Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

Voyages to Positive Destinations: Young people take to the water aboard Faramir

Published

on

YOUNG people from Pembrokeshire experienced the adventure of a lifetime in May, thanks to a unique nautical programme designed for those in care, care leavers, and their families.

The Voyages to Positive Destinations initiative took place on the 27th and 28th of May aboard Faramir, a 22.35m Bermudan Ketch owned by the Cirdan Sailing Trust. The tall ship was moored at Hobbs Point in the Cleddau Estuary, ready to welcome participants for an inspiring exploration of life at sea.

The event was organised through a partnership between Tall Ships Wales Trust, the Cirdan Sailing Trust, and the Dragon Darwin Experience, with generous support from the National Lottery Community Fund, the Port of Milford Haven, and West Wales Freemasons.

First-time sailors

On the first day, 19 young people and adults from local families—alongside representatives from Pembrokeshire County Council—stepped aboard for a Nautical Medley. The experienced crew led a hands-on tour of the ship, both above and below deck, which included a scavenger hunt, knot-tying workshops, and open discussions about sailing and life at sea.

Meanwhile, the Darwin Centre transformed the ship’s galley into a temporary marine biology lab, offering families the chance to explore ocean life up close—from drifting plankton and seaweed snacks to shells and mermaid’s purses.

That afternoon, Faramir set sail with 17 passengers for an overnight voyage. The group fully immersed themselves in ship life—taking turns at the helm, helping to set sails, keeping the galley tidy, and standing night watch while moored off Dale Bay.

Science on the sea

The following day, a new group including six young people joined for a short taster sail along the Cleddau. They explored the vessel, met the crew, and shared homemade cake before joining the Darwin team for more hands-on marine science.

Using a fine-mesh plankton net, participants collected zooplankton samples and recorded environmental data including weather, sea conditions, salinity, GPS location, and vessel speed. The ship’s galley once again became a floating lab, where microscopes were used to identify the tiny marine species gathered.

That evening, Faramir moored at Neyland Marina for an open ship event, attended by around 30 project partners and local dignitaries.

Looking to the future

The Voyages to Positive Destinations programme will culminate this autumn with a longer coastal voyage around southern England, aimed at young adults preparing to leave care.

The Tall Ships Wales Trust hopes to offer more of these transformative experiences in Pembrokeshire, connecting young people with the region’s maritime heritage and building skills, confidence, and curiosity through adventure.

Paula Holt from the Tall Ships Wales Trust said: “For many of these young people, this was their first time experiencing life at sea. Watching them build confidence, work together as a crew, and discover the hidden world of marine life was truly inspiring. Opportunities like this can create lasting positive memories and open new horizons.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

on

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)

Continue Reading

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

on

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

Continue Reading

Crime6 hours ago

Man spared jail after baseball bat incident in Milford Haven

Judge says offence was so serious only a prison sentence was justified A 44-YEAR-OLD has been given a suspended prison sentence after...

Crime17 hours ago

Rural cannabis factory exposed after five-year operation in Carmarthenshire

Family-run drugs enterprise brought in millions before police raid during lockdown A FAMILY who relocated from England to a remote...

Business2 days ago

Senedd rejects calls to ‘eliminate’ rates for small businesses

A CONSERVATIVE call to abolish rates for all small businesses in Wales has been voted down by the Senedd amid...

Community3 days ago

Christmas song pokes fun at Haverfordwest’s ‘Instagram-friendly’ bridge

Rock track raises money for charity while giving a gentle dig to the council A BRAND-NEW Christmas rock song by...

Crime3 days ago

Police reassure community after school lockdown incident in Carmarthen 

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued reassurance to the community after Ysgol Bro Myrddin in Carmarthen was placed into a precautionary lockdown on...

Local Government3 days ago

Councillors call for urgent review as flooding hits coastal communities

Motion demands assessment of drainage infrastructure after Castle Pond overflow A MOTION on emergency flooding concerns was brought before Pembrokeshire...

Crime5 days ago

Phillips found guilty of raping baby in “worst case” judge has ever dealt with

Baby’s mother cleared as judge says case “shaken me to my core” CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS has been found guilty of the...

News5 days ago

Storm Bram triggers widespread flood alerts across West Wales

As of Tuesday 9 December 2025, coastal communities in Pembrokeshire remain on high alert as Storm Bram continues to batter...

Education5 days ago

Parent challenges council over Manorbier school closure data as long-running dispute deepens

Fire-damaged school has operated with limited capacity since 2022, but consultation still uses original figures A ROW over the future...

Business5 days ago

Manorbier Castle Inn warns colossal rates hikes will ‘push venues to the brink’

Local inn among many facing dramatic increases from April 2026 MANORBIER Castle Inn has warned that its business rates are...

Popular This Week