Community

Radon Gas lurks in Pembrokeshire’s tranquil landscapes

Published

2 years ago

April 4, 2024

Pembrokeshire, often overshadowed by more common concerns, holds a hidden threat: radioactive radon. This natural gas, lurking in the earth, carries a sinister risk, elevating the spectre of cancer among those unknowingly exposed.

Radiating from the ground beneath our feet, radon infiltrates every building, its presence more pronounced in certain regions, dictated by geological quirks. A recent initiative by the UK Health Security Agency provides an illuminating tool: an interactive map, revealing the lurking presence of radon in our neighbourhoods. Through a spectrum of shades, the map delineates areas of peril, with darker hues signalling a greater than one in three chance of radon intrusion, while lighter tones offer a reprieve, indicating a risk of less than one in a hundred homes.

In the tranquil expanse of Pembrokeshire, where verdant landscapes stretch uninterrupted, one might assume safety from such urban perils. Yet, contrary to expectations, the region exhibits a concerning prevalence of radon, outstripping even the bustling metropolises of London, Birmingham, and Manchester. However, it falls short of the heightened risk faced by rural counterparts like Cornwall and Derbyshire.

Within Pembrokeshire’s borders, a mosaic of risk emerges. Tenby, Milford Haven, Pembroke, and others hover in the 10-30% bracket of maximum radon potential, while Saundersfoot resides in the 3-5% range. On the fringes, Hook and Broad Haven bask in a relatively low risk, boasting a mere 1-3% potential. Yet, amidst the picturesque landscapes, enclaves such as Stackpole and areas south of Buckspool cast a darker shadow, harbouring a potential of over 30%.

But what exactly is radon gas? This silent intruder, devoid of colour or scent, stealthily penetrates homes, a by-product of radioactive decay in subterranean minerals. Its radioactive emissions pose a perilous threat, particularly to lung tissue, leaving a chilling legacy of lung cancer in its wake.

The question looms: How perilous is radon? Ukradon warns of its insidious nature, its radiation quietly wreaking havoc on vulnerable tissues. The real danger lies in its invisibility, easily inhaled and ensnared within the lungs, where it sets the stage for cancer’s cruel advance. Duration of exposure serves as the harbinger of risk, with prolonged contact amplifying the peril.

So, what recourse do we have? Prevention begins with awareness. A Radon Risk Report, available for a nominal fee from the UK Government, unveils the threat lurking beneath our feet. For those at risk, a simple procedure unfolds: detectors dispatched to monitor radon levels in the home, offering a lifeline of awareness in the face of this silent menace. Yet, even as we take these precautions, let us not forget the compounding risk posed by smoking, a potent catalyst for radon’s deadly dance.

Interactive map here: https://www.ukradon.org/radonmaps/

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)