Community
Disability sport festival takes place
THE FIRST Disability in sport Festival was hosted in Haverfordwest Leisure Centre on Saturday (Jun 20) and was the first of its kind in West Wales.
It was the brainchild of Peter O’Shea, owner of Snowdrop Independent Living. It was an event aimed to encourage those with impairments to try a wide range of sports, from target shooting, table tennis and powerlifting to edgier activities such as wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby (formerly known as murderball).
The organisation was a joint effort between The Haverfordwest Leisure Centre management staff, Angela Miles, Disability Sports officer for Pembrokeshire and Snowdrop Independent Living. Sports clubs were encouraged to take part and to demonstrate their activities and the expertise; and the manpower and equipment of Disability Sports Wales played a vital part in enabling many of the activities to take place.
The event saw a few well-known faces in attendance, from members of the Welsh rugby squad, sponsored by Oil4Wales, the Osprey’s wheelchair rugby team – some of whom participated in the London 2012 Olympic Games, world record holding athlete Nathan Stephens as well as the Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb.
The activities, all of which catered for those with disabilities, were split into different sections throughout the leisure centre, one room having the option of activities such as boccia, table tennis, and powerlifting with Simon Roach of Strength Academy Wales.
The gym hosted gymnastics in one half, and in the other half wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby took place in intervals, coaching for the latter being led by members of the Osprey’s Wheelchair Rugby Team. Bikeability had a large range of adapted bikes available to try, and swimming, target shooting and other disciplines were held throughout the day.
Ospreys wheelchair rugby chairman Rev. Steven Jones was encouraged by what he had seen saying: “People are taking part, some having a go for the very first time, we hope that perhaps it’s the start, that perhaps there will be some future wheelchair rugby players here today.”
Paul Jenkins, Head Coach for the Osprey’s Wheelchair Rugby team was enthused for both the event and the brilliant opportunities created for the disabled through sports such as wheelchair rugby.
He said: “It’s a tremendous game, a tremendous sport for everyone; you can play whether you’re slightly able, physically or mentally, it doesn’t matter, we can get you in and have a go at the sport, and the more we can have down to have a go the better.”
Participant Sarah Davies also praised the event: “It’s out of my comfort zone but a good new experience.”
The event was kindly sponsored by Valero and Snowdrop Independent Living who provide mobility aids, stairlifts and disabled access equipment to help people stay independent within their homes.
Pictures and footage of the event can be found on Snowdrop Independent Living’s Twitter and Facebook pages, as well as their website.
Community
Council Chairman in Haverfordwest Fire Station visit
IN one of his final duties as Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Thomas Baden Tudor visited Haverfordwest Fire Station yesterday, accompanied by Fire Authority Member Councillor John Davies. The visit included a comprehensive briefing on the services provided by the Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
During their visit, the Council Chairman and Councillor Davies were presented with an in-depth demonstration of the station’s firefighting equipment, focusing on the capabilities of the turntable ladder callsign 31A1. “It was a privilege to see our dedicated firefighters in action and to learn about the sophisticated equipment they use to keep our community safe,” Mr. Tudor remarked.
The engagement highlights the ongoing commitment of Pembrokeshire County Council to support the vital services provided by the fire and rescue teams across the region. This visit also served as an opportunity for council members to see firsthand the challenges and advancements in local firefighting efforts.
Mr. Tudor’s term as Chairman has been marked by his active involvement in community safety and support for emergency services. As he prepares to step down from his role, this visit stands as a testament to his dedication and the strong collaboration between the council and the fire services.
Community
Emergency response drill scheduled at Pembroke Oil Refinery
VALERO ENERGY has announced plans to conduct an emergency response drill at the Pembroke Oil Refinery on May 16. Residents in the vicinity are advised that the exercise will involve active participation from local emergency services and will include the use of sirens.
The drill is a routine safety exercise intended to ensure preparedness in the event of an actual emergency. Valero Energy officials have emphasised that there is no cause for concern and that the activities are purely simulation.
Community members can expect to see emergency personnel and hear sirens periodically throughout the day as part of the drill. The company urges residents to remain informed and calm, and to communicate with neighbors, particularly those who may not have received the announcement, to prevent any undue alarm.
Local officials and emergency services are coordinating closely with Valero Energy to facilitate a smooth execution of the drill and to minimize any disruption to the community. The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to maintain high safety standards at the facility and to ensure effective response capabilities in emergency situations.
Residents seeking more information about the drill or with specific concerns can contact Valero Energy’s community relations department or visit their website. The company thanks everyone in advance for their cooperation and understanding as they continue to prioritise safety in the Pembroke area.
Valero says on it’s website: “Training plays an important part in developing and maintaining the skills required to respond effectively to emergency situations.
“We are committed to providing each member of the Emergency Response Team the opportunity to attend training necessary for developing and maintaining the skills and knowledge required to be an ERT member.
“During training, ERT members prepare for a variety of scenarios, expand their skills, share information from experience and mentor new members. At each site, the ERT maintains strong relationships with local community response personnel by participating in joint drills and assessments.
“Frequent ERT training exercises promote excellent response readiness.”
Community
Carmarthen Youth Opera receives King’s Award for Voluntary Services
CARMARTHEN and District Youth Opera has been honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Services in recognition of its outstanding contributions to providing musical theatre opportunities for young people in the West Wales area.
Recognising outstanding examples of voluntary work, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from across the UK for many years. Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.
Established in 1979, Carmarthen and District Youth Opera has been a cornerstone of the performing arts community in Wales for over four decades. What began as a small group of dedicated individuals at Carmarthen’s Further Education Centre youth club has flourished into one of Wales’s most successful cultural societies, thanks to the dedication of volunteers.
Under the leadership of the late Elizabeth Evans MBE and her husband David, Carmarthen and District Youth Opera has grown from strength to strength, showcasing high-quality musical entertainment and earning accolades such as the Lord Snowdon Award for its first annual music production of “Snow White” in 1979. Over the years, Carmarthen and District Youth Opera has continued to captivate audiences with productions ranging from “Oliver” to “Jesus Christ Superstar,” garnering national praise.
Further major Lyric refurbishment works in the early 1990’s and later, gave a home to the Youth Opera with a venue and facilities in which it could deliver productions of the highest quality to an audience of approximately 500 people. For a period of 15 years, it functioned as an entertainment centre run voluntarily by the Lyric Trust, drawn from the Youth Opera’s supporters. The theatre is since owned and run by Carmarthenshire County Council as a venue for current and future generations.
Carmarthen and District Youth Opera’s impact extends beyond the stage, with many former cast members pursuing successful careers in music and dramatic arts. The organisation’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity has earned it widespread recognition, including from Her Majesty the Queen, the Emir of Qatar, and their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.
As Carmarthen and District Youth Opera celebrates this prestigious award, it remains firm in its commitment to nurturing young talent and enriching the cultural landscape of Wales.
Councillor Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism said: “Carmarthen and District Youth Opera embodies the spirit of community and dedication to the arts that enriches our region. Receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Services is a testament to the unwavering commitment of its volunteers and the profound impact the organisation has on nurturing young talent. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued contributions to the cultural vibrancy of West Wales.”
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