News

New fire engine airlifted to Caldey Island

Published

9 years ago

January 24, 2017

Tom Sinclair

Special delivery: The Rural Response Pump transported by a Chinook (pic. Roger Thomas / MAWWFRS)

THIS MORNING (Jan 24) Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service equipped its fire station on Caldey Island with a Rural Response Pump.

The RRP will join the islands existing fleet of vehicles and has been designed to give crews an alternative choice of vehicle where conditions require 4×4 facilities due to difficult or restricted access.

The transportation of the RRP was made possible thanks to the RAF, who airlifted the new appliance from the mainland to Caldey Island by Chinook Helicopter as part of a test flight.

The test flight had been organised by a specialist team from the Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit RAF Brize Norton and had taken four months to plan.

Wing Commander Phil Greville, the RAF Regional Liaison Officer in Wales, said: “Airlifting this type of vehicle underneath a Chinook has not been done before and we were very pleased that the flight trial went according to plan. Once we knew the vehicle was stable in flight and did not present any hazards, the helicopter crew were able to fly over to Caldey Island.

Preparation: The RRP being prepped for the flight

“This has been a win, win situation. The Fire Service needed to get a new fire appliance out to the island and we wanted to get this type of fire-vehicle approved for airlift by Chinook.

“We now have a safe method of doing that. The Rural Response Pump vehicle is in widespread use throughout the UK and, in the future, we will be able to fly it to where it is needed when responding to major floods and other emergency situations.”

Rob Quin, Assistant Chief Fire Officer from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We have been working very closely with the RAF over the last few months and it really has been a team effort. We are grateful to the RAF and would like to offer a sincere thank you for all their assistance. It has been very rewarding to be involved in the airlift trial and we now have a new fire appliance on Caldey Island.

“As a Fire and Rescue Service, we are confronted with a wide range of challenges that make the service area of Mid and West Wales unique. Geographically, we cover the largest service area of England and Wales, which contains Swansea, the second largest city in Wales, and many populous towns.

“We also serve many rural communities. Therefore, ensuring we have the best response vehicles and equipment, tailored to each area’s needs, is important.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.