News

Angle’s new inshore lifeboat named after ‘Super Grandad’

Published

11 years ago

May 3, 2015

Tom Sinclair

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 Lifeboat Operations Manager John Allen-Mirehouse, and the volunteer crew of SuperG II, Adam Stringer (Helmsman), David Dillane and Sarah Lunn. (Photo: Martin Cavaney Photography.)

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.

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News

Welsh Labour confirms ranked candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin

Published

1 hour ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

WELSH LABOUR has confirmed the ranked list of candidates for the new Senedd constituency of Sir Gaerfyrddin.

The party selected a shortlist for each of Wales’ sixteen new constituencies earlier this summer, with local members taking part in recent weeks to determine the order of their preferred candidates.

Candidates have already been announced for Clwyd, Sir Fynwy, Torfaen, Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr, Gŵyr Abertawe, and Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd.

Welsh Labour’s ranked candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin are:

Calum Higgins
Dawn Evans
Martyn Palfreman
David Darkin
Lewis Davies
Andre McPherson

The rankings remain provisional and will require formal endorsement by the Welsh Executive Committee. Further announcements for the remaining constituencies are expected in the coming weeks.

Climate

Milford Haven’s unique seabed habitat revealed in major new study

Published

2 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A NEW scientific study has revealed the distinct and ecologically significant nature of Milford Haven’s maerl beds, shedding fresh light on how one of Wales’ most fragile underwater habitats can be protected for the future.

Maerl beds are slow-growing, coral-like accumulations of red algae that form intricate structures on the seabed. These habitats support a wide range of marine species and act as important stores of blue carbon, helping absorb and lock away carbon dioxide.

The research, led by the University of Exeter with contributions from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), used Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to analyse maerl samples from Pembrokeshire to Cornwall. The data allowed scientists to assess genetic diversity across the region and identify the populations most at risk from environmental pressures and human activity.

Crucially, the study found that Milford Haven’s maerl bed is genetically distinct from other sites, underlining its uniqueness and highlighting the need for site-specific protection.

Dr Frances Ratcliffe, Senior Marine Environmental Assessment Officer for NRW, said:
“This research highlights the unique nature of the maerl bed in Milford Haven, showing it to be both highly genetically diverse and distinct from other populations in the wider region.
“We’re delighted to have contributed to this work, which makes the case for protecting this special habitat even stronger. Sadly, the bed is currently in a degraded state, and we hope the findings will help inform future efforts to safeguard these vital ecosystems for generations to come.”

Dr Tom Jenkins, the project lead, added: “This is the first research project to assemble reference genomes for two maerl-forming species and use Whole Genome Sequencing to study populations around the southern and south-west coasts of Britain.
“It reveals levels of genetic diversity and identifies populations dominated by maerl clones, which together could have implications for their vulnerability and resilience to future changes in climate and the environment.”

NRW is also leading a wider project examining declines in benthic habitats — ecosystems found on or near the seabed — to strengthen Wales’ understanding of underwater biodiversity. This includes research into herring in Milford Haven, sponge communities in the Menai Strait, and modiolus horse mussel reefs off the north Llŷn Peninsula. The work is funded through the Welsh Government’s Nature Networks programme.

Business

Twr y Felin Hotel unveils new bespoke couple’s spa

Published

2 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TWR Y FELIN Felin Hotel, Wales’ first contemporary art hotel, has announced the opening of its new bespoke couple’s spa – an exclusive sanctuary designed to restore balance, renew the senses, and bring calming wellbeing to both body and mind.

The new private spa space combines modern wellness design with gentle natural elements, offering a serene environment for couples or small groups seeking deep relaxation. Centred on the therapeutic power of water, the spa provides a cocoon of tranquillity and indulgence just moments from the heart of St Davids.

Guests can unwind in the deep whirlpool bath, enjoy the circulation-boosting benefits of the infrared sauna, or cleanse and detoxify in the steam shower. The space also includes heated loungers and a private terrace, complemented by soft lighting and soothing music – creating an ideal backdrop for an hour or more of restorative escape.

One-hour spa sessions

Perfect for guests seeking a shorter break from the everyday, the spa offers one-hour sessions:

Monday – Thursday: £50 per person
Friday – Sunday: £60 per person

One-hour sessions can be booked online. Longer visits can be arranged directly with the hotel and are subject to availability.

Guests can also extend their wellness journey with a wide menu of treatments, including aromatherapy massage, therapeutic body massage, Indian head massage, body exfoliation rituals, and Twr y Felin’s signature Encapsulate treatment.

“Our vision was to create a space where guests can slow down, breathe, and indulge in a restorative experience that leaves them feeling renewed,” said Emma Bowen, General Manager. “The spa complements our philosophy of creating exceptional experiences inspired by art, culture, and the surrounding Pembrokeshire landscape.”

Booking information

The spa is open daily, with one-hour sessions available to book online. Packages and extended stays must be booked directly with the hotel’s reception team. Please note that the spa is an adults-only environment and is not suitable for pregnant guests.

For information, bookings, and full terms and conditions, visit:
https://twryfelinhotel.com/treatments/

About Twr y Felin Hotel

Located in Britain’s smallest city, St Davids, Twr y Felin Hotel is Wales’ first contemporary art hotel. The award-winning retreat offers luxurious accommodation, fine dining at Blas Restaurant, and a unique collection of specially commissioned artworks inspired by the dramatic Pembrokeshire coast.