Community

Sunderland flying boat database will tell stories of the past

Published

3 months ago

November 6, 2024

AVIATION researchers are aiming sky high with an unique database tracing the remarkable story of the Short Sunderland flying boat and those involved in its long service, in peacetime and war.

The database, to become part of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre Archive, is being compiled by Chris Osborne and John Evans. To date over 12,000 individual names have been listed along with incidents involving hundreds of Sunderlands.

Chris’ fascination all began when he inherited the flying logbook of his grandfather, Mal Osborne, of Swansea. Starting with tracing the stories of each Sunderland Mal flew, and the crewmen he flew with, it rapidly expanded to include Sunderland losses, incidents, rescues and encounters with enemy submarines and aircraft.

“Out of 749 Sunderlands built my grandfather flew 32 of them, including the two preserved examples in UK museums,” said Chris, who lives in London. “He flew with 201 Squadron RAF and had a special connection with Pembroke Dock and also Castle Archdale in Northern Ireland.”

In over 40 years of aviation research – when mostly living in Pembroke Dock – John has amassed a large collection of photographs, records and memorabilia on flying boats, now part of the Heritage Centre collection.

“In the 1980s and 1990s,when Pembroke Dock staged several reunions for flying boat personnel, I met and corresponded with so many people directly involved with these special aircraft and who generously let me access their photographs and records,” said John

Pembroke Dock had a huge part in the Sunderland story, the aircraft serving locally for nearly 20 years, up to 1957.

Chris and John’s project has taken off with the key support of the Heritage Centre’s Collections Team, particularly Volunteer Ken Edwards. A former RAF serviceman, Ken is digitalising John’s aviation archive, a project which has already taken seven years.

“This is growing all the time and will always be added to,” said Chris and John. “The Heritage Centre receives many enquiries relating to Sunderlands and airmen and this database will offer opportunities to find out more about each aircraft and individuals who played their parts in the long story of a famous aircraft.”

(Pic: Martin Cavaney)

Community

Grieving family’s aim to protect young drivers in memory of daughter

Published

13 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.

Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.

Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.

Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.

Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.

“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”

For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]

Community

Storm Éowyn upgraded to ‘danger to life’ amber warning for Wales

Published

15 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service backs Register My Appliance Week

Published

2 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is supporting Register My Appliance Week (January 20–26) to help households stay informed about appliance safety and product recalls.

Millions of UK households are unaware of critical safety updates for their appliances, with over 40 million large appliances still unregistered. From brand-new purchases to second-hand machines, registering appliances ensures owners are alerted to any safety issues, extending their safe usage.

In the past year, MAWWFRS responded to 163 incidents involving white goods. Home Fire Safety Manager Wayne Thomas said:

“We all value how appliances have transformed our lives, but it’s essential to register them. Doing so is quick, free, and ensures you’re informed if a safety repair is needed. Just a few minutes spent registering can help you enjoy your appliances safely.”

The Register My Appliance portal, run by AMDEA, connects users with over 70 leading brands and accepts registrations for both new and older appliances.