Generous Taverners' donations (From Western Telegraph)

Generous Taverners' donations

Disabled students at Pembrokeshire College will benefit from a new minibus, thanks to The Lady Taverners.

The keys to the vehicle were handed over to the college's assistant principal, Barry Walters, by Glamorgan cricketer Steve Watkins at a special presentation at the Wolfscastle Country Hotel on Thursday.

The minibus will be a major boost to the college's Objective One TOP project. Over £1million has been received by the college towards training opportunities for disabled people in Pembrokeshire.

Funding of £19,000 was made by the college towards the wheelchair-access minibus, and The Lady Taverners provided the remaining £13,000.

Mr Walters said the minibus would allow disabled students at the college to access extra curriculum activities such as those run by the Prince's Trust and the Riding for the Disabled Centre at The Bowlings Riding Stables, Rudbaxton. The minibus would also be used for trips not just in Pembrokeshire but also outside the county. It would enable part-time students, who might lack transport facilities, to travel to college, and allow others to take up work placements.

Jane Kemp, chairman of the west Wales branch of The Lady Taverners introduced actress Lynne Miller, formerly of the popular police TV series The Bill, and Glamorgan cricketer Steve Watkins. She also welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Haverfordwest, Cllr and Mrs David Westrup, and Pembrokeshire County Council chairman, Cllr and Mrs Mickey Folland and representatives of organisations previously helped by The Lady Taverners, including Dr and Mrs Alan Gibson from the Bowlings Riding School.

A cheque for £500 was received by Jonathan Twigg, for the purchase of sports equipment on behalf of the Pembrokeshire Behavioural Support Service. Pictured (left to right) are: Phil Thompson, of Texaco; Glamorgan cricketer Steve Watkins; actress Lynne Miller; Jane Kemp, chairman of the west Wales branch of the Lady Taverners; Jonathan Twigg and his daughter Louisa.

Actress Lynne Miller and Glamorgan cricketer Steve Watkins (centre) presented a £3,000 cheque to Fenton Community School's special needs unit for a sensory garden. Pictured with them are Jo Phillips of Fenton School, pupils Madi Phillips and Alyx Phillips and (right) Jane Kemp.

Thursday's event was held with the support of Texaco, which has close links with The Lady Taveners.

Phil Thompson explained that Texaco annually joined with the Cor Meibion de Cymru for a fundraising concert for The Lady Taverners, which this year will be held on May 29th at Folly Farm, and an annual cricket match which will be held at Manor House Park, St Florence, on July 3rd.

Mr Thompson said that in this, Texaco's 40th year in Pembrokeshire, the company hoped to raise £40,000 for charity.