News

Unexploded ordinance found at Freshwater West beach

Published

1 year ago

July 23, 2023

A MAN out metal detecting came across unexploded ordinance at Freshwater West beach last Sunday (Jul 16).

Police were quickly called and attended to make the scene safe and later, a RLC Bomb Disposal team were later, The Herald Understands, to perform a controlled explosion.

The RLC (Royal Logistic Corps) is a branch of the British Army responsible for a variety of logistical support tasks, including bomb disposal and dealing with unexploded ordnance (UXO). They are trained in specialised techniques to defuse and neutralise explosive devices, ensuring the safety of civilians and military personnel.

Summary of RLC Bomb Disposal and UXO Operations:

Detection and Assessment: The process typically begins with the identification of a suspicious device or UXO. This can occur through various means, such as reports from civilians, military personnel, or during clearance operations after a conflict.
Isolation and Evacuation: The area around the device or UXO is immediately secured, and a safe perimeter is established to prevent unauthorised access. If necessary, nearby civilians are evacuated to a safe distance to minimise potential casualties in case of accidental detonation.
Render Safe Procedure (RSP): The bomb disposal team, which consists of highly trained and experienced personnel, approaches the device with great caution. They use specialised tools and equipment to assess the type of explosive, its condition, and potential triggering mechanisms.
Remote Techniques: When possible, bomb disposal experts utilise remote techniques, such as robots or drones, to inspect and handle the device from a safe distance. This minimises the risk to human life during the process.
Disposal Techniques: The RLC employs various techniques to disarm the bomb or make it safe for transportation. These may include cutting wires, removing detonators, or neutralising the explosive material using controlled detonations.
Controlled Detonation: In cases where it is deemed too risky or not feasible to disarm the device, a controlled detonation may be conducted in a controlled environment. This involves using additional explosives to render the original device harmless.
Safe Transport and Storage: If the device cannot be safely neutralised on-site, it is carefully transported to a secure location for disposal or further analysis.
Documentation and Analysis: After the operation, the RLC team documents their findings and procedures for further analysis and to improve their techniques for future operations.

Throughout the entire process, safety is the utmost priority, and the bomb disposal experts follow strict protocols and guidelines to minimise risks and ensure the successful neutralisation of the explosive threat. These operations require highly specialised training, equipment, and nerves of steel to handle the potentially life-threatening situations they face.

READ THIS WEEK’S PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD HERE:

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

11 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“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.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

14 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.