News

Ewe better be more careful! RSPCA rope rescue team rescues sheep

Published

2 years ago

May 10, 2023

A sheep has been rescued from a Pembrokeshire sea cliff by a specialist RSPCA rope team.

The animal welfare charity was contacted after the ewe was stranded after straying down the cliffside close to the Castlemartin Range near St Govans in Pembrokeshire.

The sheep had been stranded for a few weeks but luckily was on a grassy slope area so had access to grazing. There had been another two ewes trapped there but as they had been higher up they had managed to escape the cliff face themselves.

In a video capturing the rescue, an eight-strong RSPCA team are seen which includes officers from Wales, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, West Midlands and Sussex – deputy chief inspector (DCI) Gemma Cooper, deputy chief inspector Suzy Hannaby, inspectors Alan Barnes, Vicki Taylor, Joanna Pearson and animal rescue officers (AROs) Marie Stevens, Simon Kite and Dean Wilkins.

“We assessed the situation and could clearly see that the ewe was not going to get back up the cliff on her own,” said Gemma, who is DCI for the Mid and West Wales RSPCA inspectorate group.

“However, due to the location of the sheep – being on Ministry of Defence land as there is a live firing range nearby – we were only able to access the area on certain days to assess and to plan the rescue.

“We subsequently brought together our specially trained officers that we can draw from across England and Wales to undertake the rescue and carried out the rescue successfully.

“The sheep was unharmed and released at the top of the cliff on hard land. The shepherd was in attendance too.”

It is not known how the ewe ended up on such dangerous terrain, although it is not unusual for sheep to graze on cliff tops. However, the RSPCA say they would like to remind dog owners they need to consider livestock and keep their pets on leads and check for farm animals in fields. Dogs can give chase to livestock and the RSPCA is called out to many rescues in which sheep become trapped in precarious situations as they try to escape.

The RSPCA’ say their rescue teams will be out in all weathers this year conducting rescue operations in situations like this, as well as rescuing animals from abuse, neglect and suffering.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.