Community

Pembrokeshire RNLI volunteers awarded for saving the lives of two kayakers

Published

3 years ago

June 22, 2023

RNLI volunteers from Cardigan RNLI have been presented with bravery awards for their skill and courage in rescuing two capsized kayakers near the Witches’ Cauldron at Moylegrove, Pembrokeshire.

The awards were presented during a ceremony at Cardigan Lifeboat Station on Tuesday evening.

RNLI Helm Mark Williams was presented with a Letter of Thanks from the RNLI’s Chairman for his excellent seamanship, sound command and decision-making during the incident in August 2022. For their collective efforts, courage and team-work, Chairman Letters of Thanks were also awarded to RNLI volunteer crew members Louise Francis and Simon Mansfield. The presentation was made by Jo Partner, Head of Region for the RNLI in Wales.

HM Coastguard requested the launch of Cardigan RNLI lifeboat to assist the kayakers, who were reported as having capsized and attempting to scramble onto rocks for safety.

Cardigan’s D class inshore lifeboat RNLB John Darbyshire was launched with clear visibility, a stiff breeze and moderate seas of between 1.5 to 2.5 metres high. Sea conditions were particularly challenging throughout. The lifeboat headed to the scene in a westerly wind blowing 20 knots, at the upper limits of the D class lifeboat’s capabilities.

The crew made best speed in the challenging weather conditions arriving in approximately 25 minutes. On arrival at the scene, sea conditions within the Witches’ Cauldron were unpredictable, rapidly changing, and presented a difficult environment in which to operate safely, particularly in recovering casualties from the rocky shore.

The volunteer crew commenced a search and located the casualties, who were now out of their kayaks, having scrambled ashore, and were sitting on the rocky shoreline. The crew assessed the sea conditions and determined that bringing the lifeboat alongside the shore would have presented significant risk to the crew and lifeboat. It was agreed that a crew member would need to enter the water to reach the casualties.

RNLI volunteer crew member Simon Mansfield entered the water, swam to the rock and conducted an initial casualty assessment. This assessment confirmed that both casualties were well and did not need any immediate medical assistance. RNLI crew member Louise Francis then passed a throwline to the shore. With the assistance of Simon Mansfield, both casualties were then safely manoeuvred out to the lifeboat away from the rocks and recovered onboard. Helm Mark Williams skilfully continually adjusted the lifeboat position in turbulent waters to ensure the safety of all involved and the vessel.

Once both casualties were safely onboard, the lifeboat headed to a shore location at Ceibwr where both casualties were then handed over to the HM Coastguard team.

Roger Smith, RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager says:

‘This was a protracted and demanding service in challenging conditions for a D class inshore lifeboat and is most deserving of a meritorious award.

‘The lifeboat crew demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and teamwork. Helm Mark Williams demonstrated excellent seamanship in a very challenging tidal surge, ensuring the crew could rescue the casualties whilst maintaining the safety of crew and lifeboat. He also demonstrated sound command and decision-making in committing a crew member ashore whilst retaining the other onboard to assist in the recovery.’

The entire service had a duration of two hours including a 25-minute passage to the casualty location.

Mr Smith added:

‘Crew member Simon Mansfield demonstrated courage and physical fitness in entering the water, reaching the casualties safely, assessing their condition and then assisting them to the lifeboat. Crew member Louise Francis played a crucial role in launching the throwline, safely bringing the casualties onboard and assisting in the recovery of her crewmember afterwards.’

During the presentation, the entire team at Cardigan RNLI also received a second surprise accolade. The station was presented with an Excellence in Volunteering award in recognition of the entire team’s selflessness and dedication to saving lives at sea. The station received a Certificate of Thanks from the RNLI’s Chief Executive Mark Dowie to reflect the charity’s gratitude to the entire team at Cardigan for their collective efforts in saving lives at sea.

Stuart Wallace, RNLI Lifesaving Lead for Wales who made the Excellent in Volunteering presentation says:

‘I cannot think of a more deserving station to receive such an award. The team at Cardigan embody the RNLI’s ‘One Crew’ ethos. Volunteers from every area of the organisation from water safety to engagement are working together effectively with the same shared goal. I’m incredibly pleased at what Cardigan have achieved as a station and would like to congratulate them on two very special awards.’

Community

Tesco grant funds surf therapy for young people in Pembrokeshire

Published

3 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A £1,500 grant from Tesco Stronger Starts has helped deliver a surf therapy programme for young people facing mental health challenges in Pembrokeshire.

Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said the funding enabled Tonic Surf to run a ten-week course aimed at improving wellbeing among those aged 14 to 25.

The programme combined surfing with beach-based activities, using the natural coastal environment as a therapeutic setting. Sessions were delivered in partnership with Walkin’ on Water Surf School and supported by clinicians from the Health Board’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Participants received guidance from qualified surf coaches alongside mental health professionals, creating a structured and supportive environment designed to build confidence and resilience.

Organisers said the project helped young people develop coping strategies, strengthen social connections, and support their recovery through positive outdoor experiences.

Claire Rumble, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Tesco Stronger Starts for supporting this local project.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda, and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Hywel Dda Health Charities said the initiative highlights the value of community funding in providing additional support services beyond core NHS provision.

Photo caption: Community support: Corinda Pengilly, Tesco Charity Champion, with Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer (Pic: Supplied).

Community

Youth hub coming to Pembrokeshire – but location still unknown

Published

4 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New support service confirmed for young people, but exact site yet to be revealed

A NEW youth hub is set to open in Pembrokeshire as part of a major UK Government rollout aimed at helping young people into work — but officials have not yet confirmed where it will be based.

The hub is one of 12 new sites announced across Wales, designed to support 16 to 24-year-olds with access to jobs, training, mental health services and housing advice under one roof.

The Department for Work and Pensions said the hubs will bring together Jobcentre Plus, local authorities, employers and training providers to help young people who are not currently in education, employment or training.

However, while Pembrokeshire has been named as a location, no further detail has been provided on which town or building will host the service.

The Herald understands that such hubs are often based in or alongside existing Jobcentre Plus offices or council-run facilities, but at this stage no confirmation has been given for Pembrokeshire.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Today marks a major boost for young people across Wales.

“We are delivering support in every region, connecting young people with employers and meeting them where they are so they can take the first step into work.”

The announcement also includes plans to hand more control over employment support funding to the Welsh Government, with £20 million already allocated to pilot schemes aimed at tackling economic inactivity.

Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant said the move would allow programmes to be tailored to local communities.

“Decisions about getting people back into work are made by those who know their communities best,” he said.

The new hubs form part of a wider UK-wide plan to ensure every area has access to a Youth Hub, amid concerns about rising numbers of young people not in work or education.

Further details, including the exact location of the Pembrokeshire hub and when it will open, are expected to be announced at a later date.

Business

Tenby sailing club works approved by national park

Published

21 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for works to Tenby’s listed building sailing club to improve energy efficiency for the community organisation has been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Harrison Richards of Tenby Sailing Club sought permission for replacing 24 timber windows at the Grade-II-listed Tenby Sailing Club, Penniless Cove Hill, with new Accoya timber double-glazed units.

The application added: “An energy survey conducted by Dragon Energy Consultants highlighted the existing single glazing and rotten window frames as a significant contributor to the club’s energy consumption.

“Tenby Sailing Club is a community organisation which seeks to organise activities year-round but faces significant energy costs being housed in a historic building. The current windows are beyond repair, with cracked glazing, decay, water ingress, and poor energy efficiency.

“The two windows at balcony level are not included, as they were previously replaced and remain in good condition. All new units will replicate the existing profiles, dimensions, glazing patterns, and overall appearance, ensuring no visual change to the building’s character.

“The neighbouring three-storey harbour stores occupied by Tenby Sea Cadets have previously replaced the building’s windows with double glazing. This like-for-like replacement in appearance will improve durability, weather resistance, and thermal performance while preserving the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The Sailing Club was built as a warehouse c. 1825, abutting the C17 sluice. Originally wine stores, it was later used by the local fishermen for stores and is now the home to Tenby Sailing Club, established in 1936.”

It said no adverse comments to the proposals had been received.

It added: “The proposal is to replace the majority (24 total) of windows in painted timber, double-glazed with face-mounted glazing bars of traditional scale and profile. Whilst a modern practice of glazing, the proposal involves no loss of historic fabric, provides an obvious visual improvement and addresses concerns as to heating costs.”

It finished: “The scheme is considered to be in keeping with the character of the listed building, and its setting in terms of design and form. As such, the application can be supported subject to conditions.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.