Community

New lifeboat ‘Swaine-Legane’ named at special ceremony in Little Haven

Published

10 months ago

July 21, 2025

Community gathers to mark official handover of D-899 to Little and Broad Haven RNLI

A LARGE crowd gathered outside the Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station on Saturday (July 19) to mark the official naming and handover of the station’s new D-class lifeboat, D-899 ‘Swaine-Legane’.

The event, attended by RNLI representatives, local residents, supporters and members of nearby lifeboat crews, featured music, speeches, and a special flotilla of lifeboats off the beaches of Little and Broad Haven.

The new vessel was formally handed over by Jill Legane, a trustee of the Laurence Misener Charitable Trust, which kindly funded the boat. Although unable to attend in person, a message from Captain George Swaine, another trustee and namesake of the vessel, was read out during the ceremony.

Boathouse manager Andy Grey opened proceedings before Ms Legane officially handed D-899 into the care of Jo Partner, RNLI Head of Region for Wales, West and the Isle of Man. Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Thomas accepted the boat on behalf of the station.

A service of dedication was led by the Venerable Archdeacon Paul Mackness. Music was provided by the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir, who performed for the assembled guests, and a local pianist who played live during the ceremony.

A vote of thanks was given by Viv Grey, the station’s training co-ordinator, before the D-899 ‘Swaine-Legane’ was launched and took part in a celebratory flotilla. Also involved were the Tamar class all-weather lifeboats ‘Norah Wortley’ from RNLI St Davids and ‘Mark Mason’ from Angle Lifeboat RNLI.

The Herald understands the event was a deeply emotional and proud moment for the station, which plays a vital role in saving lives along this part of the Pembrokeshire coast.

Photo captions (All images: RNLI)

Ceremony begins: Crowds gather outside the lifeboat station as the speeches begin.

On the water: Lifeboats from St Davids and Angle join D-899 for a celebratory flotilla.

The handover: Jill Legane delivered a speech at the official naming of D-899 ‘Swaine-Legane’, then poured champagne onto the new boat

Community

Big Green Week to bring wildlife walks and community events to St Davids

Published

44 minutes ago

May 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NATURE-LOVERS in west Wales are being invited to take part in a week of wildlife, gardening and climate-focused activities next month.

The Big Green Week on the St Davids Peninsula will run from Saturday, June 6, to Sunday, June 14, with events led locally by volunteer group EcoDewi.

The programme includes nature walks, moth watching, willow weaving, community gardening, wildlife workshops, a cathedral service and a garden trail.

Events begin with a “Moth breakfast” in Trefin, including a talk by Dr William Wint on British moths, followed by a family activity day at the new Community Green at Maes Glasfryn.

St Davids Cathedral will host a Big Green Service at 4:00pm on Sunday, June 7, while a willow weaving workshop will take place the following day in the community garden.

Other highlights include a Rebel Botanists Walk at St Davids airfield, a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing, gardening sessions at Erw Dewi and Caeriad, and a Wildlife Day at Oriel y Parc.

The week will close with a walking trail giving visitors the chance to explore more than 25 private gardens in St Davids.

The Great Big Green Week is organised nationally by The Climate Coalition and led in Wales by Climate Cymru. It aims to celebrate local action on climate change and nature recovery.

Most events are free, although donations are welcomed.

EcoDewi is run by volunteers and works across the St Davids Peninsula on projects including beach cleans, tree planting, wildflower meadows, community gardens and the Peninsula food market.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

1 day ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Community

Choir to sing at ten bandstands in one day for Alzheimer’s charity

Published

1 day ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Côr Meibion De Cymru will begin its South Wales challenge at Milford Haven before finishing in Cardiff

A WELSH male voice choir will sing at ten bandstands in one day as part of an ambitious charity challenge across South Wales.

Côr Meibion De Cymru, the South Wales Male Choir, will begin its Ten Bandstands Challenge at The Rath in Milford Haven at 7:00am on Sunday, May 31.

The choir will then travel east, performing short concerts at Tenby, Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Llandeilo, Neath, Barry Island, Penarth and Newport before finishing at Victoria Park in Cardiff at around 8:00pm.

The event is being held in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, with organisers aiming to raise £5,000.

The choir says the challenge is intended to create a “red wave of singing” across South Wales, while celebrating the Welsh male voice choir tradition and showing that it remains a powerful part of Welsh cultural life.

The full schedule is:

Milford Haven, The Rath: 7:00am to 7:20am
Tenby, Castle Hill: 8:25am to 8:45am
Carmarthen, Carmarthen Park: 9:55am to 10:15am
Kidwelly, Parc Y Bocs: 11:00am to 11:20am
Llandeilo, Penlan Park: 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Neath, Victoria Gardens: 2:00pm to 2:20pm
Barry Island, Friars Road: 3:55pm to 4:20pm
Penarth, Windsor Gardens: 5:10pm to 5:30pm
Newport, Belle Vue Park: 6:35pm to 6:55pm
Cardiff, Victoria Park: 7:50pm to 8:10pm

Organisers say timings may vary slightly depending on traffic on the day.

The challenge is being promoted as a celebration of music, community and Welsh identity, while raising money for a cause that affects families across Wales.

More information and donations are available through the choir’s JustGiving campaign.