Community

Lifeboat crew win bravery award

Published

11 years ago

April 1, 2015

RNLI volunteers from Cardigan received national recognition last Thursday (March 12) when they won the St David Bravery Award by First Minister Carwyn Jones at a special ceremony.

The award was presented to Derek Pusey, Leonard Walters and Clive Williams by First Minister Carwyn James at a celebrity-studded bash in the Welsh Assembly Building.

Derek, Len and Clive were nominated for their roles in a dramatic night-time rescue. Back in September 2013, Cardigan RNLI were requested to launch both lifeboats to rescue two people cut off by the tide, who were stranded on a ledge amongst steep rocks near Tresaith beach.

Helmsman Leonard Walters steered the Atlantic 85 class lifeboat Albatross as close to the cliffs as possible during rough seas and gusting winds. But when the boat was unable to get close enough, Clive Williams volunteered to swim through the choppy waters in order to reach the pair. Clive reached the rocky shoreline where he was knocked off his feet several times by powerful waves before he managed to reach the men.

The men were given lifejackets as they waited for the D-class lifeboat, helmed by Derek Pusey, to reach them. Due to the rough conditions, it took four attempts before the lifeboat was able to get close enough to reach the pair. The men were then transferred to the Atlantic 85 class lifeboat and both crews returned to shore.

Nigel Jones, RNLI Divisional Operations Manager, praised the efforts of the three volunteers: “Derek, Len and Clive showed great courage and leadership during the daring rescue of two stranded walkers off the cliffs off Tresaith back in 2013.”

“The RNLI are extremely proud of the courage and teamwork Cardigan lifeboat crew showed during the daring rescue and it’s great to hear that they’ve been recognised again for their efforts. Derek and Len used their skills and experience to lead the lifeboat crew to a successful rescue whilst Clive demonstrated selfless courage by entering the water to reach and reassure the casualties.

“On behalf of the charity I would like to congratulate Cardigan RNLI for winning the St David Bravery Award in Cardiff last night.”

Community

Family safe after major house fire in Letterston, community told

Published

3 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Memorial hall opened to help those affected after blaze in Station Road area

A FAMILY escaped without injury after a major house fire in the Station Road area of Letterston, according to local residents.

The blaze prompted a major emergency response on Wednesday (Apr 15), with fire engines seen at the scene and the road closed while crews tackled the incident.

People posting in the Letterston community group said the family was safe, although one kitten was sadly lost in the fire.

One resident wrote: “They lost a kitten, but the family were ok. Nothing worse than a fire. There were 4 fire engines here at one time.”

Others described hearing multiple sirens and seeing smoke rising from the area, with one local woman saying her partner could see the fire engines from nearby fields.

As news of the fire spread, the local community quickly rallied round. The memorial hall was opened for anyone affected, while residents offered practical help and support to the family.

Messages posted online described the loss of the home as heartbreaking, with one resident writing that while the house had gone, the family were “alive and well to make more new memories”.

The Herald has approached the emergency services for official confirmation on the cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage.

Community

Police investigate reports of door-to-door salespeople in Milford Haven and Johnston

Published

6 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Residents urged to stay alert as officers carry out patrols and work to establish whether the callers are legitimate

MILFORD HAVEN and Neyland Police said they are aware of concerns raised by residents following reports of door-to-door salespeople operating in the Milford Haven and Johnston area.

Local officers, together with neighbourhood policing and prevention teams, are working to establish the legitimacy of those involved and will be carrying out patrols while enquiries continue.

In the meantime, members of the public are being advised to familiarise themselves with crime prevention advice relating to unwanted visitors, which is available on the force’s website.

Anyone with information that could assist enquiries is asked to get in touch online, by email at [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

In an emergency, always dial 999.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting its website.

Community

Big plant sale set to bloom in Narberth

Published

8 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family-friendly spring event will bring together local growers, craftspeople, food and live entertainment

GREEN fingers and creative talents will come together in Narberth next month as West Wales’ popular Big Plant Sale returns for 2026.

The event will take place at Narberth CP School on Saturday, May 2, offering visitors the chance to browse a wide range of plants, locally made crafts and eco-friendly products.

Organised with support from SPAN Arts, the annual sale has become one of the first major plant events of the season in the area, attracting gardeners of all ages and experience levels.

Stallholders are expected to offer everything from windowsill succulents and young seedlings to unusual and specialist plants, giving visitors plenty of choice as they prepare their homes and gardens for spring and summer.

Alongside the plants, there will also be a craft fair featuring handmade and environmentally conscious products, including soaps, textiles and wooden items made by local producers.

Organisers say the event is designed to be more than just a market, with locally produced food, live music and entertainment helping to create a lively and welcoming atmosphere for families and visitors of all ages.

SPAN Arts is also inviting local growers, nurseries, craftspeople and makers to get involved, particularly those working with sustainable and eco-friendly products.

The Big Plant Sale will run from 10:00am until 3:00pm at Narberth CP School, Jesse Road, Narberth, SA67 7FE. Visitors are asked to make a suggested £2 donation on entry.

Anyone interested in booking a stall can contact [email protected].

SPAN Arts, which is based in Narberth, has spent 30 years supporting arts and community projects across Pembrokeshire. The charity runs a broad programme of music, theatre, comedy and wellbeing activities, with a focus on reducing rural isolation and improving access to the arts.

For more information about the event, contact SPAN Arts on 01834 869323 or email [email protected].