Powys Estyn response will not be just a 'tick the box' exercise
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Press and Journal
17 hours ago
- Press and Journal
'Stand down': Tributes pour in for Skye and Lochaber mountain rescuer Bryan Powell
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to Bryan Powell, a deeply respected member of the mountain rescue community in Skye and Lochaber. Mr Powell's sudden loss has left a profound mark on those who worked with him – and on many who never met him but were touched by the selfless work he did for others. He died last month, at the age of 54, and a celebration on Skye is being planned in his honour. A dedicated volunteer with Skye Mountain Rescue Team (MRT), Mr Powell was also a former member of Lochaber MRT. He was also a committed dog handler with the Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA) Scotland. Over the years, he gave his time, his energy, and his quiet strength to search and rescue operations across the Highlands. He was described as 'diligent, modest, and utterly devoted,' in a moving Skye MRT tribute. The team add: 'Bryan brought his quiet expertise to countless search and rescue operations – from the large, complex incidents to the smaller, no-less-important ones. 'He was quiet, kind, self-effacing and thoughtful, never with a bad word for anyone.' Alongside his mountain rescue work, Mr Powell was known for his special bond with his dogs, Storm and Gwen. He handled them with deep affection and skill and was rightly proud of their many achievements. In his final callout, he helped locate and rescue a young Skye Trail walker who had fallen near Scorrybreac. 'None of us knew it would be the last time we'd see him,' the team said. The post poignantly added: 'Stand down, Dog Bryan, and rest in peace.' Throughout the challenges of the Covid pandemic, Mr Powell was a steady presence – guiding his teammates with a calm, measured voice and offering reassurance when it was needed most. His legacy, say those who knew him, is one of kindness, quiet courage and unwavering service. Others in the rescue community have also expressed their sorrow and admiration. 'An absolute gentleman and a pleasure to have worked alongside,' said Kintail Mountain Rescue. 'Such a good guy,' wrote fellow MRT volunteer Mark Chadwick online. 'He certainly made a very positive and supportive contribution to my – all too short – time knowing him.' 'A true gentleman for whom I had the utmost respect,' another friend shared. 'He is sorely missed.' A memorial service to celebrate Mr Powell's life will take place at the Sligachan Hotel on Saturday September 6, from 2-4pm. A funeral notice reads: 'Please come as you are, wearing whatever makes you feel most yourself. 'Bryan valued comfort and authenticity.' Mourners are encouraged to bring stories – of kindness, adventure, humour or humanity – and to share in the memory of a man who gave so much of himself in the service of others. Sign up for our weekly newsletter, curated by Oban-based reporter Louise Glen, for top local stories and community highlights. 👉 Subscribe here Join the chat on Facebook: West Coast Chat
The Guardian
3 days ago
- The Guardian
How doomsday prepping went mainstream
Read more: 'Do I need to purchase camels?' Australian preppers have found their voice since Covid, but tough questions remain
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- South Wales Guardian
Pope celebrates Mass for local homeless people and invites them to lunch
Leo celebrated Mass in the St Mary sanctuary of Albano, near the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo where he is on holiday. The Mass was attended by around 110 people cared for by the local Caritas church charity, and the volunteers who run the diocese's shelters, clinics and social service offices. In his homily, Leo celebrated the 'fire of charity' that had brought them together. 'And I encourage you not to distinguish between those who assist and those who are assisted, between those who seem to give and those who seem to receive, between those who appear poor and those who feel they have something to offer in terms of time, skills, and help,' he said. In the church, he said, everyone is poor and precious, and all share the same dignity. Leo, the former Robert Prevost, spent most of his adult life working with the poor people of Peru, first as an Augustinian missionary and then as bishop. Former parishioners and church workers say he greatly reinforced the work of the local Caritas charity, opening soup kitchens and shelters for migrants and rallying funds to build oxygen plants during the Covid-19 pandemic. Later on Sunday, Leo was to preside over a luncheon with the guests at the Borgo Laudato Si', the Vatican's environmental educational centre in the gardens of the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo. The centre is named for Pope Francis' 2015 landmark environmental encyclical, Laudato Si (Praised Be). According to the Albano diocese, local caterers were providing a menu of lasagne, eggplant parmesan and roast veal. For dessert, the menu called for fruit salad and sweets named for the pope, 'Dolce Leone'.
