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New pilot boat welcomed

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St Brides: The first of three new pilot boats for the Haven

St Brides: The first of three new pilot boats for the Haven

THE FIRST of three 19m pilot boats built by Mainstay Marine has been delivered to the Port of Milford Haven.

St Brides is the first finished boat of a £3.6m contract that is a flagship project for Mainstay Marine Solutions with delivery for the second and third due in April and July respectively. The vessels are an upgraded version of the ‘Picton’ Pilot Boat built by the company in 2006, and will serve the Haven waterway.

The 48 tonne vessels, designed by Camarc Design, are capable of reaching up to 14 knots with 12 persons on board. The craft are designed to be used extensively in heavy weather and are likely to operate in swells of 6m and significant wave height.

The vessels are expected to withstand 1,000 vessel boarding impacts over an average duty cycle of 2,500 hours per year.

Following a public competition, the pilot boats will be named after three significant landmarks within Pembrokeshire – ‘St Brides’, ‘St Govans’ and ‘St Davids’. The Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, Bill Hirst, said: “The names have great local relevance and we will be proud to put them on the water”.

Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven Alec Don said: “This substantial investment will provide the port with three identical modern state-of-the-art boats with full parts interchangeability. These boats, together with our highly skilled and trained crews constitute the backbone of our ability to provide a safe and reliable service to our customers 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The boats have been built to the highest possible standard on time and to budget here in Wales by Mainstay’.”

Stewart Graves, Managing Director of Mainstay Marine, added: “Mainstay has always prided itself on our reputation for quality. The amount of positive feedback on the finish of the Pilot boats has been particularly overwhelming. Continued repeat business for our Pilot Boat building expertise is testament to our finished product. We are grateful for the continued support from the Port.

Keel Marine was commissioned to oversee the build progress and report on key milestones.

“We knew that delivering three pilots boats consecutively would be demanding but our comprehensive skill base, both in design and directly during the build, have been instrumental in keeping to a tight time schedule,’’ Project Engineer, Jon Lewis said.

Mainstay Marine has fulfilled several challenging contracts within the last 12 months, including the launch of a 50 ton wind farm support vessel, a major refit of a multicat and fabrication and assembly of the recently deployed 230 ton Delta Stream device for Tidal Energy Ltd.

A naming ceremony will take place for all three vessels in late July this year.

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Crime

Crown Court backlog at a record high, Victims’ Commissioner warns

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THE VICTIMS’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, has voiced profound concern over the escalating backlog of cases in the Crown Court, which has surged to a record 67,573 outstanding cases. This latest figure not only signifies a 1% increase from the previous quarter but also marks a staggering 65% rise from pre-pandemic levels and a near double increase since June 2019.

Baroness Newlove, reflecting on the dire statistics, emphasized the intolerable delays victims are facing, often stretching to years, before their cases are heard in court. With 27% of all outstanding cases now pending for over a year, the situation has reached a critical point, resulting in unprecedented strain on victims and the frontline services supporting them.

The duration from the receipt to the completion of cases at the Crown Court remains significantly above pre-pandemic figures, showcasing an 82% increase from the end of March 2020 and an 84% rise from the end of June 2019. Specifically troubling is the average completion time for rape cases, which now stands at 393 days, surpassing all previous records and highlighting a 52% increase from before the pandemic.

The Victims’ Commissioner pointed out the growing burden on victim services and the potential for increasing numbers of victims to withdraw from the process due to prolonged wait times. The statistics reveal a 14% victim withdrawal rate post-charge in the latest quarter, coupled with 26% of cases being adjourned on the day of trial, further exacerbating the challenges faced by those seeking justice.

Baroness Newlove criticized the apparent systemic issues within the judicial process, noting that despite a 4% decrease in new case volumes, the backlog continues to rise, with completed cases also experiencing a decline. This situation underscores the critical need for systemic reforms to address the inefficiencies plaguing the court system, ensuring that victims do not continue to suffer from prolonged delays in obtaining justice.

As the Crown Court backlog hits another record high, the call for urgent action to alleviate the pressure on victims and the judicial system has never been more pressing, with justice delayed increasingly equating to justice denied.

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Entertainment

Easter Extravaganza: ‘Into The Woods’ takes the stage in Pembs

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THE FISHGUARD and District Drama Society (FADDS) is set to dazzle audiences with its latest production, “Into The Woods”. Theatre enthusiasts across Pembrokeshire are in for a treat as the show embarks on a captivating three-day run at Theatre Gwaun starting Thursday, April 4th.

The production, which premieres at 7:00pm on Thursday, promises an exciting journey through a modern twist on beloved fairy tales, with additional performances scheduled for the following dates and times:

  • Thursday, April 4th at 7:00pm
  • Friday, April 5th at 7:00pm
  • Saturday, April 6th at 2:00pm and again at 7:00pm

Tickets are swiftly selling out, urging potential spectators to secure their seats promptly by booking through Theatre Gwaun’s official website.

For over three decades, FADDS has been a cornerstone of the local theatre scene, bringing a plethora of productions to life at Theatre Gwaun. Their adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods” marks yet another milestone, enriching Pembrokeshire’s cultural tapestry. Since its Broadway debut in 1987 and subsequent West End premiere in 1990, “Into The Woods” has been a fixture in the theatre community, even inspiring a Walt Disney film adaptation in 2014.

The story weaves a tapestry of fairy tale quests, exploring the intertwined fates of beloved characters as they venture into the woods, each harboring their own desires and secrets. Questions abound: What binds a cow as white as milk to hair as yellow as corn? Can Cinderella attend the King’s Festival? Will Rapunzel escape her tower? And who is the mysterious figure obsessed with greens?

FADDS promises a show brimming with intrigue, laughter, and the timeless music of Sondheim, delivering a “fast-paced, super fun” interpretation of these classic tales. This amateur production, orchestrated in collaboration with Music Theatre International (MTI), guarantees a magical night out for families and theatre aficionados alike, blending nostalgia with the thrill of live performance.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this vibrant take on “Into The Woods” – a theatrical journey where fairy tales and reality collide, revealing the heart and humour of these age-old stories.

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Education

Second Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament celebrates youth and skill

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THE SECOND Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament drew participants from 21 schools across the region, culminating in a day of intense competition and camaraderie.

The tournament, reported by Vicky Brown, saw young chess enthusiasts gather for a day marked by strategic gameplay and exceptional talent. Henry Burton from Redhill emerged victorious, claiming the top spot in a closely contested field. The duo of Steffan Hughes and Huw Holliday, also from Redhill, followed closely in second place, while Osian Griffiths (Ysgol Caer Elen), Bryn Williams (Milford Haven Community School), and Iolo Hughes (Redhill) shared the third place, showcasing the depth of talent present among the participants.

In recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, Carys Callan from Redhill was honoured with the ‘David Pinch Award’, embodying the spirit of fair play and respect that marked the tournament. A special mention was given to Tyler Davison-Hall from Johnston CP School for participating in the Game of the Tournament, further highlighting the event’s competitive yet friendly atmosphere.

The tournament benefitted significantly from the expertise of Ian Eustis from the Welsh Chess Union, who served as Arbiter, ensuring the smooth running of the games. The event was also supported by Martin Jones and Scott Hammett, who took on the roles of stewards, and the Friends of Redhill (FOR), who managed the refreshments, contributing to the day’s success.

The local chess community, including participants and spectators, expressed their appreciation for the organisational efforts that made the event possible. For those interested in furthering their chess skills, the Pembrokeshire Chess Club extends an invitation to meet on Tuesday evenings in Steynton. Martin Jones, contactable at 07884384131, is available for further details regarding membership and participation.

Looking ahead, Redhill is poised to host its next chess tournament on Saturday, 8th June, promising another opportunity for young chess players to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game. The success of this event not only highlights the thriving chess scene in Pembrokeshire but also sets the stage for future tournaments that continue to inspire and engage the youth in the noble game of chess.

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