Community

Two rescues for St Davids RNLI, just twelve hours apart

Published

3 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

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 hour ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

2 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

22 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).