News

Port funds new equipment for Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club to accommodate new members

Published

7 years ago

September 25, 2019

THE Port of Milford Haven’s Community Fund has aided Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club (WBRC) in purchasing a new set of oars that will benefit their younger members and increase accessibility. The new M2 lightweight narrow shaft extra flex Croker oars will be specific for WBRC junior rowers and its adaptive rowing crews, offering a lighter and more flexible alternative to the club’s existing equipment.

These oars are especially important as WBRC is the first sea rowing club in Pembrokeshire to be awarded the Disability Sports Wales, Bronze InSport award.

This recognises the club’s work with disabled people in making rowing inclusive for everyone and will enable members of all abilities, including participants with learning or physical disabilities from all over Pembrokeshire, to take part in outdoor rowing.

Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club has taken part in initiatives over previous seasons with ‘Learn to Row’ projects involving #ThisGirlRows in 2016 and #StrollerRowers in 2018, with both proving hugely successful in coaching different groups of people from all walks of life to row in a 12-session programme starting indoors and then heading out onto the water.

As well as this, the club has been involved with Saundersfoot Rotary Tenderfoot Team, a sporting club for disabled people from all over Pembrokeshire. Adaptable equipment has been installed by the club to assist in these projects, and the acquirement of the new lightweight Croker oars will allow the group to continue its work in teaching participants of all abilities how to row.

The lighter, more dynamic Croker oars will provide more suitable equipment for younger participants too. The tailored nature of the oars offers reduced handle size which accommodates smaller wrists and weaker hand strength. As well as this, the flexible oar and narrow blade reduces strain on the body when the blade enters the water. This will make rowing easier for inexperienced participants and reduce the strain on others on the boat if the rowers aren’t all in time with one another, giving every participant the chance to match their skill level on the water.

Simon Collings, Chairman, Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club, commented: “We are really proud of the work WBRC has been doing with participants of all
abilities. We have invested heavily over the past few seasons to build up our range of adaptive equipment and personal development of our coaching team, and the Croker oars will be a great edition to help get everyone out on the water safely. The Pembrokeshire coastline is such a beautiful place, especially out on the water, and we are fortunate to use it as our playground, it’s a very special place to be. Using the new oars, we look forward to developing new crews and offering sea rowing to people who may never have thought it possible.”

Kailea Turner, Stakeholder Engagement Officer Port of Milford Haven added: “Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club has been doing some fantastic work with rowers of all ages and abilities, and we are proud to be able to support that by funding the new Croker oars.”

The Community Fund is a financial support initiative set up by the Port, which provides funds for charities, community organisations and social enterprises that operate within Pembrokeshire. The deadline for applications is the 25 th of each month, and organisations can apply online: www.mhpa.co.uk/community-fund.

Community

Port launches waterway safety competition with monthly prizes

Published

8 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced the launch of its first Waterway Safety Competition, set to begin in April.

The initiative aims to promote safe and responsible use of the Milford Haven Waterway, one of the busiest and most diverse waterways in Wales. The waterway is used daily by paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, swimmers, and large commercial vessels, making safety a key priority.

As part of the competition, participants are invited to showcase their own interpretation of the waterway through any creative medium. All art forms are welcome, and entries will be judged monthly.

Each month, winners will receive prizes designed to support water safety, including lifejackets and training sessions.

The Port hopes the competition will encourage greater awareness of safety while celebrating the unique character of the waterway.

For more information or to enter, visit: https://www.mhpa.co.uk/waterway-safety-competition/

News

Reform UK unveils Carmarthenshire Senedd candidates

Published

11 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

REFORM UK Wales has announced its full list of candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin (Carmarthenshire) ahead of the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.

Leading the list is Gareth Beer, the party’s Carmarthenshire chairman, a local businessman, father of four and Kidwelly town councillor. In the 2024 General Election, he came within around 1,500 votes of winning the Llanelli seat — Reform UK’s strongest result in Wales.

Beer said the party had assembled “a strong team of decent, hard-working people” ready to represent the county.

He said: “We have already started campaigning strongly across the constituency, and the reception we are receiving on the doorstep has been overwhelmingly positive.

“People have had enough of the lies they hear from politicians and want to give a new party a genuine chance to make real changes.”

He added that key issues raised by voters included NHS waiting lists, education standards, the economy and the cost of living.

Full candidate list

The Reform UK candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin are:

Gareth Beer – Businessman, Kidwelly town councillor and Carmarthenshire chairman for Reform UK.

Carmelo Colasanto – County and community councillor with a background in retail, compliance and multinational business operations.

Sarah Edwards – Retired dental professional and smallholder, known for campaigning on rural and environmental issues.

Christopher Brooke – Retired engineer and manager with more than four decades’ experience in manufacturing.

Alan Cole – Former senior corporate leader and business owner who has worked with small businesses across South Wales.

Michelle Beer – Marketing and PR professional and Reform UK county councillor for the Lliedi ward, elected in a 2025 by-election.

The party said the team brings experience from business, engineering, healthcare and public service.

Reform UK Wales said its campaign in Carmarthenshire would focus on reducing NHS waiting times, improving education, supporting small businesses and addressing the rising cost of living.

The party is positioning itself as an alternative to what it describes as the political “status quo” in Cardiff Bay.

News

Police watchdog investigates after gunshot fired inside Milford Haven flats

Published

14 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POLICE firearm was discharged inside a block of flats in Milford Haven during an incident on Saturday evening (March 28), it has emerged.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a single shot was fired at around 6:32pm after officers were called to reports of disorder at Bunkers Hill involving a person believed to be carrying a knife.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now confirmed it has been notified. A spokesperson said the force had made a voluntary conduct referral, which will be assessed before any decision is made on further action.

Police have stated that the firearm was not directed at any individual and that no injuries were reported.

A witness close to the matter told The Herald that the shot was fired as an officer entered the flats and moved up the stairs, with the bullet striking a breeze block wall. This account has not yet been officially confirmed.

When Herald reporters attended the scene on Sunday afternoon, a significant police presence remained, with officers seen going in and out of the building and carrying out checks around the rear of the flats.

The precise circumstances leading to the discharge remain under investigation.

More to follow.