News
RNLI issues safety warning in Wales ahead of stormy conditions
THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution is encouraging people to be cautious if visiting the coast this weekend as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for strong winds on the coast of Wales.
This weekend (6-7 April) the forecast suggests that parts of the Welsh coast could see wind speeds of up to 40mph, with the potential of large swells that mean unpredictable seas and challenging conditions.
The weather warning for Wales is for this Saturday (6 April), and the RNLI are encouraging those who plan to visit the coast to take extra care and to head to a lifeguarded beach if they plan on going in the water.
RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol at the following beaches between 10am–6pm over the weekend:
Whitesands Beach – Pembrokeshire
Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and Three Cliffs – Swansea.
The rough conditions that are expected this weekend could mean the lifeguards will deem the beach unsafe for water activity, with the risk of rip currents heightened. If a beach is red-flagged do not enter the water, as it is unsafe for any water activities. If there are no flags at a beach, there are no lifeguards.
If conditions allow, the lifeguards will set up the red and yellow flags in the safest area of the beach and encourage beachgoers to swim between these flags.
Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead for the region said:
‘The conditions forecast for the weekend pose an increased risk to those visiting the coast. The RNLI wants visitors to enjoy themselves, whilst keeping themselves and their families safe.
‘We strongly advise that people visit a lifeguarded beach. If anyone plans on entering the water elsewhere, ensure that you don’t go in alone. Let other people know of your plans and if possible – always carry a means for calling for help should you need it.
‘If you’re walking on the coast be aware of your surroundings and stay well back from the water’s edge. The weather conditions increase the likelihood of tidal surges that could sweep you out to sea.
‘If you get into difficulty in the water remember Float to Live. Always call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you see anyone in trouble.’
RNLI Float to Live advice:
Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
Relax and try to breathe normally
Move your hands to help you stay afloat
It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently
Spread your arms and legs to improve stability.
Charity
Donation gives Stackpole Quay book trailer fresh new look
A COMMUNITY donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole Quay after members of the Pembrokeshire National Trust Association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.
The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.
The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.
The money will be used to refurbish the well-known second-hand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.
Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.
Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.
“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”
The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.
At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.
With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.
Photo caption:
Jane Mason presents a cheque for £1,095 to Rhian Sula at Stackpole Centre (Pic: supplied).
Crime
OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters
A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.
Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.
The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.
His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.
Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.
Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.
Crime
Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls
A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.
Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.
The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.
She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.
Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.
As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.
Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.
She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.
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