Community

Little and Broad Haven RNLI to feature in Saving Lives at Sea

Published

6 months ago

April 22, 2024

RNLI/Denys Bassett-Jones

As the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) marks 200 years of lifesaving, the volunteer lifeboat crew of Little and Broad Haven are set to take to the nation’s television screens on Tuesday 30 April as they feature in the ninth series of Saving Lives at Sea on BBC Two and iPlayer.

The new series comes in the wake of an incredible milestone for the RNLI, as the charity marked two centuries of lifesaving on 4 March 2024.

After a special first episode which took a closer look at RNLI crews’ involvement in the Second World War, nine further episodes in the series focus on the lifesaving work of today’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards, featuring footage captured on helmet and lifeboat cameras including Little and Broad Haven RNLI.

Viewers will be able to watch dramatic rescues as they unfold through the eyes of RNLI lifesavers, as well as meeting the people behind the pagers and hearing from the rescuees and their families who, thanks to the RNLI, are here to tell the tale.

This forthcoming episode, on Tuesday 30 April sees Little and Broad Haven RNLI tasked alongside St. Davids lifeboat to a mayday call for a capsized dinghy with three people in the water near Newgale Beach. The episode will also show rescue stories from fellow lifeboat crew volunteers at other stations and beaches around our coasts.

Andrew Thomas, Helm of the Little and Broad Haven lifeboat crew featured in the forthcoming episode, says: ‘The shout out to Pointz Castle is a great opportunity for the public to witness how our small community lifeboat station in Pembrokeshire operates.

‘It’s unusual to have the opportunity to work alongside so many other rescue services, including a local fishing boat who responded to the mayday call. A successful outcome to any shout is always a positive one. The sea can catch anybody out.’

Michael Bool, one of the volunteer crew on that rescue says: ‘The shout was an opportunity to put many aspects of our training into practice, alongside other RNLI assets. As volunteer crew we put the time and effort into training to be on call to assist others when in difficulty at sea, and this shout was a good example of why we do it.

‘Saving Lives at Sea gives an insight into why the RNLI is such an important service for coastal communities and visitors, both in terms of education and rescue when required. It was great to be invited to show some of what we do in Little and Broad Haven’.

Another volunteer crew member on that day, Gareth Light, says: ‘This was a great example of why the RNLI is such a valuable service and even better that everyone got to go home safely. Filming with Saving Lives at Sea was a great opportunity to give the general public a look at our lives and experiences as volunteer crew for the RNLI.’

Filming took place over the past year, with lifeboat crews and lifeguards carrying special cameras and welcoming film-makers into their day-to-day lives on the coast. Rescues from the RNLI archives are also revisited, and we get a glimpse into the everyday lives of the thousands of men and women who give up their time to save lives at sea.

Saving Lives at Sea is broadcast at 8pm on Tuesdays on BBC Two and iPlayer.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Denys Bassett-Jones, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on Denys[email protected].

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Little and Broad Haven RNLI crew with St.Davids Lifeboat

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI – public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

Community

Special RNLI concert for choir member Dorothy’s 90th Birthday

Published

14 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A SPECIAL concert was held in Pembrokeshire to honour a long-serving member of the Neyland Ladies Choir, Dorothy Beckett, on the occasion of her 90th birthday.

The event took place at St Mary’s Church, Hakin, where Ms Beckett, who has been a dedicated member of the choir for many years, was celebrated for her longstanding commitment to both the choir and her 74 years of fundraising efforts for the RNLI.

The concert drew a large crowd, with Ms Beckett’s family and members of the Angle Lifeboat RNLI among those in attendance. The church was filled to capacity, and all proceeds from the event were donated to the RNLI, a cause close to Ms Beckett’s heart.

Choir president Simon Hancock welcomed attendees and spoke warmly about Ms Beckett’s popularity, not only within the choir but also throughout the local community. During the evening, she was presented with a birthday cake, adding a personal touch to the celebration.

In addition to performances by the Neyland Ladies Choir, the Milford Haven Junior Town Band provided musical entertainment. The band performed a variety of pieces, much to the delight of the audience, and received enthusiastic applause. Solo performances from young talents Mali, Ella-Mae, and Olivia were highlights, while Faith and Nia offered support from the main band.

A former member of the Hakin Point RNLI group, Jan Mathias, paid tribute to Ms Beckett, thanking her for over 50 years of dedication and support to the charity. Representatives of the Angle Lifeboat RNLI, dressed in full uniform, presented Ms Beckett with a long service medal and flowers in recognition of her remarkable contribution.

The choir’s repertoire for the evening included a range of much-loved pieces, with a special performance of ‘Christopher Robin is Saying His Prayers’, in which Ms Beckett reprised a solo part, once again moving the audience with her heartfelt rendition.

A presentation entitled “This is Your Choir Life” was delivered by Noreen Hadfield, offering a touching reflection on Ms Beckett’s 30 years with the choir. Sheila Griffiths curated a slideshow of photographs, showcasing memorable moments and amusing stories from various choir tours and events over the years.

The evening concluded with a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ led by the choir, with Ms Beckett’s son, Adrian, expressing heartfelt thanks to both the choir and the Junior Band for providing such a wonderful beginning to his mother’s birthday celebrations.

The concert was a fitting tribute to Ms Beckett, whose commitment to her community, both through music and charity, continues to inspire.

Community

Milford Haven Town Council’s remembrance events in November

Published

19 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN is set to honour the fallen with a series of events in connection with the annual Remembrance period this November.

Organised by Milford Haven Town Council, the events will include several services and moments of reflection to commemorate those who served and sacrificed during conflicts.

The remembrance events will begin on Sunday, 3rd November 2024, with a Dedication Service at the Memorial Gardens. The service will commence at 10:30am, with the main ceremony at 11:00am. Crosses will be placed in a special area in front of the First World War Memorial Plaque following the service.

The Annual Remembrance Day Service will take place on Sunday, 10th November 2024, at 11:00am at the Cenotaph on Hamilton Terrace. A parade will assemble at the Town Hall at 10:30am, stepping off at 10:45am, before proceeding to the Cenotaph for the service.

On Monday, 11th November 2024, members of the Royal British Legion will lead a two-minute silence at 11:00am to mark the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month. The gathering will take place outside Milford News/Best One on Charles Street, with participants assembling at 10:45am.

These solemn events provide an opportunity for the community of Milford Haven to come together in remembrance and respect for those who have given their lives in service.

Community

Milford Haven gears up for Halloween extravaganza to benefit charity

Published

3 days ago

October 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN a bid to raise funds for Prostate Cymru and the community’s access defibrillator fund, the Milford Haven Business Circle is hosting a Halloween Market and a Medium & Music Night this October 31st, promising an array of activities for all ages.

The Halloween Market will kick off at the Pill Social Centre from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Attendees can look forward to a variety of stalls showcasing local crafts, delightful treats, and unique gifts, perfect for the festive season.

As dusk falls, the focus shifts to the Milford Haven RFC, where the Medium & Music Night will commence at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available for £5 per person and can be purchased online or at the door. The evening will feature Nathan Roberts, a gifted medium who will offer spiritual insights, and Chris Didcote, whose musical prowess is set to provide an enchanting backdrop.

Jaimie Gurney, Secretary of the Milford Haven Business Circle and a local photographer, expressed the importance of the events: “All proceeds will aid vital medical research and ensure our community is equipped to handle medical emergencies. We are counting on the generous support of local media, businesses, and individuals to help promote these worthy causes.”

The community is encouraged to support by sharing event posters, spreading the word, and participating in what promises to be a memorable day for a noble cause.

Halloween Market

Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Pill Social Centre, Milford Haven

The Halloween Market will feature a delightful array of festive goods and activities for the whole family. All stalls will be local, offering a diverse range of products including handmade crafts, delicious treats, and unique gifts.

Medium & Music Night