Charity

Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station celebrates refurbishment and RNLI bicentennial

Published

2 years ago

October 4, 2024

The Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station recently marked two significant milestones with a grand reopening after extensive refurbishment and a special visit as part of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary celebrations.

On Saturday, 7th September, RNLI volunteers, supporters, and crew members gathered to celebrate the lifeboat station’s official reopening following major refurbishment work carried out over the winter months. The updated facilities, designed to bring the station into the 21st century, were unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by the children of the operational crew and supporters. This heartwarming gesture symbolised the passing of responsibility to the next generation of lifesavers.

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Andy Grey, expressed his pride in the station’s transformation and the success of the event: “The station opening was extremely successful. Not only did the weather hold out, but personnel from the station, including officers and crew, branch members, and shop volunteers, were in attendance, along with guests from our neighbouring RNLI stations. The occasion truly represented the ‘One Crew’ philosophy. To make it even more special, the children of the crew were invited to formally open the new refurbishment of the station. A lovely gesture but also a great memory.”

The upgraded station now provides state-of-the-art facilities, including a modernised lifeboat shop, which will improve working conditions for the dedicated volunteers. Roger Bryan Smith DL, Area Operations Manager, also highlighted the importance of the refurbishment: “I am absolutely delighted that Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station has been refurbished to such a high standard. The crew devote an immense amount of their spare time to training to save lives at sea, and it’s marvellous that they now have such great facilities.”

Among the attendees were Gemma Gill, Coxswain of Fishguard Lifeboat, and Will Chant, Coxswain of St Davids Lifeboat Station, who showed their support and helped with presentations. The day was filled with a sense of community and celebration of the station’s lifesaving mission.

Later that month, on Wednesday, 25th September, Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station received a special visit as part of the RNLI’s bicentennial year. The RNLI 200 ‘Connecting our Communities’ scroll, which bears the lifeboat pledge, arrived at the station as part of its seven-month journey around 240 RNLI locations across the UK and Ireland. The pledge, printed in Welsh, English, and five other languages, celebrates the dedication of RNLI volunteers and their mission to save lives at sea.

Andy Grey, along with other key members of the station, including Shireen Thomas from the shop, Peter Erte from the fundraising branch, and Water Safety Officer Sue Christopher, had the honour of signing the scroll on behalf of the Little and Broad Haven lifeboat community. The scroll, made from materials significant to the charity, will conclude its journey in October on the Isle of Man, where RNLI founder Sir William Hillary was born. Once the journey is complete, the scroll will bear around 700 signatures and be displayed at the RNLI College in Poole.

Anjie Rook, RNLI Associate Director, overseeing the 200th anniversary programmes, said: “The Connecting our Communities relay is one of the most significant events of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year as it’s all about our people. For 200 years, it is people who have made the RNLI what it is – from our brave lifesavers who risk their lives to save others, to the committed fundraisers and generous donors who fund our lifesaving work.”

By coincidence, the RNLI Porsche 911 Challenge also arrived at the station on the same day. Belinda and James Richardson, who are travelling 8,500 miles in their Porsche 911 to visit all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations within 911 hours, were delighted to encounter the scroll for the first time on their journey. The couple is raising funds for a new D class inshore lifeboat, which is critical to the RNLI’s lifesaving work. In 2023 alone, D class lifeboats saved 96 lives and assisted over 2,000 people in distress.

Andy Grey reflected on the unique timing of the two events: “Today we had a special visit from the RNLI 911 Challenge and the RNLI Scroll. To happen at the same time and on the same day was unique in itself. The beautiful Porsche of the 911 Challenge presented a jigsaw and a special RNLI-themed version of Top Trumps in memory of their visit to all lifeboat stations in the UK. Four members from the station were asked to sign this wonderful scroll, which will be a memory and recognition of the 200-year celebration of the RNLI.”

Jayne George, RNLI Director of Fundraising, expressed her gratitude for the Richardsons’ efforts: “We are so grateful to Belinda and James for taking on this huge challenge and look forward to welcoming them at all our lifeboat stations around the coast. We are only able to save lives at sea thanks to the generous support of people taking on challenges like this.”

As the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea, Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station continues to play a vital role in this enduring mission, with new facilities and a strong community spirit driving them forward into the future.

Charity

Dog owners urged to keep pets indoors as extreme heat hits Wales

Published

8 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RSPCA warns missing a walk is safer than risking heatstroke

DOG owners are being urged to keep their pets indoors and avoid normal walking routines as extreme heat affects Wales and England.

The RSPCA has called for “lockdown-style caution” for dogs over the next 24 to 48 hours, warning that walks, ball games and energetic exercise could put pets at serious risk.

The charity says owners should change routines immediately, keeping dogs cool, calm and comfortable indoors until temperatures ease.

Lauren Bennett, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA and a former veterinary nurse, said: “During a red weather warning, dog owners should think of it like a temporary lockdown for their pets.

“For the next 24 to 48 hours, routines need to immediately change. This isn’t the time for walks, chasing the ball or playing fetch, or exposing pooches to energetic exercise.

“It’s far better for dogs to miss a few walks completely than to suffer the potentially fatal consequences of overheating, or heatstroke.”

The warning comes as the peak of the current heatwave is forecast for today and tomorrow, with temperatures potentially reaching 39C in some areas.

The RSPCA says dogs should only be taken outside briefly for toilet breaks, ideally to the nearest grassy area, before being brought straight back indoors.

Owners are advised to provide fresh water in several places, close curtains in sunny rooms, use fans safely, and allow dogs to rest on cooler floors, cooling mats or damp towels.

Mental stimulation, such as puzzle feeders, snuffle mats and gentle indoor training games, can be used instead of exercise.

Ms Bennett added: “These temperatures won’t last forever, but the decisions owners make over the next couple of days could have a lasting impact on their pets.

“For now, the message is simple: pause normal routines, prioritise keeping pets cool and comfortable, and wait until temperatures ease before returning to business as usual.”

The charity is also reminding owners to watch for signs of heatstroke, which can include heavy panting, drooling, confusion, weakness, vomiting, collapse or seizures.

The RSPCA said vets dealt with 355 suspected heatstroke cases in 2025, with two thirds recorded during the summer months.

Anyone concerned about a dog showing signs of heatstroke should move the animal to a cool area, offer small amounts of water, begin cooling with cool—not ice-cold—water, and contact a vet immediately.

Charity

Sea shanties and street food bring crowds to Cardigan RNLI festival

Published

2 days ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SUNSHINE, sea shanties and street food helped draw hundreds of visitors to Cardigan RNLI Lifeboat Station on Saturday (Jun 20).

The station’s Sea Shanty and Street Food Festival brought together families, supporters and visitors from across the region for a day of maritime music, food and community spirit.

Traditional sea shanty groups performed throughout the event, with songs echoing around the lifeboat station, while street food vendors served a range of refreshments.

The event also gave visitors the chance to learn more about the lifesaving work carried out by the RNLI and its volunteer crews.

Cardigan RNLI thanked the performers, food vendors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who helped make the day a success.

Bruce Harris, Launch Authority and event organiser, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support the station, enjoy the entertainment, and celebrate our maritime heritage.

“The atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, and contributed to such a memorable event.”

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts.

The charity operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands.

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved more than 146,700 lives.

Charity

Mum takes on half marathon to give back to NHS

Published

2 days ago

June 22, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

KATE DAVIES is taking on the Wales Half Marathon to say thank you to the NHS services that supported her during a difficult time.

Kate, a mother of one who works in operational workforce at Withybush Hospital, is heading to Tenby on June 28 to take on the Wales Half Marathon at Long Course Weekend Wales to raise funds for Cilgerran Ward at Glangwili Hospital.

Having been in good health for much of her life, Kate has been fortunate to not need many Hywel Dda University Health Board services until recent years.

Kate said: “The journey to becoming a parent wasn’t straightforward, and I experienced several difficult and emotional setbacks along the way. Throughout this time, I was supported with great care, kindness and compassion by various services across the health board, for which I will always be grateful.

“In December 2023, under the care of Glangwili consultants, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. I’m incredibly grateful and fortunate that I have a fantastic, healthy and happy two-year-old daughter.

“To celebrate, I have signed up to take part in the Long Course Wales Half Marathon! I would love to raise money to give back to the health board that was there when I needed it.

“I can think of nothing better than reaching the finish line in good health, with my daughter waiting for me, knowing I have raised funds and given back to say thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has donated.”

Tara Nickerson, Fundraising Manager, said: “What a heartfelt story. A huge thanks to Kate for taking on the Wales Half Marathon to support a service so close to her heart. We look forward to cheering her on!

“The generous charitable donations we receive don’t replace NHS funding. Instead, they are used to provide items and activities above and beyond core NHS expenditure, such as more welcoming surroundings for patients, families and staff, and research into, and the development of, treatments.”

You can donate to Kate’s fundraiser here: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/pf/kate-davies