Community

Surfers Against Sewage scoop local hero award

Published

11 years ago

March 31, 2014

THE Pembrokeshire representatives of a national environmental charity have scooped the 2014 National Park Local Hero Award in recognition of their continued efforts to protect the Pembrokeshire Coast’s oceans and beaches.

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) were presented with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Award at the Radio Pembrokeshire Local Hero Awards on February 27, following their tireless work to keep beaches clean and oceans safe, together with their drive to recruit more volunteers to help carry out this important work.

National Park Authority Chairman Cllr Mike James said: “This dedicated group has not only set an example to others by collecting numerous bags of litter from many of our beaches, but have strived to educate people about the negative effects such pollution can have on delicate environments such as those on the Pembrokeshire Coast.

“It is a pleasure to recognise the hard work of Surfers Against Sewage, particularly as their continued support has been vital following the recent storms. Groups such as this ensure that our beaches are a clean and welcoming environment for local people and visitors alike.”

The local SAS work in 2013 began with a New Year’s beach clean at Newgale in January, which saw a staggering 200kg of marine litter collected in 40 bin bags.

This was the first of many beach cleans, which followed the SAS campaign calendar, including the ‘Hard to Reach Beach Clean’ by canoe and kayak and the ‘Big Spring Beach Clean’.

In addition to collecting and disposing of beach rubbish properly, the local team also took part in the ‘Return to Offender’ campaign, which saw 50 items of identifiable marine litter returned to the companies that produced them, accompanied by a campaign challenge.

In April 2013 the local reps joined their fellow SAS counterparts from all over the UK in North Devon for a training weekend, where local SAS representatives delivered a presentation on their work in West Wales, highlighting region specific issues and praising coastal communities for their work to protect and enhance their coastal environments.

The work wasn’t limited to the spring, however, as September 2013 saw over 100kgs of rubbish collected at Whitesands as part of the Cold Water Beach Clean Series, a nationwide tour funded by The Crown Estate and Finisterre. Pembrokeshire SAS representative Jetske Germing added: “Whilst Surfers Against Sewage also works hard on wider issues such as water quality and climate change, the beach cleans offer a great way to get communities involved in caring for their local area. The National Park Local Hero Award gives recognition to all the volunteers who helped care for their beaches.”

Surfers Against Sewage will be holding a series of beach cleans at Solva (Gwadn), Newgale and Pen y Cwm between March 28-31 as part of the national Big Spring Beach Clean event.

You can find out timings on www.sas.org.uk/events/ or get in touch with Jetske on [email protected] to find out when your next local beach clean is, or to offer to volunteer to organise your own SAS beach clean!

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.

Community

Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN came together once again on Christmas Day for the annual ‘Christmas Together’ event, a cherished tradition that has been running since December 2012.

Organised by Mayor Cllr William Elliott and his consort Lloyd Jones, alongside Cllr Colin Sharp and the dedicated Christmas Together Committee, the event provided warmth, community spirit, and festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

Volunteers played an essential role, with special thanks extended to Claire and her kitchen team, who prepared and served a delicious Christmas meal for all attendees. Milford Haven Town Band added a festive soundtrack to the day, while support from Milford Haven Fire Station and numerous volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly.

The event, which aims to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many, was described as a resounding success. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated money, items, and their time to make the day special.

A spokesperson for the event said: “As another year closes, we would like to thank all those that made Christmas Together 2024 so amazing. Great day, great company, and so good to see the community working together.”

Special recognition was also given to Marble Hall Mini Market for their kind donation of a festive hamper.

The Christmas Together raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the day, with generous donations from supporters.

A special thank you was extended to Mariam Dalziel and the team from South Hook for kindly donating an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet as one of the raffle prizes. Other prizes included a hamper of wine, a tower of temptation (chocolates and Prosecco), chocolate tub hampers, and many more.

Preparations for the event began well in advance, with invitations being posted on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The dedicated team behind this effort included Leanne from Milford Haven Post Office, Mayor Cllr William Elliott, Cllr Guy Woodham (Founder and Chair of Christmas Together), and Cllr Colin Sharp (Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre).

The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community spirit in Milford Haven, with attendees leaving with full hearts and warm smiles.

Merry Christmas to all from the Christmas Together team!

Community

Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Tenby, Councillor Dai Morgan, has delivered a warm and heartfelt Christmas message to the community.

Cllr Morgan praised the town’s ‘resilient and united’ spirit, reflecting on the ‘kindness and generosity’ that have defined Tenby throughout the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering community support that continues to make the town ‘a truly special place to call home.’

Acknowledging the challenges many families face this year, including the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Cllr Morgan encouraged residents to embrace the core values of the festive season: peace, compassion, and hope.

“Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on what truly matters, and to share moments of joy and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

The mayor extended his heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe and supported over the festive season. This included the police, RNLI, health services, fire crews, HM Coastguard, carers, and all frontline workers.

He also highlighted the vital contributions of Tenby’s voluntary organisations, who continue to bring comfort and joy to those who may feel isolated or face hardship during the holidays.

“Without the dedication and compassion of our voluntary groups, our town would lose so much of its heart. Their efforts make a real difference, and they deserve our gratitude and support every single day,” Cllr Morgan added.

Reflecting on the year gone by, he shared how humbled he felt meeting so many inspiring individuals who contribute to the town’s rich tapestry of community life. Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism and a renewed sense of gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues.

Cllr Morgan concluded his message with warm wishes for the season:

“May this Christmas bring you moments of happiness, peace, and togetherness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.”