Community
Freshwater West named The Times newspaper Beach of the Year
FRESHWATER WEST has been named Wales’s Beach of the Year, according to the annual best beaches guide by The Times and Sunday Times. The comprehensive guide, now in its 16th edition, lists the top 50 beaches in the UK and will be available in print on 21st July.
Chris Haslam, the award-winning chief travel writer for The Times and Sunday Times, described Freshwater West as “a wilderness of dunes, sand and rocks that draws surfers from across the world to ride its winter waves.” Haslam has personally inspected all 50 beaches on the list over the past eight weeks.
The guide evaluates the stunning beauty of the UK coastline using a meticulous 11-point checklist. This includes water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene standards at restrooms and showers, and dog-friendliness. For 2024, only beaches rated as “excellent” for water quality by national environment agencies have been included, and the guide exclusively covers mainland beaches.
Here are the best beaches in Wales according to the guide:
- Wales’s Beach of the Year: Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire
- Llanddwyn, Anglesey
- Porth Iago, Gwynedd
- Penbryn, Ceredigion
- Mwnt, Ceredigion
- Manorbier, Pembrokeshire
- Pendine Sands, Pembrokeshire
- Mewslade, Vale of Glamorgan
- Oxwich, Vale of Glamorgan
- Monknash, Vale of Glamorgan
Chris Haslam reflected on his travels, saying, “My Jack Russell, Dave T Dog, and I have journeyed 5,583 miles and explored 543 beaches. The 50 beaches that made our list are graced with outstanding natural beauty, superb infrastructure, and a clear sense of pride from those who live, work, and play there. I’m still in awe of the beauty of the UK coast. From Kynance to Caithness, and Brancaster to Benone, the beaches of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are the most magnificent on earth.”
For more details, visit The Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches.
Community
Former Port Chair Dr Chris Martin Awarded OBE in New Year Honours
DR CHRIS MARTIN, former Chair of the Port of Milford Haven and a proud Pembrokeshire native, has been awarded an OBE in The King’s New Year Honours list for his outstanding contribution to the maritime and ports sector.
Dr Martin’s leadership journey at the Port began in August 2017, following his appointment as Chair by the Secretary of State for Transport.
Prior to this, he had served as Vice Chair for four and a half years, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a successful entrepreneurial career.
Having built and sold pharmacy chains across South West England and Pembrokeshire, he transitioned into leadership roles across healthcare and advisory boards. Between 2009 and 2014, he was the lead Chair for all health organisations in Wales, demonstrating a strong commitment to public service.
During his tenure at the Port of Milford Haven, Dr Martin played a pivotal role in steering the organisation through a significant period of change and diversification.
His strategic vision ensured the Port maintained its position as the UK’s leading energy port and a cornerstone of Pembrokeshire’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and attracting inward investment.
Beyond the Port, Dr Martin’s dedication to public service extended to a variety of leadership roles.
He served as Deputy Lieutenant, Chair of Life Sciences Hub Wales, Trustee of Marie Curie UK, Governor at Pembrokeshire College, Co-Chair of the Bevan Commission, and Vice Chair of St John Ambulance Cymru.
Each role reflects his deep commitment to improving the lives of people across Wales and beyond.
This recognition is a moment of immense pride for the Port of Milford Haven, Dr Martin, and his family.
Congratulations, Dr Chris Martin, on this well-deserved honour, and thank you for your tireless dedication and service.
Community
Milford Haven mum gives birth to triplets amid medical emergency
PREGNANCY is often a challenging experience, but for Ellie Davies from Milford Haven, it became even more stressful when she found herself facing a 140-mile round trip away from home during labour.
Ellie was initially admitted to Carmarthen’s Glangwili Hospital with pre-eclampsia, a condition causing dangerously high blood pressure. However, due to a lack of available neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) beds, staff arranged her transfer to Singleton Hospital in Swansea, nearly 30 miles away. Thankfully, accommodation was also provided onsite for her fiancé, Craig Butland.
RENAL FAILURE COMPLICATIONS
Ellie explained: “I had pre-eclampsia and was taken to Glangwili. My blood pressure was going up and down, and they had to ring around hospitals with a NICU to see if they had any spare beds – Singleton was the only one with space.”
On November 12, Ellie was transferred to Swansea, where she remained on the antenatal ward. However, her condition worsened. “On Sunday 17, my kidneys became affected by the pre-eclampsia, and I was going into renal failure,” she said.
In the early hours of Monday, November 18, Ellie underwent an emergency C-section, delivering triplets Mia, Isla, and Elsie two months prematurely.
BRIEF FIRST MEETING
“I only met Isla, the middle triplet, for around two minutes before she was taken to neonatal to be with her sisters,” Ellie shared.
Mia was born weighing 2lb 9oz, Isla at 2lb 10oz, and Elsie at 2lb 8oz. All three girls initially required breathing support and spent nine days in the NICU. Now, over three pounds each, they are receiving care at Glangwili’s special care unit and are reportedly “doing really well.”
SUPPORT FROM NHS STAFF
Reflecting on their experience, Ellie praised the hospital staff: “The midwives Louise and Emily were amazing, answering every question we had and supporting us through everything. Dr Sree Nittur, who was there during the delivery, followed up daily. The neonatal nurses were absolutely fantastic, and we can’t thank them enough for their care and dedication.”
A PLACE TO STAY
For Craig, the availability of accommodation at Cwtsh Clos, a row of five houses on the Singleton Hospital site, was a significant relief. Without it, he would have faced daily commutes between Milford Haven and Swansea.
“Craig spent a week in Cwtsh Clos, and I joined him for the final night,” Ellie said. “It was a huge help having Craig so close. It’s one problem you don’t have to think about, and it gives you a space to gather your thoughts.”
The couple is now supporting Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Cwtsh Clos appeal, which aims to raise £160,000 to refurbish the homes for future families in similar situations.
‘TRIPLETS ARE A RARITY’
Lisa Harris, interim matron for neonatal services, said: “We are delighted to hear the girls are doing well. Cwtsh Clos allows parents to stay close to their babies, which is so important during such critical times.”
NICU consultant Kate Burke added: “Triplets are a rarity for us. We serve families across south central and south west Wales, and often, we’re the unit they turn to when pregnancies are more complicated. It’s wonderful to see families like Ellie and Craig’s returning home with their babies healthy and thriving.”
The family recently celebrated their first Christmas together with Mia, Isla, and Elsie, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all who supported them through their journey.
Support the Cwtsh Clos Appeal: Donations can be made via the Swansea Bay Health Charity website.
(Pic: Swansea Bay University Health Board)
Charity
Boxing Day Duck Race raises £2,000 for Wales Air Ambulance
THE ANNUAL BOXING DAY Duck Race in Lower Fishguard, organised by the Round Table Fishguard & District, proved to be another resounding success this year.
A large crowd gathered by the riverside to watch the vibrant yellow ducks race downstream, with participants and spectators enjoying the festive tradition despite the winter chill.
Thanks to overwhelming community support, the event raised an impressive £2,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, a vital service providing emergency air cover across the region.
The winners of this year’s race were:
- 1st: Duck 807 – Rachel
- 2nd: Duck 94 – Glenys Hughes
- 3rd: Duck 119 – Howard Hughes
In a lighthearted twist, the title of ‘Last Place Duck’ went to Duck 937 – Julia Moffet, earning laughs from the crowd.
A spokesperson for the Round Table Fishguard & District said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who bought ducks, attended the event, or supported us in any way. It’s always a joy to see the community come together for such a great cause.”
The Boxing Day Duck Race continues to be a cherished tradition, blending fun, community spirit, and charity support into one delightful event.
-
Community6 days ago
Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor
-
News6 days ago
The King’s Christmas message reflects on personal challenges and global struggles
-
Community6 days ago
Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success
-
News4 days ago
Christmas Eve sign-off for Pembrokeshire over-55s housing scheme
-
Community6 days ago
Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success
-
Charity5 days ago
Over 1,100 festive bathers enjoy Tenby’s famous Boxing Day Swim
-
News6 days ago
First Minister urges support for the lonely in Christmas message
-
Charity6 days ago
Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities