IN a heartfelt tribute to local heroes, the first match of the annual Willington Slate rugby trophy was held yesterday at Pembroke RFC, featuring a unique display of sportsmanship and remembrance.

The match, now a key fixture in the local rugby calendar, is celebrated with a the passing of the rugby ball between the St Davids to Angle Lifeboat RNLI teams during a poignant training exercise.

The Willington Slate rugby trophy commemorates Gareth and Daniel Willington, a father and son duo who tragically lost their lives on 28 April 2016. Their vessel, the Harvester, sank near St Davids Head, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. On that fateful day, RNLI teams from St Davids, Angle, and Fishguard launched multiple lifeboats, including the Tyne, Tamar, and Trent classes, in a valiant effort to aid the stricken fishermen.

“It is our honour to participate in this commemoration,” said a spokesperson from the RNLI, reflecting the deep emotional connection between the lifeboat community and the annual event.

The tribute at Pembroke RFC not only highlights the bravery of those who risk their lives at sea but also serves as a reminder of the strong bonds within these coastal communities.

AT 7:18pm on Thursday (Sept 19), Angle All-Weather Lifeboat launched on service following a call for assistance from a 27ft motorboat with three persons onboard that had suffered engine failure off Lawrenny.

The lifeboat launched on service shortly after and around 25 minutes later located the vessel at anchor opposite Benton Castle. With a flooding tide pushing the vessel towards the shore, the crew swiftly set about passing a tow to the vessel.

With the tow set, the crew began the journey to Milford Marina. Arriving off the entrance to the docks channel just after 9pm, the casualty vessel was placed into an alongside tow and left safely alongside in the lock pits to await assistance back to their berth from the marina workboat.

With no further assistance required, the crew were stood down and returned station where the lifeboat was back alongside her berth and readied for further service by 10pm.

A SURREY-BASED dairy supplier, Freshways Group, has completed the acquisition of Haverfordwest’s Totally Welsh Dairy. This development, which was finalized on September 11, represents a significant expansion for Freshways.

Established in 1990, Totally Welsh Dairy is renowned for its commitment to quality, sourcing its milk exclusively from Welsh farmers within a 40-mile radius of its bottling plant. The company prides itself on sustainable practices, notably its use of reusable glass bottles and its dedication to local packaging solutions.

This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by Freshways, following its earlier purchase of Milk & More from Müller in January 2024. The integration of Milk & More has already enhanced Freshways’ home delivery service and its overall sustainability initiatives.

Bali Nijjar, Managing Director of Freshways, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “We are delighted to incorporate Totally Welsh Dairy into the Freshways family. Their dedication to quality and sustainable practices complements our values perfectly. This acquisition not only broadens our product range but also supports local Welsh agriculture and enhances our delivery capabilities, catering to the increasing consumer demand for convenient, eco-friendly dairy products.”

Mark Hunter, Managing Director and owner of Totally Welsh, commented on the sale: “Joining forces with Freshways ensures a promising future for Totally Welsh. It opens new avenues for growth and opportunities for our committed team.”

In response to the rising demand for eco-friendly packaging, Totally Welsh Dairy has recently upgraded its facilities with a new glass bottling line. This enhancement will benefit the doorstep delivery customers of Milk & More.