Community

50th Anniversary celebrations for Rotary clubs

Published

8 years ago

May 4, 2016

French twin club members: With Robbie and Liz Burns

THE ROTARY CLUB OF NARBERTH AND WHITLAND celebrated their 50th anniversary last week with a dinner at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth, attended by over 100 Rotarians and guests including representatives of Whitland and Narberth Town Councils and other local organisations and supporters.

During the much enjoyed evening Club President Dr Paul Crawford proposed a toast to the Club’s guests whilst South Wales District 1150 District Governor, Rotarian Chris Williams of the Fishguard & Goodwick Club replied on behalf of the guests with a toast to Narberth & Whitland Rotary Club and its Members who he said was a shining example of how a Rotary Club should be run and the enthusiasm and commitment of the members made it a real pleasure to visit. It was no surprise that the Club was so successful he said.

During the evening, District Governor Chris was delighted to be able to present three ‘Paul Harris Fellowships’ on behalf of the Club to Rotarians Robbie Burns and John Hughes and Robbie’s wife Mrs Liz Burns for her unstinting support to Rotary.

The PHF is Rotary’s highest award and recognises the recipients’ contribution to Rotary over many years and during the evening it was asked if a husband and wife had both previously been awarded the highly coveted award previously on the same occasion.

From its inception in 1966 to the present day, the club has strived to be of service to others, nationally, internationally and locally, in and around the communities of Narberth and Whitland.

Their work has included a wide range of activities from providing aid to those affected by natural disasters and supporting the “End Polio Now” campaign to delivering meals on wheels, assisting with transport of disabled sports participants and encouraging young talent in our local schools.

Through promotion of concerts with Welsh pop stars and ‘Racing the Dragon’ in the annual Welsh Dragon Boat Championship, the Rotarians of Narberth & Whitland have provided the funds to support worthwhile causes which improve the lives of those less fortunate both at home and abroad.

It will always remain a bone of contention concerning who actually thought up the idea of the formation of a Rotary Club in Narberth, but there is no doubt that a Mr Eric Shott (Customs and Excise) and Mr Alan Lock (Head Postmaster) were involved, with the assistance of Mr Tommy Nicholas (Groceries) who also had adequate accommodation at a nearby hostelry, the Dragon Inn, of which he was the licensee.

The District Extension Officer was the late Rtn Reg Pickett (Cardiff), whilst Rtn Roger Wright (Llandrindod Wells) was the then R.I. Representative and Chairman of District 1150 Council (to be known later as District Governor). The Tenby Club (President Joe Joseph) agreed to act as sponsors and act as ‘Mother Club’ to steer its ‘Daughter’ through the early difficult days.

A well-attended inaugural luncheon was held on January 19 1966 at the Queens Hall, Narberth and the late Mr John Lee Davies was appointed as the Clubs Founder President. He ably led the club through its ‘Interim’ days and the first year after the granting of its Charter (No.1023) at the Dragon Hotel, Swansea on April 20 1966.

In its earlier days the Tenby members who were frequent visitors assisted the club in no small way. The Clubs original founder members and officers are listed elsewhere.

One or two of the original classifications were a little dubious – Founder Secretary, the late Rtn Alwyn Morgan (Horticulture), was a retired banker and only tended his garden, and the preponderance of farmers was distributed amongst the various sub-divisions of that noble profession so there was room for everyone.

Had the Club been formed in the current climate with the more relaxed approach to classifications there would have been no problem in increasing membership.

And so from a slow start Rotary activities increased and the fledgling club made its presence felt in the community, principally Narberth, as there was only one Whitland member in the early days.

However, it would not be fair to conclude this detail on the clubs formation without a comment that subsequent membership from the Whitland area has had a marked impact on the success and achievements of the club.

The two most significant events to affect the club’s membership development have been the change from lunchtime to evening meetings and the admission of women as members.

Both decisions were taken despite resistance from a minority, some of whom resigned their membership as a result. Several years on from both decisions, there can be little doubt that they have resulted in a sustained improvement in recruitment and retention of new members, many of whom have transferred in from other clubs across the UK.

The club is a successful dual gender club with an enthusiastic and youthful (in spirit) membership. However, they are always looking to increase their numbers and are welcoming of new members. N&W now have a significant presence on social media and a wealth of further information on the World Wide Web.

Membership has remained at a comfortable level of between 30 and 35 for several years. The youngest member is 24 years of age she also happens to be female and is soon to be joined by another lady of the same age. The oldest member is 94 so as you can see they cater for everyone.

The club were delighted to have eight Rotarians visit on the weekend from their twinning club Fontenay le Comte, in France. Rotarian Ken Morgan first started the twinning process 20 years ago. The Clubs visit each other biannually.

The venue for meetings has also changed many times. The club now meets at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel in Narberth where food, service and value-for-money is envied by other clubs in south west Wales. For the future, membership recruitment and retention remains one of the main challenges that the club faces and it is looking forward to the next chapter.

Community

Burned down hotel to be used for social housing

Published

2 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Bruce Sinclair Local Democracy Reporter

A SCHEME to build 38 affordable and social housing units on the site of the fire-ravaged former Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Pembroke Dock is expected to be backed by senior Pembrokeshire councillors next week.

Members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, meeting on April 22, are recommended to support a contract with developer Castell Group Ltd for the mix of affordable homes and social housing units at the site, with the actual contract details expected to be discussed in a private and confidential session.

A report for members ahead of the meeting says: “The potential development site on the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel site, Pembroke Dock has been up for sale for some time, and its purchase by Castell Group Ltd (‘Castell’) is now imminent.

“Following completion of their purchase, Castell will submit an application for planning consent to develop the land for affordable and social housing. It would see the development of a high-profile site with visual impact on surrounding areas that has sat dormant for many years.”

Castell has approached the housing service to determine whether there is an interest in working with them to bring forward the development as a housing site, the report says.

Castell Construction Ltd, the delivery arm of Castell, specialises in the construction of affordable / social housing, typically for registered social landlords across south Wales.

An initial proposal says the development, if backed, would see 12 one-bedroom flats, 15 two-bed houses, five three-bed, two four-bed, and four two-bed bungalows, the report adding: “This site would help towards both the council’s 300 new home target and also Welsh Government’s 20,000 new homes target.”

It adds: “The proposal by Castell Construction Ltd is for a development programme of 18 months following planning permission being secured. Castell Construction Ltd estimate commencing the development in March 2025, which would mean completion in autumn 2026.”

Delegation of the decision to enter into the works contract to the Director for Social Services and Housing is sought, and Cabinet is also being asked to delegate the decision to proceed with the land acquisition to the Assistant Chief Executive.

The development package would be part-funded from the housing revenue account, the remainder from the Social Housing Grant and/or second homes premium for affordable housing if it becomes available for the Housing Service to use in this manner.

The proposals would be subjected to an as-yet unsubmitted planning application; if granted Castell Construction Ltd hopes to start the development in March 2025, finishing in autumn 2026.

In 2023, an unrelated application by a different applicant, to demolish the remnants of the hotel and replace it with a care home was approved.

In a prime location at one of the entrances to Pembroke Dock the former Cleddau Bridge Hotel has been derelict since a fire in March 2019, which brought emergency services from as far afield as Ammanford, Aberystwyth and Swansea.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service previously said the fire was started by a deliberate act.

Following a fire investigation, Dyfed-Powys Police said they found there to be insufficient evidence to identify a suspect.

Community

Tesco shoppers in Pembs called to help raise funds for food allergy charity

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SHOPPERS in Pembrokeshire are being encouraged to help an in-store fundraising campaign from Monday 22nd to Sunday 28th April to support medical research into food allergies.

For the fifth year running, Tesco is working with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the UK’s food allergy charity, to help raise awareness and support clinical research into food allergies by contributing 10p from every own brand Free From product bought in stores and online, as well as providing customers with the opportunity to round up their shopping at self-service tills throughout the week.

All money raised will help Natasha’s Foundation to continue its research into reducing the risks of food allergies and further developments into the management of allergies.

In addition to the funds being raised, the campaign aims to increase awareness in Pembrokeshire about the importance of understanding food allergies and clearly highlighting ingredients in food which can cause allergic reactions.

Natasha’s Foundation was founded in 2019 by Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse following the tragic loss of their daughter Natasha who had a fatal allergic reaction to a baguette that contained sesame seeds that were not listed on the packaging.

Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, said: “We’re thrilled that Tesco is supporting us for the fifth year running. Allergen awareness is so important, and money raised in previous years has helped to fund clinical research exploring the management of food allergies.”

Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Health Campaigns at Tesco, said: “The work that Natasha’s Foundation has done to date has been fantastic and we are delighted to be able to support this for a fifth year.

“There are now 175 products in our Free From range, from meals and desserts to snacks, all created with great taste but without any of the allergens. We welcome any shoppers in Pembrokeshire to try these products or kindly round up their shopping at the self-service tills to help raise money for a fantastic cause.”

Natasha’s Foundation is committed to raising awareness and funds for critical food allergy research. But the real impact of the charity’s work lies in the lives it can change.

Millions of people live with food allergies in the UK and must navigate a world where seemingly simple acts, like grabbing a quick bite to eat, can become fraught with danger. It can affect anyone, at any age.

Billie Hoque, a commercial manager for a maritime security company, from Luton, has three allergic children – Jess, aged 7, Jude, 4, and Jayde, three months.

Billie, 35, said: “Food allergies first entered our lives when my son Jess was born in February 2017. From birth, Jess was presenting symptoms of allergies, yet I didn’t know it at the time. His constant discomfort and breathing troubles led to numerous doctor visits only to be dismissed as new-mum worries, and I felt unheard and alone.

“The switch from breastmilk to formula was a turning point. After initial acceptance, Jess refused all feeds for three days. When he finally ate, he became violently ill and struggled to breathe. Calls to an emergency doctor offered little help, and when he was prescribed “thicker milk” it triggered a terrifying reaction. This was his first anaphylactic reaction, and the first time the doctor diagnosed him as having a severe milk protein allergy.

“The loneliness and isolation I felt from becoming an allergy parent were all-consuming. The family and friends who I had been closest to, quickly became the ones who made me feel the most alone. They didn’t understand or seem to take seriously what I was going through.

Billie continued: “Life changed for me in June 2021 when I found The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. I found a community – parents united by the fight for awareness. Meeting Nadim and Tanya, who lost their daughter Natasha to allergies, laid bare the heartbreaking truth of this condition. Yet, their strength resonated deeply.

“Though every single allergy story and experience shared through Natasha’s Foundation was different, the community all had one thing in common; we understood the fear, the loneliness, and the exhaustion of the continuous battling needed to keep our children alive. This community transformed me. No longer alone, I found strength and inspiration among these incredible people.

“Today, my purpose is clear. With this supportive network and a collective voice, we can raise awareness and fight for a future free from food allergies. This journey not only saved my sons, but it has also saved me too. I’d urge everyone to support the fantastic work of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation and their goal of making food allergies history through research and raising awareness of food allergies.

“Tesco’s Free From range offers my children a chance to be included in all the tasty treats other children enjoy. Their clear labelling on the front of the packaging is not only helpful to me but is easy enough for my 7-year-old to clearly see that a food is safe for him. This limits the anxiety he has around eating new foods.”

Community

Cardigan Radio launches daily live broadcasts

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

Cardigan Radio/Radio Aberteifi says it is excited to announce a new line up of daily live broadcasts starting every evening from 7 PM at www.cardiganinternetradio.wales. Live shows will be hosted
by founder and presenter Bobby Kelly and other dedicated volunteer members.

The Cardigan Radio stream is constantly alive with great music that spans various genres, providing something for everyone. Listeners are encouraged to tune in and experience the quality and diversity of
Cardigan Radio’s programming for themselves.

You can listen 24/7 not only through their website www.cardiganinternetradio.wales but also on platforms such as Online

Radio Box and Radio Garden.

Online Radio Box: https://onlineradiobox.com/uk/cardiganinternet/
Radio Garden: https://radio.garden/visit/cardigan/DyV8OcNC

Interested in getting more involved? Cardigan Radio is always looking
for passionate volunteers to join our team. Whether you’re keen on
presenting, handling tech, or engaging with the community, we’d love to
hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] or call
01239 543025.

Connect with us on Facebook for updates and more information:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofcardiganradio
https://www.facebook.com/RadioCardigan