Community

International White Ribbon Day service

Published

11 years ago

December 5, 2013

ANTI-VIOLENCE campaigner Joyce Watson AM hosted a candlelit service at St Davids Cathedral on International White Ribbon Day, Monday, November 25.

Over one hundred people came together in St Davids Cathedral to support the Light a Candle service, and many took the opportunity to sign the White Ribbon pledge. Sam Walsh of St Davids School read from the gospel of Matthew, then later helped Joyce Watson AM light candles in the shape of a white ribbon.

Mrs Watson said that in the last ten years there had been 12 homicides in the Dyfed Powys area, of which seven involved domestic abuse.

Chief Inspector Simon Prince said that, while Dyfed Powys is one of the safest parts of the UK, domestic abuse still happens too often, and he pledged the force to tackling it.

Organisations including the WI, Pembrokeshire’s Youth Offending and Prevention Service, St David’s School, St David’s City Council, Mothers’ Union, Pembrokeshire College and Merched y Wawr worked with Mrs Watson on the event.

The event was part of two weeks of Not in My Name campaign activity organised jointly by Mrs Watson and the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) – Wales.

Not in My Name recruits male ambassadors to urge people to support a simple pledge: to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. Men across Wales, from choirs to workplaces to sporting stars such as the Wales rugby squad, have signed up to this pledge.

Pembrokeshire-based Assembly Member Mrs Watson said: “I am grateful to St Davids Cathedral for agreeing to hold this service for the first time. We hold similar services in Llandaff and Brecon cathedrals, so I’ve been keen that people are able to come together in Pembrokeshire, particularly in our historic city, to mark an issue which affects so many.

“By signing the Not in My Name pledge and wearing a white ribbon, people send out a powerful message – that abuse in its many forms is never acceptable, should never be ignored and must never be excused.”

In Pembrokeshire in the past 12 months charitable housing association Hafan Cymru has provided refuge for 36 women and 35 children, and supported a further 11 women and 21 children to move on from their refuge.

Ann Sherwood of Hafan Cymru said: “In total Hafan Cymru supported over 2,500 individuals to escape abusive relationships across Wales last year. We strive to prevent abuse and promote independence. We cannot do this on our own, We need men to speak out and pledge never to commit or condone or remain silent through the White ribbon campaign.”

Ann Jones, Chair of NFWI Wales added: “It is unacceptable that violence against women persists in today’s society and that one in four women in Wales will experience domestic violence at the hands of a partner their lives. It is vital that men speak out to help create a culture change where violence against women is not tolerated.”

This year’s campaign is focused on younger women and girls, and is working with schools and colleges to help create a culture where violent behaviour towards women and girls is unacceptable.

People can get involved by signing White Ribbon posters, organising or attending events, and by sending messages of support.

Further details are available from Joyce Watson on www.joycewatson.org.uk/ 029 2089 8972, or the NFWIWaleshttp://www.thewi.org.uk/wiin-wales

Community

Storm Éowyn upgraded to ‘danger to life’ amber warning for Wales

Published

31 mins ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service backs Register My Appliance Week

Published

23 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is supporting Register My Appliance Week (January 20–26) to help households stay informed about appliance safety and product recalls.

Millions of UK households are unaware of critical safety updates for their appliances, with over 40 million large appliances still unregistered. From brand-new purchases to second-hand machines, registering appliances ensures owners are alerted to any safety issues, extending their safe usage.

In the past year, MAWWFRS responded to 163 incidents involving white goods. Home Fire Safety Manager Wayne Thomas said:

“We all value how appliances have transformed our lives, but it’s essential to register them. Doing so is quick, free, and ensures you’re informed if a safety repair is needed. Just a few minutes spent registering can help you enjoy your appliances safely.”

The Register My Appliance portal, run by AMDEA, connects users with over 70 leading brands and accepts registrations for both new and older appliances.

Community

Young Musician Competition: Winners shine in prestigious event

Published

24 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX talented young musicians showcased their skills during the first round of the 2025 Young Musician competition, held at Bethesda Chapel in Narberth on Wednesday, January 15. The event, organized by the Narberth & Whitland Rotary Club, highlighted the exceptional abilities of these enthusiastic performers.

The evening’s instrumental category winner was harpist Alaw Elisa, representing Ysgol Bro Preseli. The vocalist winner, Max Morris, also represented Ysgol Bro Preseli, impressing the audience and judges alike with his outstanding performance.

Certificates were presented to the winners by Rotary Club President Paul, who expressed his gratitude to everyone involved. “A heartfelt thank you to the competitors, their teachers, parents, and the dedicated volunteers at Bethesda Chapel who made this event a success,” he said.

The Rotary Club looks forward to seeing these young musicians continue to excel as they progress to the next stages of the competition.