Charity

Bumper week of success for Fishguard RNLI volunteers

Published

1 year ago

April 18, 2025

FISHGUARD RNLI volunteers are celebrating a week of outstanding achievement, with multiple crew members successfully completing key assessments for both shoreside and seagoing roles.

The intensive week was made possible by a visiting RNLI coxswain from another station who was training to qualify on Fishguard’s class of all-weather lifeboat (ALB). Their presence provided a valuable opportunity for local crew to progress, as several assessments required oversight from a regional RNLI assessor.

On the first day, crew members Bryn and Cedwyn completed their Tier 2 ALB assessments. This involved demonstrating advanced competencies including anchoring, towing, and helming the Search and Rescue vessel without supervision, as well as the ability to assist in supervising others.

Simultaneously, crew member Jessica undertook her practical navigation assessment, followed by a theory paper onshore. She proved her expertise in using the lifeboat’s electronic navigation system, radar, and paper charts, along with a solid understanding of maritime navigation rules. Already a Tier 2 crew member for the inshore lifeboat (ILB), Jessica has now been appointed navigator for both the ALB and ILB.

Day two saw further ILB assessments. Bryn passed both the practical and theory components to qualify as an ILB navigator, while crew member Florian successfully completed his assessment to become an ILB helm. This key role involves commanding and controlling the lifeboat during service launches. Florian achieved this milestone in just two and a half years, thanks to his commitment, residential training, and determination to support the station.

On the third day, Jessica completed another assessment—this time for helming the station’s boarding boat. This retired ILB, normally used as a raft between the ALB and access stairs, requires a qualified helm when used independently, such as when the ALB is on the outer mooring or during training exercises.

The week concluded with a final success: crew member Jayne passed her assessment to become Fishguard’s newest Launch Authority. Having joined the station as a trainee in late 2024, she now serves as the first point of contact for HM Coastguard, authorising launches and briefing the coxswain or helm. She also gathers post-launch information for RNLI Headquarters in Poole.

Fishguard’s strong start to 2025 also saw ILB crew member Rhodri and ALB crew member Nick complete their Tier 1 assessments earlier this year. This stage requires demonstrating competence under instruction and supervision. Both are now working towards Tier 2 qualifications.

Shoreside roles were not left out, with assessments for Plant Operators responsible for launching and recovering the ILB. Cedwyn completed his first assessment, while Chris, Rhys, and Warren successfully underwent their scheduled re-evaluations. All four also qualified as Head Launchers—a new requirement for those overseeing ILB launch preparations.

Station coxswain Gemma Gill praised the team’s efforts, saying:

“It is fantastic to see the achievements of crew who were still relatively new when I joined the station last year. The charity introduced a new training and assessment framework last April, and these enthusiastic crew picked up the baton and really ran with it. They have all shown determination over the last 12 months in training, and pushing themselves to achieve, putting them in a position of real value to the station.”

“Everyone who joins us on the crew here in Fishguard is on their own journey and travels at their own speed, but they’ll always have the support of a great group of volunteers.

If anyone is interested in starting their journey, please get in touch with us via our social media channels—we’re on Facebook and Instagram.”

Charity

Chief’s Tour honours fallen officers with 75-mile Pembrokeshire ride

Published

3 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Dyfed-Powys Police team raises thousands for bereaved police families charity

A TEAM of officers and staff from Dyfed-Powys Police cycled 75 miles across west Wales on Wednesday (May 6) in memory of colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The annual “Chief’s Tour of Pembs 2026” saw participants travel from Fishguard to Carmarthen while raising money for the charity Care of Police Survivors, commonly known as COPS.

The force said the event raised £2,690, with funds going towards support for the families of police officers who have died while serving their communities.

Along the route, cyclists stopped at several locations to meet relatives of fallen officers and take part in moments of reflection.

In a statement shared on social media, the force said the tour was held “in memory of all Dyfed-Powys Police officers who have lost their lives in service.”

The post added: “Those we’ve lost will always remain in our thoughts.”

COPS supports the families of officers who have died on duty by organising national and regional events, helping survivors build support networks and friendships with others who have experienced similar loss.

Dyfed-Powys Police thanked members of the public who supported the cyclists during the challenge.

“A huge thank you to our community for showing our Chief’s Tour cyclists support as they passed through Pembrokeshire,” the force said.

“Your cheers, waves and encouragement kept spirits high for those taking part.”

The 75-mile challenge took riders across parts of north and west Pembrokeshire before continuing east towards Carmarthenshire, combining physical endurance with remembrance and fundraising.

Police charities such as COPS often work quietly behind the scenes, supporting bereaved families long after national attention fades following the death of an officer.

Charity

Milford Haven Town Council Continues Support for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home

Published

6 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting local residents by awarding funding to Paul Sartori Hospice at Home following a successful application for financial assistance.

The £500 contribution will help support the ongoing delivery of vital day and night home nursing care for people receiving end-of-life care in the Milford Haven area.

The Mayor of Milford Haven, Councillor William Elliott, said: “It is a privilege for Milford Haven Town Council to continue supporting this important and vital service, which provides much-needed care and reassurance to residents in our community when it is needed most.

The work of Paul Sartori is incredibly important, and we thank them for all they do — not only for people in Milford Haven, but across the whole county.”

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is a registered charity providing high-quality end-of-life care and a wide range of free services to individuals and families throughout Pembrokeshire. Through an open referral system, patients, carers, and family members can access specialist clinical care, emotional support, guidance, and practical assistance, with many services delivered directly in patients’ homes.

A cheque for £500 was presented by the Mayor of Milford Haven to Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

Judith Williams said: “We are extremely grateful to Milford Haven Town Council and its councillors for their continued support. Donations such as this make a real difference locally, helping us provide compassionate, dignified care to people in Milford Haven at the end of life.

Support from town and community councils not only helps sustain essential nursing services, but also reflects the strong partnership between Paul Sartori and the communities we serve. We truly value this ongoing commitment.”

The Paul Sartori nursing team currently provides approximately 150 hours of care each month within the Milford Haven area. Funding from Milford Haven Town Council will directly support local residents, enabling them to remain at home and receive professional, compassionate care surrounded by loved ones.

Alongside day and night nursing care, the charity also offers equipment loans, complementary therapies, bereavement and counselling support, and future care planning services — all free of charge and designed to maintain dignity, comfort, and independence for patients and families.

Families across Pembrokeshire living with a life-limiting illness can benefit from Paul Sartori Hospice at Home services. However, as a charitable organisation, the service relies heavily on the generosity of local communities, supporters, and fundraising initiatives to continue delivering this essential care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is encouraging town and community councils across Pembrokeshire to consider supporting the charity to help ensure high-quality end-of-life care remains accessible throughout the county.

Photo Caption:

Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, pictured with the Mayor of Milford Haven, Councillor William Elliott.

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

1 day ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.