Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

Further pleas to save Anchorage Day Centre

Published

on

A PLEA by a concerned parent to keep Pembroke Dock’s Anchorage Day Centre open was heard at a full meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council.

The Anchorage Day Care Centre in Pembroke Dock has been a “safe and happy place” for adults with learning difficulties and additional needs for decades.

In more recent years it has expanded to support elderly dementia sufferers.

But now the centre is expected to close, with services instead being offered elsewhere in the county, including Haverfordwest and Milford Haven.

A series of engagement events have taken place at The Anchorage recently, outlining the reasons and the options in continued service.

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “One young woman who attends ran out of the first meeting sobbing when she was told it was going to close. Another, at the second meeting, tried to address the meeting but was so choked up at the thought of not seeing her friends anymore she could hardly speak.”

In a submitted question heard at the May 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, concerned parent Peter Welsh asked: “Is the council aware of the huge impact the impending closure of the Anchorage Adult Day-care Centre in Pembroke Dock is already having to the health and mental wellbeing of my daughter and 20 other vulnerable adults with special needs and learning difficulties, who are unable to cope with changes to routine, or to process and understand what is happening to them?

“And would the council, therefore, please review its closure decision and retain the centre and the vital and invaluable service it provides not only to the individuals concerned but also to the parents?

“If not, what specific measures does the cabinet member have in place to support my daughter and these other individuals who need extra assistance to enable them to maintain their independence, value and allow their carers to have valuable respite from their caring responsibilities and what are the estimated costs for these substitute measures?”

Responding, Cabinet Member for Social Care & Safeguarding Cllr Tessa Hodgson said an engagement with service users, carers and families was made immediately after staff were informed about the potential closure following the council’s March budget setting.

Members were told two sessions were held with all concerned, with a list of alternative day opportunities in the county outlined, with opportunities to attend short sessions at the other centres being available so they “can fully explore which opportunity is best suited to their needs and wants”.

“All service users of the Anchorage will be offered alternative day centre arrangements in order to preserve their independence and also to support the caring needs of their families, these assessments are still taking place and are likely to continue to do so at least until the end of May.”

Cllr Hodgson said she was unable to provide estimated costs of the new arrangements until all the assessments were in place, hoping to update members at a future date.

An online e-petition, on the council’s own website has been launched calling for the Anchorage to stay open.

Community

Community rallies to support family of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle

Published

on

THE local community has come together to raise thousands of pounds in memory of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle, a beloved taxi driver who tragically lost his life in a road traffic accident earlier this week.

Mr Boyle, 57, from Kilgetty, was killed in a collision involving two vehicles near Tenby on the evening of Monday, 2nd September. His death has sent shockwaves through the area, where he was widely known and respected. In the days since the accident, friends, family, and customers have expressed their grief, remembering Mr Boyle for his generosity and kindness. His family remarked that he was “the kind of man who would do anything for anyone”.

A fundraising campaign to assist with funeral expenses and to support Mr Boyle’s five children has so far raised almost £13,700, with nearly 400 people contributing. One particularly generous individual has donated £750.

Gabriel Nowak, a colleague and fellow taxi driver, organised the fundraiser, stating: “I don’t think there’s anyone in Tenby or Pembrokeshire who didn’t know Mucker. His friendly face and his sense of humour will be missed by so many.”

“Chris was always there for people, whether it was squeezing in an extra lift or knocking a bit off the fare to make sure someone got home safely. Now it’s our turn to give back to him,” Mr Nowak added.

Tributes have poured in, with friends and colleagues sharing fond memories of the late cabbie and expressing their sorrow over the loss of someone who was seen as a key figure in the community.

Chris Boyle’s funeral is set to take place at St Mary’s Church in Tenby on Friday, 27th September at 10:00 am, followed by a committal service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 12:15 pm. The funeral procession will pass through Kilgetty at approximately 11:45 am, allowing those who wish to pay their respects to do so.

Funeral directors W. & M.J. Rossiter & Sons, based in Tenby, shared a heartfelt message on behalf of Mr Boyle’s family: “Chris was a deeply loved son, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be sorely missed by his children Daniel, Chloe, Leah, Jimmy, and Tommy J, as well as his siblings Liz, David, and Lisa.”

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Firefighters Charity in Chris Boyle’s memory. Donations can be sent via the funeral directors.

Additionally, local rock and blues band Karma will be dedicating their upcoming performance at the Lawrenny Arms on Saturday, 14th September to Mr Boyle. A collection will be held during the event, with proceeds going to The Firefighters Charity.

A man has been charged in connection with the fatal accident. Mateusz Sikorski, 30, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after his silver Volkswagen collided with a brown BMW near Penally on the A4139.

Mr Sikorski appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 5th September and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on 7th October.

Dyfed-Powys Police have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 405 of Monday, 2nd September. Alternatively, those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The loss of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle has deeply impacted the local community, and the outpouring of support for his family is a testament to how cherished he was by those who knew him.

Continue Reading

Community

Saundersfoot Annual Vintage Motorcycle Event showcases classic machines

Published

on

ON SATURDAY (Sept 7), Saundersfoot came alive with the roar of nearly 100 vintage motorcycles as the annual Saundersfoot Vintage Motorcycle Event hit the coastal roads of South Pembrokeshire. Enthusiasts and spectators alike were treated to the sight of beautifully restored bikes from a bygone era, as they cruised westward out of the village.

The event, a local favorite, drew riders and fans from across the region to celebrate the engineering marvels of the past. It was a day filled with nostalgia, as the sound of classic engines echoed through the scenic routes.

Check out the photos from the event, captured by Malcolm Richards, to relive the vintage spectacle, on our Facebook page.

Continue Reading

Community

Blue Lagoon temporarily closed to protect seals and their pups

Published

on

ONE of Pembrokeshire’s most popular coastal attractions is to be temporarily closed to swimmers in a bid to protect breeding seals and their pups.

The National Trust will be closing the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy on Saturday, September 21, and it will remain closed until the beginning of November. The date of its re-opening is yet to be decided.

The nearby beach at Traeth Llyfn will also be closed for the same period.

Visitors will still be able to watch the seals and their pups in their natural habitat from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Anyone who may come across seals and their pups in other parts of Pembrokeshire is asked to avoid disturbing them and follow the Marine Code. This involves staying quiet, keeping at least 50 metres away from them, and never coming between a seal and her pup. Dogs must also be kept on leads at all times and kept away from the breeding areas.

Continue Reading

News4 hours ago

Former Wales first minister Vaughan Gething will stand down at next election

FORMER First Minister Vaughan Gething has confirmed that he will step down at the next election and does not intend...

Community8 hours ago

Community rallies to support family of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle

THE local community has come together to raise thousands of pounds in memory of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle, a beloved taxi...

Community2 days ago

Council tax hike triggers surge in Pembrokeshire second homes for sale

The number of second homes for sale in Pembrokeshire has surged dramatically following a substantial council tax increase. New figures...

Crime4 days ago

Man who threatened to chop off teenage girl’s ears given community sentence

A COURT has heard how a 17-year-old girl was left fearing for her life after a man threatened to chop...

Crime5 days ago

Grievous bodily harm charges following hammer attack in Haverfordwest

TWO males have been arrested and charged by Haverfordwest police following an alleged hammer attack in the town in which...

Entertainment6 days ago

Government to review ‘dynamic pricing’ in wake of Oasis ticketing outrage

THE UK GOVERNMENT has announced a comprehensive review of the ticket sales market following widespread backlash over the inflated prices...

News1 week ago

Former Tasker Milward pupil Matt Bush claims Taekwondo Gold

AFTER a heartbreaking withdrawal from the Tokyo Paralympics due to injury, Matt Bush made a triumphant return to the Paralympian...

Entertainment1 week ago

Pembrokeshire fans scramble for Oasis tickets as limited seats remain

PEMBROKESHIRE music lovers are caught up in a frenzy this morning as tickets for the Oasis comeback tour went on...

News1 week ago

Pembrokeshire Paralympian Jodie jokes about her waters breaking ‘on podium’

Jodie Grinham, a Paralympic archer from Pembrokeshire, is preparing to compete for Team GB at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games,...

Crime2 weeks ago

Four arrested and charged in connection with Milford stabbing incident

FOUR young men from Milford Haven appeared at a special court in Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Aug 26) in...

Popular This Week