Community
Rescuers praised for dramatic rescue
CARDIGAN RNLI lifeboat station team has been shortlisted for a St David Award in recognition of a dramatic night-time rescue.
Derek Pusey, Leonard Walters and Clive Williams of Cardigan RNLI have been nominated for a bravery award for their roles in a rescue near Tresaith, Ceredigion in September 2013.
Helmsmen Pusey and Walters and Volunteer Crewman Williams risked their lives to save two men stranded on a ledge among steep rocks on the West Wales coast.
The men were cut off by the tide and in danger of being swept out to sea from the base of a cliff on the beach at Tresaith.
Cardigan RNLI launched two lifeboats to go to the aid of the men. Helmsman Leonard Walters steered the larger of the vessels as close to the cliffs as possible during rough seas and gusting winds.
But unable to get close enough, Clive Williams volunteered to swim through the choppy waters in order to reach the pair. He reached the rocky shoreline where he was knocked off his feet several times by powerful waves before he managed to reach the stranded people.
Mr Williams handed them life jackets as they waited for the smaller of the two lifeboats, steered by Derek Pusey, to reach them. It took four attempts, including one which threw the lifeboat towards the rocks, but Mr Pusey managed to get the boat close enough to reach the pair.
The men were transferred to the larger boat and both crews returned to shore. The three men involved in this rescue have since been commended by the RNLI for their courage that evening.
The finalists in the 2015, St David Awards have been announced by First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones.
The awards, now in their second year, acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of people in Wales. They were created to recognise the great deeds and contributions made by people from all walks of life.
Finalists this year include elite sportspeople; heroes; inventors; innovators; entertainers; ambassadors for Wales and those who put other people’s needs before their own with their charity and volunteer work.
The First Minister announced the finalists at a special event at the Wales Millennium Centre sponsored by one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations HSBC and communication experts Golley Slater.
First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said: “This year’s St David Awards finalists are an exceptional group of people from all walks of life. They’re a credit to the nation and are all fully deserving of recognition.
“I know that Lord Rowe-Beddoe and the other judges had a tough time in selecting the finalists and choosing a winner from these excellent nominees is going to be a real challenge, such are their outstanding achievements.
“I look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at the main awards ceremony in March and thank all of today’s finalists for their contributions to Welsh life and society.”
The award categories are Bravery, Citizenship, Culture, Enterprise, Innovation and Technology, International, Sport, Young Person and the First Minister’s Special Award.
Community
Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby
SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.
Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.
The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.
Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.
Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.
As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.
For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.
With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.
Community
Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan
ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.
At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.
The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”
With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.
Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.
Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.
Community
Train disruption expected due to essential works at Clarbeston Road
PASSENGERS are being asked to check before they travel between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour next week when Network Rail will be carrying out essential work on the platforms at Clarbeston Road station.
Buses will replace trains at all stops between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour on the West Wales lines from Saturday to Tuesday 27-30 April inclusive.
Network Rail engineers will be working at Clarbeston Road station, preparing the platforms to be able to accommodate new Class 197 trains.
The work will include lowering the platforms by removing the coping stones on the platform edge, altering walls, installing new coping stones, and finally laying new tarmac surfacing.
Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “These essential works will prepare Clarbeston Road station to accommodate the new Class 197 trains our colleagues at TfW are introducing.
“We’re grateful to passengers and local residents living near Clarbeston Road station for their patience and understanding while we carry out this important work.”
The line between Carmarthen and Milford Haven will also be shut all day on Sunday 12 May and Sunday 19 May, when buses will again replace trains, as Network Rail engineers carry out essential track renewals on a 100-metre stretch of track near Haverfordwest station.
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