Community

Smokers to quit on No Smoking Day

Published

11 years ago

March 10, 2014

BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION (BHF) Cymru is this week urging smokers living in the county to get the support of local stop smoking services to help them quit on this year’s No Smoking Day on Wednesday 12 March.

The latest figures show that 19% of people living in Pembrokeshire smoke, which is over 23,000 people. Half of all long-term smokers die because of their addiction to tobacco, making this one of the most pressing health concerns in the area, according to the nation’s heart charity.

Research from stop smoking services shows that smokers are four times more likely to be effective in quitting if they use specialist stop smoking support and treatment.

Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Director of Prevention and Care at BHF Cymru said: “Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do to improve your health. Stubbing the cigarettes out will significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and a variety of cancers and you’ll have more money to spend on things that you enjoy.

“We know that quitting isn’t easy but last year nearly a million smokers across the UK used No Smoking Day to try and mark the start of their smoke free future. We’re encouraging people to get support from their local stop smoking service now and join forces with other would-be quitters across the country on March 12, to win the battle with cigarettes once and for all.”

Although more than two-thirds of smokers want to give up, BHF research shows that one in five people in Wales are putting it off because they are concerned about putting on weight. The poll also revealed that nearly one in four (23%) Welsh smokers have lit up after a meal to stop them eating more.

Victoria Taylor, Senior Heart Health Dietitian at the British Heart Foundation said: “Some smokers feel they need to smoke to keep trim but, contrary to the urban myth, you don’t have to consign yourself to an early grave in order to stay in control of your waistline.

“We’re encouraging people to start their own battle plan now by following our tips and filling their fridge and handbag with healthy snacks to help them ditch the cigarettes for good on No Smoking Day and come out looking better than ever.”

Around 6,000 people in the Wales die prematurely from smoking related causes each year, including an estimated 1,500 from heart and circulatory diseases and 3,000 from cancer.

Despite this nearly a quarter (23%) of Wales’ population still continue to smoke.

The BHF’s annual No Smoking Day campaign encouraged a million people to attempt to quit smoking last year. This year’s ‘V for Victory’ theme is set to inspire even more people to win the fight against cigarettes and quit for good on March 12.

BHF Dietitian Victoria Taylor shares her tips to help you to minimise weight gain during the quitting process and keep the weight off once you’ve given up for good:

Brush your teeth or try chewing some sugar free gum when you get a craving for a cigarette. The clean feeling in your mouth and minty taste can help to deter you from smoking and it can also help to curb cravings or urges to eat too.

Keeping your hands busy can be important when you are trying to give up. Avoid the temptation to keep nibbling and try playing a word or number game on your phone, doing some cleaning around the house or fiddly tasks that we often put off, like sewing.

Set aside 30 minutes five times a week for getting active. It can help you to manage stress and will also use up some energy which is perfect for helping you to stick with your quit as well as manage your weight. For more top tips, information and support on quitting, visit: nosmokingday.org.uk

For Stop Smoking Wales services visit – www.stopsmokingwales.com – 0800 085 2219

Community

Milford Haven paddling pool open daily at 10:00am — safety reminder issued

Published

2 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Town council urges parents to supervise children at all times

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has reminded visitors to the children’s paddling pool on The Rath that the facility opens daily at 10:00am, and that children must be supervised by a responsible adult.

In a bilingual safety poster shared online, the council set out simple but essential rules to help ensure the pool remains a safe and fun space throughout the summer holidays. While the pool is popular with families, the council warns that it is not officially supervised, and users do so at their own risk.

The key rules include:

Children must be accompanied by an adult.
No running or diving in or around the pool.
No food, drink, or glass bottles in the water area.
No dogs are allowed within the paddling pool zone.
Littering is strictly prohibited.

A council spokesperson said: “Hi everyone, a polite request: we ask that all children be supervised by a responsible adult while using the pool. Thank you.”

There is no formal age limit for the pool, but younger children will be given priority, especially during busy times.

Local families have praised the pool since it reopened, with one visitor, Linda Phillips, commenting: “We’ve just spent two hours there. Great effort everyone! The youngsters are really enjoying it.”

Milford Haven Town Council thanked her for the feedback, calling it “lovely to hear.”

Opening times or access arrangements may change due to weather or maintenance — updates will be posted on the council’s official Facebook page.

Caption:

Splash safely: Milford Haven Town Council’s new bilingual poster reminds families to supervise children and follow the rules while enjoying the paddling pool on The Rath this summer (Pic: Herald).

Community

Soapbox thrills return to Fishguard this weekend

Published

10 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Homemade racers set to hurtle through town in annual derby

A WILD ride is promised in Fishguard this Saturday (July 12) as the town’s much-loved Soapbox Derby returns in full force.

Organised by Fishguard and District Round Table, the annual event will once again see daring drivers pilot their homemade carts down the sloping streets of Penbanc and Rope Walk, skimming past Lota Park as they compete for the fastest time – and the biggest cheers.

From high-speed thrills to hair-raising spills, the course is known for its tight corners, jumps and the occasional spectacular crash, all to the delight of hundreds of spectators.

Racing starts at 12:00pm and continues until 5:00pm, with five trophies on offer – including first, second and third place, the ‘Derby Disaster’ prize for the most dramatic mishap, and a trophy for the best design. Last year’s winners are reminded to return their trophies to A&E Nichols on West Street ahead of the event.

This year’s entry process was run through Eventbrite, with registration now closed. A packed day of entertainment will accompany the racing, with family-friendly fun in Lota Park including food stalls, bouncy castles, fairground rides and more.

All proceeds from the derby – along with other summer events including the raft race and carnival – are reinvested into local projects by the Round Table.

For updates and information, search “Fishguard Soapbox Derby” on Facebook.

Charity

Tributes paid as RNLI lifeboat coxswain Frankie George MBE passes away

Published

10 hours ago

July 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Respected Fishguard seaman served for two decades and led hundreds of launches

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Fishguard RNLI coxswain Francis ‘Frankie’ George MBE, who has died.

Mr George, who retired in 2002 after nearly twenty years of dedicated service, was described as one of the finest seamen of his generation. During his time with the lifeboat station, he took part in hundreds of service launches and was deeply respected throughout the lifeboat community.

Chris Williams, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager and former lifeboat mechanic, said: “Francis (Frankie) George MBE was quite simply one of the finest seamen I have ever sailed with. He engendered respect from all who met him.

“His professionalism and skill were second to none, and he inspired total confidence in his crews, even in the foulest of weather.

“With his passing, Fishguard has lost one of its true characters. He will be missed by all who knew him. As a mark of respect, the flag above the lifeboat station will be flown at half-mast.”

The RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat crew extended their heartfelt condolences to Mr George’s family and friends.

Respected coxswain: Frankie George MBE led hundreds of lifeboat launches from Fishguard (Pic: RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat)