Over 60 people and organisations in West Wales undertaking a wide range of activities in their communities were supported over the past 12 months with funding from Milford Haven Port Authority. Figures compiled by the authority show that its long-running commitment to supporting local people through its Community Support Committee saw a further £10,000 going to good causes during 2005. The committee, which is made up of employees from across the authority, selects those projects and activities it wishes to support on the basis of merit, and last year, individuals and organisations involved in activities ranging from sports to opera benefited. Several schools were supported, including Dyffryn Taf School in Whitland, which received a contribution towards its rugby tour of Toronto. Local organisations including Milford Haven Rotary Club were given funding during the year, and Milford Haven Chamber of Trade was helped to put up a marquee for Nelson Week at the end of May. Sports enthusiasts were represented, too, with Pembrokeshire Water Polo Club, Milford United AFC's youth section and Hakin United Junior Football amongst the beneficiaries. Milford Haven Music Festival, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society and Haverfordwest Operatic Society successfully sang for their supper, while the committee also provided match-funding for several Port Authority staff who were raising money by taking part in local charity events. The committee's chairman, Deputy Harbourmaster Bill Hirst, said that the donations reflected the vibrant community in which the authority operated. "There was a tremendous amount going on locally last year, and as a Port Authority, we have always been keen to support the valuable work being done by people and organisations in the community," he said. "One of the benefits of planning the distribution of what we have available through a committee of our staff is that you get the benefit of local knowledge, and hopefully we were able to support a good range of local initiatives with our funds last year."
