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First Christmas on call for new St Davids RNLI Coxswain following in proud family tradition

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THE RNLI in Wales will see hundreds of its volunteer lifeboat crews sacrifice time with their loved ones to save others this Christmas, as 2021 figures show an increase in the number lifeboat launches during the festive season. It will be a proud occasion for Will Chant, who will be on call over Christmas as the station’s newest full-time Coxswain, following in the footsteps of his dad.

Saving a space for the pager on the Christmas dinner table is nothing new for the Chant family from Pembrokeshire, who have spent decades bracing themselves to swap Turkey for turbulent seas.

This Christmas Eve, Will celebrates 26 years of being a volunteer crew member at St Davids. He is following in the footsteps of proud dad Dai, a former station Coxswain who joined the St Davids crew in the early 60s. He’ll also be in good company should the call come over Christmas as brother Mike is also the station’s full-time mechanic.

Like crew members across Wales they will prepared to leave their loved ones to save others at Christmas. Over the past five years, RNLI lifeboats in Wales and the North West have launched nearly 100 times, with 49 people aided over the Christmas period. In Wales alone, there were 56 lifeboat launches in that five year period with 30 people aided.

Last year, RNLI lifeboats in Wales launched 12 times over the Christmas period, saving two lives and rescuing three people. This was compared with seven launches, and three people aided in 2020.

Will has vivid memories of holiday celebrations being cut short over the years, including a shout on 27 December 1997. A French fishing trawler Toul an Trez which had sunk suddenly some 35 miles out to sea in violent storms on Christmas Eve, with all five of the French fishermen lost during the tragedy. The St Davids crew launched their inshore and all-weather lifeboats a few days later to search for the casualties and the wreckage. It had began to wash up around the south west coastline of Wales.

A fire on board the Eves Marie trawler on 21 December 2004 also saw the St Davids RNLI crew abandon their pre-Christmas celebration. The RNLI crew had assisted in the rescuer of the crew from the burning trawler in rough seas and volunteers, including Will were called upon for a second time to stand by the vessel for much of the following day until she eventually sank.

This year, Will is hopeful for a quiet Christmas with wife Lottie and their son Harri, 12. They are looking forward to paying a visit to his dad and much-needed relaxation time.

He says: ‘Being brought up as a lifeboat family, we didn’t really flinch if the pager sounded and dad headed out of the door – it’s just what happened. There was no doubt I’d follow in his footsteps and answering the call over Christmas is not really any different to any time of the year. If someone needs your help, your training springs into action and you don’t really give it a second thought.

‘It’s an absolute privilege to be spending my very first Christmas on call as Coxswain of the St Davids lifeboat. Whilst I keep my fingers crossed the pager remains silent, but if it doesn’t, whatever the situation, myself, Mike and the crew will be there and I know dad will be so proud waiting at home for news.’

If the pager does remain silent, Will plans to open presents with his family, check on his horses and chickens before walking the dog. He will be following a tradition in visiting dad Dai and catching up with Mike, before settling down to Christmas dinner later in the early evening.

Winter can be one of the most challenging times to be a lifeboat volunteer with shorter days and the worst weather conditions of the year. But the dedication and courage shown by RNLI lifesavers means that, when the call to rescue comes in, they are ready and willing to head out. No matter if it’s the middle of a dark winter’s night, or in freezing sub-zero temperatures.

Mike adds: ‘We wouldn’t do what we are able to do without the support of the public, who work tirelessly throughout the year to raise the donation we so vitally need to enable us to continue saving lives. This is our opportunity to say thank you to all those who have supported us throughout the year. As Christmas approaches and the RNLI launches it’s Christmas appeal, your support is more important than ever and so appreciated.’

The RNLI provides a lifesaving service using volunteers wherever possible, with voluntary donations supplying the funds needed to do so. To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, visit: RNLI.org/Xmas

Charity

New charity offers grants to young people in Pembrokeshire

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A NEW charity aimed at supporting young people in Pembrokeshire has been established and is now accepting applications for its first round of grants.

The Tenby & County Trust (TACT) was created using funds from the sale of the former Tenby & County Club on The Croft, with the aim of helping young people aged between five and 18 pursue their aspirations.

Trustee David Blackmore explained: “The purpose of TACT is to provide grants that enable young people in Pembrokeshire to follow their ambitions, whether in the creative arts, culture, sports, adventure, science, or languages.”

Substantial investment

Following the sale of the County Club for redevelopment, club members—who were entitled to a share of the proceeds—voted to establish a charity to benefit local youth.

“The money has been invested, and while we are not disclosing the exact amount, it is a considerable six-figure sum,” said Mr Blackmore.

The trust is managed by local trustees, all of whom have either been involved with the former County Club or played significant roles in education within Pembrokeshire.

How to apply

Young people interested in applying for a grant must submit an application via email. This should include the names and email addresses of two supporting sponsors and a statement of no more than 500 words outlining how they would use the funds, including a breakdown of costs.

Grants will be issued quarterly, with the next application deadline set for March 1, 2025. Grants are only available to individuals.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit tenbyandcountytrust.org.

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Charity

Fishing competition aims to raise £2,000 for lifeboat crews

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A FISHING competition in Pembrokeshire hopes to net £2,000 to support lifeboat crews in Angle and Tenby.

The Angle and Tenby Lifeboat Fishing Competition is set to take place on Amroth Beach on Sunday, February 16, with all proceeds going to the RNLI teams that provide lifesaving services along the county’s coastline.

Former Pembroke Dock mayor Peter Kraus is leading the fundraising effort and is appealing for sponsors and raffle prize donations to help reach the target.

Mr Kraus said: “We are hoping to raise £1,000 for each of the lifeboat stations. With your help, that can be possible.

“I need kind sponsors willing to give £50, and I also need nice raffle prizes. This is such a good cause and a vital lifesaving service.”

Anyone wishing to support the event can contact Peter Kraus via email at [email protected] or call 07900 324287.

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Charity

Princess of Wales becomes patron of Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice

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THE PRINCESS OF WALES has been announced as the new Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, Wales’ first children’s hospice.

Tŷ Hafan, which translates to “Haven House” in English, provides free care and support for children with life-shortening conditions and their families, both within the hospice and in homes and communities across Wales. The charity offers essential assistance throughout a child’s life, including end-of-life care and bereavement support.

The Princess marked the announcement with a visit to Tŷ Hafan’s hospice in Sully, near Cardiff, where she met children, families, and staff.

A vital lifeline

At the heart of Tŷ Hafan’s work is a commitment to holistic care, addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the children and their families. The hospice fosters a strong sense of community, ensuring families do not feel alone in their experiences.

Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan, said: “We are deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has become Patron of Tŷ Hafan, and it was an absolute pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness to our hospice for the first time today.

“As our Patron, Her Royal Highness will be an inspiration for children with life-shortening conditions and their families, our dedicated staff and volunteers, and everyone who so generously supports us.

“No parent ever imagines that their child’s life will be short. Sadly, this is the reality facing thousands of families in Wales. We can’t stop this happening, but together we can make sure that no one lives their child’s short life alone.”

A longstanding commitment

The wellbeing of children and their families has long been a key focus for the Princess. One of her first patronages after joining the Royal Family was EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices), a role she continues to hold today. She now looks forward to developing a similar relationship with Tŷ Hafan and the families it supports in Wales.

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