Charity

First Christmas on call for new St Davids RNLI Coxswain following in proud family tradition

Published

3 years ago

December 6, 2022

THE RNLI in Wales will see hundreds of its volunteer lifeboat crews sacrifice time with their loved ones to save others this Christmas, as 2021 figures show an increase in the number lifeboat launches during the festive season. It will be a proud occasion for Will Chant, who will be on call over Christmas as the station’s newest full-time Coxswain, following in the footsteps of his dad.

Saving a space for the pager on the Christmas dinner table is nothing new for the Chant family from Pembrokeshire, who have spent decades bracing themselves to swap Turkey for turbulent seas.

This Christmas Eve, Will celebrates 26 years of being a volunteer crew member at St Davids. He is following in the footsteps of proud dad Dai, a former station Coxswain who joined the St Davids crew in the early 60s. He’ll also be in good company should the call come over Christmas as brother Mike is also the station’s full-time mechanic.

Like crew members across Wales they will prepared to leave their loved ones to save others at Christmas. Over the past five years, RNLI lifeboats in Wales and the North West have launched nearly 100 times, with 49 people aided over the Christmas period. In Wales alone, there were 56 lifeboat launches in that five year period with 30 people aided.

Last year, RNLI lifeboats in Wales launched 12 times over the Christmas period, saving two lives and rescuing three people. This was compared with seven launches, and three people aided in 2020.

Will has vivid memories of holiday celebrations being cut short over the years, including a shout on 27 December 1997. A French fishing trawler Toul an Trez which had sunk suddenly some 35 miles out to sea in violent storms on Christmas Eve, with all five of the French fishermen lost during the tragedy. The St Davids crew launched their inshore and all-weather lifeboats a few days later to search for the casualties and the wreckage. It had began to wash up around the south west coastline of Wales.

A fire on board the Eves Marie trawler on 21 December 2004 also saw the St Davids RNLI crew abandon their pre-Christmas celebration. The RNLI crew had assisted in the rescuer of the crew from the burning trawler in rough seas and volunteers, including Will were called upon for a second time to stand by the vessel for much of the following day until she eventually sank.

This year, Will is hopeful for a quiet Christmas with wife Lottie and their son Harri, 12. They are looking forward to paying a visit to his dad and much-needed relaxation time.

He says: ‘Being brought up as a lifeboat family, we didn’t really flinch if the pager sounded and dad headed out of the door – it’s just what happened. There was no doubt I’d follow in his footsteps and answering the call over Christmas is not really any different to any time of the year. If someone needs your help, your training springs into action and you don’t really give it a second thought.

‘It’s an absolute privilege to be spending my very first Christmas on call as Coxswain of the St Davids lifeboat. Whilst I keep my fingers crossed the pager remains silent, but if it doesn’t, whatever the situation, myself, Mike and the crew will be there and I know dad will be so proud waiting at home for news.’

If the pager does remain silent, Will plans to open presents with his family, check on his horses and chickens before walking the dog. He will be following a tradition in visiting dad Dai and catching up with Mike, before settling down to Christmas dinner later in the early evening.

Winter can be one of the most challenging times to be a lifeboat volunteer with shorter days and the worst weather conditions of the year. But the dedication and courage shown by RNLI lifesavers means that, when the call to rescue comes in, they are ready and willing to head out. No matter if it’s the middle of a dark winter’s night, or in freezing sub-zero temperatures.

Mike adds: ‘We wouldn’t do what we are able to do without the support of the public, who work tirelessly throughout the year to raise the donation we so vitally need to enable us to continue saving lives. This is our opportunity to say thank you to all those who have supported us throughout the year. As Christmas approaches and the RNLI launches it’s Christmas appeal, your support is more important than ever and so appreciated.’

The RNLI provides a lifesaving service using volunteers wherever possible, with voluntary donations supplying the funds needed to do so. To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, visit: RNLI.org/Xmas

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

20 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.

Charity

Pembroke Dock charity shop expands to support hospice care

Published

20 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SHOP NOW OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AFTER EXPANSION INTO ADJOINING UNIT

A CHARITY shop in Pembroke Dock has expanded into a neighbouring unit to help raise more money for local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home has completed a knock-through at its shop in Bierspool, London Road, creating a larger retail space and allowing the charity to offer a wider range of items, including furniture.

The expanded shop was officially opened on Friday (May 1) by the outgoing Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Michelle Wiggins.

The shop team, led by Kelly Elliot and supported by volunteers, worked for several weeks to prepare the new-look store for customers.

Head of Retail Julia Brady welcomed guests at the opening, while the charity also thanked staff, volunteers and supporters who helped decorate and prepare the premises.

Special thanks were given to Gill at Pembroke Dock Tesco for donating treats for customers and staff on the day.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home operates nine retail shops and an eBay department. Income from donations and sales helps fund the charity’s clinical teams, who provide free specialist palliative care to patients and families across Pembrokeshire.

The charity says it costs £3,600 every day to deliver its free clinical services. Around 30% of that cost is funded through Hywel Dda Health Board, with the remainder raised through retail income, fundraising and community support.

The Pembroke Dock shop is now open seven days a week, giving people more opportunities to shop, donate and support local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

The charity provides care for people with any life-limiting condition, not only cancer, and supports patients of all faiths and none. It operates an open referral system, with referrals accepted from patients, families, friends and healthcare professionals.

Paul Sartori Foundation Ltd operates under the name Paul Sartori Hospice at Home. The charity was registered in 1982 and will celebrate its 45th anniversary during 2027/2028.

Charity

Appeal launched after pigeon shot with air gun in Pembrokeshire town

Published

20 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

AN APPEAL has been launched after an injured pigeon was found on Charles Street, Milford Haven after being shot through its wing bone with an air gun,

The bird was discovered by a member of the public on April 21 and was taken to All Pets Vet Care.

This incident follows a previous RSPCA appeal as several cats were shot by an air gun in the Hakin area in March. At least one cat died and three were injured.

When examined by a veterinary surgeon, the pigeon was found to have a wound on his left wing, with infection and lots of swelling. A subsequent radiograph showed that a pellet had shattered through its wing bones.

“As a result the pigeons sadly had to be euthanised,” commented Dr Cethin Ravenhill of the All Pets Vet Care. “The RSPCA were informed and as far as I’m aware, this is the only bird we’ve treated with this type of injury “

Meanwhile staff have been asked to radiograph any more injured birds brought in to the veterinary practice.

“I am so shocked and saddened that any individual would shoot an animal with an air gun, as the shot is very unlikely to kill the animal, but just maim and seriously wound them,” added Dr Ravenhill. “This leads to a slow and painful death and significant suffering.

“It’ss very upsetting to think there is someone in the local area doing this to both cats, and sadly pigeons.”

RSPCA Cymru fears other cats and wildlife may have been targeted and is now calling on the community to look out for any suspicious behaviour and report potential offences.

RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben, who is investigating the incident, said: “We are extremely concerned about reports of a pigeon and cats being deliberately targeted and killed in this way.
“Our hearts go out to the owners and to anyone who has been involved or discovered an animal injured in this way.

“It is always very distressing to think that people may be taking pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to defenceless animals.

“Unfortunately at the moment we only have limited information and so we hope an appeal for information will help with our enquiries.

“We would urge anyone who saw what happened, or who may have any further information, to please get in touch with us as soon as possible. We would also ask parents and carers to speak and educate young people about this.”

Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.

Deliberately injuring or killing wild birds is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01794965.

Every year the RSPCA receives almost 1,000 calls to investigate cases, and help hundreds of animals that are the victims of air gun attacks.

Cats and wildlife are the animals most vulnerable to being shot simply because they are out in the open with no one to protect them. Unfortunately, air rifle attacks are not as rare as the charity would like. The injuries caused by such attacks can be horrific and often fatal.

Keith added: said: “We want to see a world where every kind of animal is treated with compassion and respect, and deliberate and brutal acts of cruelty should be consigned to the past.

“We continue to call for tighter controls on air weapons. This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop, could help relieve the problem.”