Community

Lifeguards learn how not to get burnt

Published

12 years ago

June 4, 2014

burnt

AHEAD of their return to some of Wales’ beaches this weekend, 16 RNLI lifeguards visited their local pharmacy in Newport last week to make vital health checks before the summer season.

national health campaign has taken place in pharmacies across Wales throughout May to help raise awareness about the causes of skin cancer, how to recognise the symptoms and what steps should be taken to reduce the risks. The charity’s lifeguards spend most of their time outside on the beach over the summer; because of this RNLI Senior Lifeguard Celyn Owens decided to arrange vital health checks for the team to get their skin checked by professionals before the summer season. Celyn Owens explained: “Unfortunately skin cancer is one of the most common type of cancer in people aged 15-34 years old. Since the majority of the RNLI’s lifeguards fall into this age bracket, we decided as a group it would be a good thing to get ourselves checked out and ask for advice of how we can protect ourselves from sun damage over the summer.” Celyn continued: “The main advice we were all given was to always wear sun cream, to apply the sun cream about 30 minutes before going out and to remember re-applying the cream throughout the day. I’m glad to say we all had positive results and received great advice ahead of the summer season.” The campaign, which takes place across Wales until the end of May, is organised by the seven health boards, Public Health Wales, Community Pharmacy Wales and is actively supported by Tenovus. RNLI lifeguards will start their seasonal safety patrol on Whitesands, Llangrannog and New Quay beaches from tomorrow for the summer season. The charity’s lifeguards have now completed their training and will be ready at their posts from 10am-6pm on the beaches for the summer season.

Community

PCSO clocks in after villagers raise speeding fears

Published

1 hour ago

April 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HERBRANDSTON residents flagged fast-moving traffic as a key concern, prompting police to carry out speed checks in the village.

Concern over speeding in Herbrandston has prompted a local police response, with PCSO Adam out in the village carrying out speed checks after residents raised the issue through DPP Connect.

Milford Haven and Neyland Police said the concerns emerged after officers signed local people up to the messaging service, which allows residents to share feedback and receive updates from police.

Many of those who responded said speeding through the village was one of their main worries.

In response, PCSO Adam was deployed to monitor traffic and check vehicle speeds.

The move is likely to be welcomed by residents who have grown tired of motorists treating the village like a racetrack.

Community

Walk the Path for Wellbeing to span three counties in 2026

Published

18 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY is inviting communities, workplaces, families and friends to take part in the 2026 Walk the Path for Wellbeing challenge, with this year’s event expanding across three counties for the first time.

Taking place on Sunday, May 10 and Monday, May 11, the challenge will bring people together to celebrate the spectacular West Wales coastline through walking and other forms of active travel, while highlighting the strong links between nature, movement and wellbeing. A reserve weekend of May 17 and 18 has also been set aside in the event of severe weather.

Building on feedback from last year, the event will now take place over two days rather than one, giving more people the opportunity to get involved and creating a longer window for celebration, storytelling and community spirit.

While last year’s challenge focused on the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast, this year’s event will also include sections of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, bringing even more communities into the shared coastal celebration.

The two-day event will feature self-led sections for group entry. With the focus firmly on enjoyment, there is no pressure to complete every stage, and participants are encouraged to do only as much as they feel comfortable with. Together, those individual efforts will contribute to a shared goal of covering the full 313 miles of coastline.

Angela Robinson, Health and Wellbeing Officer at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “The coast has an extraordinary ability to lift people, connect communities and create lasting memories. By extending the event across two days and into neighbouring counties, we’re opening the door to even more people to celebrate that connection together and share their experiences on social media.”

Community

Ex-commercial hens need homes in Boncath or face slaughter

Published

2 days ago

April 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Spring appeal launched to rehome 180 birds by Friday deadline

AN URGENT appeal has been launched to find homes for 180 ex-commercial laying hens in Boncath before next weekend, with campaigners warning the birds may otherwise face slaughter.

The British Hen Welfare Trust is holding a rehoming event in Boncath on Saturday (Apr 11), but says kind-hearted adopters must register by 2:00pm on Friday (Apr 10) if the hens are to be given a second chance.

The charity says the birds, all around 18 months old, have reached the end of their commercial laying lives, despite still having plenty to offer as pets.

Supporters say hens are friendly, curious and easy to care for, and can continue to provide eggs while enjoying retirement in a garden or smallholding setting.

Andy Hill, of the British Hen Welfare Trust said: “People are often surprised by how much joy hens bring. They’re funny, curious little characters, they love routine, and they’re genuinely a delight to care for. Plus, they’re still more than happy to pop out the occasional egg.

“With spring finally here, this is the ideal time to start. These girls are more than ready for a fresh beginning, and they really do make wonderful pets.”

The trust says anyone willing to adopt must be able to provide food, water, shelter, security and a little care and attention.

The charity, founded in 2005, says it has now found retirement homes for more than one million ex-commercial hens across the UK, all of which would otherwise have been destined for slaughter.

People interested in adopting can visit the British Hen Welfare Trust website and select the Boncath rehoming event, or call the rehoming team on 01884 860084.