Community
Mid and West Wales Fire Service launches recruitment drive

THE MID AND WEST WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE has announced it is halfway through its recruitment window for Wholetime Firefighters. The service is actively seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds to join their ranks and contribute to the safety and well-being of communities across Mid and West Wales.
Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas KFSM emphasised the evolving nature of the firefighter’s role, stating, “The role of a Wholetime Firefighter goes far beyond tackling fires, road traffic collisions and water rescues. Modern-day firefighters play a crucial part in educating the public and working to prevent risks to life and the environment.”
The MAWWFRS is keen to attract applicants with a wide range of skills and experiences, recognising the diverse challenges faced by today’s fire service. “We encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to apply, emphasising the diverse skill set needed for this challenging yet rewarding career,” added Thomas.
This recruitment initiative is seen as a vital step in ensuring the service has the necessary personnel to respond effectively to emergencies and maintain safety standards across the region. The MAWWFRS covers a vast area, encompassing nearly two-thirds of Wales, making it the third largest Fire and Rescue Service in the United Kingdom.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the MAWWFRS website for detailed information on fitness requirements, the application process, and how to apply. The online registration window closes at 12pm on Monday, 27th January 2025.
As the service continues its mission to create safer communities, this recruitment drive offers an opportunity for individuals to become part of a team that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Citations:
[1] http://eastwoodacademy.co.uk/docs/How%20to%20write%20a%20newspaper%20article.pdf
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid_and_West_Wales_Fire_and_Rescue_Service
[3] https://midwestwalesfire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s5689/HR%20People%20and%20Well-Being%20Update%20Report.pdf
[4] https://nickdale.me/2023/05/31/how-to-write-a-newspaper-article/
[5] https://www.gov.wales/find-your-local-fire-and-rescue-service
[6] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/current-vacancies/
[7] https://www.superprof.co.uk/resources/questions/english/broadsheet-articles.html
[8] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk
[9] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/
[10] https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/body/mid_and_west_wales_fire_and_rescue_service
Community
Plans submitted for disability-friendly bridge at Tenby train station

TENBY railway station could soon see a new accessible footbridge, with Network Rail submitting plans to the National Park for the installation of an ‘Access for All’ bridge at the Grade-II-listed Victorian station.
The proposal aims to improve accessibility, providing an unobstructed route from at least one station entrance to all platforms via the new footbridge. A supporting statement from Network Rail explains that the scheme is designed to ensure step-free access between platforms, replacing the current barrow crossing, which is not suitable for those with mobility issues.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “At Tenby Station, there is currently no obstacle-free accessible route between platforms 1 and 2. The existing barrow crossing does not provide suitable step-free access, and the proposed footbridge will address this issue.”
The plans, which include associated works to integrate the bridge with the historic station infrastructure, are now under consideration by the National Park authority. If approved, the scheme will mark a significant improvement in accessibility for passengers at the popular seaside station.
Community
Is enough being done to tackle fly-grazing?

A PEMBROKESHIRE road was closed after horses were running loose during rush hour yesterday (Wednesday, February 12), raising further concerns over the ongoing problem of fly-grazing in the county.
The incident occurred on the A477 near Nash Fingerpost junction at 8:50am. The road was shut while the horses were removed.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of two horses loose on the A477 near to Nash Fingerpost junction at around 8:50am yesterday (February 12). The horses were safely moved from the road.”
This latest disruption comes as Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police continue their efforts to tackle the growing problem of horses being left on public land and highways. Known as fly-grazing, the issue has been causing increasing safety concerns and public disruption across the county.
Authorities launched a joint initiative over the Christmas period, aiming to combat the issue through a coordinated operational effort. However, with roads still being closed due to roaming horses, many are questioning whether enough is being done to address the problem effectively.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of managing fly-grazing incidents and ensuring public safety.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any concerns about fly-grazing by contacting [email protected] or calling 01437 764551.
Community
Pembrokeshire Catholics travel to Cardiff for Blessed Carlo Acutis relic visit

A GROUP of Catholic faithful from Pembrokeshire will travel to Cardiff to witness the visit of a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a revered young figure set to be canonised by Pope Francis on April 27, 2025. The relic, a fragment of the membrane surrounding his heart, will be brought to the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia from February 14-17, offering the faithful an opportunity for prayer and veneration.
A modern saint for a digital age

Blessed Carlo Acutis, who was born in London and later lived in Milan, dedicated his short life to his faith and the use of technology to spread the Gospel. Diagnosed with leukaemia, he died at the age of 15 in 2006, but his legacy continues to inspire young people worldwide. Carlo’s passion for technology and his deep faith earned him recognition as a model for modern youth, and his beatification by Pope Francis in 2020 has drawn significant devotion.
Pilgrimage from Pembrokeshire
Devotees from parishes across Pembrokeshire, including Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, and Tenby, are organising transport to attend the event in Cardiff. Many are eager to take part in the Masses, veneration sessions, and talks surrounding the visit of the relic.
Local parishioner Mary Davies, who will be making the journey, said: “Carlo Acutis is a real inspiration, especially for young people. He used technology to share his faith, showing that holiness is possible in our everyday lives. This visit is a blessing for Wales.”
Father John Morgan of St David and St Patrick’s Church in Haverfordwest said: “We encourage as many people as possible to take this opportunity to pray before the relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis. It is a moment of grace for our diocese.”
Schedule of the relic visit
The relic will visit key locations, starting at the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of St David in Cardiff on Friday, February 14, before moving to Belmont Abbey, Swansea’s Co-Cathedral, and the Sacred Heart Church in Morriston over the weekend. The tour will conclude with a visit to Blessed Carlo Acutis School in Merthyr on Monday, February 17, where Archbishop Mark O’Toole will celebrate Mass.
Throughout the visit, there will be Masses, opportunities for veneration, and talks about the life and legacy of Blessed Carlo. Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, from the Diocese of Assisi, will accompany the relic, offering insights into Carlo’s journey to sainthood.
A historic moment for Wales
The relic’s visit to Wales is particularly significant as the Church prepares for Carlo’s canonisation. With his focus on modern evangelisation, many see him as a saint for today’s world.
“His message that ‘everyone is born an original but many die as photocopies’ is a call to embrace our faith fully,” said youth leader Tom Jenkins, who is organising a group from Pembrokeshire. “This is an event that will strengthen our faith and deepen our devotion.”
For more information on transport and group travel arrangements from Pembrokeshire, local parishes are encouraging interested individuals to get in touch as soon as possible.
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