Charity

Coastwatch station at Wooltack Point appeals for volunteers to expand cover

Published

1 month ago

December 7, 2025

Pembrokeshire’s only NCI lookout seeks more recruits to move to seven-day operation

HIGH above the coastline at Martin’s Haven, on the edge of the National Trust’s Deer Park, stands NCI Wooltack Point – the county’s sole National Coastwatch Institution station. Many visitors mistake it for a birdwatching shelter, but the team of trained volunteers inside plays a far more critical role.

From this exposed position they have a clear view over Jack Sound, the narrow and notoriously fast-flowing stretch of water between the mainland and Skomer Island. Tidal races here can reach 4–5 knots, drawing in kayakers, pleasure craft, walkers and wildlife spotters and creating conditions that change in moments.

The station is currently open five days a week, from Friday to Tuesday. The ambition is to extend cover to seven days, but that depends entirely on recruitment. With a small local population and the challenges of such a remote site, finding enough volunteers has never been easy.

Wooltack Point’s responsibilities differ from many other NCI stations, which are often based above busy beaches. Here, watchkeepers concentrate on offshore activity, using telescopes and binoculars to track boat movements, monitor the tide races and log anything out of the ordinary. They also keep a careful watch on the cliff paths, which attract large numbers of walkers and photographers. Visitors edging too close to the drop for a better view of seals, or dogs chasing seabirds towards the cliff edge, are among the recurring risks the team monitors.

The station operates to HM Coastguard standards, passing on information and assisting during live incidents. Volunteers also work alongside search and rescue teams and, where needed, the Border Force, providing what local managers describe as “an extra pair of eyes on a difficult stretch of coast”.

Running the facility is not cheap. With no government funding, the station must raise between £6,000 and £7,000 every year simply to keep the doors open. That covers communications, maintenance and essential equipment. Donations from local businesses, collection boxes and community fundraising efforts are what sustain the operation.

Access to facilities was once a barrier to recruitment, but the recent installation of a toilet has made longer shifts more manageable and has already encouraged new sign-ups.

No previous maritime experience is required. New volunteers receive full training at their own pace, beginning with an online course covering navigation basics, tides and chartwork, before progressing to supervised sessions at the station. Practical skills include logging procedures, emergency response and risk assessment. A fully funded VHF Radio Operator’s Licence is also available. Volunteers stress that no one is left to stand a watch alone until they feel completely ready.

The station holds optional training twice a month as well as informal social meet-ups, helping build confidence and maintain skills.

Phil, the deputy station manager, joined four years ago after retiring. “I always wanted to help on the lifeboats but never had the time,” he said. “This is my way of giving something back – and maybe being there on the day someone really needs us.” While there is always routine work to do, he adds: “A quiet lookout is a good day. It means everyone’s safe.”

NCI Wooltack Point is inviting anyone with spare time – whether weekly or occasionally – to get involved. More volunteers mean more hours covered, and a safer coastline for everyone who visits this dramatic corner of Pembrokeshire.

Those interested can contact the station through its website or Facebook page.

Charity

Major storm damage confirmed at popular Pembrokeshire ABC

Published

14 minutes ago

January 12, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A Pembrokeshire sporting club – described as ‘a breathing hub of inclusion and resilience’ – has launched a major fund raising drive after recent storms wreaked thousands of pounds worth of damage to its structure.

A large section of roofing at the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club has fallen in as a result of strong winds while the main gym area is currently inaccessible.

“It’s heartbreaking to see this important community facility hit so hard by the recent storms,” commented South Pembrokeshire’s Senedd Member, Sam Kurtz.

“I’ve seen for myself the fantastic work that Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC does when I attended a junior disability boxing session at the club in Water Street, Pembroke Dock.

“It leads by example, and the club is an outstanding example of where community and fitness brings everyone together.

“I ask everyone to support the club as it attempts to repair the storm damage in whatever way they can.”

Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC prides itself on welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds on a daily basis including those in need of recovery support, adaptive sport or trauma-informed programmes. This includes people receiving stroke recovery, Parkinson’s support, safeguarding workshops and youth mentoring.

The club also prides itself on having a strong team of volunteers, aged between 16 and 70, who are described as ‘the heartbeat’ of the club’s work.

Formed in 1964 by Police Officer Bryn Phillips, the club later affiliated to WABA and has become a well established and much loved part of the community, producing many champions and taking part in numerous local community events.

Since then, it has witnessed a steady increase in users as more families, schools and support services continue to use its facilities.

The club is currently trying to raise a total of £50,000 to repair the extensive storm damage. All donations can be made via the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock AFC gofund me link.

Charity

Charity medium night to raise funds for Cancer Research Wales in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

International spiritualist medium to appear at rugby club event

A CHARITY evening with an international spiritualist medium is set to take place in Milford Haven later this month, with all proceeds going to Cancer Research Wales.

The event will be held on Friday (Jan 16) at Milford Haven Rugby Club, and will feature a live demonstration by Lee Mills, who is described by organisers as an internationally recognised spiritualist medium.

Organised in support of Cancer Research Wales, the evening aims to raise funds for cancer research carried out in Wales. Organisers have confirmed that all proceeds raised on the night will be donated to the charity.

Doors open at 6:30pm, with the event starting at 7:00pm. Tickets are priced at £12, and the evening is a ticket-only event.

Those wishing to attend are advised to book in advance. Tickets can be available by contacting Sara on 07817 677632.

Organisers said the event offers local residents the chance to enjoy an evening of entertainment while also supporting a Welsh charity dedicated to funding life-saving cancer research.

Charity

Cardigan customers donate more than 350 toys to local charity

Published

4 days ago

January 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

KIND-HEARTED shoppers at Tesco Cardigan Superstore have donated more than 350 toys to help local children enjoy Christmas.

Customers responded to the store’s Christmas Toy Donation campaign by leaving 360 brand-new toys at an in-store collection point in the weeks leading up to the festive period. The gifts were donated to Home-Start Ceredigion, which distributed them to families across the area so children had presents to open on Christmas Day.

The campaign was aimed at supporting families who may otherwise struggle to provide gifts during what can be a difficult time of year.

Store manager Ceri Gough said the response from the community had been “fantastic”, adding that the store takes pride in supporting local causes through Tesco’s Stronger Starts and Community Food Connection programmes.

“This year’s toy donation campaign gave customers a great opportunity to support local families and ensure children in our community had something to open on Christmas Day,” she said. “We are extremely grateful to everyone who donated and helped bring some festive joy to local families.”

She added that Tesco Cardigan had worked with Home-Start previously and hoped the partnership would continue to grow.

Claire De Silva, Tesco’s Head of Communities, also thanked shoppers for their generosity.

“Our stores support children and communities throughout the year, and local people never fail to get behind these efforts,” she said. “Once again, the people of Cardigan have shown the magic of Christmas is alive and well, helping to make a lot of children very happy.”

The Toy Donation campaign ran in Tesco stores across the UK in November and December, with almost 75,000 gifts donated nationally by customers.