Entries soaring for brighter lottery (From Western Telegraph)

Entries soaring for brighter lottery

WHEN the Pembrokeshire Lottery announced in September it was back, it really meant it.

Since the registration with the Gaming Board came through, all efforts have been made by the team at the office of Investing In Pembrokeshire Society Ltd, to make the scheme bigger and brighter than before and it is paying off!

Lottery entries have soared in the past two months, which means for the first time the Pembrokeshire Lottery has crossed the 5,000 active participants milestone.

And the entries are still coming in. All of which means that there will be more funds available for businesses to be assisted in the creation of jobs in the county and, just as importantly, that the prize money of £2,000 can be reviewed at the next meeting of the board of directors - so watch out for an bigger and better prize.

Also, as part of the extensive promotion campaign, winners will now also receive a Pembrokeshire Lottery goody bag! A new leaflet has been launched emphasising the people aspect of the scheme - it is the public who contribute and Pembrokeshire people who benefit with the creation of jobs and helping to keep the local economy thriving by keeping money as much as possible in the county.

The leaflet shows photos of winners and companies assisted. The popular 'golden egg' theme has been retained. Entries can now also be made using the downloadable form on the Pembrokeshire Lottery's web page, www.pembslottery.co.uk, where details of the assistance available can also be found. In addition, the weekly winning number appears on the page as it is drawn.

Recent lucky winners include:

David Hall, of Havens Head, Milford Haven with number 30994 on October 30th. David is in the Ambulance Service in Fishguard. He and partner Jeanette plan to spend their £2,000 on kitchen improvements.

Rhoda Skuce was on holiday in Llandudno when lucky number 30636 was drawn on November 6th. She returned to find a letter notifying her of her win and was duly presented with her cheque. A very active Narberth resident, Rhoda belongs to the Wl and joined the Lottery after a talk by Bob Clarke, company secretary of Investing In Pembrokeshire Society Ltd, on how the scheme retains money in the county for assisting with job creation. Rhoda plans to spend her win on clothes.

Eve Cullen won on June 19th - and then again on November 13th! Although Eve lives in Birmingham, the winnings will definitely be spent in Pembrokeshire, as Eve and her family are very frequent visitors to the county and this second win will finance a few more trips down.

D. Morgan of Narberth is the latest winner with number 7532 on November 20th. Having just been admitted to hospital, it is hoped that Mr Morgan's recovery will be that bit quicker with his bit of good luck.

On the other side of the scheme, however, the loans panel have been equally productive. Five loans have been given out in less than a week - all interest free.

David Jones recently expanded his successful Chicken Coupe business from Pembroke Dock to Neyland. Employing a further eight people, David has used the loan to refurbish premises in Brunel Avenue, from where he sells his Southern fried chicken.

In Haverfordwest, Stephanie Davies has opened Little Darlings Day Nursery in Castle High. Currently being featured on BBC TV's 'The Biz' programme, Stephanie is providing a much-needed child care facility, as well as creating jobs in the town.

Still in Haverfordwest, Alison Jones will shortly be opening the Sunbed Centre in Goat Street. Assisted not only by Investing In Pembrokeshire Society Ltd, but also the Prince's Youth Business Trust, Alison will have vertical tanning machines as well as the more traditional lie-on variety. The vertical machines are fast tanning, enabling clients to maintain a healthy glow by a quick visit during their working day. The funds lent have been used towards the extensive refurbishment and installation of power to the premises, ensuring the highest possible standard.

Nicola Griffiths has received assistance for the expansion of Vanilla Designer Wear in Fishguard, while down in Lawrenny, Rachel Hicks and Adrian Lort-Phillips have formed Radiant Media Ltd, a high tech media training and production company. Both formerly with BBC TV, the couple are now able to provide high quality media facilities to companies in the area.

The amount lent by Investing In Pembrokeshire now exceeds £1.4 million as the Pembrokeshire Lottery celebrated its ninth birthday on November 20th - exactly one year older than the National Lottery and again Pembrokeshire leading the way.