Community

Dragon LNG wins award

Published

8 years ago

July 14, 2017

The Dragon LNG Darwin Centre Experience: Provides free field trips and hands-on activities to engage pupils

DRAGON LNG has been announced as one of the most responsible businesses in the UK, along with 16 other winning companies at Business in the Community’s Responsible Business Awards.

The Dragon LNG Darwin Centre Experience provides free field trips and hands-on activities to engage pupils, increasing aspiration in STEM. Set up in 2005, the project works with every school in Pembrokeshire, adding value to the teachers and schools, by supporting cutting edge STEM understanding, complementing the curriculum, improving inspection criteria, as well as helping to raise attainment levels.

The ultimate aim is to support Pembrokeshire’s youth to reach their full potential.

Commenting on the award Maria Pena, Managing Director of Dragon LNG said: ‘We are delighted that the Dragon LNG Darwin Experience has been recognised nationwide and to be the only Welsh winner is a real honour. Dragon’s corporate social responsibility is targeted towards youth development in Pembrokeshire, with The Darwin Centre Experience being our flagship project.”

Amanda Mackenzie OBE, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, commented: “Congratulations to the 2017 Responsible Business Award winners for being inspirational yet practical examples of the difference business can make to address some of society’s biggest issues. The winning businesses are all different; they span sectors and continents and range from large high street names to small start-ups. What unites them is a belief that with courage vision and leadership, business can do remarkable things for good.”

The Awards Gala took place at the Royal Albert Hall last night and was presented by broadcasters Jeremy Vine and Emily Maitlis. It celebrated and championed the hundreds of inspiring businesses who entered the awards and who make a difference by taking action to build more inclusive workplaces, stronger communities and address global challenges such as sustainability. This year’s Gala was hosted by Veolia, the UK’s leading resource management company and Business in the Community’s Responsible Business of the Year 2016.

Estelle Branchlianoff, Senior Executive Vice- President for Veolia UK and Ireland, said : “The calibre of businesses at last night’s Responsible Business Awards and Gala Dinner was outstanding, and proof that both global multinationals to SMEs can be a powerful force for good in society. One year after our own ‘Responsible Business of the Year’ recognition, my conviction is that ‘people, planet, profit’, often referred to as ‘The Triple Bottom Line’, is stronger than ever, as people want to buy from, work and partner with socially responsible businesses. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the entries from this year’s awards and wish Anglian Water every success as we pass the baton on.”

The headline sponsors of the 2017 Responsible Business Awards are Experian, Unilever, UPS, Aviva, Barclays, Fujistu, UBS, Unipart Group. The full list of winners is available at www.bitc.org.uk/awards

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.