Community
Be generous and donate blood, urges Bishop

A BISHOP is calling churches to help raise the profile of blood donation in their local communities to mark this year’s National Blood Week and World Blood Day (June 14).
The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Davies, hopes churches will encourage people to register as donors, donate together and take up the challenge of becoming “donor churches” as part of the national fleshandblood campaign, which is supported by the Church in Wales. Communities and congregations can register as blood donors this week by visiting www.fleshandblood.org/ blood/register or by texting ‘FAB Blood’ to 62323 in England and Wales. In addition to new registrations, existing blood donors are being asked to book a date to donate blood. Local churches are also being provided with practical tools and ideas to promote donation through the “Church Challenge” www.fleshandblood.org/ churchchallenge, with those taking part receiving personalised certificates signed by the Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, Lynda Hamlyn. Bishop John said, “Donating blood helps save the lives of our neighbours – it is literally a gift of life. That is why the Church is supporting the fleshandblood campaign which is responding to a real need in our communities. By raising awareness, encouraging discussion and providing ways to give, churches could play a significant role in transforming the lives of others through donation.” A survey, conducted by Christian Research on behalf of fleshandblood found that 10% of Christians have given blood in the last year compared to 4% of the general population who have given blood in the last two years. Sponsored by Give.net and in association with denominations, organisations and festivals including the Church in Wales, the Church of England, The Salvation Army, Methodist Church, United Reformed Church, Baptist Union, Church of Ireland, Church of Scotland, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Hope and Evangelical Alliance, the fleshandblood campaign marks the first time the NHS has worked alongside the church on a national initiative of this kind. Every blood donation saves or improves the lives of up to three people. In general, as long as you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood. If you are over 70, you need to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.
Community
Easter holiday help for families – Kids eat free or for a pound at these local eateries

WITH the cost of living still putting pressure on many Pembrokeshire families, it’s good to see some local businesses stepping up this Easter to make eating out a little easier.
From cafes to pubs, a number of places across Mid and South Pembrokeshire are offering free or discounted meals for children during the school holidays. Here’s our Herald guide to where kids can eat free – or for just £1 – this Easter break:

MORRISONS CAFÉ – HAVERFORDWEST
Offer: One free kids’ meal with every adult meal purchased for £4.49 or more.
Availability: All day, every day, including during the Easter holidays.
Bonus: Free Kellogg’s breakfast (cereal, milk, fruit) when you ask for a “Kellogg’s Breakfast” at the counter.
TESCO CAFÉ – HAVERFORDWEST, PEMBROKE DOCK, MILFORD HAVEN
Offer: Kids eat free with any adult purchase during the Easter holidays.
Highlight: Pick ‘N’ Mix lunch deal includes a sandwich, fruit, two snacks, and a drink.
TRAVELODGE – PEMBROKE DOCK
Offer: Up to two children (15 or under) eat breakfast for free with every paying adult.
Availability: Every day, including Easter.
PREMIER INN – HAVERFORDWEST AND ST DAVIDS
Offer: Up to two children (15 or under) eat breakfast for free with every paying adult.
Availability: Every day, including Easter.
SA BRAINS PUBS
Offer: Kids eat for £1 with the purchase of an adult main meal.
Availability: All day every Wednesday.
Pembrokeshire Locations: Check your local Brains pub for participation.
NAUTICO’S RESTAURANT – MILFORD WATERFRONT
Offer: Kids eat for just £1 with every paying adult this Easter.
Availability: Throughout the Easter holidays.
Details: Enjoy a family meal by the coast – booking recommended. Call 01646 278060.
CAFÉ VINCENT – VINCENT DAVIES, HAVERFORDWEST

Offer: Kids eat free from the Little Pantry Children’s Menu with every adult main meal.
When: Monday to Friday, 12:00pm to 3:00pm, until Friday 25th April.
Note: Excludes breakfast items and sides.
WALDO LOUNGE – HAVERFORDWEST

Offer: Free healthy breakfast for children including cereal, fresh fruit and juice.
When: Easter holidays, daily from 9:00am to 10:30am.
Details: A relaxed morning offering for “little loungers” to start their day the healthy way.
Know of more local offers? Let us know and we’ll add them. Message us on Facebook.
Community
Welsh Water warns against dangers of unauthorised swimming in reservoirs

WELSH WATER warns against dangers of unauthorised swimming in reservoirs: Llys y fran-36
With the Easter holidays upon us, Welsh Water is warning people not to risk their lives by unauthorised swimming in its reservoirs.
Every year in Wales, hundreds of individuals and families visit reservoirs and take to the water to swim, paddle, or use inflatables, putting their lives and the lives of others at risk, but unauthorised access to the water at reservoirs can kill and is never allowed.
Statistics show there is an average of 45 water related fatalities in Wales every year and the rate of accidental drowning in Wales is almost double that of the UK as a whole.
Reservoirs can be full of hidden dangers, including automatic machinery in the water that can operate at any time, and incredibly strong currents, that can pull under even the strongest swimmers. That’s why it’s best to only swim at the permitted reservoir sites.
The water also has freezing temperatures which can send swimmers into cold-water shock and there is a reduced chance of rescue in some areas due to the remote location of many reservoirs, often with little or no mobile reception.
The last few weeks have seen dry weather with plenty of spring sunshine, conditions that tempt some to take the plunge at reservoirs without realising the dangers involved.
Welsh Water’s Rangers patrol the company’s reservoirs, ensuring everyone is safe and dissuading unauthorised swimming in the water.
Maddy Rawlings, Head Ranger at Llandegfedd said: “We want everyone to enjoy the reservoir safely – which is why it’s important that any access to the reservoir only takes place during planned and life guarded activities or swim sessions. During my time as a Ranger at Llandegfedd, I have had countless encounters and incidents in which I have had to ask members of the public to leave the water due to the dangers involved, many of which they are unaware of. We aren’t here to spoil anyone having fun – we’re here to keep the public safe.’’
Private security companies have also been hired to help with this work.
Welsh Water do offer safe, supervised, and accredited open water swimming sessions at some Visitor Attraction sites across Wales. It also offers water sports, including paddle boarding and kayaking.
Jack Bailey, Activity Manager at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs in Cardiff said: “We know that open water swimming has great benefits for physical and mental wellbeing – but unauthorised swimming can pose serious risks. Always prioritise safety over spontaneity and book an organised open water swimming or cold water dipping session at one of our Welsh Water visitor attractions sites. We provide a safe way to enjoy the water, nature and the benefits they can bring.”
Welsh Water is part of Water Safety Wales, a group made up of organisations committed to working on water safety and drowning prevention in Wales.
Chris Cousens, Chair of Water Safety Wales said: “With the lovely weather we’ve been seeing, we know how tempting it can be to cool off in beautiful reservoirs. But even the strongest of swimmers can go into cold water shock and this can lead to drowning. We’re asking everyone to stay safe this summer by keeping out of the reservoirs. If you are in difficulty in the water, Float To Live – this means to relax and float on your back with your ears submerged in the water until the effects of cold water shock pass. You can them swim to safety or shout for help.
“If you see someone else in difficulty in the water in a reservoir, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Fire Service, tell the person in the water to Float To Live and throw them something that floats. Never go into the water to attempt a rescue yourself.”
Community
Princess of Wales shares ‘spiritual’ connection with nature

Royal tells Scouts the outdoors brings her calm in a hectic world
THE PRINCESS OF WALES returned to the Lake District this week, joining Chief Scout Dwayne Fields and a group of young Scouts for a day of adventure and reflection in the great outdoors.
In a film shared on social media, Her Royal Highness is seen leading nine Scouts and Explorer Scouts on a hike through woodland at the Scout Adventures Centre, Great Tower, before making their way to the shores of Lake Windermere.
The outing was organised to promote the wellbeing benefits of nature and encourage more people to volunteer with the Scout movement, which currently has over 100,000 young people waiting to join.
During the day, the young participants planned their walking route with the Princess and explored the local landscape, learning about the area’s plants and wildlife. At the end of the activity, Her Royal Highness awarded each Scout their Naturalist badge, recognising their new knowledge of the natural world.
The group included four Explorer Scouts from the 1st Buddha’s Light Scout Group in Stretford, Greater Manchester, and five Scouts from the 1st Ulverston Scout Group in Cumbria.
‘Reconnection and peace’
Speaking during the film, the Princess said: “I find it a very spiritual and very intense emotional reconnection, I suppose, in these environments. Not everyone has the same relationship with nature, but for me, it’s a place to find balance, peace, and a sense of calm in what is otherwise a very busy world.”
The visit marked a return to familiar ground for the Princess, who completed her Scout volunteer training at the same Great Tower centre in 2013 while living in Anglesey. She has remained a committed supporter of the organisation ever since and became Joint President of the Scouts in 2020.
This was also her first public engagement with Dwayne Fields, who was appointed the 11th Chief Scout in September 2024. In a message to him following his appointment, the Princess said: “The Scouts is such an incredible organisation, teaching #SkillsForLife and making a huge difference to young people across the country. Looking forward to working with you! C.”
Encouraging volunteers
Speaking after the hike, Dwayne Fields said: “It was an absolute honour to be joined by our Joint President, The Princess of Wales, at Great Tower. Our walk with Scouts and Explorers was a powerful reminder that we are at our best in the outdoors. Spending time in nature improves our physical and mental wellbeing, and the positivity shown by everyone was genuinely inspiring.
“But these kinds of experiences are only possible if we have enough local volunteers. We want to welcome more young people into Scouts, and adults can get involved flexibly—gaining new skills, boosting their wellbeing, and making new friends in the process.”
Carl Hankinson, UK Chief Volunteer, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Princess for supporting us and encouraging young people to discover the outdoors. She and the Chief Scout showed what Scouts is all about—building confidence, learning skills for life, and creating opportunities for everyone, no matter their background.”

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