LOCAL GROUPS CELEBRATE FINANCIAL BOOST

THANKS TO NEW COMMUNITY TOURISM FUND

Visit Pembrokeshire and holidaycottages.co.uk announce winners of £3,000 Community Fund supporting regenerative tourism and local communities

DRAFT: Three local groups are celebrating after being named the winners of a new Community Fund created by Visit Pembrokeshire in partnership with holidaycottages.co.uk.

Swim Narberth CIO, The VC Gallery and Clarbeston Road AFC with Clarby Warriors Pan Disability have each received £1,000 to support their work within local communities. Launched earlier this year, the Community Fund is a joint initiative designed to recognise and support charities and organisations making a positive impact in Pembrokeshire. It reflects the shared vision of Visit Pembrokeshire and holidaycottages.co.uk in delivering regenerative tourism - tourism that gives back more than it takes. Following a county-wide promotional campaign to encourage groups to apply, an overwhelming number of high-quality responses were received.

The judging process was difficult with so many worthy applications from organisations all working tirelessly within their Pembrokeshire communities. After much consideration, the judges decided on three winners. Swim Narberth CIO: A volunteer-run charity which provides affordable and accessible swimming facilities for people of all ages. The group plays a vital role in supporting health, wellbeing and water safety in the community. https://www.swimnarberth.co.uk/

Commenting on the win, Alice Brumby-Jones, Swim Narberth Manager, said: “Our lovely charity-run pool is here for the community. Over 10 years ago the council wanted to offload the pool, so the community came together and raised over £130,000 to save it. It’s been run as a charity ever since. We run swimming lessons for nearly 400 children, adult lessons, aquafit, public sessions, and even a Rookie Lifeguard programme which teaches youngsters about water safety and rescue skills. We’re really grateful to have received the grant which will help us cover things like free swimming sessions and help us in our quest to keep the pool running for everyone. As a small team with big costs, this extra support is fantastic.” The VC Gallery: A Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock-based armed forces and community based charity, VC stands for ‘Veterans and the Community’. It uses art and culture to support the mental health and prevent isolation of veterans, vulnerable people and the wider community. https://thevcgallery.com/

Barry John MBE, Founder of The VC Gallery, said: “I served 24 years in the Royal Welsh and saw there was a need for social and emotional support in Pembrokeshire. I used my pension to set up the gallery, and in over 11 years it’s grown thanks to brilliant trustees, staff and community members. We now run around 26 projects, from gardening and art to walking groups and surfing, tackling isolation and mental health through creative engagement. We’re the only armed forces charity that also works with the wider community, supporting people from dementia patients to those with physical disabilities. This grant will

support our outreach and projects like helping families learn to grow, cook and share cost-effective, healthy food.”

VC Gallery volunteer Peter Worthington added, “The VC Gallery is important to me - it’s a safe space. After a relationship breakdown I was going down the wrong path, but volunteering here gave me purpose. The money will go towards lots of micro projects such as helping kids who come in with their parents to do art classes.” Clarbeston Road AFC with Clarby Warriors Pan Disability: A grassroots football club which provides inclusive opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to play and thrive. http://www.clarbestonroadafc.co.uk/disability-sport.html

Spokesperson for Clarby Warriors said: “The Warriors are all about making football accessible for everyone, no matter their ability. We’ve built a brilliant team spirit where our players can enjoy the game, develop skills, and make friends in a supportive environment. This funding will help us cover equipment and training costs. It will also make it easier for us to travel to matches and tournaments.”

Emma Thornton CEO of Visit Pembrokeshire commented: “We are proud to present this funding to three organisations doing absolutely great work in the community. We were so impressed by all the applications and people doing such valuable work around the county. The Community Fund provides a special opportunity to protect and encourage grassroots organisations that benefit Pembrokeshire. Through the Community Fund we are truly living our regenerative tourism values!”

Serena Clarke commented: "At holidaycottages.co.uk, we are honoured to have supported the Pembrokeshire community through our partnership with Visit Pembrokeshire and the Pembrokeshire Community Fund. The level of passion and dedication shown by all the applicants was truly inspiring, making the selection process a challenging one. I applaud the incredible work being done by local organisations and community groups to improve the region. Through these grants, we hope to contribute to meaningful initiatives that preserve Pembrokeshire's unique culture and environment, benefiting both residents and visitors for years to come." The Community Fund reflects the ethos of Visit Pembrokeshire’s Destination Management Plan, which is focused on sustainable and collaborative tourism that supports local people, enhances the natural environment, and boosts the county’s economy.

For further information about the fund: https://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/industry/community-fund-initiative

23 Sept 2025