Community

Busy year for Royal Artillery Association, South Pembrokeshire Branch

Published

1 year ago

September 28, 2023

THE SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE BRANCH of the Royal Artillery Association has enjoyed a 12-month period full of events and changes. After several changes of venue, the Branch have now settled down and hold their monthly meetings in the Pembroke Dock Cricket Club. Also, the Branch’s Secretary for the past 28 years retired from the post at the AGM in 2023. Colin Friend and his wife Florrie continue to attend meetings and contribute fully to the running of the Branch.

After a very successful St Barbara’s Day Lunch in December 2022 and an AGM in February 2023, 3 new members joined the branch.

Wreaths were laid by the Branch`s Chairman, Chris Roberts at the Remembrance Ceremony in Pembroke, and at ceremonies at Freshwater West (near Pembroke), Milford Haven on Anzac Day (where a Wellington bomber aircraft crashed into an area of Milford Haven killing 4 New Zealand and Australian officers and soldiers) and the Normandy Veterans Service (also held in Milford Haven and organised by the British Legion). A wreath was also laid by other members of the branch at the Pembroke Dock Remembrance Service. Finally, a wreath was laid in the Pembroke Dock Military Cemetery, near to the site of the former Llanion Barracks which saw the last Royal Artillery unit leave Pembroke Dock in 1967. Poignantly and sadly, members of the branch attended the funeral of Ted Owens, a native of Pembroke Dock who died at the age of 99 years old. Ted, a Royal Marine, had landed as a 21-year-old on the beaches of Normandy during the D Day landings, had been wounded and evacuated to a field hospital and subsequently, after being wounded 3 times, was demobbed at 21 years old! The large turnout of all Regiments and Corps paid tribute to this fine old soldier. The branch Standard was paraded at all these events by our Standard Bearer John Swilka.

The Branch have enjoyed visits to Pembroke Dock by the quite recently appointed Veterans Commissioner for Wales – James Phillips – who gave a talk on his new role and responsibilities. The branch also welcomed our Regional Representative Clive Boyles who highlighted the fact that Wales had only 3 RAA branches still operating, namely Wrexham, Rhondda and South Pembrokeshire. Clive also spoke regarding his role as the Regional Representative.

Liaison continues with our Affiliated Royal Artillery Battery – 12 (Minden) Air Assault Battery RA. The Branch send best wishes on Minden Day and received a warm response. The Branch also send a message of congratulations to King Charles III on his Coronation and received a letter of thanks.

Probably the highlight of the year was the visit made to the National Memorial Arboretum for the RA Service of Remembrance Day in July, when 6 members travelled from Pembroke Dock to Burton on Trent to attend the occasion. A full day of events was enjoyed by the visiting members , some for the first time, and the opportunity of meeting up with old comrades. Despite the weather, Standard Bearers from all over the country maintained their usual high performance.

The Branch has continued to forge links with the British Legion in Milford Haven and the VC Gallery Centre which operates both in Pembroke Dock and Haverfordwest. Although consisting of only 24 members, South Pembrokeshire Branch have organised many fund-raising events throughout the year and continue to make contributions to the RACF.

During the visit by Clive (and his partner Gill), a branch photograph was taken and is enclosed with this article.

In this area of historical Royal Artillery presence, with Manorbier, Pendine, Penally and Castlemartin (in their heydays!), seeing many Gunners pass through their gates, it is considered that there are many RA veterans in our area, and we continue to try and recruit new members, to foster good social ties and maintain the feeling of the Gunner Family.

So, if you live in the South Pembrokeshire Area and you are reading this, don’t delay – PLEASE GET IN TOUCH, TODAY!

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

6 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

15 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

17 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.