Community

Amazing turn out for Palestine evening

Published

11 years ago

January 5, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Delicious: The audience participated in making a group Palestinian meal.

EARLIER this month, a fund raising and awareness evening was held in Newport for Palestine, where the audience lived the lives of people in a different part of the world. Dasa, a film-maker from the Czech republic organised the audience to help with the cooking of a traditional Palestinian dish. Participants got into large groups, washing, whisking, and chopping together for a group meal, as it is the norm in Eastern countries. The full hall then watched films with a food and farming theme.

In Palestine trouble is a part of everyday life. One film showed men arguing light-heartedly and cooking the same dish we had just prepared, but unfortunately they were taken away by the Israeli forces before they had a chance to eat it. The people were left to eat, still debating the best recipe. The next film showed how groups of women are forming cooperatives to get Palestinian produce back on the shelves and in the markets, organically grown. There were some great characters with powerful stories to tell.

Men are now asking to join the women’s coops, and offering double membership to get in. Much of the land they are growing on is now being seized by Israel against international law. At other times olive trees are cut down and livestock killed. Inevitably people asked what they could do. Opportunities for boycotts and letter writing were among the answers. Attendees who had visited Palestine recalled their experiences. A young woman from Narberth was part of a circus group formed to bring joy and laughter into troubled lives.

They had all been held for hours or days by the security forces before they could get into Palestine. They said that the enormous warmth and welcome made it an unforgettable experience, everyone in Palestine speaks English! The day before our meeting there was a passionate back-bench debate in Westminster and the day of our event France voted to recognise Palestine as a nation. There is no doubt this is the hottest international topic not just in the world but in Wales too.

Community

Milford Haven paddling pool open daily at 10:00am — safety reminder issued

Published

2 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Town council urges parents to supervise children at all times

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has reminded visitors to the children’s paddling pool on The Rath that the facility opens daily at 10:00am, and that children must be supervised by a responsible adult.

In a bilingual safety poster shared online, the council set out simple but essential rules to help ensure the pool remains a safe and fun space throughout the summer holidays. While the pool is popular with families, the council warns that it is not officially supervised, and users do so at their own risk.

The key rules include:

Children must be accompanied by an adult.
No running or diving in or around the pool.
No food, drink, or glass bottles in the water area.
No dogs are allowed within the paddling pool zone.
Littering is strictly prohibited.

A council spokesperson said: “Hi everyone, a polite request: we ask that all children be supervised by a responsible adult while using the pool. Thank you.”

There is no formal age limit for the pool, but younger children will be given priority, especially during busy times.

Local families have praised the pool since it reopened, with one visitor, Linda Phillips, commenting: “We’ve just spent two hours there. Great effort everyone! The youngsters are really enjoying it.”

Milford Haven Town Council thanked her for the feedback, calling it “lovely to hear.”

Opening times or access arrangements may change due to weather or maintenance — updates will be posted on the council’s official Facebook page.

Caption:

Splash safely: Milford Haven Town Council’s new bilingual poster reminds families to supervise children and follow the rules while enjoying the paddling pool on The Rath this summer (Pic: Herald).

Community

Soapbox thrills return to Fishguard this weekend

Published

9 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Homemade racers set to hurtle through town in annual derby

A WILD ride is promised in Fishguard this Saturday (July 12) as the town’s much-loved Soapbox Derby returns in full force.

Organised by Fishguard and District Round Table, the annual event will once again see daring drivers pilot their homemade carts down the sloping streets of Penbanc and Rope Walk, skimming past Lota Park as they compete for the fastest time – and the biggest cheers.

From high-speed thrills to hair-raising spills, the course is known for its tight corners, jumps and the occasional spectacular crash, all to the delight of hundreds of spectators.

Racing starts at 12:00pm and continues until 5:00pm, with five trophies on offer – including first, second and third place, the ‘Derby Disaster’ prize for the most dramatic mishap, and a trophy for the best design. Last year’s winners are reminded to return their trophies to A&E Nichols on West Street ahead of the event.

This year’s entry process was run through Eventbrite, with registration now closed. A packed day of entertainment will accompany the racing, with family-friendly fun in Lota Park including food stalls, bouncy castles, fairground rides and more.

All proceeds from the derby – along with other summer events including the raft race and carnival – are reinvested into local projects by the Round Table.

For updates and information, search “Fishguard Soapbox Derby” on Facebook.

Charity

Tributes paid as RNLI lifeboat coxswain Frankie George MBE passes away

Published

10 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Respected Fishguard seaman served for two decades and led hundreds of launches

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Fishguard RNLI coxswain Francis ‘Frankie’ George MBE, who has died.

Mr George, who retired in 2002 after nearly twenty years of dedicated service, was described as one of the finest seamen of his generation. During his time with the lifeboat station, he took part in hundreds of service launches and was deeply respected throughout the lifeboat community.

Chris Williams, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager and former lifeboat mechanic, said: “Francis (Frankie) George MBE was quite simply one of the finest seamen I have ever sailed with. He engendered respect from all who met him.

“His professionalism and skill were second to none, and he inspired total confidence in his crews, even in the foulest of weather.

“With his passing, Fishguard has lost one of its true characters. He will be missed by all who knew him. As a mark of respect, the flag above the lifeboat station will be flown at half-mast.”

The RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat crew extended their heartfelt condolences to Mr George’s family and friends.

Respected coxswain: Frankie George MBE led hundreds of lifeboat launches from Fishguard (Pic: RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat)