TENBY Freemasons have donated £1,079 to the HOPE MS Therapy Centre in Neyland to fund the purchase of a new therapy couch.

The centre, which has been operating for 40 years, is the only facility of its kind in West Wales and supports patients from Pembrokeshire and beyond.

It provides physical therapy and oxygen therapy for people living with multiple sclerosis, as well as those with other physical conditions and injuries.

The donation followed a request from a Tenby Lodge member involved with the Parkinson’s UK group at Tiers Cross, who became aware of the centre’s need for a new couch after helping take Parkinson’s patients there for therapy.

The matter was raised at a Tenby Lodge meeting, where members quickly agreed to provide the full funding needed.

The new electrically operated couch allows assisted movement of patients directly from a wheelchair when required.

HOPE chairman and lead therapist Simon Wright said: “Following the withdrawal of funding support in recent years it has become increasingly challenging to finance the purchase of new equipment, so we are reliant on organisations like Tenby Freemasons and can’t thank them enough for their generous donation.”

Tenby Lodge charity steward Steve Thurgood said: “I’ve seen first hand the important treatment provided at the HOPE MS Centre and the welcome relief it brings to sufferers, so we are delighted to make a contribution to this facility that offers a valuable service to the community.”

Pictured: From left, are Steve Thurgood, Tenby Lodge Master Damian Brown, Simon Wright, and patient Mark, who is about to receive therapy.

Beachgoers urged to avoid contact with suspicious foam and report pollution concerns

NATURAL RESOURCES WALES has issued summer advice to beachgoers after warning that algal blooms along the coast can often be mistaken for sewage pollution.

The environmental body said it regularly receives reports at this time of year from members of the public concerned about suspected sewage discharges at coastal locations.

However, some of those reports turn out to be the breakdown of algal blooms — a natural seasonal event which becomes more common during warmer, sunnier weather.

The warning is particularly relevant to Pembrokeshire, where thousands of residents and visitors are expected to use beaches, coastal paths and bathing waters over the coming weeks.

Algal blooms usually occur between April and August and can appear as discoloured water, surface scum, foam or long streaks running parallel to the coastline.

NRW said long lines of algal foam can often be seen off headlands, while rough conditions can create thick mats of foam along the shoreline.

But officials have stressed that people should not dismiss all suspicious water conditions as natural.

Storm overflows and sewage discharges can also affect coastal waters, particularly after heavy rain, and members of the public are being urged to report anything they believe may be pollution.

NRW said stormwater overflows tend to cause grey discolouration in the water and often have a visible source, such as a pipe or outfall, where the discolouration is strongest.

Sewage discharges may also contain fats or oils, causing waves to flatten around the affected area, and can sometimes attract flocks of seabirds.

A spokesperson for Natural Resources Wales said: “At this time of year, we often receive reports of suspected sewage pollution along the coast — and these reports can turn out to be the breakdown of algal blooms.

“Coastal algal blooms often become more obvious over the summer months when the weather is warmer and there is more sun.

“It can be difficult to tell the difference between algal blooms and sewage, but there are some key signs that can help.”

NRW is advising the public not to touch algal blooms in the sea, lakes or rivers, as some can be toxic.

Dog owners are also being urged to take care, particularly if animals are likely to drink from or swim in affected water.

Anyone who believes they have seen pollution which is not algae should report it to NRW’s incident line on 03000 65 3000 or online.

The advice comes as Wales enters the busy summer bathing season, with coastal water quality and sewage discharges continuing to be a major public concern.

Pembrokeshire’s beaches are among the county’s most important assets, attracting swimmers, surfers, paddleboarders, walkers and tourists throughout the summer.

NRW said reports from the public remain important and help officers assess potential pollution incidents.

The public is advised to note the location, time, appearance, smell, possible source and, where safe, take photographs or video when reporting suspected pollution.

TENBY Freemasons have donated £400 to Tenovus Cancer Care following a raffle held during the lodge’s annual installation banquet.

The raffle took place on the night Damian Brown was installed as Master of Tenby Freemasons Lodge.

As is tradition at the annual installation meeting, the incoming Master chooses a charity to receive the proceeds.

Mr Brown selected Tenovus Cancer Care, a Wales-based charity which supports people affected by cancer through expert advice, counselling and mobile support units.

The charity also funds research into new cancer drugs, improved treatments, and better ways to diagnose and prevent the disease.

Mr Brown later visited the Tenovus shop in Pembroke with lodge charity steward Steve Thurgood, where he presented the donation to volunteer Elena.

Pictured: Damian Brown and Steve Thurgood present the donation to Tenovus volunteer Elena.