News

Milford Haven: Jaw dropping discovery

Published

7 years ago

June 14, 2018

A SHARK being billed as the ‘largest fish to come out of Welsh waters’ was caught off Milford Haven on Tuesday (Jun 12).

A 324lb (147kg) porbeagle was caught by Phatcat Charters as they started their sharking season.

The porbeagle is a species of mackerel shark and is the UK’s biggest game fish. They typically reach 8.2ft (2.5m) in length and a weight of 298lb (135kg) making the 324lb shark a particularly large catch.

Mathew Burrett had made the long journey down from Scotland for his fourth trip out with Phatcat Charters, having a long battle with the fish reeling it in. After a few pictures, the fish was released to go on her way, as were another two porbeagles and two blue sharks.

Skipper Craig Dean said: “I’ve been told it was the largest fish to come out of Welsh waters. We didn’t realise how big it was until it was on the boat.”

Phatcat is a 10m Cougar catamaran, that provides charter fishing trips out of Milford Haven Marina from June to September, and Cardiff Marina the rest of the year.

They have been fishing in Milford Haven for roughly five years, with Skipper Craig Deans saying: “It has the best shark fishing in Europe, warm waters off the gulf stream which are also rich in nutrients.

“After the Welsh record thresher three years ago, and now this, it is putting Milford Haven on the map.”

Phatcat have a successful record in catching sharks, with 65 caught in a single day in the 2014 season, with weights in excess of 100lbs. Phatcat operates a strict catch and release policy when shark fishing in order to conserve stocks and to treat the creatures with respect. Barb-free hooks and a special hook extraction tool ensure the release of the shark is as pain-free as possible.

Alongside the porbeagle, blue sharks, makos and threshers have been caught off Milford Haven.

Craig Deans is the experienced charter boat skipper, who encourages anyone to try it, whether you are an experienced boat angler or a complete beginner. Trips leave from Milford Haven mackerel stage, Nelson Quay.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

2 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

4 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.