Community

Mark Drakeford’s special visit to Pembrokeshire Scout group

Published

8 months ago

February 18, 2024

THE FIRST Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford MS, visited 3^rd Pembroke Sea Scouts yesterday afternoon, Friday 16^th February 2024, following an invitation made during UK Parliament Week 2023 by Scout Seb Smith. Mr Drakeford, who attended the Pembrokeshire Scouts Parliament Week event virtually, for a Q&A session to promote young people’s involvement in democracy, wanted to have a closer look at Scouting, what it offers to young people and adult leaders alike, and was keen to take up the invitation.

3^rd Pembroke Sea Scouts Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, who meet at Pembroke Dock Youth Centre, and Explorer Scouts from Pembroke Dock Viking Explorers, were thrilled to meet Mr Drakeford in person. The First Minister observed a number of activities and information stations including First Aid training, craft skills, kayaking, coracle building, and map reading, which led to him joining in with a game of human battleships, used to help teach scouts grid references for map reading! Mr Drakeford spent time engaging with all of the children and young people, taking an interest in all stations, and asking plenty of questions to test the knowledge of Scouts and learn more about their interests and enjoyment of the very many activities and opportunities that Scouting in Pembrokeshire has to offer.

Sharing tea and cake, Mr Drakeford also met with Scout Leaders including the Area Commissioner, Linda Wilson, and Vikki Phillips, Assistant Area Commissioner, who explained the extent of training that all Leaders receive in order to provide all the activities and experiences for children across the County and throughout Wales. Progress through the Leaders Wood Badge and onto specialist training in specific skills such as archery, rock climbing, kayaking, and power boating, were discussed, and the First Minister commented on the value adult Leaders bring to the young people and community. Linda Wilson commented, “There can be a lot involved in being a Scout Leader, but it is incredibly rewarding, and well worth getting involved in. I’ve volunteered for a number of years and I haven’t looked back. I am proud of what Scouting offers young people.”

Mr Drakeford, a former Scout in his youth, was also invested into 3^rd Pembroke Sea Scouts by Group Leader Ian ‘Skip’ Rogers, along with new Beaver, Indie, and Assistant Beaver Leader Ashleigh Jackson, making his Scout promise in front of the Group and watching parents, and was then given his own necker, tied with the friendship knot. Now part of 3^rd, the First Minister was invited to come along any time to volunteer as a Leader.

Mr Drakeford commented, “I have really enjoyed my visit, I am delighted to have been invested into 3^rdPembroke and to be part of this great Group, and it was lovely to see some familiar faces from Parliament Week.”

Organiser of the events, Scout Leader Jackie Thomas, said “We were so lucky to have the First Minister join us for UK Parliament Week, for Mr Drakeford to reach out to me, asking to visit the Group in person, was just fantastic. The children and young people have got so much out of this visit, something that many of them will never forget. It is a great experience for all of us, one which I hope encourages the children to have an interest in democracy, current affairs, and the wider world into the future, which is the aim of our involvement in UK Parliament Week.”

Other Leaders supporting the visit were Julian Orchard, Donna Maiden, and Iestyn Nevatte from Scouts Cymru.

Community

Special RNLI concert for choir member Dorothy’s 90th Birthday

Published

13 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A SPECIAL concert was held in Pembrokeshire to honour a long-serving member of the Neyland Ladies Choir, Dorothy Beckett, on the occasion of her 90th birthday.

The event took place at St Mary’s Church, Hakin, where Ms Beckett, who has been a dedicated member of the choir for many years, was celebrated for her longstanding commitment to both the choir and her 74 years of fundraising efforts for the RNLI.

The concert drew a large crowd, with Ms Beckett’s family and members of the Angle Lifeboat RNLI among those in attendance. The church was filled to capacity, and all proceeds from the event were donated to the RNLI, a cause close to Ms Beckett’s heart.

Choir president Simon Hancock welcomed attendees and spoke warmly about Ms Beckett’s popularity, not only within the choir but also throughout the local community. During the evening, she was presented with a birthday cake, adding a personal touch to the celebration.

In addition to performances by the Neyland Ladies Choir, the Milford Haven Junior Town Band provided musical entertainment. The band performed a variety of pieces, much to the delight of the audience, and received enthusiastic applause. Solo performances from young talents Mali, Ella-Mae, and Olivia were highlights, while Faith and Nia offered support from the main band.

A former member of the Hakin Point RNLI group, Jan Mathias, paid tribute to Ms Beckett, thanking her for over 50 years of dedication and support to the charity. Representatives of the Angle Lifeboat RNLI, dressed in full uniform, presented Ms Beckett with a long service medal and flowers in recognition of her remarkable contribution.

The choir’s repertoire for the evening included a range of much-loved pieces, with a special performance of ‘Christopher Robin is Saying His Prayers’, in which Ms Beckett reprised a solo part, once again moving the audience with her heartfelt rendition.

A presentation entitled “This is Your Choir Life” was delivered by Noreen Hadfield, offering a touching reflection on Ms Beckett’s 30 years with the choir. Sheila Griffiths curated a slideshow of photographs, showcasing memorable moments and amusing stories from various choir tours and events over the years.

The evening concluded with a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ led by the choir, with Ms Beckett’s son, Adrian, expressing heartfelt thanks to both the choir and the Junior Band for providing such a wonderful beginning to his mother’s birthday celebrations.

The concert was a fitting tribute to Ms Beckett, whose commitment to her community, both through music and charity, continues to inspire.

Community

Milford Haven Town Council’s remembrance events in November

Published

18 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN is set to honour the fallen with a series of events in connection with the annual Remembrance period this November.

Organised by Milford Haven Town Council, the events will include several services and moments of reflection to commemorate those who served and sacrificed during conflicts.

The remembrance events will begin on Sunday, 3rd November 2024, with a Dedication Service at the Memorial Gardens. The service will commence at 10:30am, with the main ceremony at 11:00am. Crosses will be placed in a special area in front of the First World War Memorial Plaque following the service.

The Annual Remembrance Day Service will take place on Sunday, 10th November 2024, at 11:00am at the Cenotaph on Hamilton Terrace. A parade will assemble at the Town Hall at 10:30am, stepping off at 10:45am, before proceeding to the Cenotaph for the service.

On Monday, 11th November 2024, members of the Royal British Legion will lead a two-minute silence at 11:00am to mark the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month. The gathering will take place outside Milford News/Best One on Charles Street, with participants assembling at 10:45am.

These solemn events provide an opportunity for the community of Milford Haven to come together in remembrance and respect for those who have given their lives in service.

Community

Milford Haven gears up for Halloween extravaganza to benefit charity

Published

3 days ago

October 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN a bid to raise funds for Prostate Cymru and the community’s access defibrillator fund, the Milford Haven Business Circle is hosting a Halloween Market and a Medium & Music Night this October 31st, promising an array of activities for all ages.

The Halloween Market will kick off at the Pill Social Centre from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Attendees can look forward to a variety of stalls showcasing local crafts, delightful treats, and unique gifts, perfect for the festive season.

As dusk falls, the focus shifts to the Milford Haven RFC, where the Medium & Music Night will commence at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available for £5 per person and can be purchased online or at the door. The evening will feature Nathan Roberts, a gifted medium who will offer spiritual insights, and Chris Didcote, whose musical prowess is set to provide an enchanting backdrop.

Jaimie Gurney, Secretary of the Milford Haven Business Circle and a local photographer, expressed the importance of the events: “All proceeds will aid vital medical research and ensure our community is equipped to handle medical emergencies. We are counting on the generous support of local media, businesses, and individuals to help promote these worthy causes.”

The community is encouraged to support by sharing event posters, spreading the word, and participating in what promises to be a memorable day for a noble cause.

Halloween Market

Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Pill Social Centre, Milford Haven

The Halloween Market will feature a delightful array of festive goods and activities for the whole family. All stalls will be local, offering a diverse range of products including handmade crafts, delicious treats, and unique gifts.

Medium & Music Night