Community
Family fun on offer at Dragonboat Championship
PEMBROKESHIRE is looking forward to hosting the 3rd Welsh Dragon Boat Championships on Sunday May 29 at Llys y Fran Country Park and Reservoir.
The event, which is organised by the Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club promises to be a familyfriendly affair and is raising money and awareness for charities and good causes providing ‘Life Development Opportunities’ for young people in our community.
Principle recipients are the Princes Trust Cymru and selected secondary and primary schools within Pembrokeshire and West Carmarthenshire.
The Prince’s Trust believes that every young person should have the chance to succeed, so they help 13- 30 year olds who are unemployed or struggling at school to transform their lives.
The event organisers have worked tirelessly for months to ensure that the third year is a resounding success; it is now one of the key highlights within Pembrokeshire’s event calendar. Organisers, The Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club – have paid close attention to detail on all aspects of the event once again and there will be a fully licensed bar in operation throughout the day.
The event is pitched at the entire family, with masses of activities scheduled to appeal to all ages and interests. All children’s activities are free of charge and the admission price of £2 per adult means that it is a very reasonable day out for a family for the Whitsun Bank Holiday Sunday.
The race itself involves approximately 20 teams of 17 members, varying in ability and experience, racing in traditional Dragon Boats with a drummer at the bow and an experienced rudder man at the helm. It is extremely exciting for spectators to watch from the shoreline at the reservoir and is an enjoyable day out for all the family.
The event is being hosted at Llys y Fran Country Park in Pembrokeshire – the magnificent 350-acre park site at the heart of the county. The park boasts a 212-acre reservoir on which the race itself will take place.
The park – popular with ramblers, cyclists, water sports and fishing enthusiasts boasts a family-friendly restaurant, gift shop and a vast outdoor nature trail around the manmade lake.
Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club would like to thank Welsh Water and the Llys y Fran management for their generosity promoting this event as a family festival. There is free overnight camping on the Saturday night and for small fee payable to Welsh Water on the Sunday Night.
A giant marquee will be on site for day and evening entertainment. Bring your own gazebo and picnic on the grassy banks of the reservoir and enjoy the race spectacle.
During the previous two years the event has raised £24,000 for Welsh and local charities. The event has the policy “Raised in Wales Spent in Wales”. This year the club is keen that young people of all ages are given a fair chance in life and so this is the reason they have decided to go with the theme to help children and young adults who need encouragement to improve their lives in some way.
We all know how budgets in schools and organisations are stretched to the limit helping young people find jobs and raising their aspirations for the future by giving them help in a financial way and we are pleased as a Rotary Club to be able to help the Princes Trust Cymru and our local schools fulfil this aim to help them with projects that otherwise may not have been possible.
Community
RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions
RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.
Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.
Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
Engaging young minds
The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.
Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”
Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”
Building a sustainable future
Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”
RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.
Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation
RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.
As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.
Community
New Men’s Shed opens at Milford Haven Station
TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) has announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed at Milford Haven Station, transforming one of its stations into a valuable community hub.
Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people come together to make, repair, and repurpose items while supporting local projects. These grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in tackling social isolation and fostering a sense of community.
Research shows that Sheds offer significant health benefits, with 96% of members—known as Shedders—reporting a reduction in loneliness after joining. While traditionally associated with older men, Men’s Sheds are inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Many involve women, and some operate exclusively for women.
The new Milford Haven Men’s Shed will provide a space for the community to connect, share skills, and form friendships. Shedders will have the freedom to decide how best to use the space to meet their needs.
Emma Collins, Station Manager for Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that we are able to accommodate the Men’s Shed within the station and support this invaluable community group and the work they do.”
The Milford Haven Men’s Shed committee expressed gratitude to TfW for enabling the project, calling it a safe and welcoming space for older members of the community to build friendships and support well-being.
A spokesperson for the Shed said: “We hope to give back to the community some of the help we have received from TfW. We would also like to thank the National Lottery for the funding that made this project possible.”
They added: “Whether it’s crafting, working on projects, or simply dropping in for a cuppa and a chat, the Men’s Shed is here for the people of the town. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”
Community
Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).
The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.
Shaping the future together
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”
The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.
A data-driven approach
The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.
Get involved
Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.
For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].
About MAWWFRS
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.
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