Community

Stena Line hosts Swedish ambassador

Published

11 years ago

July 18, 2014

FISHGUARD ferry operator Stena Line played host to Swedish Ambassador to the UK Nicola Clase and Secretary of State for Wales Rt Hon David Jones MP on their recent fact finding mission.

The event was part of a two day visit by the Swedish Ambassador to Wales and included a tour of Holyhead Port and the Stena HSS Explorer as well as an update briefing on the Port Master Plan for Holyhead. Ian Davies, Stena Line’s Route Manager Irish Sea South, who hosted the visiting dignitaries said: “As a Swedish family owned business we are delighted to host the visit of the Swedish Ambassador and the Secretary of State for Wales, welcoming them to Anglesey and the Port of Holyhead. During their visit the dignitaries had an opportunity to visit the Stena HSS Explorer, still the world’s largest high speed ferry, which adds seasonal capacity to the 63 weekly Stena Line sailings to and from the port. As well as the ship visit, Stena Line also hosted a tour of Holyhead Port which provided an opportunity to inform the visiting guests on the Port Master Plan which has the potential to not only support the growing ferry business but also to see the port broaden its business opportunities supporting the developing energy sector on the Island and the growing cruise ship market.” Holyhead Port is strategically well placed to help facilitate a number of potential new energy projects in the region. Projects currently on the UK Government and Welsh Government’s radar include the new nuclear power station on Anglesey along with a number of renewable energy wind and tidal projects as well as the possibility of a biomass power plant. Sweden’s Ambassador to the UK Nicola Clase said: “Both the UK and Sweden have open economies that are based on trade. This visit shows that collaboration between our countries to promote increased trade and investment is important. We will continue to cultivate the good relationship that already exists. I am pleased to see the excellent work that Stena Line does in connecting people on both sides of the Irish Sea.” In a further development of the Swedish connection in the North Wales area, Stena Line has recently been cooperating closely with Minesto, a Swedish company who are keen to establish one of their ‘tidal kite’ systems off Holyhead which will potentially use Holyhead as a base port. Minesto has developed a new concept for tidal power plants called Deep Green for which the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has awarded them more than £500,000 of funding for this particular development off Holyhead.

Community

Storm Éowyn upgraded to ‘danger to life’ amber warning for Wales

Published

32 mins ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service backs Register My Appliance Week

Published

23 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is supporting Register My Appliance Week (January 20–26) to help households stay informed about appliance safety and product recalls.

Millions of UK households are unaware of critical safety updates for their appliances, with over 40 million large appliances still unregistered. From brand-new purchases to second-hand machines, registering appliances ensures owners are alerted to any safety issues, extending their safe usage.

In the past year, MAWWFRS responded to 163 incidents involving white goods. Home Fire Safety Manager Wayne Thomas said:

“We all value how appliances have transformed our lives, but it’s essential to register them. Doing so is quick, free, and ensures you’re informed if a safety repair is needed. Just a few minutes spent registering can help you enjoy your appliances safely.”

The Register My Appliance portal, run by AMDEA, connects users with over 70 leading brands and accepts registrations for both new and older appliances.

Community

Young Musician Competition: Winners shine in prestigious event

Published

24 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX talented young musicians showcased their skills during the first round of the 2025 Young Musician competition, held at Bethesda Chapel in Narberth on Wednesday, January 15. The event, organized by the Narberth & Whitland Rotary Club, highlighted the exceptional abilities of these enthusiastic performers.

The evening’s instrumental category winner was harpist Alaw Elisa, representing Ysgol Bro Preseli. The vocalist winner, Max Morris, also represented Ysgol Bro Preseli, impressing the audience and judges alike with his outstanding performance.

Certificates were presented to the winners by Rotary Club President Paul, who expressed his gratitude to everyone involved. “A heartfelt thank you to the competitors, their teachers, parents, and the dedicated volunteers at Bethesda Chapel who made this event a success,” he said.

The Rotary Club looks forward to seeing these young musicians continue to excel as they progress to the next stages of the competition.