News

Two brothers unite for rescue mission

Published

8 years ago

April 19, 2016

Matt and Dan Church: Brothers 100 miles apart join forces in RNLI rescue mission

TWO brothers, who are usually stationed over 100 miles apart, recently joined forces to attend an emergency call-out for Penarth’s volunteer lifeboat crew.

31-year-old Matt Church and his brother Dan Church, aged 27, were called away from their Mother’s Day celebrations with their family to aid a broken down vessel.

Dan joined the RNLI seven years ago and is stationed at Little Haven and Broad Haven.

Following in his little brother’s footsteps a year later, Matt is a volunteer crew member at Penarth RNLI.

Consistency in training across all of the RNLI’s lifeboat stations allowed the two to work together seamlessly with the other members of the volunteer lifeboat crew.

The defective six metre Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) was towed back by the Penarth lifeboat and its crew to its home in Cardiff Bay.

Matt said: “We were both brought up on the water in Pembrokeshire, so joining the RNLI seemed natural to both of us. We are very close as brothers so it felt second nature – we’re naturally on the same wave length.

“Even though we’ve both been volunteering for a number of years, we’ve not been at sea together before. The call came whilst we were in Penarth for Mother’s day.

“Mum was fine with it, and proud we were called out to help together. My flat overlooks the channel so the family were watching the whole shout from my balcony.

“We both respect the sea, and have a willingness to help. For me, not being from Penarth, it has helped me integrate into the local community and be part of a ready-made lifeboat family.

“Both of us intend to be helms eventually, but I am expecting my first child and Dan has regular shortterm contracts in Australia for a few months at a time, but progression is very much on our ‘radar’.”

Matt works as a commercial manager at Cardiff Blues and Dan is a self-employed carpenter, but both have found the time to volunteer with the RNLI.

Paul Eastment, RNLI Divisional Operations Manager for South Wales, said: “The fact that a crew member from a different station was able to join his brother on this call at Penarth shows the strong commitment to lifesaving possessed by our volunteers.

“Even though Dan was not at his home station, his skills were able to benefit another community. This really is an excellent example of professionalism and transferable skills across the RNLI.”

News

Tigers second division Cup Champions

Published

9 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.

Crime

Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop

Published

13 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.

A window was smashed and the door handle broken.

Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”

News

Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2

Published

13 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Luke Sinclair

THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.

Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.

They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.

A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.

This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.

If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.