News
RNLI issues safety warning in Wales ahead of stormy conditions
THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution is encouraging people to be cautious if visiting the coast this weekend as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for strong winds on the coast of Wales.
This weekend (6-7 April) the forecast suggests that parts of the Welsh coast could see wind speeds of up to 40mph, with the potential of large swells that mean unpredictable seas and challenging conditions.
The weather warning for Wales is for this Saturday (6 April), and the RNLI are encouraging those who plan to visit the coast to take extra care and to head to a lifeguarded beach if they plan on going in the water.
RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol at the following beaches between 10am–6pm over the weekend:
Whitesands Beach – Pembrokeshire
Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and Three Cliffs – Swansea.
The rough conditions that are expected this weekend could mean the lifeguards will deem the beach unsafe for water activity, with the risk of rip currents heightened. If a beach is red-flagged do not enter the water, as it is unsafe for any water activities. If there are no flags at a beach, there are no lifeguards.
If conditions allow, the lifeguards will set up the red and yellow flags in the safest area of the beach and encourage beachgoers to swim between these flags.
Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead for the region said:
‘The conditions forecast for the weekend pose an increased risk to those visiting the coast. The RNLI wants visitors to enjoy themselves, whilst keeping themselves and their families safe.
‘We strongly advise that people visit a lifeguarded beach. If anyone plans on entering the water elsewhere, ensure that you don’t go in alone. Let other people know of your plans and if possible – always carry a means for calling for help should you need it.
‘If you’re walking on the coast be aware of your surroundings and stay well back from the water’s edge. The weather conditions increase the likelihood of tidal surges that could sweep you out to sea.
‘If you get into difficulty in the water remember Float to Live. Always call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you see anyone in trouble.’
RNLI Float to Live advice:
Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
Relax and try to breathe normally
Move your hands to help you stay afloat
It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently
Spread your arms and legs to improve stability.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
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)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
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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