Community

Bluetits Chill Swimmers founder honoured by Prime Minister

Published

2 years ago

March 3, 2024

SIAN RICHARDSON, a woman from Pembrokeshire who sparked a worldwide health and wellness trend with her routine swims, has been acknowledged at Downing Street for her achievements.

As the founder of The Bluetits Chill Swimmers, Richardson has established a global fellowship comprising over 120,000 participants who engage in group cold water swimming and outdoor activities. Her initiative was celebrated with the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award this Wednesday.

Since its inception in 2014, Richardson has expanded the group into a social venture, facilitating members’ acquisition of coaching and aquatic skills. She provides a welcoming environment for individuals to discover the health and psychological advantages of open water swimming, in addition to advocating for non-competitive swimming, aquatic safety, and coaching throughout the UK.

The Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, awarded Richardson during a St David’s Day event at Downing Street on February 28.

Davies expressed his admiration for Richardson’s contributions, particularly her role in promoting cold water swimming and water safety in Pembrokeshire, and for her efforts in education and qualification in the field. He praised her for her significant influence and her ability to bring attention to important issues.

Stephen Crabb, the local MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, also commended Richardson, highlighting how The Bluetits Chill Swimmers, starting from Pembrokeshire, has grown into an international campaign advocating the benefits of cold water immersion for both physical and mental health.

Richardson expressed her excitement and gratitude upon receiving the award, attributing the honor not only to her own endeavors but also to the collective efforts of the entire Bluetits community. She emphasized the award as a recognition of their shared commitment to fostering a sense of adventure, wellness, and camaraderie.

Richardson stands as the 2277th recipient of the Points of Light award, an accolade established in April 2014 to honor remarkable individuals who positively impact their communities and inspire others through their actions.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)