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Pembrokeshire apprentice eyes optical career

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Left to right: Andrew Williams, Lana Lewis and Ellie Wigley-Thomas

A PEMBROKE woman who struggled to pass her GCSE’s after her mother died says an apprenticeship has opened her eyes to a career in optical care.

Lana Lewis, 21, from Neyland, joined Specsavers in Pembroke Dock in June 2015 as an optical assistant apprentice. Despite never having had an eye test, and lacking any previous experience in optics, she quickly developed an interest in eyecare and a rapport with customers.

Less than two years later, Ms Lewis has gained an NVQ in customer service at Pembrokeshire College, which she attends once a month, and is now on her way to qualifying as a dispensing optician.

“I’m so proud of all I have achieved so far at Specsavers,’ Ms Lewis said. ‘My mum died when I was 14, and getting through my exams after that was difficult, so to now be studying towards professional qualifications in a career I really enjoy feels particularly special.

“My experience at the Pembroke Dock store has been wonderful so far and I’m excited about what the future may hold.”

Store directors, Ellie Thomas-Wigley and Andrew Williams, know how important staff training and development is. Mr Williams started at Specsavers as an optical assistant when he was 16 and, 12 years and a degree in optometry later, now oversees eye health services at the Dimond Street Store he co-runs with Ms Thomas-Wigley, who was his mentor during the final stages of his training.

Having taken over the store this year, both are determined to provide other staff with the career development opportunities they enjoyed and are also supporting four part-time staff keen to carve out a career in eye care.

Mr Williams said: ” Lana is an ambitious, determined and capable young woman and we feel extremely fortunate to have her on our team. She has achieved so much in such a short period of time and we are excited to be supporting her as she studies towards her dispensing qualifications. “

“I know first-hand how important it is to have the support of colleagues and what a difference accessing these training opportunities can make. It’s also great news for our customers, because they know our staff care about what they do and are able to offer a professional and knowledgeable service. “

 

Charity

More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day

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A FUN Day and Dog Show in St Clears has raised more than £5,000 to help vulnerable and abandoned animals.

The event, held in aid of Greenacres Animal Rescue on Sunday, May 10, brought together supporters, local businesses and members of the community to raise vital funds for the charity’s rescue and rehabilitation work.

A total of £2,584.84 was raised on the day, with the amount then matched by the Benefact Group through the support of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, bringing the final total to £5,169.68.

The money will help Greenacres meet the growing costs of caring for animals in need, including veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, food and other essential welfare expenses.

Greenacres Animal Rescue provides refuge and care for animals that have been abandoned, neglected or need rehoming. The charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising and volunteer support to continue its work.

A spokesperson for Greenacres Animal Rescue said: “We’re honestly blown away by your generosity and support.”

Among those supporting the event were representatives from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, which has backed Greenacres Animal Rescue for several years as its chosen charity partner.

Colleagues Stephen Vale, Yvette Llewellyn and Lauren Davies attended the event, helping to support the fundraising and celebrate the work carried out by the charity.

Stephen Vale, from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking said: “Greenacres Animal Rescue has been our chosen charity for several years and we’re incredibly proud to support the vital work they do for vulnerable animals in our community.

“The dedication of the Greenacres team is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see local people come together to help raise funds that will directly support the charity’s ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.

“As part of the Benefact Group, giving back is central to who we are, so being able to support Greenacres through fundraising and matched funding initiatives is something we’re passionate about.”

The success of the event highlights the strength of community support for Greenacres Animal Rescue and the difference local fundraising can make for animals in need.

For more information, call 01994 231548 or visit lloydwhytecommunity.com.

 

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Community

Children enjoy special day out at Folly Farm thanks to Rotary support

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Packed lunches donated by local businesses as Narberth and Whitland Rotary treats youngsters to memorable trip

CHILDREN from across the area enjoyed a fun-filled day at Folly Farm on Wednesday (June 10), thanks to the efforts of Narberth and Whitland Rotary and the generosity of local businesses.

The annual “Children’s Day Out” saw youngsters treated to a special visit to the popular Pembrokeshire attraction, where they were able to enjoy the animals, rides and activities on offer.

Narberth and Whitland Rotary said the trip was made possible through the support of several local organisations and businesses who helped ensure the children had an enjoyable and well-catered day.

The Rotary club extended special thanks to The Plas in Narberth for providing packed lunches for the children attending the trip.

Additional refreshments were also donated, with Jack Williams supplying a generous selection of fruit and CK’s contributing bottled water.

Rotary organisers said the children had a “great day out” and praised Folly Farm for welcoming the group and helping to make the visit a memorable experience.

A spokesperson for Narberth and Whitland Rotary said: “All of the children had a great day out and special thanks go to Folly Farm for welcoming us all.”

The club regularly organises community activities and events aimed at supporting local families and young people across the Narberth and Whitland area.

Photo caption: Day to remember: Children enjoy a special outing to Folly Farm organised by Narberth and Whitland Rotary (Pic supplied).

 

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Community

Chapel’s call for time extension for Sunday school classroom while funding sought for permanent structure

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A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire chapel to keep a temporary classroom used as a Sunday school while funding for a permanent building is sought has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Rev Jennifer Gough, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, seeks permission for the retention of a temporary classroom at Bethlehem Chapel, Bethlehem, near Haverfordwest.

A supporting statement says: “The chapel maintains an active congregation with Sunday school provision. The temporary classroom gained planning permission in 2017 and comprises a portacabin arrangement located to the west of the chapel. It comprises a single classroom internally and simple elevations. The structure is temporary with all services located within the existing chapel.

“Planning permission was originally granted in 2018 for temporary consent for the classroom. This has been reissued twice [in 2020 and 2022 schemes] whilst the chapel secured funds and agreed designs to allow for a permanent solution.

“This application seeks to renew consent for the temporary classroom which lapsed in February 2026, to allow for a final period of use of the temporary arrangement.

“Work is underway to submit a long-term, permanent arrangement to secure a classroom for the Sunday school but future planning and building work could still take some time. Therefore, to future proof the Sunday School and continue to support the congregation, further temporary permission is sought.”

It adds: “All features of this application remain the same as previous, with no additional arrangements proposed. There will be no foul output generated from this proposal.”

In finishes: “Overall, this application seeks to retain the temporary classroom for one further period to allow a permanent solution to be submitted into planning and subsequently be built, all whilst supporting the existing Sunday school and maintaining a functional congregation and chapel.

“The temporary classroom has been deemed appropriate under previous applications and there are no changes proposed, with all detailed matters remaining acceptable.”

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

At the start of the year, an extension to the chapel, for community activities, was approved by planning officers.

 

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