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Pembrokeshire Bluetit Chill Swimmers successfully swim the English Channel

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Seven swimmers from Pembrokeshire have successfully completed their first cross-channel swim as a team representing the Bluetit Chill Swimmers.

“We are feeling amazing, elated, epic, achy, and exhausted,” expressed the team.

Setting off from Dover at 2:31 am last Wednesday morning, the women arrived in France at 7:54 pm that evening, after 17 hours and 24 minutes in the water. They swam in shifts of one hour, navigating through pitch-black early hours and encountering choppy seas during the journey. Despite seasickness and exhaustion, they supported each other throughout.

“For me, what was amazing was the constant support,” remarked team member Laura Voller. “Whether it was keeping warm with a blanket, or ensuring someone had food and drink when needed, there was always someone looking out for the team.”

The journey was far from straightforward. At one point, the safety boat’s pilot called swimmer Makala into the wheelhouse, expressing doubts about reaching France given the conditions and progress.

“I had a quick chat with the team and urged us to dig deep,” Makala recalled. “And we did just that.”

Reflecting on the challenging nature of channel swimming, Bluetits founder Sian Richardson noted, “It’s not glamorous; it’s about getting things done. We pushed ourselves to the limit. Despite fatigue, seasickness, and hunger, spirits lifted towards the end.”

Eva Rees, who made landfall in France, described the moment as a profound privilege. “To be the one landing the team was incredible,” she said. “I felt their support every step of the way.”

The Bluetits hope their achievement will inspire other cold-water swimmers worldwide to take on similar challenges. “Even if you think swimming isn’t for you, it’s achievable,” they affirmed. “We’re just ordinary people, but together, we’ve shown our endurance.”

Beyond their feat, the team aims to raise funds for water safety training across the global Bluetit community of 150,000 members and to equip the team with a portable defibrillator for events. They have already raised over £2,500.

To sponsor them, visit bluetit-channel-relay-swim.raiselysite.com/donate or click the link above.

Additionally, Jess is fundraising for Kidney Wales, while other team members are supporting Paul Sartori.

The team expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and positive feedback on their videos during the swim, which bolstered their spirits throughout the challenging journey.

Community

Feed the Community Event Attended by Local MS

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SENEDD Member Paul Davies has recently visited the Feed the Community initiative at the Haverhub in Haverfordwest. Feed the Community is supported by Haverfordwest Town Council and organised by Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner and Councillor Dani Thomas-Turner. The project, which supported by several local organisations, invites residents to the Hub where free hot meals are provided and there are free activities to get involved in.

Mr Davies said, “Feed the Community is a fantastic initiative and it’s great to see the local community working together to create these inclusive and welcoming events.”

He added, “It’s a great way for local businesses and charities to engage with residents and build bridges in the community. The event was so well attended, and I was delighted to talk to residents, business representatives and volunteers. The atmosphere at the Hub was very positive and I was delighted to see it all for myself.”

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Community

Plans submitted for disability-friendly bridge at Tenby train station

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TENBY railway station could soon see a new accessible footbridge, with Network Rail submitting plans to the National Park for the installation of an ‘Access for All’ bridge at the Grade-II-listed Victorian station.

The proposal aims to improve accessibility, providing an unobstructed route from at least one station entrance to all platforms via the new footbridge. A supporting statement from Network Rail explains that the scheme is designed to ensure step-free access between platforms, replacing the current barrow crossing, which is not suitable for those with mobility issues.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “At Tenby Station, there is currently no obstacle-free accessible route between platforms 1 and 2. The existing barrow crossing does not provide suitable step-free access, and the proposed footbridge will address this issue.”

The plans, which include associated works to integrate the bridge with the historic station infrastructure, are now under consideration by the National Park authority. If approved, the scheme will mark a significant improvement in accessibility for passengers at the popular seaside station.

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Community

Is enough being done to tackle fly-grazing?

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A PEMBROKESHIRE road was closed after horses were running loose during rush hour yesterday (Wednesday, February 12), raising further concerns over the ongoing problem of fly-grazing in the county.

The incident occurred on the A477 near Nash Fingerpost junction at 8:50am. The road was shut while the horses were removed.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of two horses loose on the A477 near to Nash Fingerpost junction at around 8:50am yesterday (February 12). The horses were safely moved from the road.”

This latest disruption comes as Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police continue their efforts to tackle the growing problem of horses being left on public land and highways. Known as fly-grazing, the issue has been causing increasing safety concerns and public disruption across the county.

Authorities launched a joint initiative over the Christmas period, aiming to combat the issue through a coordinated operational effort. However, with roads still being closed due to roaming horses, many are questioning whether enough is being done to address the problem effectively.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of managing fly-grazing incidents and ensuring public safety.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any concerns about fly-grazing by contacting [email protected] or calling 01437 764551.

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