Community

Two rescues for St Davids RNLI, just twelve hours apart

Published

2 years ago

October 4, 2022

RNLI St Davids all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley launched only twelve hours apart to separate boats in difficulty.

Paged at 10:03pm on Thursday 29th September, and again at 10:05am on Friday 30th September, volunteer crews spent hours at sea in rough conditions.

The first launch was to a PANPAN distress call from a 42 foot motor cruiser with four people aboard approximately seven miles west of St Davids Head. Launching into a rough and pitch-black Ramsey Sound, the all-weather lifeboat carefully navigated the shoals and overfalls to arrive alongside the casualty vessel some twenty minutes after launching.

Once alongside it was determined that the twin engine vessel had lost one engine, and the strong flood tide was limiting its speed and progress on its remaining engine. RNLI Norah Wortley decided to standby and escort the vessel into the safety of Milford Haven marina.

Conditions improved with a drop in wind speed and flood tide, and the casualty vessel was left at the marina entrance at approximately 02:30am. The lifeboat was rehoused on station at around 03:30am, but winds strengthened overnight and at 10:05am the lifeboat was tasked again to a vessel suffering engine failure off Dinas Head. The vessel with two people on board had deployed its anchor but it was dragging in the force eight wind towards the rocks.

Given the critical nature of the situation, the lifeboat made best speed to Dinas Head, aided by the following wind and tide. RNLI Fishguard and Goodwick Lifeboat also launched their inshore lifeboat into the challenging conditions due to the perilous nature of the situation, testing the lifeboats operational limits.

Fortunately the casualties managed to restart their engine and began slowly making their way back to Goodwick, escorted by Fishguard and St Davids lifeboats. Fishguard inshore lifeboat crew battled the now gusting force 9 winds to ensure the casualty vessel was safely back onto their trailer and once the two people on board were in the care of HM Coastguard Fishguard rescue team, both lifeboats returned to station.

Although a short journey for Fishguard, St Davids had a longer slower passage, with the crew doing their best to utilise any shelter that could be provided by the coastline.

Will Chant, RNLI Coxswain for St Davids RNLI lifeboat, says: ‘This was a busy but successful night for St Davids volunteer crew with rescues in challenging sea conditions. A team effort was required to ensure a safe outcome on the second rescue and our thanks go to RNLI Fishguard and Fishguard Coast Guard rescue team for their assistance.’

Pictures of Milford Haven at night and lifeboat escort at Goodwick by RNLI

Community

Pembrokeshire town 4G phone mast plans withdrawn

Published

2 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a replacement 20-metre-high 4G phone mast tower in north Pembrokeshire, which the local town council says would have “an unacceptable adverse impact” on the national park’s beauty have been withdrawn.

In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Cellnex, through agent Telent, sought permission to replace an existing 10m high mast with a new 20m 4G tower with three Vodafone antennae and nine mast head amplifiers, and associated works, on land at Dwr-y-Felin Farm, Fford Bedd Morris, Newport.

The application for a 4G mobile base station for the mobile network operator(s) (MNOs) Vodafone Ltd in conjunction with Cornerstone. The application site is owned / operated by Cellnex UK, a radio site infrastructure provider.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “The proposed antenna height of 20m is essential to provide new 4G coverage and replacement 2G and 3G service provision to the surrounding area. 4G radio signals are more sensitive to physical obstructions than older technologies.

“This is because the higher the frequency band the greater the reduction in signal strength, increasing the likelihood of dropped calls and reduced data rates for internet browsing,” adding: “Generally, the higher the signal frequency the more it will be impacted by clutter. It is for this reason that there is the height of 20m is required.”

It went on to say it “should be noted that a radio base station within this location has already been considered acceptable and has become an established feature within the area and the proposed upgrade albeit different in design to support the latest equipment will not be of substantial or detrimental harm to the national park, conservation area or heritage assets”.

Newport Town Council had objected to the application, saying: “The proposed development (if approved in its current form) will have an unacceptable adverse impact on the qualities and special landscape and seascape character of the National Park and also on the special qualities of natural beauty and tranquillity.”

The application has now been withdrawn.

Community

Castle Ward Pupils Lead Anti-Social Behaviour Art Mural Project

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST HIGH VC SCHOOL welcomed a visit from County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who expressed his full support for the pupils’ efforts in tackling anti-social behaviour through an innovative Art Mural Project.

Councillor Tudor, representing the Castle Ward, highlighted the significance of the project, noting the area’s past struggles with anti-social behaviour in central commercial zones. “Engaging with pupils to address this issue through art is an extremely exciting venture,” he said.

The project has received a boost with £750 in funding secured from the Youth Bank initiative. Councillor Tudor commended the Youth Workers for their successful funding application, describing it as “a great achievement.”

The mural, spearheaded by pupils from the Youth Room and Haverfordwest High VC School, aims to inspire and engage the community while addressing a vital issue. “This exciting and innovative project will undoubtedly capture the imagination of those involved and reach out to all concerned,” Councillor Tudor added.

The initiative is set to bring a creative approach to community engagement and highlight the power of art in fostering positive change.

Photo caption: Castle Ward inspiration: Councillor Thomas Tudor supports the Art Mural Project (Pic: Suppled)

Community

Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CHRISTMAS is often described as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it can be a challenging period that impacts mental health. Whether due to stress, loneliness, or financial strain, the festive season is not always a time of joy for everyone. To support those struggling this Christmas, Mind Cymru has shared carefully considered advice to help navigate the season.

Why Christmas Can Be Challenging

For some, the holiday season can feel overwhelming:

Stress and Expectations: The pressure to celebrate amidst personal challenges.
Difficult Memories: Reflecting on the past or worrying about the new year.
Financial Strain: Rising costs making the season harder to enjoy.

Sue O’Leary, Director of Mind Cymru, explains:

“Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it can also be a time of year where our feelings are magnified, and not always in a positive way. Sometimes there are other, less joyous things going on in our lives that make taking time out to be ‘merry and bright’ feel like less of a celebration and more of a challenge. There are so many reasons why someone might not feel like celebrating this Christmas, and we just wanted to remind everyone that it’s ok to feel this way and that there is support available for anyone who may be struggling with their mental health over the festive season.”

Tips from Mind Cymru

Mind Cymru has shared the following tips for managing mental health over Christmas:

Looking After Yourself

Be patient with yourself; it’s understandable to find Christmas difficult.
Set boundaries and say no to things that aren’t helpful.
Take time out to focus on non-Christmas-related activities.
Remember: the season won’t last forever.

Talking to Others

Let people know if you’re struggling.
Access online communities, like Mind’s Side by Side service, for support.
Communicate how others can help and what activities you’re comfortable with.

Managing Relationships

Plan responses to potentially difficult questions ahead of time.
Discuss budgets and schedules with family to reduce stress.
Maintain distance if you must be around people you’d rather avoid.

Planning Ahead

Prepare items that help you feel comfortable, especially in unfamiliar settings.
Avoid triggering environments if possible.
Check the opening hours of key services you may need during Christmas.
Ensure you have enough medication to last the holiday period.
Plan something enjoyable for after Christmas to look forward to.

Where to Find Support

If you’re struggling this Christmas, help is available:

Mind Helplines: Visit www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/ (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day).
Side by Side Online Community: Available 24/7 at https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (freephone). The Welsh language line is open daily from 7pm to 11pm.
SHOUT Crisis Text Service: Text SHOUT to 85258, available 24/7.
Coping with Money Worries: Visit the Mind website for advice.