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Charity

Fishguard RNLI launched to two dramatic rescues over the weekend

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VOLUNTEERS at Fishguard RNLI were called into action twice over the weekend, responding to two dramatic rescue operations that resulted in the assistance of six casualties and the administration of vital medical treatment.

The first alert came at 3:10 pm on Saturday, 3 August. The day had been sunny, drawing many people to the waters around Fishguard for various coastal activities. HM Coastguard requested the launch of the charity’s D class inshore lifeboat, Edward Arthur Richardson, to assist two climbers at Needle Rock, directly across the bay from the lifeboat station.

Initial reports indicated that at least one climber had sustained an injury and both were unable to ascend the cliff face unaided. Coastguard cliff rescue teams proceeded to the top of the cliff while the lifeboat navigated towards the base, surrounded by rocks and shallow water.

Upon arrival, the lifeboat helm assessed the situation. Given the calm conditions, it was determined safest to deploy the anchor further out and veer down to the casualties, allowing the lifeboat to approach the rocks without running the engine astern, thus avoiding potential damage from submerged rocks. Oars were used to manoeuvre the lifeboat into position.

Both climbers were safely brought aboard, fitted with lifejackets, and provided with survival bags for warmth. An initial assessment revealed injuries to one casualty’s shoulder and both arms, caused by a dislodged rock that struck the climber below. The injured climber’s helmet had been cracked by the impact. Casualty care-trained crew members administered first aid, dressed the injuries, and provided pain relief before discharging the casualties with advice to attend A&E.

The second call came at 6:41 pm on Sunday, 4 August. HM Coastguard requested the lifeboat to assist following reports of two personal watercraft inside the harbour with four casualties, including three people in the water.

The lifeboat crew quickly located the first watercraft with one person aboard, who did not require medical assistance but could not restart the engine. The crew advised the person to remain on the craft while they assisted others. The second watercraft, initially more challenging to spot, was located some distance away with three people clinging to it. All were wearing buoyancy aids and were safely brought aboard the lifeboat. Though uninjured, the trio had been in the water for a considerable time.

To prevent the watercraft from becoming a navigational hazard, it was towed to the slip at Goodwick, where the casualties were met by a Coastguard team and family members. The lifeboat then returned to the first casualty, discovering that the engine had failed due to a detached kill cord. Unable to restart the engine, the lifeboat crew took the person and the watercraft under tow to the local slip.

Barry Scott, Volunteer Launch Authority for Fishguard RNLI, oversaw both operations. He praised the crews’ dedication and preparedness: “Our crews train hard for these moments, so that when they are needed, they are ready to answer that call. The climbing accident is not something we see often in our area, but the crew successfully recovered two casualties and provided the necessary medical attention they required. Fortunately, the most seriously injured casualty was wearing a helmet and had a means to call for help.

“For the second time in two days, our dedicated volunteer crew put in another great effort. When there are casualties in the water, there is always that extra urgency to launch, and our crew were quickly on scene and the casualties recovered safely from the water.

“It is great to see that all casualties involved were wearing the correct equipment for their type of activity. I would like to take the opportunity to remind anyone enjoying activities around the coast to check and ensure they have the correct equipment, including a means of contacting help, which should be within reach at all times. If needed, call 999 or 112 and ask for Coastguard.”

Fishguard RNLI continues to stand ready to assist those in distress, exemplifying their commitment to safety and rapid response.

Charity

Tenby musical extravaganza raises over £1700 for Lifeboats

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TENBY was alive with the sound of music and community spirit this past weekend, as the Hay Shantymen delivered an unforgettable performance, raising approximately £1,700 for the Tenby lifeboat station.

Despite inclement weather, the event, held at the Tenby Brewing Co., saw a full house, with every ticket sold contributing directly to the lifeboat fund. The venue, known for its commitment to local causes and excellent beer, played host to an evening filled with lively shanties and heartfelt camaraderie.

John, a crew member from the Tenby Lifeboats RNLI, provided an “inspirational and mildly terrifying” tour of the lifeboat earlier in the day, further solidifying the community’s appreciation for the brave work of the RNLI volunteers. Mags, another lifeboat team member, was noted for her cheerful demeanour as she navigated the crowd with a donations card reader, ensuring everyone had a chance to contribute.

The Shantymen expressed profound gratitude to their audience and supporters on social media, stating, “Thanks so much to everybody who came to our gigs on Saturday. It was such a brilliant weekend, despite the weather’s best efforts.”

Unfortunately, the Shantymen had to cancel their planned busking in town on Sunday due to a combination of the bad weather and some very sore throats, much to the disappointment of both the band and their fans.

Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees sharing their joy on social media. Karen Gill, a local attendee, remarked, “Thought you were brilliant, really enjoyed listening to and watching you all, thank you!”

The event not only showcased the tight-knit community of Tenby but also highlighted the critical role that fundraising plays in supporting vital services like the RNLI. The Tenby Brewing Co. echoed this sentiment, expressing their delight at hosting the event and looking forward to more such gatherings in the future.

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Charity

Fundraising Ashmole & Co staff swap calculators for walking boots

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Ashmole & Co’s staff from across south and mid Wales will be swopping their calculators for walking boots later this month to hike 12 miles along the Mumbles Coastal Path to help raise funds for Tenovus Cancer Care.

With thirteen offices spread across mid and south Wales, approximately 100 staff, including Partners from Ashmole & Co, are currently in training to walk approximately 12 miles from Mumbles to Swansea and back again.

Sharon George, Partner with Ashmole and Co said, “We recently launched a year of fundraising in aid of Tenovus Cancer Care. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer or has a family member receiving treatment themselves. We were keen to support a cancer charity based in Wales and all the funds raised would be used to support those affected by cancer in Wales. We hope our clients and friends will help us raise as much money as possible for this extremely worthy cause.”

Any donations to support Ashmole & Co’s fundraising for their walk which is taking place on Friday, 20 September 2024, would be very gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate directly to any member of staff or at any office: Ashmole and co is fundraising for Tenovus Cancer Care (justgiving.com)

Elin Murphy, Tenovus Cancer Care’s Regional Fundraising Manager for south west Wales, said, “We are very grateful to Ashmole & Co for choosing to help raise funds for Tenovus Cancer Care over the next 12 months. Your donations will mean that we can continue to support cancer patients and their loved ones with our services and actively campaign to improve outcomes and give a voice to all affected by cancer in Wales.”

Tenovus Cancer Care are a Wales-based charity which gives help, hope and a voice to everyone affected by cancer. Tenovus is there for anyone affected by cancer. Together with its inspiring community of supporters, volunteers and fundraisers, the charity is determined to be there for everyone affected today, tomorrow and beyond.

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Charity

Local housebuilder donates £2,000 to Saundersfoot Rotary Club

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THE Saundersfoot Rotary Club has been awarded a £2,000 cheque as one of the latest recipients of Persimmon Homes West Wales’ Community Champions initiative.

Tenderfoot Welsh Disabled Sports Club, sees Saundersfoot Rotary Club train and develop disabled athletes every year in a variety of sports, culminating in teams competing in the Welsh Disability Team Games.

The five-star housebuilder’s donation will go towards supporting the Rotary’s annual fundraising in support of the club, their sporting activities, and equipment.

The Community Champions scheme by Persimmon Homes West Wales donates £24,000 each year to community organisations and good causes in the areas it develops.

In July, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park supported Persimmon’s proposed development of a new sustainable community of 72 high-quality homes in Saundersfoot. 

The zero-carbon ready scheme includes a mix of quality new detached, semi-detached, terraced houses, and apartments, ranging from one to four bedrooms, which will help meet local housing needs and open the door to home ownership for more local families.

Ray Wise, from Saundersfoot Rotary Club, thanked Persimmon for the donation and commented: “Thank you to Persimmon for their kind donation. This money will help us at Saundersfoot Rotary Club to enhance Tenderfoot’s activities and enable more people with disabilities to get involved in sports. 

“Persimmon’s donation will help us foster a strong sense of community and empowerment, making a difference to the lives of people with disabilities across West Wales.”

Sharon Bouhali, Sales Director at Persimmon Homes West Wales, commented:

“Our Community Champions scheme is all about supporting the areas we operate in, and the community champions who go above and beyond to support others in their local community.

“The work that the Saundersfoot Rotary Club do to improve the lives of people living with disabilities is heartwarming, so we are delighted to support their ongoing work.”

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