Community
National Park charity seeks the support of volunteers

AS the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust celebrates its 5th birthday, a call has been made for individuals who are passionate about the National Park to help protect it for future generations.
Since being set up in 2018, the charity has worked with members of the public, funding bodies and corporate donors to support a wide range of projects designed to benefit both the Park and its people. These include improving sites for nature, helping schools and pre-school children with outdoor learning experiences and supporting community projects that promote biodiversity and deliver on conservation or climate change.
However, as the Trust looks towards the future and all the challenges faced by the UK’s only truly coastal National Park, the need for enthusiastic individuals who are willing to help has never been greater.
Opportunities are now available for Community and Fundraising Volunteers, who will help raise awareness of the Trust and its work within local communities, help out with fundraising, represent the charity at local events and provide other practical support when needed.
Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, Katie Macro, said: “We are looking for volunteers who are friendly and approachable, and have the confidence to speak with the public, both on a one-to-one basis and in large groups.”
Activities will range from representing the Trust at local events to assisting with bucket collections, attending cheque presentations, giving short presentations on the work of the charity and assisting with administrative duties. However, volunteers will only be expected to complete duties or activities that they feel comfortable with.
Katie Macro added: “Research has shown that are many ways in which volunteering can be as beneficial to individuals as it is to the cause they’re supporting. These include meeting new people, learning new skills, building your CV and boosting self-esteem.
“Training and Trust-branded clothing will be provided for all, with expenses reimbursed and future references provided. All we ask is that volunteers are trustworthy and honest, and flexible enough to be called on when needed.”
If you are interested in volunteering for the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, please contact support@pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales.
Further information about the Trust and its work can be found at www.pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales.
Community
Community rallies to support family after Tregunnor house fire

A FAMILY has been left with nothing after a devastating house fire tore through their home in Tregunnor on Monday (Apr 7).
The blaze destroyed everything inside the house, leaving the homeowner, his children, and their family dog with only the clothes on their backs. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the emotional impact of losing their home and belongings has been described as “immeasurable.”
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been launched by the homeowner’s nephew, Kian Evans, in an effort to help the family rebuild their lives. The fundraiser, titled “Tregunnor House Fire,” has so far raised £40 from two donors, with hopes that more support will follow.
Mr Evans praised the emergency services for their swift response and thanked the local community for their messages of support and solidarity.
He wrote: “They have lost everything, from furniture to cherished memories. The goal is to help them get back on their feet after such a traumatic experience. Every little helps.”
The family now face the daunting task of starting over, but thanks to the generosity of those around them, they are not facing it alone.
To donate to the fundraiser, visit: gofundme.com/f/tregunnor-house-fire
Photo caption:
The fire which destroyed a family home in Tregunnor (Pic: Herald).
Community
Junior chess match ends in thrilling draw

PEMBROKESHIRE JUNIORS IMPRESS IN CARMARTHEN FIXTURE
PEMBROKESHIRE JUNIOR CHESS CLUB travelled to Carmarthen on Monday (April 7) for a friendly fixture against their slightly older, but less experienced, counterparts. The match marked Carmarthen’s first official game.
Thanks to Peter Evans for organising the event, which saw 20 young players competing in a friendly but competitive atmosphere. A terrific evening of chess followed, with players mixing and matching across boards, ensuring each had at least two games—some even playing three or four.
The result of the first match was a tightly contested draw, finishing 5-5.
Standout players on both sides
For Pembrokeshire, standout performances came from:
- Suki, with 3 wins
- Huw, with 2 wins
- Joe, with 1 win and a draw
For Carmarthen, Matthew, William, and Eric stood out with impressive performances.
A return fixture in Pembrokeshire is already being planned before the season concludes. The club also hopes to arrange additional matches against Redhill Prep School and Castell Nedd Chess Club on May 29.
Strong performances in Redhill Festival
Ten Pembrokeshire players also took part in the Redhill Primary School Festival over the weekend, all performing with distinction. Special mention goes to Joe and Harry, who both won their first four rounds and competed in the final—Joe winning Gold, and Harry securing Silver.
Coach Martin Jones said he has been delighted with the progress made by all players this season, including the club’s younger and less experienced members, who are also showing great promise.
Martin also recently competed in the Bristol Chess Congress, where he took first place in his section out of 62 entrants.
“It’s great to see chess flourishing in Pembrokeshire,” he said.
Pembrokeshire Team (in board order)
- Barnaby Hinman – Ysgol Preseli
- Joe Othen – Home Schooled
- Harry Harling – Cosheston VC School
- Huw Holliday – Redhill Prep
- Sebastian Kummer – Neyland Community School
- Jude Taylor – St Mark’s VA School
- Henry Malone – Redhill High
- Suki-Rose Heulwen – Ysgol Bro Penfro
- Emily Thomas-Ward – Redhill Prep
- Carys Callan – Redhill Prep
Photos:
- Pembrokeshire Team
- Combined Pembrokeshire & Carmarthen Teams
Community
Artist donates rare Sunderland paintings to Heritage Centre

FOUR original paintings of Sunderland flying boats have been donated to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre by one of its leading supporters, Welsh aviation and military artist John Wynne Hopkins.
John, who lives in Llanelli, has also gifted several large prints and a collection of greetings cards, all depicting iconic images of the Sunderland aircraft.
“I have followed the excellent progress of the Heritage Trust over many years and I am so pleased that my art can support them,” said John. “The Sunderland is a favourite subject of mine and its long connections with Pembroke Dock have provided me with many topics to paint. I shall certainly continue this.”
The Heritage Centre already displays one of John’s earlier works — a dramatic World War I battlefield scene created in 2018 for its trench exhibit. The painting is featured in the original entrance of the Centre, housed in the former Royal Dockyard Chapel.
The Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
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