After a break of more than two years, Pembroke Soup returned to Pembroke Town Hall. The purpose of Pembroke Soup is to support local community groups by giving them a platform to explain what they do; how they do it; what help they may need, e.g. volunteers, ideas; and, if they would like an immediate cash grant from Pembroke soup, how the money would be used.

As always the soups were delicious on Saturday, October 22. Volunteers in the soup team made and donated soups and this was supplemented by lovely bread donated by Long Meadow bakery on Pembroke Main Street.

Entry is £5, but before folks enjoy their soups for lunch, the four local community groups make their short four-minute presentation. The money collected at the door is given to support those community groups seeking some financial help , according to a ‘silent’ vote made as people choose their soup.

Sandy, from Time Out Luncheon group, which meets on the first Thursday of the month from 12.30 to 3pm at Priory Community hall, Monkton, explained how the group has been meeting now for many years. Starting as an Alzheimer’s Society group, and now run by Sandy and her husband Peter, the invitation is extended to those suffering from illness or loneliness, carers. Indeed all receive a warm welcome - and a two-course home-cooked lunch and lots of cups of tea for £6.

Sandy explained that she and her husband have kept the lunch group running over the years, often subsidising the cost of the food. The group were to receive £100 from Pembroke Soup and thunderous applause in grateful recognition for what they are doing.

Irena shared about the formation, aims and achievements of SPRAG (South Pembrokeshire Rail Action Group).

This was formed in 2022 in response to the noticeable decline in the rail services to Pembroke Dock during recent years. The campaign had initially focussed on the introduction of an hourly service between Swansea and Pembroke Dock, along with improvements in the journey times and affordable ticket prices. Once implemented, they strongly believe that these would have a positive impact on the local economy, employment opportunities, climate change, environmental concerns and social mobility and mental health. SPRAG has been lobbying the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and local politicians. Irena explained that the more people who support SPRAG, the stronger the voice is to pressure for improvements. She invites people to sign up to the monthly mailing list to boost numbers. They can be contacted at [email protected] or Facebook or Twitter@allaboardsprag.

Joan shared information about Tabernacle Journey Through Time, explaining that it includes the Garden Through Time that reflects different periods of planting; the Pembroke Story that is shown on display boards in the church itself and the creation of a Victorian School Room that will be accessible down the side of the church on route the garden entrance. Tabernacle Journey Through Time aims to extend the coverage of the Pembroke Story through providing a computer link within the church to the Pembroke Story online. Work is ongoing to open the Victorian School Room. It has been cleaned and painted but awaits flooring, a new window and a fire door. A new Dig for Victory Garden is being created. This has been helped enormously by a recent award from Keep Wales Tidy. Raised beds, soil and compost, plants, trellis and equipment have all been donated. Tabernacle Journey Through Time are hoping for help to make Victorian school clothes - smocks and caps for the children to dress up in, as well as Victorian games, drawing slates etc. People were invited to come and see the garden for themselves on October 29 for a celebration of harvest. Volunteers are needed to help with the garden and the school room. A cash grant was also welcomed to help with costs of the above. Tabernacle Journey Through Time received £65 from Pembroke Soup.

Nicki Price shared about a Wellbeing Outdoor programme of courses, run by Small Woods Wales and supported by Welsh Government, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum. The courses are free. The aim is to improve and maintain physical and mental health, and to this end a variety of courses are rolling out - from wood crafts to wild swimming and stand-up paddle courses. Whilst courses are free, booking is essential, and the needs of the applicants would be matched with the opportunities offered by the course to ensure a positive outcome. Help can also be given with transport if necessary to enable people to access them. Health professionals may refer, but people can self-refer too by contacting Nicki Price on 07458 130611 or by email at [email protected].

The hall was then filled with the supping of soups and the buzz of conversation, before the presentations were made and the event finished at 1.30pm.

The next Pembroke Soup is on December 10, 11.45am to 1.30pm in Pembroke Town Hall. All are welcome to attend and support those actively helping in the community.