Community

Charity fishing contest raises cash

Published

10 years ago

March 3, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Some of the participants: Outside Amroth Arms.

THE EIGHTH Felinfoel Brewery Double Dragon RNLI Annual Fishing Open, organised by members from Pembroke & District Angling Club, Osprey Sea Angling Club and Neyland Sea Angling Club, was held on Sunday February 8 on Amroth beach in South Pembrokeshire.

This year, like last year, the date did make a difference in catches compared to just four weeks earlier, good catches of Flounder being recorded at the Air Ambulance Open but not so many at this match but more than last year despite what many thought would be testing conditions with a flat calm sea and no wind. However, 15 out of the 78 anglers, compared to only 9 out of 68 in 2014, that fished, which included 5 ladies and 2 juniors (a boy and a girl), managed to weigh in 21 sizeable fish as compared to 2014 when only 9 were recorded and four weeks earlier when 38 anglers weighed in 64 fish.

The winning angler who managed to land 2 flounder for 885gms was a visiting angler from Newport, Gwent, Dai Loder, netting him the first prize of £250. Local rod, Stuart Allen, from Kilgetty, had the biggest flounder at 580gms taking the pool of £78. In second was a Milford Haven angler, young Daniel Tucker, new into the senior ranks of anglers and former top junior more than once on Amroth beach. He was narrowly beaten by just 70gms landing 2 flounder for 815gms, allowing him to pick up the runner’s up prize of £100. In third place was another visitor but ex local, Craig Thompson now from Portsmouth as opposed to Haverfordwest where he used to reside when winning competitions such as these on this very beach. He also had two flounder but for 690gms winning him £50. No junior managed to weigh in but a couple of the ladies did with Alison George from Milford taking the £20 prize with a Flounder of 270gms. The pair’s competition was won by 2 local Saundersfoot Angling Club members, Tony Ormond and Llewellyn Rose with 3 flounder for 830gms, picking up £90, with visitors Keith Stephens and Carl Isaac, second with 2 flounder for 670gms netting them £50.

However, the most important result on the day was that the event, by the time the money is all in, they will have raised over £900, for the Angle & Tenby lifeboats.

John O’Connor said: “Thanks goes to the main sponsor Felinfoel Brewery along with their rep Jamie Owen for continuing to sponsor this event and congratulations goes to the anglers from the organising club, together with Roger Harris of the Amroth Arms who always puts his premises and valued support at this event’s disposal, together with Pam from the Tenby Lifeboat support group who, along with Ken Gainfort, ran the raffle, thanks. Finally, we must again thank all the kind and generous sponsors of the event, including those already mentioned who donated cash, made collections and donated prizes for the mega raffle which ensured continuation of the event’s great success. These were, in no particular order, Shane Tucker, Roger Harries (Amroth Arms), John O’Connor, Leigh Rogers, James Lemon of Awesome Fishing, Andy Luxford, Howells Welding (Pendine) ,Davies Decorators, Martin and Sandra Thompson of Anglers Corner, Milford Haven, Lawson H.I.S., Grainger Tubolt, St. Ishmaels Nurseries, Ken Gainfort, Dale Sailing, Consort, Derek Gregory and John and Sheila Mason. If anybody feels aggrieved that they have been missed off this list and we hope there isn’t, we are truly sorry, but thank you, most warmly, for your continued support.”

Community

RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.

Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.

Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Engaging young minds

The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.

Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”

Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”

Building a sustainable future

Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”

RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.

Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation

RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.

As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Community

New Men’s Shed opens at Milford Haven Station

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) has announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed at Milford Haven Station, transforming one of its stations into a valuable community hub.

Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people come together to make, repair, and repurpose items while supporting local projects. These grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in tackling social isolation and fostering a sense of community.

Research shows that Sheds offer significant health benefits, with 96% of members—known as Shedders—reporting a reduction in loneliness after joining. While traditionally associated with older men, Men’s Sheds are inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Many involve women, and some operate exclusively for women.

The new Milford Haven Men’s Shed will provide a space for the community to connect, share skills, and form friendships. Shedders will have the freedom to decide how best to use the space to meet their needs.

Emma Collins, Station Manager for Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that we are able to accommodate the Men’s Shed within the station and support this invaluable community group and the work they do.”

The Milford Haven Men’s Shed committee expressed gratitude to TfW for enabling the project, calling it a safe and welcoming space for older members of the community to build friendships and support well-being.

A spokesperson for the Shed said: “We hope to give back to the community some of the help we have received from TfW. We would also like to thank the National Lottery for the funding that made this project possible.”

They added: “Whether it’s crafting, working on projects, or simply dropping in for a cuppa and a chat, the Men’s Shed is here for the people of the town. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”

Community

Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Published

7 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).

The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.

Shaping the future together

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”

The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.

A data-driven approach

The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.

Get involved

Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.

For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].

About MAWWFRS

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.