News
Popular safety sessions return
HUNDREDS more Welsh primary school pupils will get the chance to Hit the Surf with RNLI lifeguards as a popular sea safety scheme returns.
The educational programme saw more than 3,000 Welsh children take part before the summer holidays and now 500 more will get the chance to have fun and learn beach safety in Pembrokeshire.
Three more weeks of Hit the Surf sessions started on Monday (Sept 7) – first off at Whitesands in St Davids and then two weeks in Tenby.
Hundreds more children will take part in sessions in Whitmore Bay, Barry Island, also starting on today.
The educational programme was first introduced by the RNLI charity back in 2004 and has grown in popularity over the years. As part of the half-day session children are taught the meaning of beach flags, the dangers of rips and tides and what to do if they spot someone else in trouble. However the highlight for each child every year is the chance to put on a wetsuit and learn basic surf skills under the watchful eye of the RNLI lifeguards.
Elin Jones, RNLI Lifeguard Community Engagement Supervisor, said: “Our lifeguards have been busy in their posts providing a daily safety service on the beaches over the summer and their peak season ended on Sunday (September 6).
“Now the Hit the Surf team are looking forward to helping more school children have fun and learn some new skills and tips to stay safe on the beach.
“We had a great response from the more than 3,000 youngsters who have already taken part in Hit the Surf in Wales this year and we are sure this will continue in the coming weeks.”
The RNLI lifeguards’ daily safety service came to an end on Sunday after another busy season on the beaches of Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Port Talbot and the Vale of Glamorgan. A weekend safety service will continue on Whitesands beach between 10am and 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays until Sept 27.
For more information on how to stay safe on the beach visit the RNLI website www.rnli.org. uk/beachsafety or download the charity’s’ beach safety mobile app.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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