Val Coleman defies age with medals, records and a message: “Don’t stop moving”

A 97-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire woman who only took up rowing in her nineties is now a world record holder and shows no signs of slowing down.

Val Coleman, from Goodwick, began indoor rowing as part of her recovery after breaking her femur shortly after her 90th birthday.

Now, nearly eight years later, she has broken eight world records and won a string of medals, including 16 golds.

Her latest achievement came this month when she set a new five-kilometre world record in the 95 to 99 age category.

From recovery to records

Val first discovered rowing while watching boats launch at Lower Town Quay in Fishguard.

Her daughter, then captain of Jemima Rowing Club, encouraged her to try a rowing machine.

“She said, ‘I think you’ve got a record there,’ and it went from there really,” Val said.

Despite starting later in life, Val quickly took to the sport and has since built an impressive list of achievements, including World Rowing silver and bronze medals and multiple Welsh titles.

Keeping active key to success

Val credits her longevity and success to staying active.

“I think it’s very important as you get older. You need more exercise, not less,” she said.

In addition to rowing twice a week, she swims or walks daily and attends Pilates classes at her local leisure centre.

“The great thing about rowing is you’re sitting down,” she added. “It’s not as hard on your legs as running.”

A social lifeline

Beyond competition, rowing has brought a strong social element to her life.

“It’s important when you live on your own and you’re getting older,” she said. “I’ve made a lot of new friends.”

Training regularly with her club, Val says she is treated no differently to any other rower.

A lifetime of resilience

A mother of eight, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, Val has lived in Pembrokeshire for six decades and spent 20 years in Goodwick.

She retrained as a nurse in her late forties and worked at Withybush Hospital until retirement.

Now, she continues to challenge expectations of ageing, keeping physically active while also reading a daily newspaper and doing crosswords.

“Don’t give up”

Val has a clear message for others.

“Don’t give up when you get to 60 or 70,” she said. “Keep moving.”

And for those thinking of trying something new, her advice is simple.

“Give it a go. If rowing isn’t for you, there’s always something else.”

Neighbours raise alarm as police attend property and animals are taken into care

TWO dogs have been removed from a Milford Haven property following welfare concerns raised by neighbours.

The Herald was contacted on Wednesday (Apr 29) by a resident who claimed two dogs had been left inside a property in the Precelly Place area for several weeks.

The resident, who asked not to be named, said neighbours had become increasingly distressed and had contacted the RSPCA, the dog warden and police.

Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed that police and local authority services were “liaising and dealing with this matter”.

A council spokesperson added: “Concerned residents are urged to allow the relevant authorities to respond.”

Footage seen by The Herald shows police removing at least one small dog from the property on Wednesday evening, while a number of nearby residents gathered outside.

The incident was also live streamed on Facebook by a local resident and was watched by several hundred people as concern spread through the community.

The Herald understands that two dogs were removed from the property. Dyfed-Powys Police has been asked to confirm further details.

The RSPCA said it was unable to comment on specific cases.

A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately we are unable to discuss complaints about specific people and what action may have been taken. We understand how frustrating that is for animal lovers but releasing information could prejudice a future prosecution or could lead to us being fined.

“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare.”

Greenacres Rescue later confirmed that both dogs were now in its care.

In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, the rescue said: “We are aware that residents in Pembrokeshire, particularly in the Milford Haven area, may be aware of a highly emotive situation that escalated last night, resulting in the removal of two dogs from a property by the police.

“For transparency, we can confirm that both dogs are now in the care of Greenacres Rescue. They will be cared for exclusively by our qualified and experienced staff.

“We will also be working in full cooperation with the local authority, the police, and the RSPCA as they carry out their ongoing investigations.”

Greenacres said both dogs had undergone full veterinary examinations and that a care plan had been put in place to support their recovery.

The rescue added that it had no authority over the investigation or any decisions about the outcome of the case, and said its role was solely to ensure the welfare of the animals in its care.

Anyone with relevant information has been urged to contact police or the RSPCA directly.

Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal should contact the RSPCA, the local authority dog control service, or police if there is an immediate risk.

EVENT WILL FEATURE 34 DRINKS, LIVE MUSIC AND STREET FOOD

MILFORD HAVEN is preparing to raise a glass as Beer Fest returns to Milford Waterfront next month.

The Milford Haven Round Table Beer Fest will take place on Saturday (May 23), bringing a full day of drinks, food and live entertainment to Mackerel Quay.

Running from 12:00pm until 10:30pm, the event is expected to bring a festival atmosphere to the waterfront, with organisers promising “big pours, big energy and proper food”.

This year’s drinks line-up will feature 34 different options, including real ales, craft beers, lagers, ciders, Pimms, prosecco, gin and other summer favourites.

The event will also showcase a number of Pembrokeshire’s independent breweries and drinks producers, giving visitors the chance to sample local and regional flavours in one of the county’s best-known waterfront settings.

Music will be a major part of the day, with performances from 4th Street, Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor and Funktion 22. Guest DJ Josh Navidi will also appear during the event.

Food will be available throughout the day, with a street food zone featuring Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ. Visitors will also be able to make use of Milford Waterfront’s restaurants, cafés and independent eateries.

The Beer Fest has become one of Milford Haven’s popular early summer events, attracting both local residents and visitors to the marina. Last year, hundreds turned out despite wet weather, with the event praised for its atmosphere, live music and community spirit.

The festival is organised by Milford Haven Round Table, which has worked closely with Milford Waterfront in recent years to stage major community events in the town, including the beer festival, carnival and fireworks display.

Previous Round Table events have helped raise money for local charities, groups and good causes, while also bringing more footfall into the waterfront area.

Tickets for this year’s Beer Fest cost £25 per person.

Organisers are reminding those attending to drink responsibly and enjoy the event safely.