News
Caldey Island to remain closed for the entire summer season
CALDEY ISLAND will remain closed for the duration of the 2020 season it has been confirmed today.
The announcement on the official Caldey Island Facebook page reads: “We regret to announce that due to the many aspects involved in getting people across to the island from Tenby via the ramp, the boats and the amphibious vehicle, and the difficulty in implementing strict safety measures on the island, the Abbey has decided that the safety of both islanders and visitors would be compromised if boats were to resume.
“Therefore, the island will remain closed for the whole of the 2020 season. We understand and respect this decision, whilst acknowledging how disappointing it is for so many people. We hope to welcome you all back in 2021.
“Thank you for your many messages and enquiries, and your good wishes for the island and community”
The reaction on social media has been generally positive with most people agreeing with the decision.
Michele Jenkins said: “So very sad, but understandable for the safety of of those on Caldey that’s more important. Hopefully, things will be back till some sort of normal next summer. God bless you all stay safe take care”
Gaye Deyner added: “Completely understand, It maybe next year before we stay at Tenby and visit Caldey. Wiltshire, where I now live, our open spaces and even the solstice gatherings has seen sensible social distancing but looking at beaches it seems a different story.”
Annmarie Galvin said: “we will be able to enjoy your beautiful island again next year. The safety of you and visitors should always come first. I can’t wait to bring my daughter to visit the island, I remember my first visit about 27 years ago as a young girl and being totally amazed by the whole adventure of getting there and the sense of beauty and peace
“Stay safe and I’m sure everyone will be looking forward to next year”
News
Three climbers rescued after fall at St Govan’s Head
THREE climbers have been rescued after falling into the sea at St Govan’s Head, following a major multi-agency emergency response along the south Pembrokeshire coast.
The alarm was raised at around 4:00pm on Wednesday, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation involving coastguard teams, helicopters and the Angle RNLI lifeboat.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard are responding to an incident involving three climbers at St Govans Head in Pembrokeshire on 12 February.
“First alerted at around 4pm, Coastguard rescue teams from Fishguard, St Govans and Tenby have been sent alongside an HM Coastguard helicopter, an Irish Coastguard helicopter, Wales Air Ambulance and an RNLI lifeboat from Angle.”
Multiple helicopters were seen operating over the cliffs and sea during the evening, with the lifeboat also deployed offshore.
BBC Radio Wales reported in its 8:30am Breakfast bulletin on Friday that all three casualties were successfully rescued.
Their conditions have not yet been confirmed.
Dyfed-Powys Police also attended the incident.
Updates to follow if further information is released.
Charity
Tenby’s Doreen Mortimer MBE celebrates 30 years of RNLI service
Fundraising stalwart has helped raise more than £1m for lifesaving charity
A TENBY volunteer who has dedicated three decades to saving lives at sea has marked her milestone anniversary with a celebration alongside the friends and colleagues who have supported her journey.
Doreen Mortimer MBE, long-time shop manager and fundraiser for the RNLI in Tenby, hosted a special gathering for fellow volunteers on Thursday (Feb 12) at Tudor Mount Gastrobar to celebrate both her 30 years of service and her recent royal honour.
Now in her 90s, Doreen remains a familiar and energetic presence in the town’s RNLI shop, where her tireless efforts have helped raise more than £1 million for the lifesaving charity.
She was one of six RNLI volunteers recognised by His Majesty The King as the organisation approached its 200th anniversary last year, receiving an MBE for her outstanding contribution to fundraising and community service.
Award-winning dedication
Doreen’s commitment has long been recognised within the charity.
In 2022 she received the RNLI’s Excellence in Volunteering Award from head of fundraising Jayne George, after the Tenby shop’s takings topped £100,000 within months of reopening following the Covid lockdowns.
Jayne George said at the time: “Although Doreen has a team of volunteers backing her up, she is the driving force that keeps sales rising, and whenever the fund-raising committee holds an event, she is there with her bucket.”
The following year she was honoured again for her long service, helping make Tenby the number one RNLI shop in Wales.
She was also recognised by RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie during his farewell tour of UK stations.
Still going strong
Despite her age, Doreen continues to volunteer for up to 50 hours a week during busy periods, supporting the shop, events and collections.
Friends say her energy and enthusiasm remain an inspiration to younger volunteers.
Thursday’s celebration was not only a thank-you for Doreen’s service, but also a chance to acknowledge the wider team whose efforts help keep the charity’s vital work afloat.
For Tenby’s lifeboat crews, every pound raised locally helps ensure they can launch at a moment’s notice — and for three decades, Doreen Mortimer has been at the heart of that mission.
Community
Lifeboat to find new home at Pembroke Dock museum after historic handover ceremony
A HISTORIC lifeboat which saved forty lives around the British coastline is set to begin a new chapter in Pembroke Dock next month when she is formally handed over to the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society.
The 1957 Watson-class vessel, RNLB Pentland, will be transferred to her permanent home at the West Wales Maritime Museum during a public ceremony on Saturday, March 7 at 1:00pm.
Organisers say the event will mark the end of the boat’s private stewardship under Mike Brotherton MBE and the beginning of her preservation as part of Pembrokeshire’s maritime heritage.
The handover will include the lowering of the Blue Ensign and the raising of the Red Ensign, symbolising the lifeboat’s move into museum care, followed by a short presentation recounting her operational history.
During her years of service at Thurso, The Mumbles and Workington, Pentland was launched into some of the worst conditions the coast could throw at her crew, helping to save dozens of lives.
Trustees say bringing the vessel to Pembroke Dock will ensure that future generations can see first-hand the type of lifeboat that protected coastal communities for decades.
Visitors attending the ceremony will also be able to tour the museum’s restoration workshops and view other ongoing heritage projects, including work on the Charterhouse lifeboat.
Refreshments, including burgers, bacon rolls, tea and coffee, will be available before and after proceedings.
Entry to the museum and boatyard is free, although donations to support preservation work are welcomed.
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