Community

Thrill-seeking 70s

Published

9 years ago

May 5, 2017

Velocity: Zip-lining for her 70th

HILARY PASCOE will be zip-lining for her 70th Birthday to fundraise for The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

Hilary will be heading to North Wales this Friday (a week before her 70th birthday) to take on the fastest zip line in the world; Zipworld Velocity’ in Bethesda. The famous zip line reaches speeds of up to 100mph!

Hilary said: “I wanted to do something a bit different to mark my 70th Birthday and, in the process, raise some much needed funds for The Wildlife Trust. I didn’t fancy cycling up Everest and I can’t run a marathon as I’ve had both of my knees replaced. So I thought I would take on the longest zip-line in Europe and the fastest zip line in the world! A bit crazy – but that’s me.”

Hilary has been a member of The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales for eight years; however, she has never done a sponsored challenge before. The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales are honoured that Hilary has decided to take on such an adrenaline packed challenge in order to help the charity with its aim to protect local wildlife, both now and for future generations to enjoy.

She explains why she supports The Wildlife Trust’s work: “I first became interested in the work of The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales when visiting Skomer Island and I fell in love with the Puffins. I have since then learnt a great deal more about the work of the Trust, particularly on a local level, and I have decided to raise some much needed funds to help them with their vital work.”

When asked what she would like the money that she raises to go towards within The Wildlife Trust, Hilary replied “I support the whole work of the Trust so I would like this to go towards general costs. I don’t think that money for specific projects is always helpful, I would rather support the Trust as a whole.”

Anything that you could spare to help Hilary fundraise for The Wildlife Trust would be greatly appreciated! She has managed to raise over 90% of her £1,000 target so far and just needs to raise the last few pounds before she takes to the skies.

Community

St Davids lights up for annual Christmas tree and wreath contest

Published

35 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.