News

Pilot boat crews set to strike over benefits for future employees

Published

6 years ago

February 5, 2019

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has confirmed that it has received official notification from Unite the Union that it’s pilot boat members working on the Milford Haven waterway are to go on continuous strike from February 19.
The pilots, launch crews and port control workers are currently implementing a ban on overtime, which started on January 28.
The workers are striking over proposed changes to pension provision and sick pay for future new employees joining the Port. There are no changes planned to benefits for current staff.
Andy Jones, Interim Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “Joint meetings have been taking place since October and these meetings are continuing.
“We are disappointed that action has commenced whilst discussions are on-going and making every effort to find a solution to this dispute through continuing dialogue.
“We are working closely with our customers and wider stakeholders and making contingency plans in the event this action goes ahead.
“The safety of our staff, customers and the wider port community remains our number one priority.”
In August 2014, the Port of Milford Haven cut the number of pilot boats on duty to a single crewed vessel.
At the time, The Herald was been contacted by a number of crew who have said that they have been offered voluntary redundancy in order to go.
The Port had said it is looking to cut costs as the amount of cargo coming into Milford Haven has been decreasing.

Speaking at the time, two members of the pilot boat crews told the Herald: “I don’t think that the Port has considered the safety implications of only having one manned crew. Safety should come before money.”
In April last year, The Herald investigated the ports purchase of £3.6m worth of new pilot boat vessels. Incidents which took place in 2017 led to two of the three new vessels being tied up in Milford Haven Docks in an ‘operational pause’ whist the Port kept some of its remaining ageing vessels in operation. At the time the boats were deemed ‘unfit for purpose’ by some crew members.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

9 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

10 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

11 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.