News

St Davids RNLI marks two historic milestones

Published

7 years ago

March 14, 2017

St Davids RNLI: The new lifeboat station

RNLI VOLUNTEERS at St Davids were ready for an exciting double celebration today (Mar 14) as their new lifeboat is named and their new boathouse is declared officially open.

More than 200 dignitaries, invited guests and lifeboat volunteers were in attendance as the station’s £2.7M Tamar class lifeboat Norah Wortley is named on one of the biggest days in the station’s 148-year history.

St Davids’ new state-of-the-art £10M lifeboat station, which took two years to build in one of the most remote corners of the Welsh coastline, will also be officially opened.

Dozens of past and present lifeboat crew from decades of saving lives at sea in St Davids were on hand to help usher in the new era. There was also be a nod to the past as the Watson class lifeboat Joseph Soar, which served St Davids RNLI for 22 years until 1985, will be afloat in the waters off the station for the event.

The new Tamar class lifeboat was funded by the generosity of Diana Symon, of Newton Abbot, Devon, who died in 2010. Her legacy, as well as donations from her charitable trust, funded the 25-knot lifeboat, which is named in memory of her mother Norah Wortley-Talbot.

Mrs Symon’s grandparents were owners of the Blue Funnel shipping line based in Liverpool and were part of a nautical family. Mrs Symon and her sister Phoebe spent much of their early lives sailing with the Blue Funnel line and in later life Diana Symon and her husband enjoyed sailing their own yacht.

St Davids RNLI’s crew of volunteers are already familiar with the lifeboat as it has been launching to maritime emergencies from a floating mooring for a couple of years while the new station was under construction. It has already launched 63 times on service and helped St Davids crew rescue 50 people and save four lives.

Now it has pride of place in its new home on the top of the slipway in the newly completed lifeboat station.

Norah Wortley: With Diana Symon

During a ceremony with music from Goodwick Brass Band and Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir, Linda Grafton, a long-time friend of Diana Symon, handed Norah Wortley over to RNLI Operations Director George Rawlinson. He then passed her over to Captain James Wilcox, Lifeboat Operations Manager at St Davids RNLI, who accepted her on behalf of the station and its volunteers.

Champagne was then poured over the bow as Mrs Grafton officially names the lifeboat.

CAPT Wilcox said: “This is a day all our volunteers have been looking forward to for years and it is a great honour to be asked to accept the lifeboat on behalf of St Davids RNLI.

“The thanks of everyone connected to St Davids RNLI goes out to Diana Symon and all the other donors who made this day possible. Their generosity and the support of the local community mean our volunteers will be able to save lives at sea off the coast of St Davids for many more years to come.”

Michael Vlasto, Former RNLI Operations Director, was invited to declare the new boathouse open. He unveiled a slate plaque crafted by former St Davids lifeboat Coxswain Malcolm Gray.

Launched: The lifeboat entering the water

The new station, which is situated around 100m from the historic former boathouse at St Justinian, was a feat of engineering built at the base of some of the St Davids Peninsula’s most remote coastal cliffs.

As well as the slipway for the Tamar class lifeboat, the new boathouse has additional space to accommodate the smaller D-class inshore lifeboat. Its facilities include a drying room for kit and better provision for crew training and equipment maintenance. There is better access to the station, which is important for the delivery of equipment and, more importantly, for the evacuation of casualties brought in by the lifeboat

Matt Crofts, RNLI Lifesaving Manager, said: “This was amongst the most ambitious build projects the RNLI has undertaken in recent years. Primary contractors BAM Nuttall and everyone else involved deserve huge credit for finding ways to get the job done in some of the most challenging environmental conditions.

“We hope this building is something the St Davids RNLI volunteers, the local community and the whole charity can be proud. It will ensure the legacy of lifesaving which so many generations have dedicated their lives to will continue for many more generations to come.”

Funding for the lifeboat station project was contributed to by a number of generous donations, as well as a huge boost from the local community fundraising appeal, which was fronted by former Welsh football and rugby internationals Ian Walsh and Gerald Davies and raised more than £214,000.

After the ceremony Norah Wortley was launched down the slipway and carried out a display of maneuvers in the bay.

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Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

14 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

15 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

15 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.