News

Busy period for Angle RNLI continues with three callouts

Published

2 years ago

August 9, 2023

Angle All-Weather Lifeboat Responds Swiftly to Distress Call

IN THE EARLY hours of this morning, at 4:58am, Angle’s diligent RNLI crew received an urgent summons, propelling them into action once more. This time, the distress signal emanated from a French yacht in perilous waters. The vessel had encountered a harrowing collision with The Smalls Lighthouse and was grappling with a perilous breach, leaving six souls on board at the mercy of the sea’s unrelenting ingress. The yacht’s own bilge pumps were valiantly struggling against the deluge.

Undaunted by the early hour, the lifeboat sprung into action, its engines roaring to life as it raced towards the beleaguered vessel. The call for aid also reached the capable hands of St. David’s All-Weather Lifeboat and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R924, stationed at the ready in Newquay, Cornwall. Mid-route, a request was dispatched by the coastguard to have the lifeboat’s salvage pump prepared.

Minutes elapsed, and Angle’s resolute lifeboat drew alongside St. David’s vessel at the scene of the maritime crisis. The situation was meticulously assessed, and a decision was swiftly reached. With the knowledge that the stricken yacht’s intended course lay towards Milford Haven, the tacticians on scene determined that Angle’s crew, bolstered by their trusty salvage pump, should be the first to transfer aboard the troubled vessel. Should further assistance become necessary, the capable hands of St. David’s Lifeboat and R924 stood ready to extend their aid.

With two valiant crew members and the formidable salvage pump safely aboard, the dire situation was met head-on. The relentless tide of water invading the yacht’s confines was finally tamed, brought under control by the relentless efforts of Angle’s crew. Sensing that the immediate danger was assuaged and all souls on board were accounted for, the steadfast teams of St. David’s Lifeboat and R924 were relieved from their posts and returned to their respective ports, departing with gratitude.

Assured that the ship’s stability was regained and its passengers out of harm’s way, the lifeboat began a steady three-and-a-half-hour escort to Neyland, where the proficient crew at Dale Sailing eagerly awaited, poised to hoist the beleaguered yacht from the treacherous waters.

As the convoy reached the sheltered embrace of Watwick Bay, the lifeboat once again sidled up to the yacht’s flank, this time replenishing it with the necessary fuel and vital supplies for the final leg of the journey to Neyland. The maritime ballet continued until Neyland was reached, where the joint efforts of the crew and the adept staff at Dale Sailing culminated in a successful hoisting of the yacht, drawing it to safety above the waves.

As the vessel swung free above the marina waters, a well-earned pause ensued. The lifeboat nestled in the harbor, a warm gesture in the form of bacon rolls awaiting one of the crew members who had been patiently stationed there.

With the mission accomplished and a vessel rescued, the lifeboat eventually returned to its home port, its dedication unwavering. By 11am, the vessel stood ready to respond to the call of duty once again.

Triple Distress Calls in Two Days

This saga of bravery and expertise didn’t stand alone. The preceding Friday, the 3rd of August, at precisely 3:32pm, Angle’s intrepid crew received yet another cry for help. A 10-meter aluminium landing craft, burdened with six souls, was thrust into jeopardy due to an unfortunate dual engine failure. The vessel’s plight was further compounded by ensnaring its propellers in an errant rope, rendering the engines impotent and leaving the craft to helplessly drift towards the menacing rocks of West Angle Bay.

As the emergency call echoed through the air, the lifeboat once again sprang into action, racing toward West Angle with the urgency that only an experienced crew can muster. On arrival, a local charter angling vessel gallantly offered aid, holding the fort until the stalwart lifeboat could take its place.

A meticulously executed towline was rigged, expertly linking the two vessels. With the casualties’ anchor disengaged, the towline was transferred, and the lifeboat commenced its noble task, guiding the stranded vessel towards Neyland. As the convoy neared Neyland Marina, a precise maneuver shifted the vessel into an alongside tow, aligning it with the awaiting pontoon at Dale Sailing, where the vessel would find its much-needed respite.

As the sun began its descent, the lifeboat and its dedicated crew stood down, returning to their station, the day’s challenges met and conquered. By 6pm, the lifeboat was poised, ever-ready for its next great maritime trial.

Another Successful Rescue Operation

The day before the aforementioned rescue, on Thursday, the 3rd of August, Angle’s All-Weather Lifeboat was beckoned to action once more at 5:36pm. A plea for assistance echoed over the waves, emanating from a small speedboat that had fallen victim to mechanical woes. With four souls and two loyal canine companions on board, the vessel was left adrift, its location uncertain but perilous – somewhere between Dale and Angle.

Responding with characteristic swiftness, the lifeboat set course for Dale, its crew determined to locate and aid the distressed vessel. Their efforts proved fruitful, culminating in the discovery of the stricken boat anchored in the safety of Watwick Bay. A sigh of relief swept through the crew as all aboard were accounted for and in good health. Once the safety of the stranded vessel was assured, a towline was established, and the lifeboat guided the vessel up the Haven to East Llanion, ensuring its safe return.

With the mission accomplished and another triumph secured, the lifeboat returned to its berth, its readiness for further service reaffirmed. The echoes of its recent successes resonated within its steel hull, a testament to the unwavering dedication of Angle’s RNLI crew.

Community

Crowds line streets as tractor run hailed a festive success

Published

52 minutes ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CROWDS lined streets and pavements across Pembrokeshire on Saturday evening (Dec 20) as Clarbeston Road AFC’s illuminated Christmas tractor run was hailed a resounding success.

More than 200 tractors took part in the event, travelling through villages and towns including Newmoat, Maenclochog, Llys-y-frân, Walton East, Clarbeston Road, Wiston, Newbridge, Poyston Cross, Crundale and Haverfordwest, where large crowds gathered to watch the festive convoy pass through.

Families, children and residents wrapped up against the cold to enjoy the sight of tractors decorated with Christmas lights and festive displays, with applause and waves greeting drivers as they made their way through built-up areas and rural roads alike.

The convoy set off from the Clarbeston Road AFC Knock Playing Fields at 5:30pm and concluded at the County Showground in Haverfordwest later in the evening. At the end of the run, refreshments were available and the raffle draw took place at the Park House building, which was open to the public.

Organisers said the turnout from both drivers and spectators exceeded expectations, with the event once again bringing communities together while raising funds for local causes, including The Catrin Vaughan Foundation, In It With Isaac, and Wales Air Ambulance.

Clarbeston Road AFC thanked tractor drivers, volunteers, sponsors and members of the public for their support, as well as residents and road users for their patience while the convoy passed through.

The illuminated tractor run has become a firm fixture in the local festive calendar, with Friday night’s event described by many spectators as one of the best yet.

Community

Charity tractor and car run set to raise funds for Macmillan and Paul Sartori

Published

3 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A CHARITY tractor and car run in memory of Charles Rees is set to take place in Pembrokeshire later this month, with funds raised supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Charles Rees Tractor & Car Run will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, starting and finishing at Dudwell Farm in Camrose.

Participants are being invited to “start their engines” in aid of the two charities, with gates opening at 9:00am and the convoy leaving promptly at 10:30am. Organisers have confirmed that the run will operate with no halfway stops, returning to Dudwell Farm at the end of the route.

The event will begin and finish at Dudwell Farm, Camrose (SA62 6HJ), and is open to tractors and cars. Registration and cash payment will take place on the day, with the price to be confirmed nearer the event.

Additional donations can also be made locally in the run-up to the event at Camrose Country Hardware and Croesgoch Stores.

The run has been organised to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides vital care and assistance to people living with cancer, and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which supports patients and families across Pembrokeshire during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

Organisers say more information will be released closer to the event and are encouraging the local community to support the run, whether by taking part, donating, or lining the route to show support.

The event is expected to attract strong local interest, continuing Pembrokeshire’s tradition of community-led fundraising in support of much-valued charities.

News

Late Griffiths strike caps dramatic Clarby fightback in nine-goal thriller

Published

3 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Herald Sport

CLARBESTON ROAD staged a remarkable comeback to edge out Pennar Robins in a breathless Division One contest that delivered nine goals, wild swings of momentum and a hat-trick that ultimately counted for nothing.

Despite falling behind on three separate occasions, Clarby showed resilience and attacking intent to secure a 5–4 victory, sealed late on by Emyr Griffiths after the hosts had earlier trailed 3–1 in the first half.

For Pennar, the result was a bitter one. Jack Jones struck three times and the Robins led at 1–0, 3–1 and 4–3, but each advantage slipped away as Clarby refused to lie down.

The opening exchanges hinted at little of what was to come. Ben ‘Rocky’ John tested Pennar goalkeeper Ryeley Clark early on, while Tom Davies dragged an effort wide at the other end. The game burst into life after nine minutes when Pennar opened the scoring following a slick team move. Nicholas Willis drove forward down the right, combined neatly with Kieran Smith and Noah Davison, and was tripped inside the box. Jack Jones made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Clarby responded almost immediately. Player-manager Matthew Ellis, keen to atone for conceding the penalty, rose to head home Travis Jones’ corner at the near post just two minutes later.

Pennar regained control midway through the half. Tom Grimwood’s curling corner was met by Jones, who nodded in at the back post, and moments later the same duo combined again as Jones completed his hat-trick, finishing from close range after Grimwood beat his marker and cut the ball back.

Crucially, Clarby struck back before the break. Matthew Bowen delivered an inviting cross from the left and John powered a header past Clark to give the hosts renewed belief heading into half-time.

With the wind at their backs, Clarby came out flying after the restart. John levelled matters by cutting inside and firing low into the corner, before sustained pressure saw Matthew Davies have a goal ruled out for offside and substitute Josh Woods flash a shot across goal.

Against the run of play, Pennar edged back in front on 69 minutes when substitutes combined — Adam Phillips delivering a cross that Conner Phillips met unmarked to head home.

Once again, Clarby refused to fold. Jack Ashman drove forward from the edge of the area and thundered a high finish into the net to make it 4–4, before the decisive moment arrived 12 minutes from time. Griffiths broke through the Pennar back line and showed composure to lift the ball beyond Clark, completing a stunning turnaround.

Clarby managed the closing stages well to see out a vital win ahead of the Christmas break.

Man of the match: Jack Jones
Despite ending on the losing side, Jones’ clinical finishing and constant threat were impossible to ignore. Kieran Smith and Noah Davison were also influential in Pennar’s first-half dominance, while Ben John was central to Clarby’s revival before limping off with a knee issue.

Clarby player-manager Matthew Ellis said: “It’s a huge three points. After nine goals your head’s spinning a bit, but you’ll take it when you’re on the right side of the result. Pennar caused us problems early on, but we really turned it around after the break.”

Pennar manager Craig Butland said: “The second half wasn’t good enough. Individual errors are hurting us and conceding just before half-time changed the momentum. We’ve got to see games out better.”

Clarbeston Road: Rhys Mansell, Matthew Bowen, Greg Brown, Matthew Griffiths, Samuel Hurton, Jack Ashman, Emyr Griffiths, Matthew Davies (capt), Matthew Ellis, Ben John (Jake Wesley 62), Travis Jones. Sub not used: Joseph Jones.

Pennar Robins: Ryeley Clark, Nick Willis (Ryan Walters 80), Alex Wheeler (Adam Phillips 53), Ethan Ball, Bobby Jones (Conner Willis 53), Connor Roberts, Tom Grimwood, Kieran Smith (capt), Noah Davison, Jack Jones, Toby Davies.

Referee: Stefan Jenkins.