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Angle’s new inshore lifeboat named after ‘Super Grandad’
RNLI Angle’s new D Class inshore lifeboat SuperG II. (Photo: Martin Cavaney Photography.)
RNLI Angle’s new £41,000 inshore lifeboat was officially named and dedicated at a champagne ceremony on Thursday evening (April 30).
The D class lifeboat SuperG II (D-776) has been funded by The Coward Endowment, a small family trust established by the late Charles Coward in 1965.
The new lifeboat was officially handed over to the RNLI by Charles Coward’s son, Clive, of London. He was accompanied by his wife Frances; daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Zino Pece, of Swansea, and grandsons Oli and Tom Pece.
Indeed, it is Oli and Tom who are the inspiration for the lifeboat’s name – ‘SuperG’ (Super Grandad) being their name for grandad Clive.
Mr Coward said that although The Coward Endowment mainly supports small charities, the exception to this is the RNLI because the trustees believe the lifesaving charity does such valuable work.
The trustees are particularly impressed by the courage and dedication of RNLI volunteers. “The funding of the new inshore lifeboat is a significant gift for the trust and the trustees are excited about the opportunity to provide something so tangible for the RNLI’s volunteers at Angle,” he said.
Clive and Frances Coward, their daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Zino Pece and grandsons, Oli and Tom Pece, with RNLI Angle Coxswain Lewis Creese (left) and lifeboat and shore crew members. (Martin Cavaney Photography)
He praised the work of the RNLI, whose volunteers placed their own lives on the line every time they go to sea to save others. He was delighted that the new lifeboat was at a location with which they could identify – ‘just along the road’ from the home of their daughter, son-in-law and grandsons at Swansea. Tammy is a graduate of Swansea University.
The new lifeboat is the second craft to be donated to the RNLI by The Coward Endowment. SuperG I is a rescue water craft in service with RNLI Lifeguards at Bournemouth.
Earlier in the day, the family had joined Coxswain Lewis Creese and the crew of Angle’s all weather Tamar class lifeboat Mark Mason on a training exercise on the Milford Haven Waterway.
The new inshore lifeboat was accepted, on behalf of the RNLI, by Rear Admiral Mark Kerr, DL, RN, a member of the charity’s Council. He then handed her into the care of Angle lifeboat station.
Admiral Kerr spoke of the work of the RNLI and said it costs around £385,000 a day to run the lifesaving charity, all of which is generously donated by the public. “Lifesaving couldn’t happen without all the fundraising support,” he said.
The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and Government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Last year, lifeboats around the UK and the Republic of Ireland launched on over 8,500 occasions, rescuing over 8,000 people and saving over 300 lives.
In accepting SuperG II, on behalf of the station, Lifeboat Operations Manager John Allen-Mirehouse, paid tribute to The Coward Endowment for their significant gift. “It is a proud and satisfying moment to receive this new lifeboat for the Angle station,” he said.
Before Mrs Frances Coward formally named the new lifeboat with a bottle of champagne, a service of dedication was led by the Rev Geoffrey Howell, Team Vicar for the Monkton Rectorial Benefice. Particularly poignant was the singing of the Seafarers’ hymn, ‘Eternal Father, Strong to Save’.
Present at the ceremony was the RNLI’s Divisional Operations Manager Nigel Jones, and among the guests were representatives of neighbouring lifeboat stations at Little Haven, St Davids and Tenby, and Pembroke Ladies Lifeboat Guild members, who made the catering arrangements.
Afterwards, SuperG II, crewed by Adam Stringer (helmsman), Sarah Lunn and David Dillane, was launched and gave a short display off the lifeboat station.
Clive and Frances Coward, their daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Zino Pece and grandsons, Oli and Tom Pece, with RNLI Angle Lifeboat Operations Manager John Allen-Mirehouse, and the volunteer crew of SuperG II, Adam Stringer (Helmsman), David Dillane and Sarah Lunn. (Martin Cavaney Photography)
The new lifeboat succeeds the D class Richard John Talbot Hillier (D-638), which was at Angle for 10 years and gave sterling service. She has now been transferred to RNLI Barry Dock as a boarding boat.
The D class inshore lifeboats have been the workhorses of the RNLI since 1963. They are fast, light and highly manoeuvrable and usually operate closer to the shore than all-weather lifeboats. They are specifically suited to surf, shallow water and confined locations, often close to cliffs, among rocks or even in caves.
The 5m long lifeboats each have a crew of 2 to 3, and the single 50hp outboard engine gives them a maximum speed of 25 knots. They have a range of 3 hours at their maximum speed.
The design of the class has continued to evolve since its introduction and the latest version was introduced in 2003. Equipment includes both fitted and hand-held VHF radio, night-vision equipment and first aid kits, including oxygen.
Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations
A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.
The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.
The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.
Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.
“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.
“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”
Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.
“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.
“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.
“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.
Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.
Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.
The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.
You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.
Support is also available via the below support services:
Victim Support Dyfed-Powys
Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.
0300 123 2996
Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)
Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.
01267 221194
Live Fear Free Helpline
24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.
0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333
Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli
A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.
Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.
The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.
Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.
The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.
It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”
Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).
“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”
Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.
“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.
“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.
“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.
“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”
SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.
Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.
Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.
Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.
This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.
Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.
‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.
‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’
Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.
‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.
‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’
Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.
To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.
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