FOLLOWING last year’s spectacular event, the Waterfront Community Runners are excited to announce the highly anticipated return of their 5K Charity Night Run on Milford Waterfront on Saturday 9 November 2024, in support of the RNLI.

This year’s run promises an unforgettable evening of fun, community spirit, and nostalgia, bringing back the best of the 80s to Milford Haven.

The evening’s festivities kick off at 6pm with an array of activities and entertainment creating an electric atmosphere from start to finish. Runners and supporters alike can look forward to live performances by the Samba DOC Band, a raffle stall with exciting prizes, and a selection of hot drinks and homemade cakes. The 80s-themed event encourages all participants to dress in neon, sparkles, or fancy dress, and get ready to run, dance, and celebrate for an important cause.

In line with the event’s night run theme, all participants are required to bring a head or chest torch to light their path along the route. Registration is open on the night from 4pm to 5:30pm with only 250 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. To save time, runners can download the registration form in advance; however, early form submission does not guarantee entry. Due to safety concerns, dogs and pushchairs are not permitted, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 

The registration form can be downloaded here. This event is a “fun run” and will not feature official timing, allowing participants to fully enjoy the unique atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to bring cash for on-site donations to the RNLI, as well as to enjoy treats and warm drinks at the event stalls.

Volunteers from Milford Haven’s Lifeboat Station are preparing to participate in the upcoming event, proudly wearing their helmets, life jackets and high-visibility gear. Their involvement not only demonstrates their dedication to the local community but also emphasises the crucial role the RNLI plays in ensuring safety at sea, all while raising funds for the organisation’s essential operations.

THE RNLI are offering lifesaving beach safety advice as lifeguard patrols come to an end in Wales for the 2024 season.

This weekend (2-3 November, 2024) RNLI lifeguards will conclude their patrols at Whitesands Beach, St Davids. Lifeguards will be patrolling from 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The RNLI are offering safety advice to help keep beach users safe during the winter months. Chris Cousens RNLI Water Safety Lead for the region said: “As the lifeguard season ends in Wales and wintery conditions have begun to hit our coastline, we’re asking people to take care and be aware of the dangers.

“If you visit a beach, never go alone. It’s vital that you have company who could get help, in the event of an emergency. Take note of safety signage at the entrance to the beach which will warn of the local risks and hazards, and if possibly speak to someone who might be local who might be able to also provide advice.

“Always check the weather and conditions and consider your capabilities, if in doubt it is better to stay dry and watch the sea than take the risk.

“Strong winds and big waves pose a great risk to those visiting the coast. In these conditions, stay clear of beachfronts, cliff edges and piers.

“You should always carry a means of contact such as a mobile phone, if you get into trouble or see anyone else in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

“We’re aware that cold water dipping is becoming increasingly popular. We strongly advise that you should never do this alone. As we get further into the winter months, and the temperature continues to drop, the risk of cold-water shock will increase. Make sure you understand the effects of cold water and that you have means of warming up afterwards.

“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.”

Bigger waves and stronger winds increase the likelihood and strength of rip currents.

Should you find yourself stuck in a rip current:

• Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
• If you can stand, wade don’t swim.
• If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
• Always raise your hand and shout for help.

Despite the coming absence of RNLI lifeguards on the beaches, the RNLI would like to remind the public that RNLI lifeboats are a 24-hour search and rescue service with 238 stations situated around the British Isles. When you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, they dispatch the nearest lifeboat which will come to your aid.

THE NATION’S top Rock ’n’ Roll variety show, That’ll Be The Day, recently returned to Folly Farm, delivering two unforgettable nights of entertainment to over a thousand attendees. The event raised more than £9,000 for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, adding to a longstanding legacy of charitable support.

Marking its 18th year at Folly Farm and an impressive 37th performance at The Follies Theatre, That’ll Be The Day has contributed to raising over £203,000 for various local charities. Past beneficiaries include Wales Air Ambulance, the Rotary Clubs of Milford Haven, Narberth & Whitland, the RNLI, and most recently, Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

Event organiser, Phil Thompson MBE, expressed his enthusiasm: “It was fantastic to have That’ll Be The Day back at Folly Farm, especially for two sell-out audiences. The event drew members from clubs and organisations such as Narberth & Whitland Rotary, Haverfordwest Rotary, Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club, Lamphey W I, Pembroke Bridge Club, and Marion Bulley’s Care Home Parties. We’re thrilled to confirm they’ll return on October 24th & 25th, 2025, with tickets available early next year.”

Chris Ebsworth, Director of Folly Farm, highlighted the venue’s continued support, saying: “Folly Farm is proud to host Phil Thompson and the That’ll Be The Day team. The feedback has been phenomenal, with comments like ‘The best show ever’ and ‘A tremendous night. I’ll be bringing friends next time!’ We’re eagerly awaiting the show’s return next year.”

Excitement is already mounting for Walk Right Back, another production by the same talented team, set to hit the Follies Theatre on February 15, 2025. Walk Right Back tells the story of the iconic Everly Brothers and promises to be another major event in the Paul Sartori Foundation’s calendar. Tickets are now on sale through the Paul Sartori Foundation website or by calling 01437 763223.

The Paul Sartori Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to Folly Farm, the That’ll Be The Day cast, community sponsors Milford Haven Port Authority, media sponsor Pure West Radio, and the dedicated Paul Sartori team: Phil Thompson, Nia, Jo, Julia, Mand (and Mum), Val, Gill, Mair, Janet, Angela, Paul, and Pat.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Legacy: Two unforgettable nights, a community united for a worthy cause