Community
Couple hail exercise scheme that has transformed lives
A LOCAL couple have hailed the positive impact of an exercise scheme that has helped them maintain independence and continue to enjoy life.
Richard and Gwenda Innes from Pentlepoir were separately referred to the National Exercise Scheme in 2022 and took up a 16 week programme.
The scheme, run by Public Health Wales and delivered in Pembrokeshire Leisure Centres, aims to help people rehabilitate from and live with a range of different medical conditions, maintain general health, improve functional capacity and improve quality of life through structured activity.
Benefits include; reduced blood pressure, reduced cholesterol levels, increased mental and social well-being, reduced risk of heart disease and strokes, increased strength, mobility, coordination and balance, improved energy levels, reduced stress, anxiety and depression. Weight loss or weight gain, where appropriate, are also benefits.
Gwenda, 77, is awaiting a knee replacement operation and needed to strengthen the muscles around the knee and lower leg.
Richard, 79, had lost confidence in standing and walking after a series of falls.
Both were referred to the scheme at Tenby Leisure Centre and placed under the supervision of Exercise Referral Professional Tom Delaney.
The couple were prescribed a personalised training plan to ensure that the exercises were safe and effective.
This includes using a treadmill, exercise bike and other equipment under supervision with the aim of clients working independently over time.
The result for both has been remarkable.
Tom said: “Richard has lost over a stone and gained confidence, his ability to carry out day to day movements has improved. As he approaches his 80th birthday he is proof that it’s never too late to make positive changes.
“Gwenda has lost over two stone and has developed muscular strength, her lower limbs are now stronger which has improved her knee function. Her increased aerobic fitness and improved knee function has enabled her to do things that she hasn’t done for years, walking up hills – Gwenda thought that this wouldn’t be possible again.
“Giving clients like Richard and Gwenda the confidence and competence to get active highlights how important the scheme is.
“Not only helping people live longer happier lives; fitter healthier clients have a reduced need for medical treatment and hospitalisation.”
Gwenda said the difference in Richard especially was significant and both were continuing to exercise at Tenby Leisure Centre following the end of the course: “Richard is now able to spend 15 minutes on the treadmill at a speed of 3.5kmph, set the bicycle on gear four for 15 minutes and then do a further 10 minutes on the hand bike.
“He is now almost confident to move around the bungalow without his walking stick and is also able to walk around the garden. He now comes with me shopping and walks around pushing the trolley.”
Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, said: “It is fantastic to hear this feedback on the way this scheme run in our Leisure Centres is helping people to lead their best possible lives.
“I would thank all the dedicated staff who are really making a difference to residents’ lives.
“If you are interested in the scheme speak to your GP or other medical professional and ask about eligibility for the exercise referral scheme.”
Clients can access the exercise referral scheme in all of the main Pembrokeshire Leisure Centres at Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke, Tenby, Fishguard and Crymych.
Clients receive on-going support and encouragement from their instructor throughout their time on the scheme, although the ultimate aim is long term independent exercise.
There is a cost for each session which has been subsidised to enable more people to access the sessions.
More information can be found on the Pembrokeshire County Council website.
Caption: Gwenda and Richard Innes have lauded the difference exercise has made to them. They are pictured with Exercise Referral Professional Tom Delaney.
West Wales volunteers recognised for efforts to improve river quality
CITIZEN scientists from across West Wales gathered at Cardigan Castle on Thursday (Mar 27) for a conference celebrating their work in monitoring and protecting local rivers.
The West Wales Nutrient Management Board (WWNMB) hosted the event, which brought together volunteers, environmental experts, and partner organisations to discuss the growing impact of community-led water quality initiatives.
Supported by the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) through the Rural Connectivity Accelerator Project, the conference highlighted the crucial role of improved digital infrastructure in enabling environmental monitoring.
Showcasing science and grassroots action
Attendees took part in hands-on demonstrations showing how water samples are analysed, using the latest techniques to detect pollution and nutrient levels. The event also addressed the limitations of current equipment, highlighting the need for accurate, reliable data collection.
Beyond the technical presentations, the day celebrated the wide range of skills that citizen scientists contribute—from data gathering to public engagement—and explored how their work influences conservation strategies and local policies.
Regional groups unite
Volunteers from across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion—including those involved in Save the Teifi, Achub y Tywi and the Cleddau Project—shared experiences and discussed the shared challenges of river monitoring.
Angela Towler, a dedicated volunteer, said: “Being a citizen scientist is about more than just collecting data—it’s about taking action to protect the places we care about. The conference is an example of how the NMB has helped to give citizen scientists a voice. It’s been an incredible opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about improving our rivers.”
Support for future progress
Councillor Clive Davies, Chair of the Nutrient Management Board and Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, praised the dedication of volunteers.
He said: “It is inspiring to see so many committed individuals working to protect our rivers. Citizen scientists play a vital role in identifying pollution sources and providing the data needed to shape policy. Today’s event highlights the real difference their efforts are making.”
The WWNMB said it will continue to support local groups and encourage new volunteers to join the effort to restore and protect river ecosystems across the region. Their work is backed by the Welsh Government, which has funded several key initiatives in recognition of the importance of preserving the region’s natural heritage.
How to get involved
The Teifi Nutrient Monitoring (TNM) Project is now looking for more volunteers in 2025. Anyone interested in testing water, checking for pollution, and learning more about environmental protection is encouraged to take part.
To explore citizen science data and dashboards, visit:
Teifi Citizen Science Monitoring and Dashboard
The TNM Project is funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and administered by Ceredigion County Council’s Cynnal y Cardi team in partnership with the WWNMB. It is also supported by the DSIT-funded Rural Connectivity Accelerator Project.
To join the Teifi Nutrient Monitoring Project, email: NMB@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
A LARGE police response was launched in St Florence on Sunday morning (Apr 6) following reports of a missing child.
Emergency services, including multiple police vehicles and a helicopter, were seen speeding to the quiet Pembrokeshire village shortly after 10:00am with sirens sounding.
The Herald understands that the missing person was a six-year-old girl, and that officers began immediate door-to-door inquiries in an effort to locate her.
One local resident said: “Police knocked on my door at around 10:30am saying a six-year-old was missing and they were concerned. They were asking for any information and knocking on all the properties.”
Another witness added: “I saw a police helicopter just after ten-o-clock in the morning. There was so much police activity— so many police cars.”
Fortunately, the girl was found safe and well a short time later.
Tenby, Saundersfoot and Narberth Police posted an update on social media, saying: “There has been a large police presence in St Florence this morning following a report of a missing person.
“We can confirm that the person has been located safe and well.
“Thank you to the local community for their support and patience.”
PEMBROKESHIRE County Council’s Building Control Team is congratulating local building and design projects for success in the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2024.
The LABC Building Excellence Awards are the largest business to business awards in the building control sector.
They celebrate buildings and design teams that have overcome the challenges of complex technical and construction issues and put the spotlight on innovative and creative building work.
In Pembrokeshire, D & O Construction Ltd, Julian Bishop Architect, Redstone Architecture and AB Rogers & Son Ltd, Hayston Development & Planning Ltd all achieved success on some high profile local projects.
In the Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards 2024, Berry Lodge, Newport won the Best Residential Extension in Wales prize with work carried out by D & O Construction Ltd and with agents Julian Bishop Architect and Redstone Architecture.
Highly Commended was the development at Plas Y Castell, Llawhaden, carried out by AB Rogers & Son Ltd and Hayston Development & Planning Ltd.
The Berry Lodge development then went forward to the Grand Finals at Grovesnor House in London where the top projects across the UK were celebrated.
Council Building Control Manager Sam Goodwin said: “Building Control is delighted to work on these projects which highlight the skill and innovation of developers locally.
“Pembrokeshire County Council Building Control is proud to be part of LABC Awards. The Local Authority Building Control (LABC) awards were set up to celebrate excellence achieved through high building standards, technical innovation and sustainable designs.
“The Awards are an opportunity for the industry to celebrate good building practice and winners demonstrate how positive working relationships with local Council building control teams achieve high quality, sustainable buildings.
“The awards are unique because they recognise how this cooperation improves building standards and professionalism across the industry and it is great to see local contractors, agents and designers within Pembrokeshire receive recognition in achieving these standards.”
If you would like to contact Building Control at Pembrokeshire County Council, please contact Building Control via the website www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/building-control or alternatively contact 01437 764551
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