News

Pembrokeshire’s seabed revitalised yet again – thanks to Neptune’s Army

Published

2 months ago

October 28, 2024

Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners (NARC) has completed yet another momentous year of ensuring the waters of Pembrokeshire remain as clean as possible, despite the ever-rising amount of commercial fishing tackle and rubbish that’s being deposited on its bed on a regular basis.

Last weekend seven hardy divers tackled Skomer, St Brides Bay and the Haven Waterway to retrieve yet another huge cache of rubbish, including rope, monofilament fishing line and a perfectly intact AA membership card dating back to 1988.

NARC was established 20 years ago by dedicated diver Dave Kennard.

“Like a lot of good things, the idea was born over a pint of beer in the local pub after a Boxing Day rugby match,” he jokes.

“I’d been doing beach cleans for around five years, as well as a bit of scuba diving, so I had an idea of some of the unnatural things that can be found on the seabed.”

NARC’s first official dive took place in April 2005 off Stackpole Quay when the diving team pulled up no fewer than 630 fishing weights which equated to 72 kilos of lead.

“But it isn’t the lead that’s a problem,” said Dave. “It’s the monofilament lines, which take 600 years to biodegrade.”

As a result, a large number of NARC’s dives are concentrated around Pembrokeshire’s angling sites, including Martin’s Haven, Cresswell Quay and the Fishguard breakwater.

“Obviously as a diver, it’s always good to visit shipwrecks and undersea historical monuments, but when we reach the wrecks we come across loads of commercial fishing equipment and rope. You’d barely believe this, but on one dive alone we retrieved around 450 metres of rope. So lifestyle change is definitely something that should be addressed.”

Dave went on to say that other diving sites around Pembrokeshire – including Hobbs Point in Pembroke Dock – regularly attract fly tippers.

“We once pulled up a car which had been dumped in the water, and on another occasion we had to lift out a washing machine drum using special lifting bags, similar in design to a balloon with straps on, which can be clipped onto the item. But what made this event particularly memorable was that when we pulled the drum out of the water, a conger eel swam out.

“On another occasion, the council lent us a skip to put all the rubbish inside. But it ended up being so full, the side had to be unwelded so that we could pull everything out.

“Whenever we dive off Hobbs Point, it never fails to amaze me what we’ll end up finding.”

Dave however, like all the other NARC divers, knows just how hazardous the waters of Pembrokeshire can be.

“Diving can always be dangerous, because what we’re doing is totally unnatural,” he said.

“Obviously we’re dependent on our diving equipment, but diving around Pembrokeshire can be difficult as a result of its tidal range. We have one of the largest tidal ranges in the UK, so as a result all our dives have to be very carefully planned.”

Each dive consists of an average of ten diving volunteers, allowing sufficient space on the boat for the diving gear as well and all the objects retrieved during their dives.

“I’ve been diving now for almost 25 years, and NARC has been going for two decades. Yet the seas around Pembrokeshire keep on giving me so much pleasure. And this is why it’s good to be able to do something back, by trying to clear the seabed of rubbish.

“I’d love to see NARC reach it’s 25th year, and now that we’ve been going for 20 years, I don’t see any reason why this can’t be done.

“Roll on 2025, when we can get out again and start removing more rubbish from our seabed.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

6 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.