Tuesday 5th March saw the official opening of
the Encompass Shop and Community Hub in Dimond Street,
Pembroke Dock. Dozens of well wishers turned out to
help the club celebrate their new premises in the heart
of the town.
County Councillor Alison Lee was asked to perform the
opening ceremony and said: “I felt very honoured to be
asked. Encompass are making an important contribution
to our town. They are held in high regard in the town
and the number of people who have come to wish them well
is testament to that. They are always on the lookout
for volunteers, and I think it would be a nice
environment in which to help out for a few hours a week,
knowing that you are contributing to local causes whilst
making new friends.”
Encompass started over five years ago with about 7
people who wanted to meet as a friendship club and to
help other people in our community. They used to meet
in the Yo Yo Centre on Bush and Park Estate and later in
St John’s church hall and then in the Charlton. In 2010
they took a shop premises in St Govan’s Centre and when
that was no longer available they met twice a week in
Communities First – still providing training and still
helping their local charities, mainly South
Pembrokeshire and Withybush hospitals.
They have kept one eye on the future – going into
Pembroke Dock community school and helping with reading
skills and handicrafts, particularly the story bags. Headteacher
Michele Thomas who attended the opening said: “Encompass
are always very welcome in our school. The story bags
they produced are of the highest quality and they help
with literacy skills, which are important for all
children.
This year the group is gearing up for Pembroke Dock’s
bicentenary celebrations in 2014 with commemorative
crafts. They are continuing their fundraising for local
charities and they are embracing the future by selling
products on line.
If any readers would like to volunteer for a couple of
hours a week please ring the Chair Yvonne Earl on 01646
681299.