News

Crowds thrilled by Catalina’s flying tribute

Published

11 years ago

August 30, 2013

A 70-year-old warplane thrilled thousands of Pembrokeshire people and visitors on Bank Holiday Saturday with an aerial tribute to Pembroke Dock and its flying boat heritage.
In clear skies the UK’s only airworthy Catalina – operated by Plane Sailing Air Displays from Duxford, Cambridgeshire – diverted from a round Britain commemorative flight to make two circuits over ‘PD’, recalling wartime days when Catalinas operated alongside Sunderland flying boats from the local RAF station.
Watchers all along the Haven were not disappointed as the white painted Catalina – carrying wartime American markings – flew over.
Vantage points on both shores were crowded and people on the Cleddau Bridge walkway and cycle track had a terrific view as the flying boat swept over, its wingtip floats lowered. A crewman in one of the observation blisters could clearly be seen.
The Catalina’s commemorative flight marked the 100th anniversary of a flight attempted by pioneer aviator Harry Hawker in 1913, flying a single engine Sopwith Waterplane. Hawker failed to complete the epic flight but his attempt – made just ten years after the Wright Brothers first flew in the USA – was an outstanding achievement. A century on the Catalina followed much the same route.
Photos and models of wartime Catalinas are on display in the Flying Boat Centre and Workshop, operated by the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust. Volunteers manning the Centre had one of their busiest days of the year on Saturday, welcoming nearly 100 visitors. This is the UK’s only centre devoted to flying boat history and operations – appropriately located in what was in wartime the world’s largest flying boat station.
The Flying Boat Centre is open Tuesdays to Saturdays inclusive, 10 am to 4 pm. Entry is free with donations welcome.

Community

Pembrokeshire County Council launches festive info hub

Published

23 mins ago

December 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WITH the festive season fast approaching, Pembrokeshire County Council has made it easier than ever to access essential service updates for Christmas and New Year.

The council’s website now features an updated ‘Christmas in Pembrokeshire’ page, providing answers to key holiday queries such as bin collection schedules and free parking availability.

Residents can also find information about leisure centre and library opening times, winter driving tips, bus timetables, salting routes, and a guide to Christmas markets across the county.

The page includes reminders about recycling rules, including what can and cannot be recycled, as well as details on Christmas tree recycling services.

For everything you need to know this festive season, visit https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/christmas-in-pembrokeshire.

Crime

Motorist almost three times over drink limit

Published

37 mins ago

December 3, 2024

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A MOTORIST who was nearly three times over the drink-drive limit has been sentenced following a crash on the B4314 in Pendine.

Stuart Rickford, 43, was driving his Audi at 1:30pm on November 15 when he collided with another vehicle.

“There were no injuries, but when officers spoke to the defendant they had a strong smell of intoxicants,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told the court.

A roadside breath test proved positive, and Rickford, of Beach Hotel, Marsh Road, Pendine, later gave a reading of 93 mcg of alcohol at the police station. The legal limit is 35.

Rickford pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order with 80 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 23 months and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Man jailed for threats at Withybush Hospital

Published

38 mins ago

December 3, 2024

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sentenced to seven days in custody after threatening to harm members of the public at Withybush Hospital.

Wayne Tydeman, 42, made threats while speaking to a community practice nurse following his release from a 24-week custodial sentence.

“He was on post-sentence supervision, and this is the first breach,” probation officer Julie Norman told the court.

Tydeman, of Dew Street, Haverfordwest, was remanded in custody and appeared via video link from Park Prison. His solicitor said his mental health had improved during his time in custody.

Judge Layton sentenced him to seven days in custody, warning: “If you fail to engage in the future, the sentence will be considerably longer.”