Sixteen different voluntary and community groups had a presence in the Community Zone at the Pembrokeshire County Show this year. Many of the organisations involved had never had the chance to be at the show before and welcomed the opportunity to advertise their projects and activities, with many promoting new services, raising awareness, or encouraging people to volunteer.

In the marquee itself there were 14 stands which organisations shared or had on a time share basis, but everyone agreed it was very worthwhile. Over the three days more than 4,000 visitors engaged with the different groups and projects.

The Community Zone was co-ordinated by PAVS (Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services).

“The Community Zone, at the Pembrokeshire Show, was a real success this year, there were more visitors through the marquee than ever before”, said co-ordinator Louise Wilkinson.

The Community Zone was supported by South Hook LNG.

Commenting on South Hook LNG’s support of the Community Zone, PR manager Mariam Dalziel congratulated PAVS and the numerous community organisations involved.

“The number of visitors to the Community Zone at this year’s show is testament to the valuable work that community and voluntary groups are doing, across Pembrokeshire,” she said. “We are so pleased to have been able to support these groups once again in raising awareness of their services and the benefit that they bring to local people.”

The Community Zone was opened (along with its neighbour - the Learning Zone) on the first morning by Clr. Alison Lee (Cabinet Member for Housing and Voluntary Sector) who invited stall holders, and some special guests, to enjoy a networking breakfast. The breakfast had been made by the staff and volunteers at ‘The Hatch’, part of the POINT Means Jobs project with Fishguard and Goodwick Young Persons Trust and Transition Bro Gwaun.

If you didn’t get a chance to visit the Community Zone at the show there are still plenty of ways to get involved in your community. For example, there are over 400 volunteering opportunities across Pembrokeshire, ranging from admin and office work to youth work - and everything in between.

For more information, you can search opportunities on the Volunteering Wales website (www.volunteering-wales.net) or contact PAVS on 01437 769422.