News

St Davids RNLI took another step forward in their move to a new lifeboat station

Published

8 years ago

July 25, 2016

St Davids new station first launch It was a historic day for the station and its volunteers on Thursday (Jul 21) as the Tamar class lifeboat Norah Wortley launched down the slipway from the new station at St Justinian’s for the first time.

The lifeboat, which has been saving lives at sea from a temporary mooring in the Ramsey Sound while the new boathouse build has been progressing, entered her new home to launch five times during the day of slipway trials testing.

The trials mark a significant milestone for the construction of the new St Davids RNLI Lifeboat Station and involved RNLI volunteers from St Davids and representatives from the RNLI’s operations department. The trials saw the Tamar class lifeboat launched and recovered at various tide levels to test the newly built slipway, as well as the winching and launching equipment.

Dai John, St Davids RNLI Coxswain, said: ‘This was a proud day for the station and the trials proved to be a great success. Seeing the lifeboat launch down the newly built slipway for the first time was a huge thrill for everyone connected with the station.

‘The community has been hugely supportive in the project – raising over £214,000 towards the costs during the fundraising appeal – so it was great to see people here to see the first launch.

‘Most of the structural aspects of the new station are now complete and the build team are putting the finishing touches to the building. It is hoped the new lifeboat station will be fully operational in the autumn and we are all really excited to move in.’

As well as the new slipway for the Tamar-class lifeboat, the new boathouse will have additional space to accommodate the smaller D-class inshore lifeboat. It will also include state-of the art facilities for the volunteer crew, including a drying room for kit and better provision from training and equipment maintenance.

There will be better access to the new station which is important for the delivery of equipment and, more importantly, for the evacuation of any casualties brought in by the lifeboat.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.