FISHGUARD lifeboat crew sprang into action on Monday (Jan 13) after being alerted to a stricken fishing vessel 16 miles north-northwest of Fishguard. With six people onboard and propulsion lost, the situation demanded swift intervention by the RNLI’s dedicated volunteers.

The call came at 11:04am from HM Coastguard, who confirmed no other vessels in the area could provide assistance. Rising to the challenge, the charity’s Trent-class all-weather lifeboat, Blue Peter VII, launched into rough seas, ready to tackle the demanding conditions.

Upon reaching the fishing vessel, the crew conducted a meticulous risk assessment and determined that towing the vessel was the safest option, considering the dangerous combination of the prevailing weather and the drifting boat.

The tow, slow and arduous, lasted four hours, with Blue Peter VII safely guiding the vessel to Fishguard Harbour. Awaiting at the port were additional RNLI volunteers who secured the fishing vessel to the harbour wall.

After seven gruelling hours, the lifeboat and its crew returned to the station, where they prepared the vessel for its next call to action.

Speaking about the rescue, full-time station Coxswain Gemma Gill praised the skipper of the fishing vessel for their quick-thinking response.

“The skipper did the correct thing when realising propulsion had been lost by contacting HM Coastguard,” said Gemma. “Towing is a complex and high-risk operation, especially in challenging conditions. Our crew’s professionalism and dedication ensured a safe outcome for everyone involved.”

She added: “We carry out strict risk assessments before any tow to minimise risks to the crew, lifeboat, and those we’re rescuing. I’m incredibly proud of the team for performing this long tow under difficult circumstances.”

This marks the RNLI Fishguard’s first launch of 2025, showcasing their unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

AFTER nearly six years of dedicated service as Chairman of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Trust, Graham Clarkson has stepped down from the role.

Taking the helm is Rik Saldanha MBE, a former RAF officer with an impressive 37-year career in the Service. Speaking at the Trust’s recent annual meeting, Rik paid tribute to Graham’s steadfast contributions and commitment to the Trust and the Heritage Centre, particularly during the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Graham will remain actively involved as a Trustee and Volunteer.

Both Rik and his wife, Gill, are integral to the volunteer team that supports the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre. Rik serves as Maintenance Trustee, while Gill holds the role of Archive Curator.

The Trust also announced new appointments. Dr Andy Watkin has been named Vice Chairman, and solicitor Angharad Scourfield has joined the Trustees. Angharad continues a family legacy of championing local heritage. Her late father, Gareth Scourfield, a prominent Pembroke Dock architect, was a passionate advocate for preserving the town’s history. He played a key role in heritage initiatives until his passing in 2023.

The changes mark a new chapter for the Trust, with a blend of experienced and fresh leadership to guide its efforts in preserving Pembroke Dock’s rich heritage.

A CHARITY dedicated to saving ex-laying hens from slaughter is appealing to the public to help rehome 139 chickens at their next Welsh rehoming event later this month.

Commercial hens, which begin laying eggs at around four months old, typically see a decline in productivity by the time they reach 18 months. As a result, many are sent to slaughter. The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT), however, is determined to give these birds a chance at a better life.

The charity, which operates rehoming centres across the UK, will host its next event on Sunday, 19 January 2025, in Boncath, Pembrokeshire. At this event, 139 free-range hens will be waiting for new homes.

From modest beginnings to nearly a million lives saved

Established in 2005 with the humble aim of rehoming 100 hens, BHWT has since rehomed nearly one million birds. It all began with a simple advert in a local newspaper:
“We’ve never stood on grass, we’ve never felt the sun on our backs, we’d love a home. Can you help?”

Now based in Devon, the charity works with commercial egg farmers who voluntarily relinquish hens once their productivity declines. Francesca Mapp, BHWT’s marketing consultant, explains: “The farmers give us their hens to rehome because they want a nicer life for them – they want them to go on and have a free-range retirement.”

Without intervention, these hens would likely be processed for pet food or low-grade meat products, as their breed isn’t typically used for human consumption.

Bringing new life to your garden

For those who rehome hens, the rewards are far greater than just eggs. Francesca says:
“They’re such resilient little creatures. Once they’re outside and they’re in fresh air with sunshine on their backs, they start to flourish.”

Julia Davies, an environmental campaigner and impact investor, agrees: “What’s brilliant about chickens is they’re not just a pet. You actually get something in return. It’s a really great way of getting cruelty-free eggs.”

A small flock of three or four hens – the minimum group size BHWT rehomes – can provide a steady supply of fresh eggs. Francesca notes:
“A couple of eggs a day for breakfast is typical. And even the smallest gardens can offer a safe, enriching environment for hens.”

She adds: “Chickens are the funniest, quirkiest, most characterful little creatures you can imagine. They’re like cats and dogs with feathers – you can literally pick them up, cuddle them, and they each have unique personalities.”

From featherless to flourishing

The charity rehomes hens from caged, barn, and free-range systems. Caged hens, in particular, often arrive with sparse feathering due to overcrowding and high heat in enclosures. Dr Lizzie Rowe, an animal welfare specialist at Reading University, explains: “Caged hens have limited ability to perform natural behaviours, such as foraging and dustbathing, which can lead to boredom and frustration, often resulting in feather pecking.”

However, Francesca reassures adopters: “Within a few months of being rehomed, their feathers will come back, and they’ll look like show birds again.”

Campaigning for a free-range future

Beyond rehoming, BHWT advocates for better welfare for all hens. Francesca says consumer choices can make a significant difference: “There’s a huge demand for cheap eggs, and farmers meet that demand. By buying better-quality eggs, you’re supporting better welfare practices.”

She advises buyers to opt for the best eggs they can afford, noting: “The more expensive the eggs, the better the welfare of the hens that laid them.”

Register your interest

To rehome hens from the Boncath drop-off, visit the BHWT website to register your interest or click here