Community
New partnership enables inclusive access to the Milford Haven Waterway
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THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN and Blue Horizons Surf School are proud to announce a new partnership that enables more inclusive access to the Milford Haven Waterway. The monthly boat trips onboard a vessel that can facilitate safe embarkation for wheelchair users are enabling more people to safely enjoy the waterway and the associated wellbeing benefits that brings.
As custodians of the Milford Haven Waterway, the Port of Milford Haven actively promotes, encourages and enables sustainable recreational use of the Haven. There is increasing recognition of the importance of spending time in and around the water and nature, also known as ‘blue spaces’, and studies have proven it to have a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing.
Blue Horizons Surf School is a Community Interest Company offering surf lessons, beach days and coastal exploration for children and adults in Pembrokeshire. This collaboration merges the dedication Blue Horizon has to inclusivity and the Port’s commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable waterway, as well as equality and diversity.
The Port of Milford Haven’s community outreach programme focuses on providing opportunities for young people, enjoyment of the waterway and promoting skills and jobs. The boat trips, which are on board a vessel provided by Dale Sailing in Neyland, will take small groups to explore the different areas of the Milford Haven Waterway. Each trip is adapted to the needs of those attending to ensure it’s a safe space to socialise and explore.
Oliver Bird from Blue Horizons Surf School, said “The inspiration for these boat trips in Pembrokeshire was born from listening to individuals and families with shared experiences in order to understand what was needed to make a boat trip truly accessible. The trips give everyone the opportunity to safely and comfortably experience the open seas, seeing a different aspect of our beautiful coastline and learning about our fascinating waterway. The feedback has shown it has positively impacted so many in varied ways; the calming effects of watching the water swirl by, the salt air helping bring a better night’s sleep, the support of a team onboard and the company of like-minded people allowing them the chance to relax and enjoy an adventurous activity together. Every trip has a unique story to tell and we feel very privileged to be a part of it.”
Supporting the trips, Coxswain at the Port of Milford Haven, Graham Howells added: “After a conversation with a friend whose son has cerebral palsy and autism, it became apparent that accessible adventure activities in Pembrokeshire were severely limited. Blue Horizons had been running accessible surfing sessions last summer, but their season had to come to a halt as the water temperature dropped in the autumn. The idea that we might be able to get people and their carers out on a warm dry boat was met with great enthusiasm by all partners concerned. It is my great pleasure to be involved on behalf of the Port of Milford Haven. We are extremely grateful for the Port’s financial support and to Dale Sailing for the use of an accessible boat. I hope this is just the beginning of an exciting opportunity to provide accessible activities and respite for service users, their families and carers.”
Communications and Marketing Director at the Port, Anna Malloy, commented “We’re really excited to be partnering with Blue Horizons. At the Port we’re committed to ensuring safe enjoyment of the Milford Haven Waterway for all, and who knows, maybe the experience of being out on the waters will inspire some of the passengers to consider a career in maritime. What a fantastic outcome that would be!”
For more information about the boat trips, contact Blue Horizons CIC Surf Club on Facebook.
Community
Discovery of ‘human-looking hand’ stops play at Tenby Golf Course
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ON FRIDAY (Jul 5), an ordinary round of golf took a startling turn when a club member discovered what appeared to be a skeletal human hand near the 9th hole on Tenby Golf Course.
The shocking find, nestled in a rabbit hole, prompted immediate action and concern among the staff.
The member, shaken by the discovery, promptly alerted club management. The police were swiftly called to the scene, and the area around the 9th hole was cordoned off to ensure safety and preserve any potential evidence. Photographs of the skeletal remains were taken and sent to police headquarters for analysis to determine whether the hand was human.
Initial scans at headquarters were inconclusive, leaving room for speculation and anxiety among the members and staff. In response, the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) was brought in to conduct a thorough examination.
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After several tense hours of meticulous investigation, the CSI team confirmed that the skeletal hand did not belong to a human. Instead, it was determined to be from an animal of an unknown species. This revelation brought a wave of relief to the golf club, as the discovery of human remains could have necessitated extensive and disruptive excavation of the fairway.
Club members and staff expressed their relief and curiosity over the unusual find, which has become the talk of the club. “It’s not every day you come across something like this on a golf course,” commented Golf Manager David Hancock “It certainly added a bit of excitement and mystery to our usual routine.”
While the incident was resolved without any sinister implications, it served as a reminder of the unexpected surprises that can lie beneath even the most familiar grounds.
Club members and visitors are now back to their regular games, albeit with a story that will be recounted for years to come.
The police have been contacted for a comment.
Community
Milford Haven Carnival 2024: Round Table praised for ‘best parade in years’
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MILFORD HAVEN was a hub of excitement and celebration on Saturday, July 6, as the annual carnival returned to the delight of locals and visitors alike. Organised by the Milford Haven Round Table, this year’s event was a spectacular display of community spirit, creativity, and entertainment.
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The festivities kicked off at Waterloo Square, where the parade set off, winding its way over Hakin Bridge, through Hamilton Terrace, and down Charles Street before culminating at Milford Waterfront. Leading the procession was the Milford Haven Town Band, whose lively tunes set the perfect tone for the day. The streets were lined with spectators, all eager to catch a glimpse of the colourful floats and performers.
Among the many highlights of the parade was a touching moment when firefighters from Milford Haven Fire Station posed for a photo with a bride and groom who were getting married at the Imperial Hall. This unexpected yet joyous encounter added an extra layer of magic to an already vibrant day.
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The carnival continued to impress with an array of live performances and activities. Pure West Radio hosted a stage for live music, featuring the energetic Jukebox Tonic Band and the talented Steve Bartram. The Defying Gravity stunt show captivated audiences with its daring feats, while the Mad Science Show intrigued both young and old with its educational and entertaining displays.
In addition to the performances, attendees enjoyed a fun fair, street food vendors, craft stalls, and charity stands. The community’s effort and enthusiasm were evident in the variety and quality of the attractions, making for a well-rounded and enjoyable day.
Facebook comments poured in during the Herald’s live stream of the carnival, showcasing the widespread appreciation for the event. Nigel Phillips expressed his gratitude for the live stream, as he couldn’t attend in person, while Jennifer Smedley and Sarah May Cadwell thanked the organisers for sharing the event online. Jane Gregory noted how packed the carnival was, praising the Round Table for a great day. Many others, including Tracy Hobbs Stinton, Margaret Jones, and Diana Taylor, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the event’s success and the community’s involvement.
Tina Matthews commended the colourful floats and the effort put in by all participants, while Huw Griffiths shared that his mother, Primrose Griffiths, watched from Withybush Hospital, appreciating the connection to the community even from afar. Linda Louise Baldry and Jeanette Spiers celebrated the sense of community and the effort everyone made to support the parade.
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A Milford Haven Round Table spokesperson shared a heartfelt message of thanks to all involved, stating, “Thank you to everyone who entered the carnival and to every one of you who lined the streets! You are all amazing and make Milford what it is – a great and special place. What a day we had… Same time, same place next year? Thank you to South Hook LNG, Milford Waterfront, Ascona Group, Milford Haven Town Council, and all other sponsors for helping to make it happen!”
The 2024 Milford Haven Carnival was not just an event but a testament to the town’s enduring community spirit and dedication to creating memorable experiences for all. As the day concluded with smiles and laughter, there was a collective anticipation for next year’s celebration, promising even more joy and togetherness.
Photos: Carol Best
Community
Thousands enjoy great Wales Airshow weekend
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SWANSEA’S Wales Airshow had a fantastic weekend (note: July 6-7) with hundreds of thousands of people enjoying the country’s biggest free outdoor event.
Two days of flying featuring The Red Arrows, the RAF Typhoon and many other displays delighted visitors from across the UK.
The Swansea Council-organised event saw huge crowds enjoy a wide range of interactive displays, activities and live entertainment on the ground as well as seeing the action in the air.
New features included a Veterans’ Village to honour all ex-Service people. Visitors celebrated the significant contributions made to the UK by those who serve and have served in the forces.
There was a signing ceremony for the Armed Forced Covenant, renewing the council’s commitment to the armed forces family.
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The show marked Wales Armed Forces Day, with Saturday activity including a stage ceremony and entertainment. An original song, written by a group of veterans, was performed publicly for the first time at the event.
Cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “Swansea does more than ever to salute those who serve in the forces; our airshow activity helped visitors acknowledge the contribution of our veterans, reservists, cadet forces and volunteers.
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“As one of the highlights of the annual Swansea events calendar, the airshow was a huge success, continuing to support the city’s reputation as a top-class venue for major events.
“The stars of the free-entry show included the hundreds of thousands who enjoyed a day out or a weekend in Swansea. The family atmosphere resulted in a great weekend.
“The airshow contributes millions of pounds to the local economy and we thank local businesses and residents for their patience with the road closures, and to all traders for their contribution to the latest show’s success.
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“We also appreciate the understanding of those whose daily routines were affected by the road changes implemented for everyone’s safety.”
He paid tribute to the effort put in by council staff, emergency services, show sponsors and other council partners who helped make the event a top-quality showcase for the city.
This year’s sponsors included Aerodyne, Day’s Rental, First Cymru, FRF DS Swansea, FRF Toyota, Great Western Railway, Greatest Hits Radio, Lidl, Radnor Hills, Royal British Legion, Transport for Wales and Travel House.
Next year’s Wales Airshow is due to take place on July 5 and 6.
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