News
Kayaking drill sparks emergency response in Fishguard
AN EMERGENCY response was sparked yesterday afternoon when a kayaking group practicing a capsize drill was mistaken for a kayaker in distress.
Fishguard RNLI and the town’s coast guard team were paged at approximately 1.53 pm on 12 September after reports of a kayaker struggling in the water near Fishguard Fort.
A concerned member of the public alerted Fishguard lifeboat station, reporting four kayakers in the vicinity, one of whom appeared to be in difficulty while attempting to recover back into their kayak.
In response, Fishguard’s volunteer crew promptly launched the charity’s D class inshore lifeboat, Edward Arthur Richardson. Simultaneously, HM Coastguard was updated and requested HM Coastguard Fishguard to attend the scene.
The lifeboat made best speed to the area and quickly made contact with the kayakers. After a brief conversation, it was determined that they were an organised group conducting capsize and self-recovery drills. The group confirmed they did not require any assistance from the lifeboat crew.
Once this information was relayed to HM Coastguard, the lifeboat returned to station, where it was refuelled and prepared for future service.
Cedwyn Rogers, the volunteer lifeboat press officer for Fishguard RNLI, commented on the incident, saying: “From the initial report received, and particularly given the weather and sea conditions at the time, it appeared that someone could have been in genuine danger in the water.
“Thankfully, on this occasion, they were simply practising for a situation they could find themselves in whilst at sea.
“If conducting activities which could be construed as a genuine emergency, we advise this information and contact details be logged with HM Coastguard, who can attempt to contact the group if they receive a report of someone in distress.
“We would also like to remind anyone who sees someone they believe to be in difficulty around the coast to please call 999 or 112 and ask for Coastguard.”
News
Harvest Moon shines bright over Tenby
GARETH DAVIES, the well known Pembrokeshire news photographer, has captured a stunning image of the Harvest Moon illuminating the skies over Tenby, showcasing the natural beauty of our coastal town.
The Harvest Moon, traditionally the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, is renowned for its warm, golden hue and early rising. This celestial event historically signalled farmers to gather their crops, hence its name. As the sun sets, the moon rises in the eastern sky, appearing larger and brighter than usual.
Gareth’s photograph beautifully encapsulates this magical moment, with the moon casting a silvery glow over Tenby’s picturesque landscape. The blend of the moonlight with the town’s historic buildings and the tranquil sea creates a breathtaking scene that captures the essence of autumn in Wales.
As the nights grow longer, the Harvest Moon serves as a reminder of nature’s cycles and the changing seasons.
Charity
Welsh RNLI Lifeboat stations gear up for RNLI 200th anniversary scroll relay
THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is set to mark its 200th anniversary in 2024 with a unique relay-style event involving its stations and shops across Wales. Throughout September and October, RNLI locations in Wales will participate in the ‘Connecting our Communities’ event, a key part of the bicentenary celebrations.
This commemorative relay features a scroll bearing the RNLI pledge, which is being passed through RNLI communities—including lifeboat stations, shops, lifeguard units, and fundraising branches—across the UK and Ireland. At each stop along its journey, representatives from the RNLI will sign the scroll, reinforcing the charity’s commitment to saving lives at sea.
The scroll’s journey through Wales includes visits to numerous RNLI stations and shops, with the schedule as follows:
- Penarth Lifeboat Station: 20 September
- Barry Island Visitor Centre and Shop: 21 September
- Port Talbot Lifeboat Station: 21 September 2024
- Burry Port Lifeboat Station: 22 September
- Saundersfoot Shop: 23 September
- Tenby Lifeboat Station: 23 September
- Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station: 25 September
- St Davids Lifeboat Station: 25 September
- Fishguard Lifeboat Station: 26 September
- Cardigan Lifeboat Station: 26 September
- Aberaeron Fundraising Branch: 27 September
- Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station: 27 September
- Aberdyfi Lifeboat Station: 28 September
- Barmouth Lifeboat Station: 28 September
- Abersoch Lifeboat Station: 29 September
- Pwllheli Lifeboat Station: 29 September
- Moelfre Seawatch Centre: 2 October
- Beaumaris Lifeboat Station: 2 October
- Conwy Lifeboat Station: 11 October
- Llandudno Lifeboat Station: 12 October
- Rhyl Lifeboat Station: 12 October
This event offers an opportunity for the RNLI community to come together in celebration of the charity’s two centuries of service. Established in 1824, the RNLI has saved countless lives through its search and rescue operations along the coastlines of the UK and Ireland. The scroll relay serves not only as a commemoration of the RNLI’s rich history but also as a reaffirmation of its ongoing mission to save lives at sea.
The RNLI continues to rely on the generosity of the public and the dedication of its volunteers to maintain its vital life-saving operations. As the organisation approaches this milestone anniversary, it is inviting communities across Wales and beyond to participate in the celebrations and support its ongoing work.
News
Clarbeston Road stuns Monkton Swifts in nine-goal thriller
ANOTHER thrilling weekend of football in Pembrokeshire’s First Division unfolded with late drama aplenty. The standout fixture took place at Clarbeston Road, where they narrowly won a nine-goal thriller, while Goodwick United faced a stiff test against Tenby. The Vikings continued their impressive start to the season, as the newly promoted teams struggled to find their footing once more.
Clarbeston Road 5-4 Monkton Swifts
The match of the weekend was at Clarbeston Road, where a remarkable comeback saw the hosts overturn a 4-1 deficit with just 15 minutes left on the clock to beat Monkton Swifts. Jack Clarke’s brace and a goal from Ben Steele had the Swifts cruising at half-time. Despite an early second-half goal from Jake Wesley for Clarbeston, Liam Butland’s strike restored Monkton’s three-goal cushion. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Laurie Haworth scored twice, Ben John added another, and Travis Jones netted a stoppage-time winner, completing a comeback that will be remembered for years.
Carew 2-3 Merlins Bridge
Merlins Bridge avenged last week’s defeat with a 3-2 win over Carew. Captain Jordan Thomas put the Wizards ahead before Marcus Griffiths equalised for the hosts. Late goals from Liam Manwaring and Tom Jago gave Merlins Bridge a 3-1 lead, rendering Leon Davies’ last-minute goal a mere consolation for Carew.
Herbrandston 1-5 Milford United
Scott Reid shone against his former club, scoring four goals as Milford United thrashed Herbrandston 5-1. Reid’s goals came on either side of an equaliser from Adam Whatling. Rhys Brawn added a fourth for Milford before Reid sealed the rout with a fourth, assisted by Morgan Picton. Herbrandston are struggling to adapt to First Division life, languishing at the bottom of the table without a point, while Milford United sit comfortably in third place.
Kilgetty 1-3 Hakin United
Hakin United, the Vikings, maintained their top-of-the-table status with a solid 3-1 win over Kilgetty. The hosts took an early lead through Lloyd Hughes, but Hakin responded with a goal from Justin Harding. A long-range strike from Alfie Stotter and late goals from Leo Power and Shane Walsh ensured victory for the visitors.
Pennar Robins 2-1 St Ishmaels
Pennar Robins edged past St Ishmaels 2-1, thanks to two first-half goals from Cameron Brunton and Nick Willis, both set up by Dan James. Joel Mills pulled one back for the visitors, but Pennar held firm to secure their second win of the season. St Ishmaels remain without a point, sitting second from bottom.
Tenby 1-2 Goodwick United
Defending champions Goodwick United completed a late comeback to beat Tenby 2-1, courtesy of two goals from Will Haworth. Richard Perry had given Tenby the lead, set up by Ned Davies. Haworth equalised in the 84th minute and then clinched the winner deep into stoppage time. The victory was tainted for Tenby, who saw both Joe Leahy and Charlie Gregory sent off after the final whistle. This match shows that while Goodwick are still strong, they appear more vulnerable than last season.
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