Community

Wales Air Ambulance to Benefit from Charity Concert

Published

4 years ago

September 21, 2021

Narberth and Whitland Rotary is extremely grateful to its sponsors

The Wales Air Ambulance, (WAA) Charity were delighted to learn that they are to be the main beneficiary from Narberth and Whitland Rotary’s Autumn Charity Concert at the Follies Theatre, Folly Farm on the 9th October.

Katie Macro, Fundraising WAA community coordinator, said: “I’m delighted that the Grand Charity Concert which was rescheduled from last year will take place next month. The audience will be treated to classical music from crossover singers Richard and Adam, together with Whitland Male Choir whilst also enjoying a variety of young local talent. It sounds like a fantastic line-up”.

“Thank you to Narberth and Whitland Rotary for raising funds for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity. The Charity regularly attends life and limb-threatening emergencies in the Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire area. Charity events, like this, raise vital funds to ensure our important service can continue to take the emergency department to the patient, saving time and saving lives.”

WAA Communications Officer Lisa Wilson said this week “The Wales Air Ambulance Charity is funded by the people of Wales. We operate four of the most advanced air ambulances in the UK, saving precious time and lives – all thanks to you”.

“We rely entirely on your charitable donations to raise the £8 million needed every year to keep the helicopters flying across Wales”.

“Wales Air Ambulance offers advanced critical care and is often described as a ‘Flying ED’. The on-board consultants and critical care practitioners are highly skilled and carry some of the most pioneering medical equipment in the world. They can deliver blood transfusions, administer anaesthesia and undertake emergency operations at the scene of the incident, before flying the patient directly to specialist care”.

“Our Charity has completed 40,000 missions since our inception twenty years ago and is on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are there for the people of Wales whenever and wherever they need us”.

Narberth and Whitland Rotary’s Fundraising Committee Chairman, Rotarian John Hughes said this week: “We are delighted that our concert this year is in aid of The Wales Air Ambulance as it celebrates its 20th”. “We are all looking forward to what promises to be a memorable evening and we look forward to seeing you all there.”

Tickets for the concert, which are sure to be in great demand are now on sale and can be bought online at www.nwrotary.co.uk and also for cash at local outlets, Dales Music Shop, Tenby; Rock ‘n Rolla Boutique, Narberth and The Creative Cafe, High Street, Haverfordwest. They are also available from Chorister Huw Jones of Whitland Male Choir.

Narberth and Whitland Rotary is extremely grateful to its main sponsors Powells Cottage Holidays of Saundersfoot, Gravells Kia of Narberth and of course Folly Farm for hosting the event. All three are long standing supporters of Rotary, and President Elaine Bradbury said this week that “Narberth and Whitland Rotary was extremely grateful for their continued support”.

Pictured this week at Folly Farm are (from left) Nicola Hurst, (Powells Cottage Holidays, Sponsor) Rotarian John Hughes, Rotarian Ian Gravell, (Gravells Kia , Sponsors) Rotarian Phil Thompson MBE and Gareth Morris, (Folly Farm, Sponsors) (rear) Whitland Male Voice choristers Roy Morris, Aubrey Davies and Hugh Lewis, with Rhys Jenkins, (Wales Air Ambulance) and President Elaine Bradbury, (Narberth and Whitland Rotary)

Community

St Davids lights up for annual Christmas tree and wreath contest

Published

3 hours 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

6 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.