News
Port funds new equipment for Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club to accommodate new members
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
Bishop returns to Llanelli for Palm Sunday celebrations
Visit described as ‘coming home’ as Bishop Dorrien joins worshippers in Bro Lliedi
BISHOP DORRIEN marked Palm Sunday (Mar 29) with a series of visits and services across Llanelli, describing his return to the area as “coming home.”
The Bishop of St Davids spent the day in the Bro Lliedi Local Ministry Area, beginning with the main parish Eucharist at St Elli Church, where he both preached and presided.

Following the service, he joined members of the local ministry area for lunch, before spending time visiting parishioners in the community.
The day concluded with a Songs of Praise service in Felinfoel, bringing together worshippers for an evening of reflection and celebration.
As a token of appreciation for his visit, Bishop Dorrien was presented with a print of St Davids Cathedral.
The Bishop has strong personal ties to the Llanelli area, having served his title there earlier in his ministry. Speaking during the visit, he said returning to the town always feels like “coming home.”

Church leaders said the visit was a valuable opportunity for the Bishop to connect with congregations across the area during one of the most significant periods in the Christian calendar.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a central time of reflection for Christians leading up to Easter.
Local Government
Oil spill update issued for Pembroke stream and Castle Pond
COUNCILLOR Jonathan Grimes, representing Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, has issued an update following concerns over an oil spill affecting a stream on The Commons and Castle Pond in Pembroke.
Speaking after discussions with Natural Resources Wales, Cllr Grimes confirmed that response teams have been on site throughout the day working to contain the pollution and identify its source.
According to the latest update:
• The pollution has begun to subside, with the oil slick now breaking up
• Monitoring will continue over the weekend and into next week
• Forecast rain is expected to help disperse the remaining contamination
• The substance is believed to be domestic heating oil (kerosene), pending confirmation
• Investigators believe they have identified the source area and are taking steps to prevent further incidents
Cllr Grimes said he would continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The incident has sparked concern among residents, particularly over the potential impact on wildlife and the environment. Some have called for further action, including opening the sea gate to help flush the affected water.
Local Government
Work begins on major housing and care scheme in Haverfordwest
A MULTI-MILLION pound housing and care development in Haverfordwest has officially moved into the construction phase, with groundworks now underway at the Tŷ Haverfordia site.
Contractor Wynne Construction has begun work on the scheme at the former Haverfordia House site, marking the milestone with a turf-cutting ceremony attended by project partners and local representatives.

The development will provide 26 sheltered apartments for people aged over fifty-five, alongside a purpose-built twelve-bed reablement centre aimed at supporting residents returning home from hospital and regaining independence.
The project is being delivered in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council and is expected to play an important role in easing pressure on local health and social care services.
Developers say they will work closely with local suppliers and businesses during the build to maximise benefits to the regional economy.
Measures have also been put in place to minimise disruption during construction, including maintaining pedestrian access and ensuring parking arrangements remain in place for nearby facilities.
Once complete, the scheme is expected to provide modern, high-quality accommodation tailored to the needs of older residents, while helping to free up hospital capacity across west Wales.
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