COMMUNITIES across Wales are invited to join Spring Clean Cymru 2025 and help pick up the litter that pollutes our neighbourhoods, beaches and parks. 

The 2024 event saw 5,000 volunteers take part in 700 events across Wales. Keep Wales Tidy hopes to beat that in 2025, making this year the most successful spring clean yet. 

Families, friends, community groups, schools, businesses and individuals can get involved between Friday 21 March and Sunday 6 April 2025. 

Participants can register their own event – such as litter picking their street, local park, beach or other beauty spot – or sign up to join an organised clean-up on the Keep Wales Tidy website. 

Spring Clean Cymru is part of the Great British Spring Clean, run in England by Keep Britain Tidy and in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful.  

Every single piece of litter collected and safely disposed of makes a difference in protecting the environment in Wales, whether you pick up one bag or 100. 

This year Spring Clean Cymru will kick off with a World Record Attempt.  Keep Wales Tidy, and other likeminded organisations are partnering with leading environmentalist Kate Strong and freshwater expert Dr Numair Masud to break a new Guinness World Record for Most Participants in a River Clean-up (at Multiple Locations). The attempt will begin in locations along the River Taff, including Merthyr Tydfil, Pontypridd and Cardiff’s Taff Embankment from the stroke of midday on Friday 21 March. 

Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive Owen Derbyshire said: “Every year we are inspired and humbled by the thousands of people across Wales who take part in Spring Clean Cymru and give their time to make a cleaner Wales for everyone. Our message this year is #LoveWhereYouLive and we really see that in the commitment of those who take part. 

“In an ideal world, there would be no need for people to spend time litter picking, but we are continually grateful to everyone who does so, making their local communities and beauty spots cleaner and safer for everyone.” 

He added: “Litter picking is a great way of coming together as a community, getting active outdoors, and benefitting your health and wellbeing. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never taken part before – all the information you need is on our website. Every single piece of litter picked up makes a difference and we’d love for you to join us in looking after and protecting the environment in Wales.” 

You can register or search for a Spring Clean event near you on the Keep Wales Tidy website: www.keepwalestidy.cymru 

CALDEY ISLAND is in mourning following the passing of its oldest resident, Rita Cunningham, at the age of 95. A well-known and much-loved figure, Rita had called the monastic island home for over four decades, leaving a lasting impact on both the island’s community and its many visitors.

Originally from Liverpool, Rita led a fascinating and varied life. She spent time as a Carmelite nun at Bridell Carmel before moving into a completely different sphere, working as an IT manager for a paper manufacturing company in Cardiff. However, it was on Caldey Island where she truly found her place, dedicating herself to numerous roles that helped sustain and enrich island life.

Rita played a key part in maintaining the island’s infrastructure, assisting with everything from building repairs and water monitoring to running St Philomena’s guesthouse. She was also involved in the production of Caldey’s famous perfume and honey. A talented musician, she took great pleasure in teaching piano to the island’s younger residents and served as the church organist for many years.

Father Jan Rossey, the Abbot of Caldey Abbey, paid tribute to her unwavering presence and devotion. “Rita was a faithful member of the island community, a reassuring figure throughout my time here. She attended Mass daily, regardless of the weather, and her contributions to our church and community will never be forgotten. We will miss her greatly.”

Known for her warmth and sociability, Rita embraced the tranquil island lifestyle but was always keen to share a chat and a story with islanders and visitors alike. Many fondly remember her sitting outside the Post Office, engaging visitors with anecdotes, her sharp wit, and a sparkle in her eye. She also had strong connections with the nearby town of Tenby, where she was always warmly received during her visits.

One of her most iconic roles on Caldey was assisting visitors with their luggage, transporting bags to and from the boats on her trusty mini-tractor. Her willingness to lend a hand, coupled with her kind-hearted nature, earned her deep affection from all who met her.

Last November, Rita marked her 95th birthday, receiving messages and well wishes from across the world—an indication of how much she was cherished.

Caldey Island announced her passing on March 6, and plans are underway for her funeral to take place on the island. Further details will be shared in due course.

Rita Cunningham’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her contributions to island life will not be forgotten.

A VAN DRIVER has been fined for failing to comply with a traffic sign on the A40 near Narberth.

Ieuan Jones, 21, of Brynheulog, Maesglas, Tredegar appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Mar 12), where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

The court heard that on October 11, 2024, at 5:16pm, Jones was driving a Citroen Relay along the A40 when he failed to comply with a no-overtaking sign. The restriction was part of The A40 Trunk Road (Robeston Wathen Roundabout to Pengawse Hill Junction) Temporary Traffic Order 2022.

Jones was fined £40, ordered to pay £110 in costs, and a £16 victim surcharge. He must pay the total amount by April 9, 2025.

A second charge against him—failing to provide police with the identity of a driver—was withdrawn.