Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

Pure West Radio gears up for DAB launch

Published

on

PURE West Radio is poised to enter a new era in its six-year history as it counts down to the launch of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) later this autumn. The station is awaiting the activation of five transmitters, which will enable DAB to broadcast extensively across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. This move is set to significantly enhance Pure West Radio’s listener base and deliver an exceptional radio sound quality.

Toby Ellis, Pure West’s director, expressed his excitement about this milestone. “This is a very exciting time for Pure West Radio as it means we’re now going to be able to continue to expand in so many different directions,” he said. “Our biggest focus has always been the people who listen to us and who’ve grown with us since we first launched back in April 2018. The way in which we’re now moving forward is due to the hard work and commitment that this dedicated team has shown.”

PWR Director Toby Ellis (Image: Facebook)

The station, which has been a key part of the Pembrokeshire community since its inception, boasts a workforce of 13 people, including presenters, producers, journalists, and sales personnel. Additionally, it benefits from a strong voluntary sector comprising over 100 members, contributing to its hybrid working model. This approach allows the station to maintain a strong community commitment while ensuring commercial viability.

“Our move to DAB will enable more people to remain connected to our platform as we continue delivering interviews, local news, information, and of course, a whole load of quality music,” Ellis added. Pure West Radio has grown rapidly, reaching over 500,000 people across its platforms each month. During the COVID-19 crisis, it played a crucial role in providing up-to-date information in collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council.

On Air: PWR DJ, Tom Dyer

The station, which celebrated its third birthday recently, has seen two million listens since its start, with an average of 50,000 listens per week. This audience engagement is approaching nearly half of the population of Pembrokeshire. The upcoming DAB launch marks a significant development for the station, allowing it to reach a wider audience and continue its mission of delivering local news, community events, and music to its listeners.

Pure West Radio has close links to the Herald, with its Director, Toby Ellis, General Manager Mathew Rickard and its Head of News, Sarah Jane-Absalom all having previously worked at The Pembrokeshire Herald or Herald Radio.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair said: “Everyone at The Herald wishes Toby and the team the best of luck with this important milestone.

“Getting on the airwaves is what Pure West Radio needs to take it to the next level and we are very proud of what the PWR team have achieved over the last few years.”

Those interested in becoming part of the radio station can get more information by emailing [email protected].

The official DAB launch date will be announced in the near future, Pure West Radio said.

Community

Baby loss remembrance service at Withybush Hospital

Published

on

THE ANNUAL baby loss remembrance service will take place on Tuesday 1 October 2024 at St Luke’s Chapel in Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest at 7.00pm.

The ‘Forget Me Not’ service is part of the health board’s commitment to Baby Loss Awareness week (9-15 October) and is arranged by Midwifery and Bereavement teams and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy).

Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Experiencing the loss of a baby is an incredibly painful experience, and the service allows parents and their families to reflect and remember surrounded by support and love.

The service has long been a source of comfort for parents and families and will include prayers and readings, as well as poems and music to reflect.  The service offers the opportunity for people to come together and remember the lives of babies who are sadly no longer with us.

Euryl Howells continued: “The loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death is overwhelming and emotional.  We meet families during some of their darkest days and to meet them sometimes after months or years after their bereavement is a privilege and special to staff.”

Should you require further information please contact Euryl Howells by telephone or email 01267 227563 or [email protected]

If you are unable to attend the service and wish to commemorate your loved one, please send a message to [email protected] by 29 September 2024.

Continue Reading

Community

Celebrate autumn’s bounty at Carew Castle’s Apple Pressing Day

Published

on

CAREW CASTLE is inviting local communities to join in a day of apple pressing, offering a hands-on experience to transform their extra apples into fresh, delicious juice.

The event will be held at Carew Castle on Saturday 28 September, from 10am to 2pm, giving participants the chance to learn the art of apple pressing in the stunning surroundings of this historic site, managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Ranger Chris Taylor will be on hand throughout the day with the apple press, ready to help visitors turn their surplus apples into a refreshing homemade treat.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, said: “With autumn in full swing, it’s the perfect time to make the most of the apple harvest. This event is a fantastic opportunity for families and individuals to have fun while creating something delicious.

“While the Apple Day is free to attend, we highly recommend enhancing your experience with a ticket to explore the Castle and Tidal Mill – winner of Best Attraction in last year’s Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards and a finalist in three categories this year. We look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy a memorable day!”

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own apples and bottles to take home their freshly pressed juice.

Further information on this and other autumn events at Carew Castle can be found at https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/carew-castle/events-at-carew-castle/autumn-events/.

Continue Reading

Community

West Wales eco centre honoured with commemorative plaque

Published

on

A NEW commemorative plaque is set to be unveiled in Newport, Pembrokeshire, celebrating a landmark achievement in the UK’s journey towards sustainable energy. The plaque, located on The Old School building on Lower St Mary Street, marks the site of the first and smallest commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in the UK, which began feeding electricity into the national grid on 11th October 1996.

The unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday, 5th October 2024, at 2:30 pm, and aims to honour the contributions of the West Wales Eco Centre, a pioneering charity that was once housed in this building. Established in 1980, the Eco Centre played a crucial role in promoting innovative solutions to combat climate change long before they became mainstream.

In addition to installing the groundbreaking solar PV panels, the Centre was instrumental in launching several other forward-thinking initiatives. These included the UK’s first bulk purchase insulation scheme and the establishment of West Wales’ first bottle bank. The Centre was also a hub for environmental education and provided energy advice, helping to raise awareness of climate change challenges. It trained and employed local individuals, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental issues.

The people of Newport and the wider Pembrokeshire area take great pride in the legacy of the West Wales Eco Centre, which stood at the forefront of environmental activism and education. The plaque serves not just as a marker of past achievements, but as an enduring reminder of the community’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Following the unveiling, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and thank those who were involved in these pioneering efforts. Tea and cake will be provided at the Golden Lion, bringing the community together in celebration of this significant milestone in the history of sustainable energy in the UK.

Continue Reading

News11 hours ago

Welsh Labour Minister defends winter fuel payment cut

A WELSH Labour minister has defended the decision to cut winter fuel payments for most pensioners, sparking heated debate in...

News1 day ago

The future of St David’s surgery raised at the Senedd

SENEDD Member Paul Davies has raised the future of St David’s surgery in the Senedd Chamber and called on the...

Politics2 days ago

Wales’ First Minister sets out priorities for her government

WALES’ new First Minister Eluned Morgan vowed to focus on the issues that matter most to people as she outlined...

Crime2 days ago

Victim left unconscious after unprovoked attack in Haverfordwest

A MAN has been sentenced for carrying out an unprovoked attack that knocked another man unconscious outside Eddie’s nightclub in...

Health2 days ago

Paul Davies MS demands urgent action on ambulance services in Pembrokeshire

CONCERNS over ambulance services in Pembrokeshire have escalated, with local politician Paul Davies MS raising critical questions in the Senedd...

Crime2 days ago

Fugitive drug dealing matriarch finally behind bars after 16 months on run

A KEY figure in a major drug-dealing operation that stretched across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Swansea has been captured and is...

Community3 days ago

2000 affordable homes target in proposed council planning changes

A FORMAL consultation on changes to Pembrokeshire’s local development plan, with an ambition to create nearly 2,000 affordable homes, is...

News3 days ago

20mph limit in Wales – one year on, the debate intensifies

AS Wales marks the one-year anniversary of the introduction of the 20mph speed limit on residential roads, the policy continues...

Community4 days ago

Community concerns grow after MOD’s ‘shambolic’ radar consultations

PROTESTS erupted at the Ministry of Defence’s public engagement events in Solva and St Davids on September 13 and 14,...

Health4 days ago

Man dies following nine-hour wait for ambulance in Pembroke Dock

A PEMBROKESHIRE man tragically died after suffering a cardiac arrest during a gruelling nine-hour wait for an ambulance. David Bye,...

Popular This Week