News

Rare double award for Little & Broad Haven RNLI fundraisers

Published

8 years ago

September 27, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Mary Whitewright: Waving the RNLI flag (pic. RNLI)

LITTLE & BROAD HAVEN Fundraising Branch members Mary Whitewright and Ken Ainge have recently been notified that there lifelong service to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution is to be further recognised by the highest RNLI award of all.

Mary and Ken’s appointment as an Honorary Life Governor is to be confirmed at an awards ceremony in Swansea on Friday (Sept 30). The honour is the highest bestowed on non-crew volunteers by the Institution and it is incredibly rare for two people to be awarded it from the same RNLI fundraising branch at the same time.

Mary has given over 40 years’ service and was one of the founding members of the branch – then called the Ladies Guild – at Little & Broad Haven when it started back in 1975. She was firstly asked to raise money for a scanner for the crew which cost around £200, she was successful and managed to raise the entire amount over the single weekend. Ever since she has continued in the same vein.

Ken has totalled up an amazing 47 years as a branch member, starting way back in 1969 at Brierley Hill & Kingswinford, West Midlands, and moving to Little and Broad Haven in 2005. Ken’s first involvement and knowledge of the RNLI was being treasurer at Brierley Hill & Kingswinford and while he will admit he did not love this role, he loved everything the RNLI stood for and wanted to remain a part of the organisation.

When asked what has kept Mary going in her role as a member of a branch, which has raised over £513,000 since 1975, she said: “I recognised that the RNLI is such an amazing institution and having the lifeboat as part of the community was such an honour I wanted to remain a part of it.”

“When I found out I was receiving the award I was immensely proud. It is one of the biggest achievements I have managed in my personal life.”

Ken had the same feelings and also said that he was over the moon and never expect to receive this award.

Jen Abell, RNLI Community Fundraising Manager, said: “Being awarded an Honorary Life Governor award is a huge honour – the highest a fundraiser can be given – and means Ken and Mary are now granted life membership by the RNLI Board as recognition of exceptional service to the Institution. Few are more deserving than Ken and Mary and for branch at a small station like Little and Broad Haven to have raised more than half a million pounds for the charity since the 1970s is a remarkable achievement. They both have my full congratulations.”

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

2 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

2 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

3 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.