Community
Pembroke’s River Rally: Flotilla honours town’s maritime heritage
PEMBROKE witnessed a vibrant spectacle as a colourful flotilla adorned the waters for the annual River Rally. The event, which has been a cherished tradition for almost three decades, was organized by the esteemed West Wales Maritime Heritage Society, except for a pandemic-induced hiatus.
With deep-rooted ties to the maritime history of the ancient port of Pembroke, the rally serves as a testament to the enduring rights of navigation for sailors on the Pembroke River and those seeking entry into the Castle Pond.
On Saturday, July 1, despite the blustery conditions, the River Rally commenced with the civic party embarking on the flagship vessel Hey Jude from Neyland Marina. Basking in the sun, the flotilla was escorted by a boat from the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society, while the vigilant Milford Haven Port Authority water ranger kept a watchful eye over the proceedings.
Among the distinguished guests on board Hey Jude were Pembroke’s mayor and mayoress, Cllr Aden Brinn and Claire Dufresnoy, accompanied by Pembroke Dock’s mayor, Cllr George Manning, and the deputy mayor, Cllr Maria Williams.
During the voyage, Cllr Brinn delivered a proclamation that illuminated the port’s rich history, tracing back centuries when it served as a bustling hub for the import and export of various cargoes. The Custom House, which still stands adjacent to the Corn Store, collected dues for these valuable shipments.
Cllr Brinn further remarked, “Subsequently, these cargoes were transported to Haverfordwest. However, even after Haverfordwest ceased trading, ships continued to dock at Pembroke. Renowned vessels like the Kathleen and May, Garlandstone, and Irene persevered in trade until 1960, unloading their precious cargo at what is now the Corn Store.”
“When trade eventually ceased, pleasure sailors sought solace in the town. Yet, their journey was marred by the construction of a flood prevention barrage across the river, impeding their right to navigate the Pembroke River,” he continued.
“As a result, the mayor of Pembroke entrusted the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society with the task of organizing the inaugural Pembroke River Rally in 1995.”
To complement the nautical festivities, the Pembroke Town Council arranged a delightful array of entertainment on the quayside. Neil Thomas, a talented compere, regaled the audience with songs, adding a cheerful touch to the afternoon. Local craft stalls and charity organizations, including the RNLI, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Lions, and Pembroke Town Teams, were also present, showcasing their valuable contributions to the community.
As the flotilla gracefully sailed into the Castle Pond, the town rejoiced in preserving its maritime legacy and paying tribute to the seafaring heritage that has shaped Pembroke’s identity throughout the ages.
Community
Baby loss remembrance service at Withybush Hospital
THE ANNUAL baby loss remembrance service will take place on Tuesday 1 October 2024 at St Luke’s Chapel in Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest at 7.00pm.
The ‘Forget Me Not’ service is part of the health board’s commitment to Baby Loss Awareness week (9-15 October) and is arranged by Midwifery and Bereavement teams and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy).
Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Experiencing the loss of a baby is an incredibly painful experience, and the service allows parents and their families to reflect and remember surrounded by support and love.
The service has long been a source of comfort for parents and families and will include prayers and readings, as well as poems and music to reflect. The service offers the opportunity for people to come together and remember the lives of babies who are sadly no longer with us.
Euryl Howells continued: “The loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death is overwhelming and emotional. We meet families during some of their darkest days and to meet them sometimes after months or years after their bereavement is a privilege and special to staff.”
Should you require further information please contact Euryl Howells by telephone or email 01267 227563 or [email protected]
If you are unable to attend the service and wish to commemorate your loved one, please send a message to [email protected] by 29 September 2024.
Community
Pure West Radio gears up for DAB launch
PURE West Radio is poised to enter a new era in its six-year history as it counts down to the launch of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) later this autumn. The station is awaiting the activation of five transmitters, which will enable DAB to broadcast extensively across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. This move is set to significantly enhance Pure West Radio’s listener base and deliver an exceptional radio sound quality.
Toby Ellis, Pure West’s director, expressed his excitement about this milestone. “This is a very exciting time for Pure West Radio as it means we’re now going to be able to continue to expand in so many different directions,” he said. “Our biggest focus has always been the people who listen to us and who’ve grown with us since we first launched back in April 2018. The way in which we’re now moving forward is due to the hard work and commitment that this dedicated team has shown.”
The station, which has been a key part of the Pembrokeshire community since its inception, boasts a workforce of 13 people, including presenters, producers, journalists, and sales personnel. Additionally, it benefits from a strong voluntary sector comprising over 100 members, contributing to its hybrid working model. This approach allows the station to maintain a strong community commitment while ensuring commercial viability.
“Our move to DAB will enable more people to remain connected to our platform as we continue delivering interviews, local news, information, and of course, a whole load of quality music,” Ellis added. Pure West Radio has grown rapidly, reaching over 500,000 people across its platforms each month. During the COVID-19 crisis, it played a crucial role in providing up-to-date information in collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council.
The station, which celebrated its third birthday recently, has seen two million listens since its start, with an average of 50,000 listens per week. This audience engagement is approaching nearly half of the population of Pembrokeshire. The upcoming DAB launch marks a significant development for the station, allowing it to reach a wider audience and continue its mission of delivering local news, community events, and music to its listeners.
Pure West Radio has close links to the Herald, with its Director, Toby Ellis, General Manager Mathew Rickard and its Head of News, Sarah Jane-Absalom all having previously worked at The Pembrokeshire Herald or Herald Radio.
Herald Editor Tom Sinclair said: “Everyone at The Herald wishes Toby and the team the best of luck with this important milestone.
“Getting on the airwaves is what Pure West Radio needs to take it to the next level and we are very proud of what the PWR team have achieved over the last few years.”
Those interested in becoming part of the radio station can get more information by emailing [email protected].
The official DAB launch date will be announced in the near future, Pure West Radio said.
Community
Celebrate autumn’s bounty at Carew Castle’s Apple Pressing Day
CAREW CASTLE is inviting local communities to join in a day of apple pressing, offering a hands-on experience to transform their extra apples into fresh, delicious juice.
The event will be held at Carew Castle on Saturday 28 September, from 10am to 2pm, giving participants the chance to learn the art of apple pressing in the stunning surroundings of this historic site, managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
Ranger Chris Taylor will be on hand throughout the day with the apple press, ready to help visitors turn their surplus apples into a refreshing homemade treat.
Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, said: “With autumn in full swing, it’s the perfect time to make the most of the apple harvest. This event is a fantastic opportunity for families and individuals to have fun while creating something delicious.
“While the Apple Day is free to attend, we highly recommend enhancing your experience with a ticket to explore the Castle and Tidal Mill – winner of Best Attraction in last year’s Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards and a finalist in three categories this year. We look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy a memorable day!”
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own apples and bottles to take home their freshly pressed juice.
Further information on this and other autumn events at Carew Castle can be found at https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/carew-castle/events-at-carew-castle/autumn-events/.
-
Health4 days ago
Man dies following nine-hour wait for ambulance in Pembroke Dock
-
Health4 days ago
Ambulance error admitted in 999 call before Pembrokeshire mother’s death
-
Crime2 days ago
Victim left unconscious after unprovoked attack in Haverfordwest
-
Community3 days ago
Affordable homes plans for fire-ravaged Cleddau Bridge Hotel site
-
Crime2 days ago
Pet running loose in Milford Haven was a banned fighting dog
-
Crime6 days ago
Man with limited mental capacity sees child grooming conviction overturned
-
Crime4 days ago
Disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards faces sentencing over indecent images
-
Business1 day ago
Council denies responsibility for The Range store’s snub of Haverfordwest