News

Minister visits luxury boat builder in Pembrokeshire

Published

10 years ago

January 28, 2015

THE FIRST MINISTER, Carwyn Jones, has visited a familyrun business Dale Sailing Company that makes bespoke luxury yachts in Neyland. Dale Sailing Company, run by brothers Mike and John Reynolds, has gained an international reputation as an expert boatyard that makes one-off, top quality, custom designed boats that are personalised to meet the requirements of each individual owner. The company, based in Brunel Quay, Neyland, recently unveiled the Dale Classic 35 at the Southampton Boat Show where it won rave reviews and was a big hit with the crowds at the international marine event.

The Dale Classic 35 has also been nominated for the prestigious Motor Boat and Yachting awards 2015 which will take place at this year’s London International Boat Show. The Welsh Government provided funding towards Dale Sailing’s marketing materials and the berth at the Southampton show in September.

The First Minister said: “I was delighted to hear the Dale Sailing’s latest luxury motor launch made a big impression at the Southampton Boat Show and that the high quality craftsmanship and attention to detail has been singled out for praise and helped the company make such an impact.” “I am pleased that the Welsh Government was able to provide support to the company to achieve this.” Mike Reynolds said: “The Dale Classic 35 was a big hit at the Southampton Show and we’ve had huge interest from potential customers in the UK and Europe.”

“We are proud to have a reputation for top quality craft and our success is down to our attention to detail, high quality craftsmanship and customer service.” “We have consolidated and restructured the company over the recent few years and are now looking at further ways of developing and expanding the business.”

The business, which has 40 employees, also has a commercial boat building arm specialising in catamarans for use as passenger boats, support vessels for off shore wind farms and for fishing fleets. Mike added that there was potential for growth in increasing its dry berth facilities, the leisure and tourist side of the business, expanding its commercial boats services and boat building in the specialist and commercial catamaran markets. Dale Sailing was set up in 1961 by Mike and John’s father Campbell Reynolds in Dale.

Mike and John took over the business in 1979 and moved to larger premises in Neyland Marina in 1983 where it has boat building, boat repair, lift out and storage facilities on a 4.5 acres site with 10,000 sq ft of workshops. Over the years Mike and John have developed a strong management team and a highly skilled workforce who are committed to the further development, expansion and long term success of the company. John’s son Gareth is maintaining the family connection as he recently joined the company and is taking responsibility for the Leisure and Commercial boats.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

4 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

12 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

12 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.