News
Newgale: Woman and children saved by RNLI lifeguards in major rescue
AN EXHAUSTED woman who was dragged out from a beach in a rip current was moments from disappearing under water when RNLI lifeguards came to her rescue.
Two young children were also saved from the fast flowing current in a multi-agency rescue on Tuesday afternoon (Jul 21) which saw RNLI lifeguards, two RNLI lifeboats, HM Coastguard, paramedics and the Wales Air Ambulance helicopter all involved.
The woman had attempted to come to the aid of the two young children who were being pulled away from the shore in the current at Newgale beach in Pembrokeshire.
But after the two children were brought back to the safety of the shore by an RNLI lifeguard, the woman – a 30-year-old holidaymaker – got into serious difficulty in the big waves and high winds of Tuesday afternoon.
RNLI lifeguards from the south end of Newgale beach initially entered the water and rescued the children, before an Arancia inshore rescue boat from the nearby Newgale North Beach Lifeguard Unit arrived just in time to pull the woman from the sea before she went under.
RNLI Senior Lifeguard Manager Matt Horton, who was at Newgale carrying out a routine beach inspection as the rescue happened, said it was only the swift and decisive actions of the RNLI lifeguards which ensured the positive outcome.
He said: ‘What our lifeguards did today has saved the life of a woman and likely the lives of two young children as well. The woman was moments from going under the water and if it was not for the speed of the lifeguards’ actions, the speed of the flank lifeguard unit in launching the rescue boat and the skill they showed handling the boat in difficult sea conditions to bring the woman on board, there could have been a very different outcome.’
The rescue happened at about 4.20pm when RNLI lifeguards spotted three people in trouble in the water and a fourth signalling for help.
RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Stuart Penfold and lifeguards Sean Ellison and Sean Williams called for the assistance of the rescue boat from their flank unit and entered the water. Stuart swam towards the two children with a rescue tube and brought them into safety and reunited them with their families.
Sean and Sean tried to reach the woman on rescue boards but difficult sea condition meant the inshore rescue boat was better equipped to reach her quickly.
Such was the seriousness of the woman’s condition RNLI lifeguards Sam Ellison and Moritz Neumann, who were operating the rescue boat, had to adapt their standard procedure in big surf conditions and hold on to the woman despite waves crashing onto the boat. They got her aboard and brought her back to the beach, where she was given oxygen and treatment for secondary drowning and was passed over to HM Coastguard staff and paramedics.
The two rescued children were given warmth, rest and reassurance by the RNLI lifeguards.
All three were taken to hospital by paramedics for check-ups but it was not thought their injuries were serious.
The volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew from Little & Broad Haven was tasked by HM Coastguard at 4.30pm and carried out a sweep of Newgale to check for any other further casualties. St Davids RNLI lifeboat was also called but stood down on arrival. The Wales Air Ambulance helicopter also arrived at Newgale but was not required.
Stuart Penfold added: ‘We have seen a number of incidents where people have got into difficulty trying to rescue others in trouble in the sea. Often it is those who try to help who end up coming off worse.
‘We would always advise people to swim at lifeguarded beaches and report anyone in trouble to lifeguards, who are fully trained in how to deal with emergency situations.
‘We want people to enjoy the water over the school holidays but to make sure that they respect it – that’s why our charity has launched its annual Respect the Water campaign to help people stay safe at the coast.’
Business
Original Factory Shop to close Haverfordwest branch in December
THE ORIGINAL FACTORY SHOP in Haverfordwest has announced it will close its doors on December 14, 2024. This news has left many saddened, with heartfelt tributes pouring in to celebrate the store’s role in the community and the people who made it special.
In a recent social media post, the management of The Original Factory Shop shared their gratitude for the community’s support, stating: “We take this opportunity to thank all of the local community and our store colleagues for their support throughout our time here in Haverfordwest.” The announcement marks the end of an era for a store that has been part of the town’s retail landscape for many years.
Among those reflecting on the closure is Nigel Shinner, a former employee whose journey with The Original Factory Shop began in Haverfordwest. Nigel shared his experience on social media, reminiscing about his time with the store and how it became a meaningful part of his life and career:
“I know there are sadder things happening in the world today, but this makes me sad. This was my point of entry into The Original Factory Shop family. I joined as just a weekender, while I was raising my kids, but it wasn’t long before I became a supervisor and farmed out to help at other stores. I really stepped up a notch when my life took a turn, and I became Head Office staff and part of the new store merchandising team, often working ten-hour days, unloading wagons, building equipment, dressing stores, and training staff. That job took me far and wide, from Land’s End to John O’Groats, from east coast to west, and to many locations across the home nations.”
Local customers also expressed their sadness at the upcoming closure, with comments pouring in on social media. Long-time shopper Julie Parry wrote, “I will be so sad to see this lovely little shop going. Always such friendly, helpful staff. Good luck, ladies, in whatever work you do next.” Another customer, Lyndsey Gould, shared fond memories of shopping at the store, saying, “Awww, such a shame you’re closing. Will miss getting my balloons from you guys.”
The closure of The Original Factory Shop marks another loss for Haverfordwest’s local shopping scene, which has seen several changes in recent years. The community now prepares to say goodbye to a much-loved establishment, with the store welcoming customers for a final visit until December 14.
For those wishing to express their farewells, the store remains open for one last month, inviting the community to visit, reminisce, and say goodbye to the team that has been a part of their shopping experience for years.
Entertainment
Other Voices Cardigan celebrates record attendances
THE fifth Other Voices Cardigan 2024 Festival was a record breaker, having attracted more than 15,000 music fans from across the world to the pretty Mid Wales coastal town over three days.
The event, which ran from October 31to November 2, featured a curated programme celebrating music, friendship, language, ideas and culture from both sides of the Irish Sea and beyond.
Festival highlights included stellar performances from Nadine Shah, Bill Ryder Jones, and Fabiana Palladino.
St Mary’s Church audiences were treated to an acoustic performance by Manics’ frontman James Dean Bradfield, who performed special renditions of the classics ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’, ‘A Design for Life’, and ‘Ready for Drowning’.
Other Church performers this year include Charlotte Day Wilson, Melys, Victor Ray, and Georgia Ruth.
Providing an extraordinary and inspiring programme across a myriad of musical genres, events took place in cafes, bars, places of worship and arts venues.
More than 42 established and emerging acts from Wales and Ireland played the Music Trail and around 300 artists and crew worked and performed. The festival also boosted the local economy, with many businesses reporting increased foot traffic and sales during the event.
Over the past weekend, the festival saw more than 15,000 individual event admissions to more than 100 performances across the weekend, representing a 36% increase on 2023.
Visitors from outside Wales also increased significantly by 41%, with music fans coming from Ireland, Italy, New York, Sweden and Germany.
“This year has been another fantastic success,” said Dilwyn Davies, chief executive of Mwldan, co-producers of the event. “We’ve celebrated the vibrancy and vitality of the music scenes on both sides of the Irish Sea, and the spirit of our communities.
“The audience response has been incredibly positive and joyous, and we can’t wait to bring everyone together again in 2025.”
Phillip King, founder of Other Voices, added: “Cardigan/Aberteifi came alive with great music and stimulating and provocative banter when Other Voices came to town this past weekend.
“The event is growing and expanding year on year, attracting more visitors to this beautiful town. It’s a real delight to bring Other Voices across the Irish Sea, to collapse between Ireland and Wales and to bring us together in a way that deepens and strengthens every aspect of our relationship.”
Church performances were live-streamed on Other Voices YouTube channel and simultaneously streamed to the big screen at Mwldan in Cardigan. Highlights will be later broadcast on BBC Wales TV, BBC iPlayer and RTÉ and RTÉ Player via media partners. The event was presented by BBC DJ and Other Voices regular Huw Stephens.
Other Voices Cardigan is staged with the support and investment of Welsh Government and Government of Ireland, The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Fund.
The festival is produced by South Wind Blows in partnership with Mwldan and Triongl. This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Ceredigion County Council.
News
Kurtz backs west Wales businesses at Cardiff net zero Event
THIS week, local businesses and industry leaders from across Wales gathered at a Confederation of British Industry (CBI) event in Cardiff to discuss Wales’ journey toward a Net Zero future.
Among those championing the potential for West Wales was local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz, who serves as the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy.
The event featured a panel discussion, with Mr. Kurtz joining other key speakers, including Luke Fletcher MS and representatives from major Welsh energy projects. Together, they highlighted the exciting opportunities that renewable energy investments could bring to Wales and discussed ways to overcome the challenges of infrastructure and development in this sector.
A major focus was the critical role that Pembrokeshire will play in Wales’ transition to renewable energy. Local projects such as the Celtic Freeport, developments at the Port of Milford Haven and key local employers such as RWE, Valero and others were showcased as vital components in the nation’s Net Zero strategy. Luciana Ciubotariu, CEO of Celtic Freeport, and Steve Edwards from Green Gen Cymru were on hand to share insights on how Pembrokeshire’s ports and energy projects are set to bring economic benefits and clean energy to the region.
Following the event, Mr. Kurtz expressed his enthusiasm for the role that West Wales can play in supporting sustainable economic growth through green initiatives:
“It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout of business and industry leaders all focused on a shared goal for Wales’ Net Zero ambitions. A partnership between government and industry, grounded in smart investment, is essential if we are to secure both our energy future and sustainable jobs in our communities.
“Here in West Wales, we have a huge opportunity to create skilled, well-paid jobs in areas like hydrogen fuel, floating offshore wind, and through the Celtic Freeport project. With the right support, these initiatives can deliver lasting prosperity for our communities.
The CBI event in Cardiff emphasized the importance of local investment and collaboration to make Wales a leader in renewable energy. By leveraging the strengths of Pembrokeshire’s natural resources and local talent, Mr. Kurtz and fellow attendees underscored that West Wales is ready to play a leading role in building a cleaner, greener economy for future generations.
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