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Journey of respect and tribute

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pc_Walkers-Pembrokeshire-Coast-Path-above-Marloes-SandsA special Pembrokeshire Herald report by Dennis O’Connor
IF A tribute to the bravery of our armed forces can be measured in miles, then the rugged beauty of the 870 mile Welsh coastline will bear witness to a unique and moving tribute over the next few months as eleven teams of four men and women embark on a personal journey of respect and tribute. 
Fifty young Welsh Guardsmen have lost their lives whilst on active duty since the end of WWII. Jan Koops and David (Dai) Graham are both veteran Welsh Guards who served in the Falklands War.
They are aware of the devastating impact that active service can have on soldiers and their families as they cope with bereavement and these two men are the driving force behind the team organising the Walk on Wales (WOW) challenge which aims to raise one million pounds for the benefit of two charities, the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal and the Combat Stress Charity.
Each name, rank and number of the fallen has been inscribed on a specially commissioned silver baton which also conceals the names of a further eight soldiers from other regiments and Corps who were killed on active duty whilst attached to the Welsh Guards. The baton will pass from team to team along the coast for the duration of the walk (August 25th – November 2nd) before finally being delivered to its resting place at Llandaf Cathedral.
Both charities provide essential support. Many have returned safe from battle but have suffered and continue to suffer from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which severely inhibits their ability to lead “normal” lives.
In preparation for the event, the teams have undertaken months of arduous training out on the coast in all weather conditions. Each mile completed in training has been considered as a small sacrifice to those who have given so much more.
The WOW logistic team based in Cardiff has been busy ensuring that the success of the event and safety and welfare of the teams and guest walkers remains a priority. This has been aided greatly by significant sponsorship by large companies including Bluestone and Radio Pembrokeshire.
The Pembrokeshire coast bears host to the Walk on Wales teams as they enter St. Dogmaels on October 3rd before continuing along the whole of the coast towards the Carmarthenshire border. 
Team 7 (New Quay to Whitesands Bay) is led by Jim Salmon, who is from St. Davids and Team 9 (Freshwater West to Burry Port) is headed by another local man, Rob Davies from Letterston.
Both men are veteran Welsh Guards, and Jim says: "I'm privileged to be part of a team involved in raising funds for these two charities.” Rob Davies added,  ‘I loved my  time in the Regiment and really enjoy getting involved with all  things to do with the Welsh Guards, so when the message came to me that Walk on Wales was looking for someone to lead a team from Freshwater West to Burry Port, I jumped at the chance.”
Throughout the challenge, the teams will be joined by some well-known faces including including MPs Stephen Crabb and Simon Hart. Members of the public who want to pay their own personal respects are welcomed and encouraged to sign up to take part in this unique event. Registration is easy through the Walk on Wales website. You can walk any distance of your choice on any day or week stage.
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Community

Port issue warning over damage to Milford Beach access route

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THE PORT of Milford Haven has issued a warning regarding a wall collapse on the hot water slip access to Milford Beach.

Residents and visitors are urged to stay clear of the affected area and avoid using this access route while investigations and repairs are carried out.

Please share this message to help ensure public safety.

Thank you.

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Community

Feed the Community Event Attended by Local MS

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SENEDD Member Paul Davies has recently visited the Feed the Community initiative at the Haverhub in Haverfordwest. Feed the Community is supported by Haverfordwest Town Council and organised by Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner and Councillor Dani Thomas-Turner. The project, which supported by several local organisations, invites residents to the Hub where free hot meals are provided and there are free activities to get involved in.

Mr Davies said, “Feed the Community is a fantastic initiative and it’s great to see the local community working together to create these inclusive and welcoming events.”

He added, “It’s a great way for local businesses and charities to engage with residents and build bridges in the community. The event was so well attended, and I was delighted to talk to residents, business representatives and volunteers. The atmosphere at the Hub was very positive and I was delighted to see it all for myself.”

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Community

Plans submitted for disability-friendly bridge at Tenby train station

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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.

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