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Community

Cardigan Bay delayed by crew shortage after vital Gaza mission

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THE Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship Cardigan Bay, renowned for its recent humanitarian efforts in Gaza, has returned to UK shores but faces an unexpected obstacle. The vessel is currently stuck in Portland due to a lack of available sailors, delaying its planned journey to Falmouth for a vital refit.

The Cardigan Bay arrived in Portland in early September after more than two years on operations abroad, including a high-profile mission supporting humanitarian aid efforts for the people of Gaza. Despite her distinguished service, the ship cannot proceed to the A&P shipyard in Falmouth, where she is due for a Lloyd’s survey and much-needed maintenance. Crew shortages have left the RFA struggling to find enough certified personnel to navigate the ship on what should have been a routine passage.

During her deployment, Cardigan Bay was re-tasked from operations in the Persian Gulf to the eastern Mediterranean in March 2024, where she played a pivotal role in supporting US-led efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. The vessel provided accommodation for over 200 US Army personnel working to build a temporary floating pier, allowing essential supplies to reach the region.

US Army personnel serving as the force protection team for the Gaza humanitarian aid operation pose for a team photo on board the Cardigan Bay, May 2024 (Photo: US Army)

Despite technical challenges on board, including unreliable air conditioning and satellite communications, Cardigan Bay‘s crew displayed exceptional resilience in the face of difficult conditions. Captain Mark Colley praised the team for their “professionalism and resolve” as they helped deliver 8,800 tonnes of food aid, a vital lifeline for the people of Gaza. The operation, however, received little attention from international media, overshadowed by other global events.

Now back in the UK, the Cardigan Bay is caught in a personnel crisis that reflects broader issues within the RFA. For years, the organisation has relied on the goodwill of its mariners to keep operations running, but a long-standing dissatisfaction over pay and working conditions has reached a breaking point. This shortage of sailors has not only delayed the Cardigan Bay‘s refit but also threatens the future operational capabilities of other RFA ships, such as RFA Tidespring, which is also stranded in Portland.

“It’s a worrying sign for the future of the RFA,” one insider commented. “In the past, we could have found volunteers for a short passage like this, but morale has hit rock bottom.”

The situation raises concerns about the RFA’s ability to maintain its fleet and fulfil its essential roles. As a key part of the Royal Navy’s auxiliary force, the RFA supports military operations worldwide, providing logistics, mine countermeasures support, and humanitarian assistance. The inability to crew ships risks undermining these critical functions at a time of increasing global instability.

In stark contrast to the Cardigan Bay’s quiet homecoming, HMS Diamond, which had escorted her through the treacherous Bab el Mandeb Strait, was met with fanfare upon returning from its own challenging deployment. The lack of celebration for Cardigan Bay speaks volumes about the struggles now facing the RFA.

The ship’s delayed refit is expected to cause only minor disruptions in the short term, but longer-term concerns loom large. With a dwindling pool of certified sailors, there is growing speculation that some RFA vessels may never return to active service after undergoing maintenance.

As residents of Cardigan and the wider West Wales area take pride in the ship that bears their town’s name, the uncertainty surrounding the future of Cardigan Bay and the RFA as a whole will undoubtedly be of great concern.

Community

Reverend Nicola Davies licensed as Assistant Curate in Bro Amman

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A WARM welcome was extended to Reverend Nicola Davies, from Milford Haven, as she was officially licensed as Assistant Curate in the Local Ministry Area (LMA) of Bro Amman in a special ceremony held on Thursday night (Feb 20).

The event saw members of the community, clergy, and well-wishers gathering to mark this significant milestone in Reverend Davies’ ministry. Many attended in person to offer their support, while others sent heartfelt messages of congratulations. Some even took the time to visit her personally, bringing gifts of plants and cake as a symbol of their warm welcome.

Expressing her gratitude, Reverend Davies shared her appreciation for the kindness and support shown by the community. “It’s a joy to receive such a welcome,” she said.

Special mention was given to those who traveled from Pembrokeshire, particularly from the Roose LMA, where Reverend Davies had previously served. She expressed her deep gratitude to her former parishioners, acknowledging that while she will miss them, she looks forward to the new beginnings ahead in Bro Amman.

The Plwyf Llandybie Parish, which was also part of the celebrations, echoed the sentiments of excitement and gratitude, highlighting the significance of Reverend Davies’ arrival in the community. Her appointment as Assistant Curate marks a new chapter in her journey of faith and service, and the warm reception she received is a testament to the impact she has already made.

As she embarks on this new role, the community of Bro Amman looks forward to her ministry and the contributions she will bring to the LMA. The evening was not only a celebration of Reverend Davies’ appointment but also a reflection of the strong spirit of faith and fellowship within the parish.

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Community

Fishguard residents asked for views on town hall takeover

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RESIDENTS of Fishguard are being asked for their opinions on whether the running of Fishguard Town Hall should be transferred from Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) to the local town council.

The historic building, located in the town square, houses a market hall, public toilets, offices, the town’s library, a small art gallery, and the Last Invasion Tapestry gallery.

Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council first expressed interest in a community asset transfer in October last year. A month later, a working group of councillors was formed to explore the proposal, working alongside PLANED and Cwmpas, an economic and social change forum, to conduct research and fact-checking. Regular updates have been provided at full council meetings.

The working group is also collaborating with PCC’s Library Services to determine the future of Fishguard Library.

Public consultation began in December with drop-in sessions, followed by the launch of a questionnaire aimed at gathering residents’ views. Around 50 responses have been received so far, with more expected in the coming weeks.

A recent meeting between the town council, PLANED, and Cwmpas concluded that discussions with PCC are needed to clarify outstanding issues before any further steps can be taken.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to take part in the consultation by completing the questionnaire, which is available on the Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council website and Facebook page. Paper copies can also be collected from various local venues, with town councillors distributing them in person.

The questionnaire seeks feedback on whether the town council should take over the hall, whether residents would accept an increased precept to fund it, and what services and activities they would like to see provided.

A town council spokesperson said: “Pembrokeshire County Council approached us last year regarding the possible transfer of Fishguard Town Hall. We are now consulting the public to gauge support for this move.

“We also want to hear residents’ ideas on how the hall could be used in the future. So far, we’ve undertaken several consultations and are continuing to expand these efforts. Moving forward, we will be working with PLANED and Cwmpas on a legal structure and business plan.”

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Community

Funding secured to keep Milford Haven Library open for another year

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THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN and Milford Haven Town Council have joined forces to offer Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) a funding package of £13,000, ensuring that Milford Haven Library remains open for another year.

Amid proposals by PCC to either relocate the library or transition it to a volunteer-run service due to financial shortfalls, discussions with the community reinforced the library’s importance in providing learning opportunities, social well-being, and essential services.

With a shortfall of £13,000 threatening the library’s future, the Port of Milford Haven and Milford Haven Town Council have stepped in to provide the necessary funds, allowing the facility to continue operating in its current form while a long-term sustainable solution is sought.

SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT FROM LOCAL PARTNERS

The Port of Milford Haven has pledged £10,000 towards the library, adding to the substantial financial backing it has provided over the years, amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds since PCC entered into its lease agreement for the building.

Milford Haven Mayor Cllr William Elliott expressed his satisfaction at the collaborative effort to secure the library’s immediate future.

“We are delighted that we have been able to collaborate with the Port of Milford Haven to ensure the current setup of this much-needed, valued, and essential library is maintained. There is an absolute commitment to working with the Port and Pembrokeshire County Council to support a long-term solution,” he said.

Cllr Elliott also extended his gratitude to residents who participated in the consultation process, as well as to the Port of Milford Haven and PCC for their cooperative approach.

PORT’S COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY WELL-BEING

Port boss: Tom Sawyer (Pic MHPA)

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, emphasised the importance of the library to the local community.

“We are pleased to have worked alongside Milford Haven Town Council to protect this key community space. Each year, we allocate around 10% of our annual profits to support organisations through direct funding or partnership working, delivering on our core outcomes: a safe and enjoyable Waterway, a sustainable and resilient environment, and a vibrant and prosperous community,” he stated.

“We know the community of Milford Haven will be stronger as a result of this decision, and we are committed to working alongside Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to find a long-term, sustainable solution for the library.”

NEXT STEPS

Findings from the public consultation, which also included feedback on Pembroke Dock and Pembroke libraries, will be presented at Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet meeting on 17 March. It is expected that the funding package will be formally accepted, securing Milford Haven Library’s future for another year while further discussions continue on a sustainable long-term solution.

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