News
Pembrokeshire rowing club sets sail towards 2028 Olympics
THE Fishguard and Goodwick Jemima Rowing Club proudly inaugurated their new Coastal Sculling Facility on Saturday, March 23. This pioneering move comes in anticipation of Coastal Sculling’s debut at the 2028 Olympic Games, marking a historic moment for the sport.
Situated in the scenic county of Pembrokeshire, the club has been honoured with the distinction of GB Coastal Sculling Academy, positioning it as one of the inaugural five academies dedicated to this discipline within the UK. This prestigious status underscores the club’s commitment to nurturing talent capable of representing Team GB, particularly in the Beach Sprints event set to be showcased in Los Angeles.
Jerry Owen, a seasoned club member with four Olympic participations under his belt, is among the athletes preparing for selection. His journey epitomises the ambition and dedication fostered within the club’s ranks.
The facility’s opening was commemorated by Pembrokeshire County Councillor Kevin Doolin, who, following instrumental negotiations for the lease, lauded the club’s achievements in his speech. The Goodwick Facility, now leased from Pembrokeshire County Council, owes its realisation to the generous support of local businesses, charities, individuals, and a triumphant crowdfunding campaign.
Adding to its calendar of prestigious events, the club is set to host the Welsh Senior Beach Sprints Championship and the Offshore Regatta on May 11 and 12, respectively, at Goodwick Beach. These events not only highlight the club’s growing stature but also its commitment to the sport’s development at a community and national level.
Since its establishment in 1997, the Fishguard and Goodwick Jemima Rowing Club has played a vital role in promoting rowing across various demographics. In partnership with local initiatives like the Thunderbolts high school team and the Active4Life programme, it has successfully broadened its membership base, catering to all ages and abilities.
The club’s expansion into Coastal Sculling and Beach Sprints, alongside its cherished Celtic rowing activities, reflects a versatile approach to embracing diverse rowing disciplines. This strategic diversification underscores the club’s ambition to remain at the forefront of the sport’s evolution.
Gratitude was extended to local architect Tomos Kinver for his pro bono advice and support in the facility’s development, and to Colin Barnett for capturing the momentous occasion through his lens.
With its eyes firmly set on the horizon, the Fishguard and Goodwick Jemima Rowing Club sails forward, emboldened by its new facility and the promise of Olympic glory.
Charity
Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities
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
THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.
Their 37th 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
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.
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