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Milford Haven commemorates 80th anniversary of D-Day

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TODAY, Milford Haven marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a series of commemorative events organised by the Royal British Legion. The community comes together to honour the sacrifices and bravery of those who participated in the pivotal World War II operation.

At 11am, the first service of the day took place on The Rath, organised by the Royal British Legion. Milford Haven Secretary, Jennifer Raymond, highlighted the significance of this event. She announced that there was a water-cannon salute from the Svitzer tugs in the Haven, accompanied by the sounding of their fog horns. This spectacular display marked eight decades since the historic landing in Dunkirk.

In addition to the water-cannon salute, the commemoration featured the original WWII Air Sea Rescue launch 441. This vessel, which played a crucial role in rescuing pilots from downed planes in the English Channel back in 1944, was in the water as a poignant reminder of the bravery and dedication of those involved in the rescue operations during the war.

Tugs in Milford Haven gave a water cannon salute during the service

D-Day, which occurred on 6th June 1944, was a turning point in World War II. The Allied forces’ massive invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France, known as Operation Overlord, involved thousands of troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations. This operation was instrumental in liberating Western Europe from Nazi occupation.

The 80th anniversary of D-Day holds profound significance for many, especially those who lived through the war and the families of those who served. It is a time to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by soldiers, sailors, and airmen who participated in the operation. It is also an opportunity to honour the bravery and determination of the veterans who survived and to remember those who did not return.

As the years pass, the number of surviving veterans dwindles, making commemorations like these even more poignant. The 80th anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom and the importance of remembering their contributions to history.

Later today, at 8.45pm, there will be a second service on The Rath, providing another opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance. The lighting of the beacon will symbolise the light of hope and the enduring spirit of those who fought for a better future. The council encourages all residents to attend this evening service and pay their respects to the heroes of D-Day.

Did You Know?

During the lead-up to D-Day, part of Milford Haven was taken over by the US Navy as a base for docking and repairing landing craft. The crews were stationed nearby, and a hospital in Hakin was set up with a hut encampment. The nearby Pier at Newton Noyes was also regularly used by the US Navy.

Landing Ship, Tanks (LST) were often put into dry docks for repairs and preparation for the D-Day landings. This base was the largest Advanced Amphibious Base built by American engineers, with around 1,000 servicemen and women stationed there during 1943 and 1944.

The 80th anniversary events in Milford Haven not only honour the historical significance of D-Day but also celebrate the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom. As the community gathers to remember, the spirit of unity and gratitude shines brightly, reflecting the courage and sacrifice of the D-Day heroes.

(Images by Jason Davies)

Community

Tenby pollution warning removed after repair work to broken rising main

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A POLLUTION warning at four designated bathing waters in Tenby has been removed.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has been informed by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water that the burst rising main near Tenby, which resulted in sewage entering the River Ritec on 1 July, has been repaired.

Results from water samples taken on 3 July indicate that there is now only a slight impact downstream.

NRW are now lifting the Abnormal Situation, which was declared in line with the Bathing Water Regulations.

The investigation began on 1 July, when Dŵr Cymru informed NRW of a burst rising main near Tenby, which resulted in sewage entering the River Ritec.

NRW had concerns around the impact on water quality at designated bathing waters in the area. Pembrokeshire County council installed signage to alert members of the public of the possible pollution impact at Tenby South Beach, Castle Beach, Tenby North Beach and Penally Beach.

Pembrokeshire County Council will remove signage they’d installed warning the public of the pollution risk.

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Community

International audience for Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir

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VISITORS from Canada and Australia were among the large audience when Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir staged at St John’s Church, Tenby, on Tuesday June 25.

They were invited to add their voices to mark the 95th birthday of the choir’s senior member, second tenor Frank Harries, who has been a chorister for 67 years.

Frank and colleagues were in excellent form, the varied and thoughtful programme chosen by Musical Director Juliet Rossiter being warmly applauded.

Soloists were singer/songwriter and first tenor Peter Halifax, on guitar, and flautist Alyson Griffiths, and Alyson joined MC Matthew John in a duet of well remembered wartime songs.

Matthew, renowned for his jokes, chose one about Scottish football, luckily without any of the audience confessing to be from ‘north of the border’!

Following the retirement of their accompanist the choir has been fortunate to call on the support of Peter Griffiths, already accompanist to a number of county musical groups, to stand in for this and further concerts. He was warmly thanked by choristers and audience.

The choir is keen to hear from pianists who would like to be a key part of this well regarded and successful music team. Further information available from the choir secretary on 07572 080401.

Choristers were especially pleased to welcome Caroline, wife of their first tenor colleague, the late David Asparassa.

Thanks from the church were extended by Liz Storey and church ladies later provided fine refreshments in the schoolroom. They were thanked by Choir Chairman Huw Morgan.

Next concert is on Sunday July 21 at Angle Church.

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Charity

Paul Sartori receives donation to continue support to Dementia patients

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PAUL SARTORI Hospice at Home, a local charity, supporting end of life and palliative patients, their families and carers have recently been awarded a grant from Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust. The grant of £10,000 has been given to extend its previous support given to patients living at home with dementia in Pembrokeshire.

“This funding has come at a crucial time for us. We had funding for a few trails where we recognised a need for support. We know the difference this care makes to local families supporting a relative with dementia at home. It can be exhausting. Quite often they cannot leave their loved one unattended and they get very little time to themselves, which can have a great impact on the family carer. This project will increase the resilience of the family carer and support the patient in a familiar environment where they feel comfortable and secure,” said Laura Hugman, Clinical Team Manager at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The award will fund up to 232 hours of hands-on home nursing care, allowing day and night-time respite for those families who are struggling. Families can access support during the day – so they can address their own care needs, attend appointments, catch up with friends, enjoy their hobbies or just rest. Families who need respite can also access support during the night. They will have peace of mind knowing that their loved one is looked after by Paul Sartori staff who are experienced and trained in many complex medical conditions.

“We were delighted to hear that the Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust have agreed to support this much-needed provision in Pembrokeshire,” said Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

“The Elise Pilkington Trust were delighted to be able to support this important work at Paul Sartori in supporting end of life patients with advanced dementia. This fits very well with our aims of supporting projects dedicated to addressing the needs of older people with advanced dementia (and their carers) in domestic, community and formal care settings,” said Ruth Tarry, Chairman from the Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust.

This follows on from support provided by NFU Mutual’s Agency Giving Fund and the Hywel Dda University Health Board, where both trials proved invaluable for local families. Although Dementia was not recognised until recently as something you can die of. According to the Office for National Statistics, Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease was recorded as one of the leading causes of death in Wales in April 2023. The Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Clinical Staff Team are aware of the difference supporting those living with Dementia and the impact on families and will work with the Admiral and Marie Curie Dementia Nurses to enhance the support locally.

The Paul Sartori Team play an important part in supporting end of life patients and their families, which also enhances the provision of other local services. With the team’s flexible and rapid approach, they support the patient’s wish to be cared for in their own home. They offer a patient-centred approach to care – assessing patients, referring to other internal services, work closely with other healthcare providers and are available as advisors. They provide a wide range of other services, including home nursing care, 24-hour support, standby service, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, future care planning and training. These services enable people in the later stages of any life limiting illness to be cared for and to die at home with dignity, independence, pain free and surrounded by those they hold most dear if that is their wish. Further information on the charity and its services can be obtained by visiting their website www.paulsartori.org, or by phoning 01437 763223.

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