Community

St Davids lifeboat tows stricken trawler to safety

Published

7 months ago

May 8, 2025

Fishing vessel loses propulsion off Strumble Head

ST DAVIDS all-weather lifeboat was launched on Wednesday (May 7) to assist a 25-metre, 160-ton fishing vessel that had lost all propulsion approximately 12 nautical miles north-west of Strumble Head.

The Tamar-class lifeboat launched at 6:45pm and, on arrival, the coxswain and crew carried out a full risk assessment of the stricken trawler, which was adrift and unable to manoeuvre under its own power.

With no other vessels in the area able to assist and the trawler posing a significant navigation hazard, it was decided the safest course of action was to tow the vessel to Fishguard harbour.

A slow tow began and took around four and a half hours to complete. On reaching the Fishguard breakwater, the crew attempted an alongside tow to bring the vessel to the quay wall, but the method proved ineffective due to the trawler’s size.

A short astern tow was then established. Utilising the calm sea conditions and with assistance from Fishguard lifeboat’s shore crew, the trawler was successfully secured alongside the quay wall.

The lifeboat Norah Wortley and her volunteer crew departed Fishguard at around 1:00am and were rehoused at St Davids lifeboat station by 2:00am on Thursday (May 8).

Will Chant, RNLI St Davids Coxswain, said: “Due to the size of the trawler — weighing almost 130 tons more than the lifeboat itself — this was a long, slow tow that proved demanding when trying to ensure a safe berth at Fishguard harbour. The rescue highlights the tremendous capabilities of both the Tamar-class lifeboat and our dedicated crew when challenged.”

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

8 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)