Community
Invitations sent for 2021 Christmas Together
THE CHRISTMAS TOGETHER COMMITTEE launched their 2021 Christmas Together on Monday (November 15).
Invitation letters have been sent to those who attended Christmas Together 2019 and these should hopefully arrive in the next few days.
Unlike previous years, measures put in place this year to combat Covid-19, and keep everyone as safe as possible, mean that spaces will, for the first time, be limited.
There are also some special requirements to attend this year such as the need to be fully vaccinated, the wearing of face coverings when not seated at a table, and the requirement to follow social distancing measures.
Cllr Guy Woodham, the Founder and current Chair of Christmas Together stated: “We are delighted that having undertaken a detailed Covid-19 risk assessment we have identified measures that we can put in place to hold Christmas Together this year in as safe an environment as possible for all those who attend. While the event will inevitably be different to previous years, we still hope to bring some festive cheer and companionship to those who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day, for some, the loneliest day of the year – something many more have experienced as a result of the on-going Covid pandemic.”
Now in its ninth year, Christmas Together continues to be fully supported by volunteers and donations, and is a great example of local people, organisations and businesses working together for the benefit of the community.
Held at Pill Social Centre, Milford Haven, the day provides a fun, friendly and relaxed atmosphere, along with a three-course festive lunch and Christmas entertainment. Once again, the event is provided free of charge for all attendees which includes free transport for those who would otherwise be unable to attend.
If you would like to find out more about Christmas Together, including requesting an application form to attend as a guest or volunteer please contact, Cllr Guy Woodham, by emailing [email protected] telephoning 07411 287 533 (please leave a voicemail message) or writing to him at 4, Coombs Drive, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, SA73 2NZ.
Community
Final ‘Stop the Stink’ protest planned for County Hall
RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are gearing up for a pivotal demonstration outside the Pembrokeshire County Council at County Hall, scheduled for Thursday, May 14th. The protest, named “Stop the Stink,” aims to press the council and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) into action against the ongoing environmental issues at the Withyhedge landfill site.
From 9:00 to 10:30 AM, community members, environmental activists, and concerned citizens plan to converge on the steps of the county building to make their voices heard before the NRW’s critical deadline. This date marks when the landfill operators are required to complete necessary remediation efforts to prevent toxins from leaking into the local environment.
Colin Barnett, the organiser of the demonstration, highlighted the importance of the protest. “This gathering is crucial. It’s our final chance to influence the council’s decisions and push for real change before the deadline. Our community deserves a safe and healthy environment, and we must hold those responsible accountable,” Barnett stated.
The Withyhedge landfill has been the subject of intense scrutiny following reports that harmful toxins could be escaping into the surrounding areas, posing significant health and environmental risks. Despite ongoing investigations and some interventions by NRW, public trust remains low regarding the effectiveness and transparency of the measures implemented so far.
Demonstrators are expected to display signs with messages such as “Protect Our Children” and “No More Toxins,” calling for immediate and effective action. The protest aims to ensure that the community’s concerns are not only heard but acted upon with urgency.
As the May 14th approaches, the stakes are high for the residents of Haverfordwest, who are calling for decisive and immediate action from their local leaders.
This final “Stop the Stink” protest represents a critical moment in their ongoing fight for a cleaner, safer environment.
Community
St. Katharine’s Stratford Players’ Easter pantomime raises £1,000
THE St. Katharine’s Stratford Players’ Easter Pantomime, Aladdin, dedicated to the memory of lifetime member Viv Barrat, is a shining example of collectives power of collective action and the unwavering generosity of community spirit.
The resounding success of the pantomime, raising an impressive £1,000 including Gift Aid for the Paul Sartori Foundation, is not merely a financial achievement but a symbol of solidarity and compassion. This remarkable feat underscores the deep-rooted commitment of this community to support vital services such as Paul Sartori’s Hospice at Home service, which provides comfort and care to those facing challenging times at the end of life and their family and carers.
At the heart of this success lies the tireless dedication and boundless enthusiasm of the volunteers, organizers, and supporters of St. Katharine’s Stratford Players. Their selfless efforts have not only surpassed the expectations of the event but have also touched the lives of countless individuals in our area, offering support where it is needed most.
As we reflect on the impact of this initiative, it becomes evident that the true measure of success lies not only in the funds raised but in the sense of community, of which Viv Barrat played the biggest part.
“Viv was the heartbeat of the St Katharine’s Stratford Players, an inspiration, mentor, and friend to many. With over 40 years with the drama group, Viv lead the group from strength to strength. A dedicated and committed member of the group inspiring a generation of local talent, advocating for the youth and creating a safe and inclusive community for us all. As a drama group, we are truly heartbroken, Viv was our Matriarch, our friend, our Viv!”
The Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Service extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the St. Katharine’s Stratford Players’ Easter Pantomime.
Your generosity, kindness, and dedication have made a difference in the lives of others, inspiring hope and resilience in our community. Together, we have shown that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit shines brightest when we stand together in support of one another.
Community
Fresh pleas to save much-needed Pembroke Dock day centre
A PLEA to keep Pembroke Dock’s Anchorage Day Centre open is to be heard at a full meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council next week.
The Anchorage Day Care Centre in Pembroke Dock has been a “safe and happy place” for adults with learning difficulties and additional needs for decades.
In more recent years it has expanded to support elderly dementia sufferers.
But now the centre is expected to close, with services instead being offered elsewhere in the county, including Haverfordwest and Milford Haven.
A series of engagement events have taken place at The Anchorage recently, outlining the reasons and the options in continued service.
One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “One young woman who attends ran out of the first meeting sobbing when she was told it was going to close. Another, at the second meeting, tried to address the meeting but was so choked up at the thought of not seeing her friends anymore she could hardly speak.”
In a submitted question to be heard at the May 9 meeting, member of the public Peter Welsh will ask: “Is the council aware of the huge impact the impending closure of the Anchorage Adult Day-care Centre in Pembroke Dock is already having to the health and mental wellbeing of my daughter and 20 other vulnerable adults with special needs and learning difficulties, who are unable to cope with changes to routine, or to process and understand what is happening to them?
“And would the council, therefore, please review its closure decision and retain the centre and the vital and invaluable service it provides not only to the individuals concerned but also to the parents?
“If not, what specific measures does the cabinet member have in place to support my daughter and these other individuals who need extra assistance to enable them to maintain their independence, value and allow their carers to have valuable respite from their caring responsibilities and what are the estimated costs for these substitute measures?”
A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman has previously said: “Following the engagement sessions held with families and service users regarding the future of the centre on April 10 and 17 at the Anchorage, families said that they would like to maintain the Anchorage Day Centre and explained that they would write to the council in order to ask for the decision to be overturned.
“People who attend the service will be offered alternative care, all service users are currently having their individual care needs assessed by social work teams to fully understand which other services best meet those care needs.”
An online e-petition, on the council’s own website has been launched calling for it to stay open.
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