Community

Students top of the class

Published

8 years ago

July 7, 2017

Hard working Pembrokeshire College student team : Outside the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre with Volunteers Steve Canton and Chris Howell and Centre Manager Stuart Berry (Pic. Martin Cavaney)

THE SURROUNDS of Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre – the former Royal Dockyard Chapel – have never looked more pristine thanks to the hard graft of students from Pembrokeshire College.

The ten-member team and supervisors spent two days at the Centre during the June heatwave and, with Centre volunteers, tackled many tasks.

They were part of a wider scheme at the college which saw hundreds of college students on placements with community and charity partners around the county.

Tasks completed at the Heritage Centre included cutting back undergrowth and weeding, general tidying up of the grounds and painting outside benches. The two imposing cannons which guard the front of the Dockyard Chapel have also been given a spruce up.

Danielle Bond of Pembrokeshire College said: “We are very grateful to all the organisations involved, giving up their time to allow the students of Pembrokeshire College the opportunity to undertake this volunteering activity.”

Stuart Berry, Centre Manager, added: “It has been fantastic to work with staff and students from the College, and they’ve done an outstanding job for us! This is exactly the type of mutually beneficial community partnership that we would like to be doing with a range of organisations in Pembroke Dock and beyond.”

Centre volunteers have also changed some exterior items around with the Sunderland flying boat float now positioned on the mini roundabout near the entrance. A large propeller, believed to be from a Sunderland and recovered over 30 years by a Milford Haven trawler, is now alongside the visitor entrance.

Helping the students and also involved in other work were Volunteers Steve Fletcher, Steve Canton, Chris Howell, Greg Laycock, Mike James, Alan Porter and John Mitchell.

The Centre, run by the Sunderland Trust in the Royal Dockyard Chapel, is open between 10 am and 4 pm. For visitors there is an opportunity to try out the new replica Sunderland Cockpit and to view always changing and new displays.

Community

St Davids lights up for annual Christmas tree and wreath contest

Published

36 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.