it’s a great cause.”

Sean will be be flying out to China on Monday (May 15) and running his marathon across The Great Wall on Sunday (May 21).

When asked about when he started his training, he laughed, and said: “About 20 years ago!

“I do a ot of marathons. Two weekends ago I did the Little Haven ultra marathon, which was 35 miles. Weekend before that I did Pendine, which is 32 miles. The biggest ones I’ve done is Hadrian’s Wall, which is 69 miles, and I’ve done New York, London – a few of the big ones!”

The Herald asked him if he felt that it was important that The Gallery is supported. He said: “Knowing Barry personally as a friend, and everything he does, and knowing the problems veterans have, it’s very important.

Founder of The VC Gallery, Barry John MBE, said: “I think it’s an epic challenge – it’s a hell of a marathon! He’s trained so much and done so many high profile runs before, that I feel that this is a bucket list for him.

“Because of the amount of miles he’s doing and because it’s the Great Wall of China, he’s served in the forces before, he’s a Pembrokeshire boy through and through and a Pembrokeshire businessman, and he understands that people of Pembrokeshire and what we do here, so I’m absolutely chuffed he’s chosen the VC Gallery to be able to be representative charity, to do this marathon.”

He added: “I just want to wish Sean good luck for his run. I think what he is doing is amazing, and I just want to thank him on behalf of all the people who come here, and all the veterans of Pembrokeshire.”

If you would like to sponsor Sean, you can go to https://www.gofundme.com/greatwallofchina4thevc to donate.

Community

St Davids lights up for annual Christmas tree and wreath contest

Published

37 minutes 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.