Community
49 Welsh locations crowned among best beaches in the world
KEEP WALES TIDY has today announced the Wales Coast Award winners for 2024, spotlighting the 49 coastal sites achieving the high standards required to receive a prestigious Blue Flag, Green Coast or Seaside Award.
With more and more local authorities and organisations facing pressure on reduced budgets, it is heartening to see so many continue to prioritise the delivery of the exceptional standards required to achieve these awards in the stunning coastal areas which surround our beautiful country.
Blue Flag is managed internationally by FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education) and is one of the world’s most recognised awards for beaches, marinas and boats. The programme’s mission is to promote environmental education, sustainable development of tourism, environmental management systems and ensure safety and access for beach users.
The 24 Welsh beaches achieving this accolade must adhere to specific criteria related not only to water quality, but also information provision, environmental education, safety, and site management in equal measure.
Alongside the 24 Blue Flag awards, 13 beaches in Wales were awarded the Green Coast Award which recognises their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Green Coast Awards are ‘hidden gems’ along the Welsh coastline, exceptional places to visit and enjoy diversity and rich coastal heritage.
In addition, a total of 12 beaches, including Aberporth and Rhyl Central, also achieved the Seaside Award for the standard of their facilities and water quality.
This continued recognition of our stunning Welsh coastline is due once again to the huge effort of staff and volunteers at sites across Wales, and a shared drive to protect and preserve our natural landscape in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “Wales boasts some of Europe’s finest beaches and water quality, and the global recognition of our coastline is a true reflection of the dedication and hard work of so many people, today we celebrate the announcement of 49 winners for the Wales Coast Awards 2024.
“With 24 Blue Flag awards, 13 Green Coast Awards, and 12 Seaside Awards, I commend the dedication to preserving our pristine coastal environments.
“As we celebrate in this achievement, let us also heed the call to protect and preserve our coastal treasures. Let’s ensure that we leave nothing but footprints, allowing these breathtaking spaces to be enjoyed for many generations to come.”
Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive said: “We’re delighted to see another successful year of Coast Awards here in Wales, with 49 stunning locations recognised among the world’s best.
“Achieving these prestigious awards means meeting rigorous standards put in place to ensure the safe enjoyment of visitors now and in years to come. This success is testament to the hard work of all involved in maintaining and enhancing the natural beauty of our Welsh coastline.”
A full list of awards can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website here
Community
Special RNLI concert for choir member Dorothy’s 90th Birthday
A SPECIAL concert was held in Pembrokeshire to honour a long-serving member of the Neyland Ladies Choir, Dorothy Beckett, on the occasion of her 90th birthday.
The event took place at St Mary’s Church, Hakin, where Ms Beckett, who has been a dedicated member of the choir for many years, was celebrated for her longstanding commitment to both the choir and her 74 years of fundraising efforts for the RNLI.
The concert drew a large crowd, with Ms Beckett’s family and members of the Angle Lifeboat RNLI among those in attendance. The church was filled to capacity, and all proceeds from the event were donated to the RNLI, a cause close to Ms Beckett’s heart.
Choir president Simon Hancock welcomed attendees and spoke warmly about Ms Beckett’s popularity, not only within the choir but also throughout the local community. During the evening, she was presented with a birthday cake, adding a personal touch to the celebration.
In addition to performances by the Neyland Ladies Choir, the Milford Haven Junior Town Band provided musical entertainment. The band performed a variety of pieces, much to the delight of the audience, and received enthusiastic applause. Solo performances from young talents Mali, Ella-Mae, and Olivia were highlights, while Faith and Nia offered support from the main band.
A former member of the Hakin Point RNLI group, Jan Mathias, paid tribute to Ms Beckett, thanking her for over 50 years of dedication and support to the charity. Representatives of the Angle Lifeboat RNLI, dressed in full uniform, presented Ms Beckett with a long service medal and flowers in recognition of her remarkable contribution.
The choir’s repertoire for the evening included a range of much-loved pieces, with a special performance of ‘Christopher Robin is Saying His Prayers’, in which Ms Beckett reprised a solo part, once again moving the audience with her heartfelt rendition.
A presentation entitled “This is Your Choir Life” was delivered by Noreen Hadfield, offering a touching reflection on Ms Beckett’s 30 years with the choir. Sheila Griffiths curated a slideshow of photographs, showcasing memorable moments and amusing stories from various choir tours and events over the years.
The evening concluded with a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ led by the choir, with Ms Beckett’s son, Adrian, expressing heartfelt thanks to both the choir and the Junior Band for providing such a wonderful beginning to his mother’s birthday celebrations.
The concert was a fitting tribute to Ms Beckett, whose commitment to her community, both through music and charity, continues to inspire.
Community
Milford Haven Town Council’s remembrance events in November
MILFORD HAVEN is set to honour the fallen with a series of events in connection with the annual Remembrance period this November.
Organised by Milford Haven Town Council, the events will include several services and moments of reflection to commemorate those who served and sacrificed during conflicts.
The remembrance events will begin on Sunday, 3rd November 2024, with a Dedication Service at the Memorial Gardens. The service will commence at 10:30am, with the main ceremony at 11:00am. Crosses will be placed in a special area in front of the First World War Memorial Plaque following the service.
The Annual Remembrance Day Service will take place on Sunday, 10th November 2024, at 11:00am at the Cenotaph on Hamilton Terrace. A parade will assemble at the Town Hall at 10:30am, stepping off at 10:45am, before proceeding to the Cenotaph for the service.
On Monday, 11th November 2024, members of the Royal British Legion will lead a two-minute silence at 11:00am to mark the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month. The gathering will take place outside Milford News/Best One on Charles Street, with participants assembling at 10:45am.
These solemn events provide an opportunity for the community of Milford Haven to come together in remembrance and respect for those who have given their lives in service.
Community
Milford Haven gears up for Halloween extravaganza to benefit charity
IN a bid to raise funds for Prostate Cymru and the community’s access defibrillator fund, the Milford Haven Business Circle is hosting a Halloween Market and a Medium & Music Night this October 31st, promising an array of activities for all ages.
The Halloween Market will kick off at the Pill Social Centre from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Attendees can look forward to a variety of stalls showcasing local crafts, delightful treats, and unique gifts, perfect for the festive season.
As dusk falls, the focus shifts to the Milford Haven RFC, where the Medium & Music Night will commence at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available for £5 per person and can be purchased online or at the door. The evening will feature Nathan Roberts, a gifted medium who will offer spiritual insights, and Chris Didcote, whose musical prowess is set to provide an enchanting backdrop.
Jaimie Gurney, Secretary of the Milford Haven Business Circle and a local photographer, expressed the importance of the events: “All proceeds will aid vital medical research and ensure our community is equipped to handle medical emergencies. We are counting on the generous support of local media, businesses, and individuals to help promote these worthy causes.”
The community is encouraged to support by sharing event posters, spreading the word, and participating in what promises to be a memorable day for a noble cause.
Halloween Market
- Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Pill Social Centre, Milford Haven
The Halloween Market will feature a delightful array of festive goods and activities for the whole family. All stalls will be local, offering a diverse range of products including handmade crafts, delicious treats, and unique gifts.
Medium & Music Night
- Time: 6:30 PM onwards
- Location: Milford Haven RFC
- Ticket Price: £5 per person (available to book at HERE or at the door)
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