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Scouts Cymru and RNLI launch new Water safety Awareness Badge

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THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Scouts Cymru have teamed up to launch a new Water Safety Awareness Badge. It is aimed to help Scouts Cymru members between the ages of six and 14 to gain vital life skills as they enjoy coastal and inland waters this summer.

The new RNLI safety initiative in partnership with Scouts Cymru has the possibility of providing 14,000 children and young people with key water safety life skills to help them stay safe in and around coastal or inland waters.

Launching the new Water Safety Awareness Badge, Alice Beetlestone, RNLI Education Manager said:

‘On behalf of the RNLI, I would like to thank Scouts Cymru for supporting this exciting new safety initiative, which will provide children and young people across Wales with vital life skills to help them stay safe whilst enjoying coastal and inland waters this summer.

‘The new Water Safety Awareness Badge teaches children and young people to know and recognise the risks that water presents, this can help them minimise the chances of getting into danger in the water in the first place. The program also teaches young people how to help themselves if they fall into cold water. 40% of people who drowned in inland or coastal waters last year had no intention of being in the water. That’s why it’s vital that young people learn a simple, but very important, life skill – to Float to Live.

One of the main lessons as part of the Water Safety Awareness Badge is to Float to Live: lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard’

Neil Horbury Scouts Cymru Commissioner for programme said:

‘We’re delighted to be launching a new range of badges that guarantee fun and adventure while encouraging scouts to develop a greater understanding of water safety. Throughout its 115-year history the scouting movement has continued to evolve – these new badges make sure we are able to keep offering activities that educate and enthuse young people in equal measure.’

The new Water Safety Awareness Badge will teach Scouts Cymru members four main key messages. The four safety messages and key life skills covered in the program are:

  1. Stop and Think
  2. Stay together
  3. Float
  4. Call 999 if needed

Scouts Cymru members from Penarth and Baglan were the first to be awarded the new Water Safety Awareness badge as both teams took part in the pilot program last year.

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Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

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THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

  1. Privates are private.
  2. Always remember your body belongs to you.
  3. No means no.
  4. Talk about secrets that upset you.
  5. Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

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Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

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A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

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Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

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CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.

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