News

Partially sighted walker completes Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Published

9 years ago

September 30, 2015

Enjoyable experience: Roger Barrett recently completed the path in just 17 days

A MILFORD HAVEN man who is registered blind recently walked the entire Pembrokeshire Coast Path and is now challenging people of all abilities to follow in his footsteps.

70-year-old Roger Barrett completed the 186-mile National Trail in just 17 days over a period of three months, walking eight to 16 miles a day with the help of Peter Royle, a Voluntary Activity Leader for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Roger was diagnosed with the hereditary degenerative eye disease retinata pigmentosa 30 years ago. However, he was not about to let his impaired vision stop him from conquering all the ascents, descents, twists and turns the Coast Path provides.

He said: “Overall it was a very enjoyable experience and I’d thoroughly recommend that everyone have a go at it, even if you do it in short stages.

“I talk to people who say it’s always something they’ve fancied doing – I’ve shown that with help it’s possible for anyone to do it and hopefully others will now think it’s a good idea.

“The National Park volunteers are very generous with their time and energy and their willingness to take people out to enjoy the countryside and support them.”

The trip was arranged after Roger had been put in touch with the National Park Authority’s Walkability Project Co-ordinator Paul Casson, who put a call out for volunteers to accompany him on his walk. Peter initially volunteered to help out as part of a team but ended up completing the entire Coast Path.

The pair started their journey in June, setting off from Amroth in the south towards the north so the sun was behind them, which made it easier for Roger. The dynamic duo even returned to walk on the Castlemartin Range in August to make sure they had completed every section of the Path.

Peter, who has volunteered with the National Park Authority for nearly ten years, added: “It was great fun walking with Roger. It took us a while to work out how we were going to do it and there were a few teething problems. I realised if we came to a gate and I hadn’t told him in advance, he would keep walking and I would end up wedged between him and the gate.

“I’m rather glad I got involved as it’s the first time I’ve walked the entire Coast Path and it’s nice to have done it with a purpose.

“One of the main messages I hope people take from the walk is that the Coast Path is for everyone, don’t let any disability or restriction stop you enjoying the Path.”

Charity

RNLI offers safety advice ahead of bank holiday weekend

Published

26 mins ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE RNLI in Wales is offering safety advice to those visiting the coast this bank holiday weekend and encouraging people to visit a lifeguarded beach.

The RNLI is encouraging anyone planning on heading to the coast to enjoy this weekend to do so safely, by visiting a lifeguarded beach and swimming between the red and yellow flags.

RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling at the following beaches along the Welsh coast this bank holiday from 10am-6pm:

In Pembrokeshire: Whitesands Beach and Tenby South Beach
In Swansea: Aberavon, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay, Port Eynon and Three Cliffs Beach
In Bridgend/Vale of Glamorgan: Coney Bay, Trecco Bay and Whitmore Bay

Vinny Vincent, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Swansea said: ‘We strongly encourage anyone planning to go in the sea this weekend to visit one of the lifeguarded beaches.

‘Lifeguards set up the flags in the safest areas of the beach. Swim or bodyboard between the red and yellow flags, and black and white

chequered flags indicate an area monitored by lifeguards for use of watercraft such as surfboards and kayaks.

‘If you see a red flag flying, the lifeguards have deemed that area of the beach as dangerous, and we recommend that you do not enter the water.

‘If you ever have any questions, feel free to approach the lifeguards. We’re a friendly bunch and are always happy to offer advice.’

After the bank holiday weekend, some patrols extend to full time whilst others remain as weekend-only patrols.

In Pembrokeshire, Whitesands Beach and Tenby South Beach will both be patrolled on weekends only until 25 May.

In Swansea, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and Port Eynon will be patrolled full time (every day from 10am-6pm). Aberavon and Three Cliffs will be patrolled on weekends only until May 25.

In Bridgend/Vale of Glamorgan, Coney Bay and Trecco bay will be patrolled full time, whilst Whitmore Bay will be patrolled on weekends only until 25 May.

Chris Cousens Water Safety Lead for Wales said: ‘We want people and their families to enjoy the coastline, but to do so safely. We encourage people to always swim at a lifeguarded beach.

‘Whilst out on the coast, if find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, remember to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you find yourself in trouble in the water, Float to Live.

‘Our volunteer lifeboat crews are on call 24/7 to come to your aid. If in doubt, call it in as it’s always better safe than sorry.’

RNLI Float to Live advice:

Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
Relax and try to breathe normally
Move your hands around to help you stay afloat
It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently
Spread your arms and legs to improve stability

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit: Lifeguarded Beaches – Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach (rnli.org)

Health

Chairman opens new NHS 111 Wales Service Centre in Haverfordwest

Published

30 mins ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN a ceremonial occasion on Thursday (May 2), Thomas Baden Tudor, Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, inaugurated the new NHS 111 Wales service centre at Haverfordwest Ambulance Station. The event was marked by Mr. Tudor cutting the red ribbon, a task he was honoured to perform at the behest of Matthew Jones, Locality Manager of the Pembrokeshire Ambulance Service.

The NHS 111 service, which is accessible round the clock, offers urgent health advice and information about available services, including dental care and general medical guidance. This vital resource also provides support on managing illnesses and conditions and ensures continuity of care when GP offices are closed.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Tudor expressed his pride and privilege in participating in the launch, which underscores the community’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility. The new service centre is expected to play a pivotal role in providing prompt medical advice and support to the residents of Pembrokeshire.

The service is free and can be reached by dialling 111 from any phone, ensuring essential healthcare advice is just a call away.

Crime

Tragic blaze and standoff in Haverfordwest home as eviction looms

Published

19 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST man ignited his own home during a prolonged confrontation with police, fueled by distress over a forced move after his mother’s death.

The ordeal unfolded on Jury Lane where Robert Ward, 56, resided in a three-bedroom council property he previously shared with his mother. Following her demise, Pembrokeshire County Council requested Ward to relocate to a smaller residence, prosecutor Georgia Donohue informed Swansea Crown Court.

The crisis escalated on October 21 when a dispute involving Ward and his sister led to a distressing 999 call by a neighbour at 4 PM, after overhearing threats of self-harm from Ward.

Upon arrival, police were met with a barricaded house. Ward, claiming to have booby-trapped the premises and armed with jerry cans and knives, refused entry, declaring his intent to end his life and warning of gas bottles placed behind the entrance.

As tensions heightened, a specialist negotiator was brought in while nearby homes were vacated and utilities to the property cut to prevent further risk. The standoff persisted into the night until police forcibly entered around 12:30 AM, finding the home ablaze.

During the confrontation, Ward hurled an unknown substance at officers, initially suspected to be an accelerant, though he later claimed it was water. Fire services extinguished the flames within 15 minutes, and Ward was apprehended in the loft of the burning structure around 1:06 AM, amid a suicide attempt. He suffered significant burns and was subsequently hospitalized.

During police interviews, Ward expressed remorse, stating his actions were driven by despair over his impending eviction. “He said he was extremely sorry for his actions and didn’t intend to harm [the officers],” Donohue relayed.

The court heard of previous convictions, including a 1983 arson charge. His counsel, Dyfed Thomas, highlighted the emotional attachment to the home and Ward’s troubled mental health, which significantly influenced his drastic actions.

Judge Geraint Walters recognized the “complex background” and the mental health struggles Ward endured for years, describing the episode as not “the acts of a person in his right mind.” He emphasized the need for substantial support post-release to prevent future incidents.

Ward was sentenced to three years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to arson recklessly endangering life, affray, and two counts of assaulting emergency workers. The incident, leaving behind £4,819.15 in damages, raises poignant questions about mental health support and housing policies for the vulnerable.