News
Port funds new equipment for Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club to accommodate new members
THE Port of Milford Haven’s Community Fund has aided Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club (WBRC) in purchasing a new set of oars that will benefit their younger members and increase accessibility. The new M2 lightweight narrow shaft extra flex Croker oars will be specific for WBRC junior rowers and its adaptive rowing crews, offering a lighter and more flexible alternative to the club’s existing equipment.
These oars are especially important as WBRC is the first sea rowing club in Pembrokeshire to be awarded the Disability Sports Wales, Bronze InSport award.
This recognises the club’s work with disabled people in making rowing inclusive for everyone and will enable members of all abilities, including participants with learning or physical disabilities from all over Pembrokeshire, to take part in outdoor rowing.
Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club has taken part in initiatives over previous seasons with ‘Learn to Row’ projects involving #ThisGirlRows in 2016 and #StrollerRowers in 2018, with both proving hugely successful in coaching different groups of people from all walks of life to row in a 12-session programme starting indoors and then heading out onto the water.
As well as this, the club has been involved with Saundersfoot Rotary Tenderfoot Team, a sporting club for disabled people from all over Pembrokeshire. Adaptable equipment has been installed by the club to assist in these projects, and the acquirement of the new lightweight Croker oars will allow the group to continue its work in teaching participants of all abilities how to row.
The lighter, more dynamic Croker oars will provide more suitable equipment for younger participants too. The tailored nature of the oars offers reduced handle size which accommodates smaller wrists and weaker hand strength. As well as this, the flexible oar and narrow blade reduces strain on the body when the blade enters the water. This will make rowing easier for inexperienced participants and reduce the strain on others on the boat if the rowers aren’t all in time with one another, giving every participant the chance to match their skill level on the water.
Simon Collings, Chairman, Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club, commented: “We are really proud of the work WBRC has been doing with participants of all
abilities. We have invested heavily over the past few seasons to build up our range of adaptive equipment and personal development of our coaching team, and the Croker oars will be a great edition to help get everyone out on the water safely. The Pembrokeshire coastline is such a beautiful place, especially out on the water, and we are fortunate to use it as our playground, it’s a very special place to be. Using the new oars, we look forward to developing new crews and offering sea rowing to people who may never have thought it possible.”
Kailea Turner, Stakeholder Engagement Officer Port of Milford Haven added: “Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club has been doing some fantastic work with rowers of all ages and abilities, and we are proud to be able to support that by funding the new Croker oars.”
The Community Fund is a financial support initiative set up by the Port, which provides funds for charities, community organisations and social enterprises that operate within Pembrokeshire. The deadline for applications is the 25 th of each month, and organisations can apply online: www.mhpa.co.uk/community-fund.
Community
Landslide causes delays between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge
MOTORISTS are being warned to expect delays following a landslide on the coastal road between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge.
Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were aware of the obstruction and advised drivers to use alternative routes where possible.
Anyone who cannot avoid the area is being urged to allow extra time for their journey and to remain patient while the incident is dealt with.
The road is particularly busy during the summer season, providing a popular coastal link between Saundersfoot, Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge.
It is not yet known how much material has fallen onto the road or when the route is expected to be fully cleared.
Police confirmed that a landslide was causing delays on the road between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge at 2.15pm on July 12. Drivers were asked to remain patient and avoid the area where possible.
This is a developing incident and further updates will be published as they become available.
Community
Police warn Tenby Summer Spectacular is ‘a disaster waiting to happen’
POLICE have warned that Tenby’s Summer Spectacular has become “a disaster waiting to happen”, amid concerns about overcrowding, crowd surges and restricted access for emergency services.
A decision on the future of the event’s premises licence is expected within days after Dyfed-Powys Police asked Pembrokeshire County Council’s licensing sub-committee to revoke the existing licence, arguing that it is no longer fit for purpose.
The two harbour-based spectaculars planned for August have already been provisionally cancelled by organisers Tenby Round Table following difficulties agreeing crowd-control arrangements with the council.
The annual events, which feature food, drink, live music and a popular fireworks display, have been a highlight of Tenby’s summer calendar for many years.
However, police told the licensing hearing that the event had grown beyond what could safely be accommodated at its current location.
A police representative said the harbour area should have a maximum capacity of around 1,600 people, but estimated crowds of approximately 3,000 had attended previous events.
The committee heard concerns that overcrowding could lead to crowd surging, while the limited number of escape routes could create serious difficulties during an emergency.
Police stressed that they were not opposed to the event itself, but said it had “evolved from a family event to a large-scale drinking environment”.
Concerns were also raised by the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust over emergency access, while Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service highlighted wider public safety risks.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s lead licensing officer, Geraint Griffiths, described the current arrangements as “very dangerous” and warned that any significant movement or surge within the crowd could have devastating consequences.
The premises licence covers Tenby Harbour car park and extends to the top of Penniless Cove Hill. The site includes a stage, stalls, refreshment stands and a bar selling alcoholic and soft drinks in cans.
Alcohol is currently sold under a temporary event notice rather than as a licensed activity included within the premises licence.
The open-air event is not fenced or ticketed, with visitors invited to make a voluntary donation on entry. People are also able to access the area from the harbour beach, an issue described during the hearing as one of the main obstacles to safely controlling numbers.
Tenby Round Table disputed some of the figures presented by the emergency services, saying several incidents referred to had not been directly connected to the Summer Spectacular.
Members said they had spent much of the past year trying to resolve questions surrounding access and crowd control.
A Round Table representative told the committee: “This year’s event has been cancelled. It arose from the sheer volume of people visiting Tenby, creating a question we have tried to get answered for the best part of a year.
“Without a clear answer, we couldn’t finish our licensing plan and couldn’t responsibly hold our events.”
The organisers previously said negotiations with Pembrokeshire County Council’s public realm department had failed to produce a clear and workable agreement allowing temporary restrictions on pedestrian access to the harbour and beach.
Without those restrictions, they said it would not be possible to legally or safely control crowd numbers.
Committee member Cllr Mark Carter suggested the event may have become “too successful” and could have outgrown its current location.
He described unrestricted access from the nearby beach as “the elephant in the room” and said any future proposal would need to include a robust plan for controlling entry.
Tenby Round Table said moving the main event elsewhere while retaining the traditional harbour fireworks display would present significant logistical challenges.
Councillors were presented with four options, including revoking the licence or allowing it to continue with amended conditions.
Committee chairman Cllr Tim Evans said members would consider the evidence before issuing a written decision, which is expected within five working days.
Entertainment
Free waterfront cinema screening to celebrate start of school holidays
FAMILIES are being invited to celebrate the start of the school holidays with a free outdoor screening of Disney-Pixar favourite Finding Nemo at Milford Waterfront.
The Torch Theatre will launch its 2026 Sunset Cinema season at Mackerel Quay on Friday, July 17, with the marina and Milford Haven Waterway providing the backdrop.
Sponsored by Milford Waterfront, the family screening will be shown on the Torch Theatre’s new outdoor LED cinema screen. Gates will open at 1pm, with the film beginning at 2.30pm.
Admission is free, although tickets should be booked in advance through the Torch Theatre.
The entertainment will continue into the evening with a screening of the 1980s classic Back to the Future at 7pm.
Tickets for the evening film can also be purchased through the Torch Theatre website. Audiences are encouraged to arrive from 6pm and bring their own chairs and blankets.
A selection of food and drink vendors will be available throughout the afternoon and evening.
Lucy Wonnacott, Head of Communications and Marketing at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Summer starts here. We’re delighted to kick off the Torch Theatre’s 2026 Sunset Cinema season and the school holidays with a free waterside screening of Finding Nemo.
“Then, as the sun goes down, film fans can buy tickets to join us for the ultimate time-travelling adventure, Back to the Future.
“There’s something special about watching a great film by the water, and we’re looking forward to welcoming families, friends and visitors for a day of cinema, community and summer memories at Milford Waterfront.”
Chelsey Gillard, from the Torch Theatre, added: “We’re incredibly pleased to be partnering with Milford Waterfront to offer this special Sunset Cinema screening completely free for our community.
“Watching Finding Nemo on Mackerel Quay is going to be absolutely magical. Bring a deckchair, gather the family and join Nemo, Dory and Marlin for an unforgettable adventure on the big screen.
“Let’s just hope Bruce the shark doesn’t decide to make an appearance. What a fantastic way to celebrate the end of term and kick off the summer holidays.”
Tickets for both screenings should be booked in advance through the Torch Theatre booking office.
Further details about events taking place at Milford Waterfront this summer can be found on the Milford Waterfront website.
Photo caption: Families can enjoy a free outdoor screening of Finding Nemo at Milford Waterfront on Friday, July 17.
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