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30 years of litter picking: The Great British Beach Clean returns

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THE ICONIC Great British Beach Clean, orchestrated by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), celebrates its 30th year this month. From 15th to 24th September 2023, thousands of dedicated volunteers will once again comb the UK’s coastline, from Poltesco in Cornwall to Alness Point in the Scottish Highlands.

Over the past three decades, these tireless individuals have taken to the UK’s beaches, amassing vital data on the types of pollution marring our shores. Beyond the coast, MCS’s Source to Sea citizen science project has extended its reach inland. It’s widely recognised that a significant portion of marine pollution originates from the hinterlands, meandering through streams, rivers, or drains before defiling our oceans.

The invaluable data accumulated has powered MCS campaigns, driving pivotal changes like the introduction of plastic bag charges, improvements in wet wipe labelling, and the implementation of taxes on single-use plastic items.

Clare Trotman, Beachwatch Officer at the Marine Conservation Society, commented on the indomitable spirit of volunteers, “From secluded beaches to bustling seaside resorts, volunteers are the heart of our initiative. If the coast is out of reach, local litter picks and surveys still make a world of difference.”

This year’s clean-up has garnered support from Ireland’s top soup brand, Cully & Sully soups. Cullen Allen, or “Cully” as he’s fondly known, expressed his company’s deep commitment, “We’re thrilled to sponsor the Beach Clean again. Marine litter affects all of us, especially as watersport enthusiasts. This campaign not only addresses the issue but reinforces the vital message of proper waste disposal and recycling. And of course, we’re keen on serving our volunteers some hearty soup!”

Recalling last year’s achievements, the Beach Clean saw 5,344 volunteers clear and survey 30 miles of beach, collecting an astounding 141,048 pieces of litter. Compared to 2021, 2022 observed an 11% drop in litter across UK and Channel Island beaches. Yet, one persistent pollutant remains – sewage-related waste. Disturbingly, 75% of our beaches bore traces of it in 2022, often signalling the ominous presence of nearby sewage discharges.

Dr Laura Foster, Head of Clean Seas at MCS, highlighted the severity of the situation, “Sewage doesn’t just bring in misplaced items but carries a cocktail of detrimental chemicals. Such contamination devastates the marine ecosystem. Our volunteers’ findings will shape our ongoing quest for sewage-free seas.”

This year, the MCS requests volunteers to photograph any sewage-related debris or outlets. By sharing these images on social media with #SewageFreeSeas or directly through their website, they aim to spotlight the extent of the sewage issue.

Interested in joining the cause? For further details or to volunteer, visit www.mcsuk.org/gbbc.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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.

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