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70 years on: Remembering St Davids RNLI’s heroic rescue

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TODAY marks the 70th anniversary of a remarkable lifesaving operation by St Davids RNLI volunteers. In treacherous weather, crews from St Davids and Rosslare lifeboat stations rescued 42 men from the stricken Liberian tanker World Concord, which had broken in two during a ferocious storm.

On the night of November 26, 1954, a powerful storm battered the United Kingdom, causing widespread destruction. At Brawdy, wind speeds reached a staggering 132 mph. Out at sea, 10 miles west-northwest of the Smalls lighthouse, the 20,000-ton World Concord succumbed to the raging waves, splitting into two sections.

Lifeboats launch in perilous seas

At 8:28 am on November 27, St Davids lifeboat Civil Service No. 6 launched from St Justinian’s. Though the wind had eased to gale force, the seas remained perilous, with waves towering 15-20 feet. By 11:45 am, the lifeboat reached the tanker’s aft section.

Crew members aboard the lifeboat made 35 daring approaches to evacuate the stranded crew, navigating treacherous conditions and avoiding the tanker’s still-turning propeller. Over 50 harrowing minutes, all 35 crew members were safely rescued.

Meanwhile, the fore section of the World Concord, carrying the captain and six crew, drifted further into dangerous waters. With the lifeboat already at capacity, St Davids coxswain William Watts-Williams made the difficult decision to prioritize the safety of the rescued crew and return to shore, arriving back at St Justinian’s around 3:00 pm.

Rosslare Harbour lifeboat steps in

Later that afternoon, Rosslare Harbour lifeboat launched at 3:50 pm and reached the fore section of the tanker after nightfall. Unable to conduct a rescue in the dark, the lifeboat stood by until first light. At 8:30 am, the remaining seven crew members were successfully rescued and brought to safety in Holyhead.

Honouring bravery

For their extraordinary bravery, Coxswain William Watts-Williams was awarded the RNLI Silver Medal, while mechanics George Jordan and Gwilym Davies received the RNLI Bronze Medal. Second Coxswain David Lewis and crew members William Rowlands, William Morris, Howell Roberts, and Richard Chisholm were honoured with the RNLI’s Thanks on Vellum. The Rosslare Harbour lifeboat crew received similar recognition for their valiant efforts.

A legacy of heroism

Seventy years on, the courage and skill displayed by the crews of St Davids and Rosslare Harbour lifeboats remain an inspiration. As we commemorate this historic rescue, we pay tribute to the selflessness and dedication of those who risked their lives to save others.

 

Charity

Tenby club raises £1,000 for Wales Air Ambulance

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TENBY INNER WHEEL CLUB has raised £1,000 for Wales Air Ambulance after holding a popular fish and chip supper fundraiser.

The club has supported the lifesaving charity for 12 years, raising £8,600 in total.

The latest event, held at the Boathouse in Saundersfoot, included both lunch and evening sittings, as well as a raffle.

The Inner Wheel Club of Tenby is a women’s organisation focused on friendship and service. It currently has 23 members who raise money for a range of good causes.

Karen Tulley, from the club, said: “Our members use our skills to promote and help good causes, while having plenty of fun at the same time.

“We are all aware that Wales Air Ambulance relies totally on donations and receives no government funding, which is why we are always keen to make this a really good event and raise as much money as we can.

“The air ambulance service is essential, particularly in rural areas.”

Following the fundraiser, Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager, attended the club’s annual meeting, where he was presented with the £1,000 cheque.

He said: “A huge thank you to everyone at Inner Wheel Club of Tenby for raising a further £1,000 for our service.

“The members have fundraised for us for 12 years and in that time they have raised an incredible £8,600, which is amazing. We really do appreciate their ongoing support of our all-Wales charity.

“Fundraisers like these will ensure that the Wales Air Ambulance continues to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.”

Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service which takes hospital-standard treatment to patients and, if needed, transfers them directly to the most appropriate hospital.

The charity must raise £13m every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

Pic: Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager, at the cheque presentation.

 

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Charity

Charity golf day to support cancer awareness after Derek’s diagnosis

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LOCAL businesses are being asked to support a charity golf day in Rosemarket this July after organiser Derek Rowlands was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer.

Derek’s Charity Golf Day will take place at Dawn Til Dusk Golf Club on Friday, July 10, with proceeds going to Neuroendocrine Cancer UK.

The event will be played in a Texas Scramble format, with teams of four invited to enter at £80 per team. Tee times will run from 8:00am.

Derek was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in 2023. His illness was identified early, allowing him to undergo surgery soon after diagnosis. He continues to receive monthly treatment and has organised the event to raise both funds and awareness.

Neuroendocrine cancers can develop in different parts of the body, including the digestive system, pancreas and lungs. Symptoms can often be vague, meaning some patients are diagnosed late.

Local businesses are being invited to support the event by sponsoring a hole for a minimum donation of £100, donating raffle or competition prizes, entering a team, or helping to promote the day.

There are up to 18 hole sponsorship opportunities available, with sponsors able to display banners or promotional materials at their designated hole.

Anyone wishing to enter a team, sponsor the event, donate a prize or find out more can contact Derek on 07823 323 134.

 

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Charity

Local insurance brokers help raise over £1,300 for Bluebirds Foundation

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The Haverfordwest County AFC Bluebirds Foundation is celebrating a £1,300 boost this month thanks to local insurance brokers Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking.

A recent fundraising day raised £653.64, which was fund matched by the insurance broker’s parent company, the Benefact Group, doubling the amount to over £1,300.

Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking St Clears are sponsors of Haverfordwest County AFC
which includes supporting the charitable arm of the club, Bluebirds Foundation. The Foundation focuses on the prevention of poverty and strengthens the bond between the
football club and local people, including launching junior supporter clubs and community
brunch clubs.
Harry Thomas, aTrustee at Bluebirds Foundation said:
“We are extremely grateful to Lloyd & Whyte for further enhancing the funds raised at
our Foundation Fundraiser, held at the Ogi Bridge Meadow in collaboration with
Haverfordwest County AFC and we look forward to working closely with Lloyd & White again at future events.”
Leyla Phillips stated:
“Events like this show what community is all about. I think it’s great what the
Bluebirds foundation are doing locally for Pembrokeshire, and it was a pleasure to be
a part of it. Being part of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking and the Benefact Group
made it even more special as we are proud to match all funds that were raised on the day which I’m sure will be a nice addition for the foundation, to enable them to carry
on doing great initiatives within our community.’’
The funday event saw bouncy castles, cake stands, a raffle, shirt swap stand, kick-up
competitions, and inflatable goal, alongside the normal match day activities, all providing
hours of fun for spectators and supporters.

And to top it all, Haverfordwest County AFC won 6-0 on the day against Llanelli Town AFC.

 

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