Community
Quick‑thinking lifeguard rescues dog swimming out to sea at Newport Sands
RNLI lifeguards patrolling at Newport Sands in Pembrokeshire rescued a five‑year‑old Giant Schnauzer after he swam more than 200 metres out towards Dinas Head.
On Sunday, 27 July, RNLI lifeguard Elen Hill was patrolling the beach when she spotted a dog in the water. At first, nothing appeared unusual, but moments later she noticed the dog’s owners on shore looking visibly worried.
Elen drove the all‑terrain vehicle to speak with them and quickly learned that the dog, named Bertie, was not returning and was instead heading directly for Dinas Head – a daunting distance for any dog to attempt.

Without hesitation, Elen grabbed a rescue board and paddled out to intercept him. By the time she reached Bertie, he was more than 200 metres offshore and clearly tiring. Unable to lift the large dog onto the board, she managed instead to steer him back towards the beach.
With the help of a passing windsurfer, Elen encouraged Bertie to swim to safety. Nearing the shore, the exhausted dog began to struggle to keep his head above water, forcing Elen to hold his collar to stop him going under.
Bertie was safely returned to dry land, much to the relief of his owners.
Kate Wagg, Bertie’s owner, said: “We’re so thankful to Elen for saving our Bertie. He just wouldn’t come back and was fixated on the headland. We honestly thought we’d lost him. Without Elen’s bravery and quick response, the outcome could have been very different. My children would have been devastated. We will be eternally grateful and have made a donation to the RNLI to show our appreciation.”
Noah Harvatt, Lifeguard Supervisor for North Pembrokeshire, praised the rescue: “We’re very proud of Elen’s fast response and the care she showed for Bertie. She put her training to good use and saved a life. RNLI lifeguards are specially trained for sea rescues – if you see an animal in difficulty, do not enter the water yourself. Always alert lifeguards or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
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
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)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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