Charity

RNLI Fishguard congratulates new volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

Published

9 months ago

February 23, 2024

A VOLUNTEER at RNLI Fishguard celebrated a successful start to the year following completion of rigorous training and assessment to take up the role of Lifeboat Press Officer.

Volunteer crew member Cedwyn Rogers took up the challenge of becoming a trainee Lifeboat Press Officer after his predecessor, Peter Kedward, retired from the role with thanks after many years.

Following an interview process in January 2023, Cedwyn has worked hard over the past 12 months to complete the mandatory training and compile a portfolio of work demonstrating his skills in preparation for an in-depth assessment by an RNLI media trainer.

Every RNLI station has at least one press officer whose role is to highlight rescues and training launches carried out by our volunteers to the public through various media outlets. They also promote community fundraising events for our charity, advertise recruitment opportunities and share key water safety messages. They do this by developing relationships with local media and writing regular news releases for publication online and in print. The press officer will also assist with media visits to the station, either pre planned or following launches, liaising with journalists and preparing other station volunteers for interview. As part of the role they may also manage the station’s social media pages, posting news, content and interacting with followers.

Cedwyn joined the crew at RNLI Fishguard in September 2022 as a shore crew volunteer. In this time he has also progressed to trainee crew on the station’s inshore and all weather lifeboats. Passing this recent assessment certifies him for 5 years in the role of press officer, at which time he will be reassessed to keep his skills current in the ever changing and fast paced arena of media.

Cedwyn Rogers, Volunteer RNLI Press Officer said:

‘It is such a privilege to be in this position of promoting the work of the RNLI. As a child, I witnessed St Davids lifeboat launch to the aid of my grandfather, following an accident on Ramsey Island. I have never forgotten the difference they made to my family during that moment of fear. I am proud to be trusted to tell the stories of our charity in this, our 200th year of saving lives at sea. Stories that I can only tell thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Looking ahead to the next 200 years we can be certain that whoever we are and however we support the RNLI, we are one crew with one goal; to save every one”.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

4 days ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Charity

Milford Haven RNLI celebrates heartfelt donation from Neyland Ladies Choir

Published

4 days ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN RNLI Fundraising Group received a generous donation of over £1,000 from Neyland Ladies Choir this October, marking a touching tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Beckett, one of the RNLI’s longest-standing supporters.

The Neyland Ladies Choir held a special concert at St. Mary’s Church on Waterloo Road, Hakin, to celebrate Dorothy Beckett’s 90th birthday. A lifelong supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Dorothy has played a crucial role in lifeboat fundraising in the Milford Haven area, dating back to the 1970s. She was instrumental in establishing the Hakin Point RNLI fundraising group, which has raised over £500,000 to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

The concert’s proceeds were presented in a moving ceremony at Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland. Accepting the donation on behalf of the RNLI were Steve Lewis, Chairman of the fundraising group, and Thomas Kehoe, Deputy Coxswain of the Angle Lifeboat.

Adding to the evening’s celebrations, Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager, presented Dorothy with the Long Service Medal, recognizing her fifty years of dedication to the institution. This award, given by the RNLI, honors Dorothy’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

“Thank you, Neyland Ladies Choir and Dorothy Beckett,” said the RNLI in a heartfelt message to the community. “Your support and dedication mean the world to us.”

The Milford Haven RNLI Fundraising Group encourages supporters to share and spread the word, hoping that Dorothy’s legacy inspires continued community support.

Charity

NHS staff take on Parkrun for charity

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

Richard Lewis

STAFF from the Frailty Unit at Withybush Hospital took part in the Haverfordwest Parkrun and raised a fantastic £1,478 for the unit.

The staff took part in the 5k Parkrun in August at the Haverfordwest cricket club, whilst others volunteered, sold refreshments and held a raffle.

Lisa Marshall, Senior Sister, said: “I am so proud of Estelle and the team for organising a successful fundraiser and helping to raise money for our unit.

“It was a great team building day and we all had lots of fun. We are as always grateful for the support and donations we receive, and we look forward to our next fundraiser!”

Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you and well done to Estelle, Lisa and the Frailty Unit team for completing their Parkrun fundraiser.

“Thank you so much for dedicating your time to once again raising funds for your amazing unit.

“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.”

For more details about the NHS charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to the Hywel Dda Charities website.