Charity

Tributes paid to Pembrokeshire RNLI stalwart, Jeffrey Thompson

Published

5 months ago

June 18, 2024

ON TUESDAY (Jun 18), the funeral of former St Davids Lifeboat crew member Jeffrey Thompson was held at Seion Baptist Chapel, New Street, St Davids. Jeffrey passed away on 2nd June at Withybush Hospital, leaving behind his wife, Nina. He was a cherished father, grandfather, brother, family member, and friend.

Jeffrey began his service at St Davids RNLI lifeboat station in 1975, initially as a member of the shore crew for 11 years. In 1986, he joined the all-weather lifeboat crew. By 1995, he had risen to the position of deputy second coxswain, a role he held until his retirement in 2002.

The crew at St Davids RNLI expressed their sorrow at Jeffrey’s passing, stating, “St Davids RNLI is saddened to learn of the recent death of former crew member Jeffrey Thompson. He gave an incredible 27 years of service. We send Jeff’s family our condolences at this sad time.”

Former St Davids Lifeboat coxswain, Dai Chant, paid tribute, saying, “Jeff was one of my top crew members and a man you could rely on in bad weather shouts. May he rest in peace.”

Will Chant, the current coxswain and son of Dai Chant, shared his memories: “When I started in 1996, Jeff was a fantastic crew member to have as a mentor. He was humble, always gave you his time, and was steadfast in the most demanding of situations. A calm but assured figure on the crew, brilliant on the deck, and a great rope worker. If the lifeboat needed to tow a vessel, he was the man to operate the deck. He made rope mats for the lifeboat station and even repaired a flagpole using his rope whipping skills. A keen countryman, he would fish the local waters on his boat and also shoot for game birds. Jeff worked in the merchant navy and for Stena Europe for many years.”

Jeffrey’s former neighbour, Paul Sage, who grew up alongside him in Heol Dewi, St Davids, fondly remembered a time in the 60s when Jeffrey brought a monkey home from his time at sea. “He spent most of his life at sea in the Merchant Navy. He loved being outdoors, shooting, and fishing,” Paul said. “He was a hell of a character, always leg-pulling and joking. A lovely character.”

Jeffrey’s funeral took place at 11.30 am today. Donations, if desired, can be made to the Paul Sartori Foundation via WG Bernard Matthias & Daughter, 62 New Street, St Davids, SA62 6SU.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

2 days ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Charity

Milford Haven RNLI celebrates heartfelt donation from Neyland Ladies Choir

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN RNLI Fundraising Group received a generous donation of over £1,000 from Neyland Ladies Choir this October, marking a touching tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Beckett, one of the RNLI’s longest-standing supporters.

The Neyland Ladies Choir held a special concert at St. Mary’s Church on Waterloo Road, Hakin, to celebrate Dorothy Beckett’s 90th birthday. A lifelong supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Dorothy has played a crucial role in lifeboat fundraising in the Milford Haven area, dating back to the 1970s. She was instrumental in establishing the Hakin Point RNLI fundraising group, which has raised over £500,000 to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

The concert’s proceeds were presented in a moving ceremony at Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland. Accepting the donation on behalf of the RNLI were Steve Lewis, Chairman of the fundraising group, and Thomas Kehoe, Deputy Coxswain of the Angle Lifeboat.

Adding to the evening’s celebrations, Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager, presented Dorothy with the Long Service Medal, recognizing her fifty years of dedication to the institution. This award, given by the RNLI, honors Dorothy’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

“Thank you, Neyland Ladies Choir and Dorothy Beckett,” said the RNLI in a heartfelt message to the community. “Your support and dedication mean the world to us.”

The Milford Haven RNLI Fundraising Group encourages supporters to share and spread the word, hoping that Dorothy’s legacy inspires continued community support.

Charity

NHS staff take on Parkrun for charity

Published

1 week ago

November 7, 2024

Richard Lewis

STAFF from the Frailty Unit at Withybush Hospital took part in the Haverfordwest Parkrun and raised a fantastic £1,478 for the unit.

The staff took part in the 5k Parkrun in August at the Haverfordwest cricket club, whilst others volunteered, sold refreshments and held a raffle.

Lisa Marshall, Senior Sister, said: “I am so proud of Estelle and the team for organising a successful fundraiser and helping to raise money for our unit.

“It was a great team building day and we all had lots of fun. We are as always grateful for the support and donations we receive, and we look forward to our next fundraiser!”

Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you and well done to Estelle, Lisa and the Frailty Unit team for completing their Parkrun fundraiser.

“Thank you so much for dedicating your time to once again raising funds for your amazing unit.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the NHS charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to the Hywel Dda Charities website.