Community

Be an energy shopper

Published

12 years ago

May 30, 2014

Joyce Watson AM is backing a new campaign encouraging people to go ‘energy shopping’. Energy regulator Ofgem has launched the ‘Be and Energy Shopper’ campaign to encourage consumers to find the best deal on their gas and electricity bills. It comes after new figures reveal one in three people (33%) are concerned about how much they are paying for their energy. Mrs Watson, who is a member of the Assembly Environment and Sustainability committee, which is currently looking at energy efficiency and fuel poverty in Wales, explained her support for the campaign: “These days, people spend a lot of time comparing deals on all sorts of things: cars, mobile phones, insurance, banks, even groceries; but we too often accept energy prices as a given. “Ofgem’s recent reforms have resulted in a simpler, clearer and fairer market. So it has never been easier to find a better deal on your energy bill.” From the end of March, suppliers must show customers what their cheapest tariff is on every bill and ensure that bills are clear. Prior to the reforms, more than half of consumers (53%) said they had been confused by energy tariffs. Ofgem has launched an easy guide www.goenergyshopping. co.uk to help consumers check existing energy deals and compare prices. The Labour member for Mid and West Wales added: “Simpler pricing is one thing, but in the long run the cost of energy must come down. That is why Labour, if elected in 2015, has promised to freeze prices while it reforms the broken energy market.” Labour leader Ed Miliband has pledged to freeze energy bills for 20 months from June 2015 as a stopgap, pending reform of the market. The party claims its price freeze will be worth £120 a year to the average household. It also suggests bills could be cut further if there were more competition in the retail market and so-called green levies were simplified. Dermot Nolan, Ofgem chief executive said: “As a nation we have a huge appetite when it comes to savvy shopping and tracking down a good deal – we shop and compare prices for many things in life, yet we often don’t think to do the same when it comes to our energy bill. “Previously, people found it difficult to compare tariffs and the process too time consuming but the recent reforms have changed things for the better. With the introduction of ‘Be an Energy Shopper’ it has never been easier to go shopping and get a better deal on your gas and electricity.” Visit www.goenergyshopping. co.uk for an easy guide on how to shop around for a better energy deal. For more information about Joyce Watson’s work contact her office on 02920 898972

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)