News

Eglwyswrw: The Pembrokeshire village where it rained for 75 days

Published

8 years ago

January 9, 2016

A SMALL village in Pembrokeshire is said to have suffered the longest spell of consecutive days of rain in Britain for over 92 years.

The 700 residence living in Eglwyswrw have experienced 75 consecutive days of rainfall which is showing now signs of easing up.

Waterlogged residents say the epic rainfall this winter has been of “biblical proportions”.

Eglwyswrw is still short of the British record set between August 12 and November 8 1923 when Eallabus, Argyllshire, Scotland, had 89 successive days of rain fall. A met Office meteorologist said: “The figures for Whitechurch are almost record-breaking and they can’t be sniffed at. But that sequence could be broken next week because we are expecting some drier days.

Howard Lewis, 73, who runs Dyfedrainfall Shire Horse Farm in the village, said: “It’s making people miserable, all we are getting is grey skies and rain.”

“We’ve had some bad years but I can’t remember it raining every day for so long.”

“Every time you go out the front door it’s raining – it’s raining now.”

Locals said a rainbow could be seen from the village on Friday as a brief spell of sunshine gave a slight break from the rain, but still failed to leave the residents with a smile as the downpour continued through Friday night into Saturday.

Farmer and county councillor John Davies has brought his sheep in from the hillsides because they have developed wool rot because of the ceaseless rain.

John aged 52 said: “It’s poured down for almost 80 days and nights so by that reckoning we would need two arks.

“It is grinding people down both physically and psychologically.

“Our sheep are pretty hardy animals but even they are looking down in the mouth. Their fleeces are not getting the chance to dry out because of the endless rain.

Road-Flood-Flooding “It’s not stopped since October – I’ve never seen the ground as saturated as it is now.”

Farmers have been forced to let their crops rot in the ground because fields are too waterlogged to save them, the only fortunate thing residents can be thankful for is that their village lies 423-feet above sea level and is never subject to overflow floods.

One local business is potentially profiting from the record rainfall by supplying water tanks to villagers, they claim homes in Eglwyswrw can use rainwater to meet more than 50% of their household requirements.

While the bad weather persists villagers don’t even have anywhere to drown their sorrows as both local pubs – The Serjeant’s Inn and The Butchers have both closed.

Friday recorded almost 10mm of rain fall in just 24 hours, with more overnight and stronger downpours on Saturday.

The Pembrokeshire coast line is the first point that rain bearing clouds often meet land which is a large reason why the county is often subject to heavy rainfall. The figures produced by the Whitechurch weather station show that this weather is comparable with the most extreme rainfall we’ve had so far this winter.

Charity

Fundraiser to take on epic 87k steps challenge to raise funds for Withybush

Published

3 mins ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SAM FAULKNER is challenging himself to walk 87,000 steps in one day to raise funds for the Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in memory of his father.

Sam will be walking along the Brecon and Monmouth Canal from Brecon to Rogerstone in Newport.

Sam said: “Since losing my Dad last year, I made a personal commitment to do something to raise money every year for the Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest who looked after my Dad so well in his final days.

“I will be challenging myself to complete 87,000 steps in a day on July 20th 2024 – 1,000 steps for every year of my Dad’s life. I’ll be walking around 40 miles in about 10 hours.

“Canal walks were always a firm favourite of mine and my Dad’s, with many days spent walking along the Grand Union in Northamptonshire when I was growing up.

“My family and I, and the unit at the hospital, would be beyond grateful for anything supporters could give. Thank you ever so much in advance.”

Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say a huge good luck to Sam with his challenge. Thank you so much for dedicating your time to raise more funds for the Cardiac Care Unit.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

You can donate to Sam’s fundraiser here: https://www.justgiving.com/…/sam-faulkner-1712508280259

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

Business

Major project to upgrade gas pipes in St Clears completed

Published

6 mins ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE £300,000 investment work, which started in September, was essential to keep the gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses, keeping people warm for generations to come. It involved upgrading gas pipes in the Station Road area of the town and Wales & West Utilities worked closely with Carmarthenshire County Council to plan the scheme.

Wales & West Utilities Adam Smith managed this work. He said: “We’re happy to have finished this work and want to thank everyone who lives and works in the area for bearing with us while we completed this essential work.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across St. Clears. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.

“This work was essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.”

Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night.

News

Tigers second division Cup Champions

Published

15 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.

The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.

The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.

As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.

But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.

With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.

The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.