THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN and Blue Horizons Surf School are proud to announce a new partnership that enables more inclusive access to the Milford Haven Waterway. The monthly boat trips onboard a vessel that can facilitate safe embarkation for wheelchair users are enabling more people to safely enjoy the waterway and the associated wellbeing benefits that brings.

As custodians of the Milford Haven Waterway, the Port of Milford Haven actively promotes, encourages and enables sustainable recreational use of the Haven. There is increasing recognition of the importance of spending time in and around the water and nature, also known as ‘blue spaces’, and studies have proven it to have a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing.

Blue Horizons Surf School is a Community Interest Company offering surf lessons, beach days and coastal exploration for children and adults in Pembrokeshire. This collaboration merges the dedication Blue Horizon has to inclusivity and the Port’s commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable waterway, as well as equality and diversity.

The Port of Milford Haven’s community outreach programme focuses on providing opportunities for young people, enjoyment of the waterway and promoting skills and jobs. The boat trips, which are on board a vessel provided by Dale Sailing in Neyland, will take small groups to explore the different areas of the Milford Haven Waterway. Each trip is adapted to the needs of those attending to ensure it’s a safe space to socialise and explore.

Oliver Bird from Blue Horizons Surf School, said “The inspiration for these boat trips in Pembrokeshire was born from listening to individuals and families with shared experiences in order to understand what was needed to make a boat trip truly accessible. The trips give everyone the opportunity to safely and comfortably experience the open seas, seeing a different aspect of our beautiful coastline and learning about our fascinating waterway. The feedback has shown it has positively impacted so many in varied ways; the calming effects of watching the water swirl by, the salt air helping bring a better night’s sleep, the support of a team onboard and the company of like-minded people allowing them the chance to relax and enjoy an adventurous activity together. Every trip has a unique story to tell and we feel very privileged to be a part of it.”

Supporting the trips, Coxswain at the Port of Milford Haven, Graham Howells added: “After a conversation with a friend whose son has cerebral palsy and autism, it became apparent that accessible adventure activities in Pembrokeshire were severely limited. Blue Horizons had been running accessible surfing sessions last summer, but their season had to come to a halt as the water temperature dropped in the autumn. The idea that we might be able to get people and their carers out on a warm dry boat was met with great enthusiasm by all partners concerned. It is my great pleasure to be involved on behalf of the Port of Milford Haven. We are extremely grateful for the Port’s financial support and to Dale Sailing for the use of an accessible boat. I hope this is just the beginning of an exciting opportunity to provide accessible activities and respite for service users, their families and carers.”

Communications and Marketing Director at the Port, Anna Malloy, commented “We’re really excited to be partnering with Blue Horizons. At the Port we’re committed to ensuring safe enjoyment of the Milford Haven Waterway for all, and who knows, maybe the experience of being out on the waters will inspire some of the passengers to consider a career in maritime. What a fantastic outcome that would be!”

For more information about the boat trips, contact Blue Horizons CIC Surf Club on Facebook.

PEMBROKESHIRE PRIDE is thrilled to announce its upcoming Festival of Inclusion, a celebration of diversity and community spirit. This free, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, 20th July, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Foundry House in Pembroke.

The Festival of Inclusion aims to bring together the LGBT+ community, allies, and the wider Pembrokeshire community for a day of celebration, entertainment, and togetherness. Attendees can expect:

• • Live performances throughout the day, featuring local artists and a captivating drag act
• •.A variety of local food and drink suppliers showcasing Pembrokeshire’s talent
• • A dedicated youth tent for young attendees
• • Engaging kids’ activities to keep the little ones entertained
• • Informative stalls from local inclusive services and organisations

“Our Festival of Inclusion is all about celebrating diversity and fostering connections within our community,” said Lewis George, organiser of Pembrokeshire Pride. “We’re excited to offer a space where everyone can come together, have fun, and learn from one another.”

The event is free to attend, but tickets must be reserved in advance through the Pembrokeshire Pride TicketSource event page.

For more information and to book your free tickets, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/pembrokeshirepride.

ON FRIDAY (Jun 28) Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas joined the crew from Crymych Fire Station, and working in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council, welcomed His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed – Miss Sara Edwards to present Watch Manager (WM) Euros Edwards with his British Empire Medal.

WM Euros Edwards proudly attended Crymych Fire Station accompanied by close friends and family, along with fellow members of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) to receive his British Empire Medal. This medal celebrates his long-standing career and his commitment to the community of Crymych. 

Euros’ career started at MAWWFRS, known then as Dyfed Fire Brigade, in 1979. He was subsequently promoted to Leading Firefighter in 1987 and Sub-Officer in 1988.  Euros has served the communities of Pembrokeshire and MAWWFRS faithfully for over 40 years and has played a prominent role in maintaining high levels of availability at Crymych Fire Station during this time.

In 1998, he was instrumental in introducing a voluntary Co-Responder scheme to Crymych, an initiative which has provided invaluable support for local Ambulance and has saved many lives in the communities of North Pembrokeshire. To support the Co-Responder scheme, Euros has also played a key role in raising over £40,000 to purchase a new vehicle for the Fire Station, which illustrates his drive and commitment to supporting his local community.

On receiving the British Empire Medal, WM Euros Edwards said: “I am very humbled and proud to be awarded the British Empire Medal. After 44 years of Service, the commitment that On-Call must give, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have enjoyed my time in the Service. If there is anyone out there that would like to give back to their community, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service are currently looking for On-Call Firefighters.”

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas said: “I am delighted that Euros’ commitment and dedication has been recognised by His Majesty the King in the 2024 New Year Honours List. This award recognises Euros’ hard work and lifelong devotion to his local community and the leadership that he has provided to the crew at Crymych Fire Station.”

The afternoon was a joyous occasion and a real celebration of Euros’ long service achievements and dedication to the Fire and Rescue Service throughout the years. Many congratulations Euros.