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
Donation gives Stackpole Quay book trailer fresh new look
A COMMUNITY donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole Quay after members of the Pembrokeshire National Trust Association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.
The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.
The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.
The money will be used to refurbish the well-known second-hand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.
Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.
Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.
“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”
The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.
At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.
With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.
Photo caption:
Jane Mason presents a cheque for £1,095 to Rhian Sula at Stackpole Centre (Pic: supplied).
Crime
OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters
A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.
Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.
The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.
His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.
Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.
Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.
Crime
Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls
A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.
Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.
The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.
She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.
Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.
As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.
Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.
She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.
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