News
Safety training for fishermen
SEAFISH, the public body that supports the £10bn UK seafood industry, has announced two new approved offshore training providers in Wales, bringing the number of training providers in the region up to three. They provide a range of safety and skills course for commercial fishermen, with funding secured by Seafish, making many of the courses free for fishermen.
The approved training provider (ATPs) in our area is the Welsh Fishermen’s Association. The WFA has also been approved and the Association’s Safety and Training Officer and approved instructor, Trevor Jones, is currently delivering courses for Coleg Llandrillo while WFA gets up to speed.
The endorsement of these new training providers means that there will be more opportunities for commercial fishermen in Wales to access mandatory training and take advantage of additional voluntary training. Seafish has secured funding from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) with additional funding provided by the Welsh Government and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
This funding allows new entrants and experienced fishermen who are fully compliant with basic safety training requirements to undertake a wide range of courses free of charge.
The funding is allocated on a first-come-first serve basis and must be distributed before the deadline of 30 September 2019, so fishermen are encouraged to book now to avoid missing out.
Lee Haigh, Wales Fishing Safety Officer said: “Improving fishing industry safety is a key part of Seafish Wales Priority work, so we’re very pleased at the announcement of two additional Seafish Approved Training Providers within Wales. The increase in local training provision will enable more Welsh commercial fishermen to access important training opportunities and we strongly urge them to take advantage of the latest round of funding and book free places while they are available.”
Andy White of Coleg Llandrillo said: “The approval of two new training providers in Wales is very welcome as it creates a robust training network across the country. With a recent increase in demand, there has never been a better time to get in touch and take advantage of the full range of training opportunities we offer.”
Ian Spice of Sea Sense Surveying said: “Sea Sense Surveying Ltd is extremely pleased to have been appointed as one of the new Seafish Approved Training Providers in Wales. No matter what stage of their career they are at, fishermen deserve access to the best possible training so that they have the skills and knowledge to work safely and come back home safe.
It is our mission to provide this training for fishermen when and where they need it with our experienced instructors, delivering quality courses in engaging environments. We strongly urge that all fishermen review their training to ensure they have all five of the required mandatory courses and talk to us if they are unsure. For those that have, now is the time to check for eligibility for funding to undertake refresher training to update those all-important skills and knowledge.”
To find out more call 01472 252302.
Business
Networking Success Celebrated at Pembrokeshire Four Seasons Business Lunch
WEST Wales businesses recently came together for the Spring Pembrokeshire Four Seasons Business Lunch to connect with others in the region and hear a talk from the Director of the National Botanic Gardens of Wales, Dr Lucy Sutherland.
Hosted by JCP Solicitors, Ashmole & Co, Thomas Carroll, and Development Bank of Wales, the busy networking event took place at Tenby Golf Club and provided an opportunity to meet with local businesspeople and leaders in the area.
The talk from Dr Sutherland gave insight into the strategy behind the Botanic Garden of Wales’s success, outlining how the attraction adapts and evolves to bring together sciences, arts, and design in a way to connect and inspire communities.
Georgina Walters, Director and Head of Commercial Property (West Wales) at JCP Solicitors, said: “We were delighted to welcome over 50 attendees to the Spring Pembrokeshire Four Seasons Business Lunch, as it provided an excellent opportunity to meet with others and strengthen connections in Pembrokeshire.
“These events are so valuable for making local connections and taking inspiration from how other businesses or organisations are rising to emerging challenges. It was thought-provoking to hear how the National Botanic Garden of Wales is adapting to ever-changing visitor expectations and policy developments, and we hope attendees found these insights helpful for their own future planning.
“Our lunch events are always popular with local organisations, and so we encourage those interested to sign up as soon as possible. Our next event will be our Summer Lunch and we look forward to meeting more people there.”
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Community
Port of Milford Haven renews partnership with Milford Youth Matters
THE Port of Milford Haven has strengthened its commitment to supporting the development of young people via a renewed partnership agreement with Milford Youth Matters. The two organisations have been working in collaboration for over five years to improve skills, aspirations, confidence levels and positive experiences for young people in Milford Haven. The new three-year agreement will enable Milford Youth Matters to deliver Friday night youth provision at a new venue based in Haven’s Head Business Park.
The partnership between the Port and Milford Youth Matters has resulted in hugely successful youth projects including the award-winning Under the Bridge project, WAVE – a water-safety initiative – and Winter Warmers, which provided young people with free meals and a warm space to socialise in a safe environment. All projects are supporting young people to achieve their full potential with many learning new skills, gaining qualifications and taking up volunteering activities. They have also led to a decreased anti-social behaviour in the area.
The new premises at Haven’s Head will allow Milford Youth Matters to expand their current offering and focus more on their academy work, which includes upskilling young people.
Dayle Gibby, Co-Ordinator at Milford Youth Matters said: “Its fantastic that the Port of Milford Haven shares our vision in providing ongoing opportunities for young people in our community. By working together we are able to align our resources to ensure that young people are provided with experiences that will enhance their future potential, whether that be employability, volunteering or to become active members of our town. Our ongoing and enhanced partnership looks to ensure the maximum impact is achieved with long lasting benefits for our future generations.”
Lauren Williams, PR & Communications Officer added: “We’re lucky to have organisations like Milford Youth Matters on our doorstep, offering young people creative outlets and skills opportunities. Our partnership over the past 5 years has gone from strength to strength and we are delighted to be able to increase our support over the coming years.”
Charity
New Quay RNLI stalwart volunteer receives award from High Sheriff of Dyfed
RECENTLY, a long-standing member of New Quay RNLI, Tim Richards received an award from the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Professor Medwin Hughes for valuable services to the community.
The High Sheriff Awards are a mark of distinction and recognition given to volunteers, groups and public servants based in Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire who are making a significant contribution to society through enhancing safety and cohesion in our communities.
Stalwart volunteer of New Quay RNLI from shore crew to fundraising, Tim has been part of the crew for over 16 years and has held many positions from shore crew to Chair of New Quay RNLI Fundraising Group including working overseas but always returning to New Quay RNLI.
Tim, aged 74, said, “I was truly honoured to receive my services to the community award from The High Sheriff of Dyfed, Professor Hughes. I’ve been part of New Quay RNLI for over 16 years and encourage anyone to take part. It’s a great institution to be involved with. I’ve always had strong connections to the sea being a keen kayaker and boatman and I’ll continue to support New Quay RNLI as being a volunteer and saving lives at sea is deeply rooted in me.”
Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager added, “We would also like to congratulate Tim for his well-deserved award and thank him for all his hard work over the years with the New Quay RNLI crew and with the New Quay RNLI fundraising group. It’s volunteers like Tim who are an integral part of the organisation and ensure the RNLI can continue to save lives at sea.”
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