ON August 12, the Chair of the Friends of Pembrokeshire Coast (the Friends) completed her walk along the whole 186 miles of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from North to South. Clare Dow set herself the challenge of walking the path in sections over her first year in office.

Starting in St Dogmaels on 15 September 2023, she has walked the coast path in 20 sections, finishing in Amroth in glorious summer sunshine. Clare was accompanied on each section by husband John and by other members of the Friends. She has made videos of the highlights of each section which the Friends are putting on their website to bring the Pembrokeshire Coast scenery, nature & wildlife to all in their own homes.

Clare says: “One of the objectives of the Friends is to encourage our members and the general public to get out and enjoy our wonderful National Park. I hope these 30 minute videos will give people a flavour of each section and inspire them to walk themselves. It will also allow those who are unable to walk the coast path to enjoy it in all its variety from home.”

For Clare, it was also important to walk the path during a full calendar year.
“I was keen to show that the coast path is beautiful throughout the year, from the gentle days of autumn, through the wet, dark and bracing winter, the gloriously floral spring and in the warmth of summer. There is never a bad time for walking in Pembrokeshire.”

Clare has now set her sights on another challenge – to walk an inland route from Amroth back to St Dogmaels.

“Although we have recently dropped ‘National Park’ from our working name, we are still committed to the whole park. I want to plan a walk that takes in the beautiful river inlets and wooded slopes of the Daugleddau and the high moors of the Preseli Hills.”

The Friends is an independent registered Charity whose aims are to help protect, conserve, enhance and promote the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for all who live, work or visit here. It has around 400 members.

THIS week, members of the Saundersfoot Festivities New Year’s Day Swim (NYDS) committee visited Tenby Lifeboat Station to present a generous donation of £500. An additional £500 was also donated to the Saundersfoot branch of the RNLI, further supporting the vital work of these dedicated volunteers.

During their visit, David and Chris from the NYDS committee were given an insightful tour of the lifeboat station by Nick, Ben, and the hardworking crew members on duty. The tour offered a behind-the-scenes look at the lifeboat and facilities, providing a glimpse into the daily operations of this essential service. The visit took an unexpected turn when an emergency call came through, and the committee had the rare opportunity to witness the volunteer crew in action.

Within moments, the lifeboat station came alive with activity as the crew swiftly prepared for the launch. Watching the team in action was both thrilling and humbling, showcasing their professionalism and dedication to saving lives at sea. The experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting the RNLI, especially in challenging weather conditions like those faced on the day of the visit.

“The weather was dreadful, and witnessing the crew’s rapid response under such conditions truly underscored the significance of the work they do,” said a member of the NYDS committee. “It’s moments like these that reinforce our commitment to supporting the RNLI through events like the New Year’s Day Swim. We are proud to play even a small part in raising awareness and funds for such a vital organization.”

Looking ahead, the Saundersfoot Festivities committee is also organizing the TenFoot Swim on September 7th, with the hope of once again supporting the Tenby RNLI from the proceeds of this event. The committee remains dedicated to contributing to the lifesaving efforts of the RNLI for many years to come.

RESIDENTS of Pembrokeshire and beyond, get ready for a thrilling day out as the Paul Sartori Foundation gears up to host the highly anticipated Paul Sartori Challenge—Wales’ largest charity karting event and fun day! Scheduled for Sunday, 29th September, this free event promises to deliver adrenaline-pumping excitement for all ages, making it the perfect day out for families, car enthusiasts, and racing fans alike.

The event, which is held annually in support of the Paul Sartori Foundation—a charity dedicated to providing hospice care for the people of Pembrokeshire—will be hosted at the popular West Wales Karting venue. The day will feature a series of intense karting races, with local businesses competing for the coveted Paul Sartori Challenge Trophy. The competition is expected to be fierce, as teams go head-to-head on the track, all in the name of charity.

But the Paul Sartori Challenge is much more than just a karting event. It’s a day packed with entertainment and activities designed to keep the whole family engaged. Attendees can look forward to a mouth-watering barbecue, where sizzling treats will be served up throughout the day, and a Classic Car Show, showcasing an impressive range of vintage and service vehicles. For the younger visitors, there will be dedicated kids’ entertainment, ensuring they have plenty of fun while the grown-ups enjoy the racing action.

Adding to the lively atmosphere, Pure West Radio will be on-site, providing commentary and music to keep the energy levels high. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or simply looking for a great day out, this event promises to be a highlight of the local calendar.

The day will culminate in a grand finale, where the winners of the karting competition will be honoured with a trophy presentation. Who will take home the title this year? The only way to find out is to join the festivities on the 29th of September.

The Paul Sartori Foundation, which offers vital hospice care services across Pembrokeshire, relies heavily on fundraising events like this to continue their invaluable work. By attending the Paul Sartori Challenge, not only will you have a fantastic day out, but you’ll also be supporting a cause that makes a real difference in the community.

For more details about the event, including how to get involved or support the Paul Sartori Foundation, visit their website at Paul Sartori Events.

Don’t miss out on this action-packed, family-friendly day—it’s sure to be a memorable event for all who attend!