Latest news with #Haverfordwest
Telegraph
14 hours ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Everything you need to know about paddle boarding in the UK
The health benefits of being near water, so-called 'blue spaces', are profound. From the noise, smell and even the light reflecting on the surface, water – whether fresh or sea – has been proven to help relax and revive us. In the past decade, the popularity of paddle boarding as a way to enjoy our coasts and inland waterways has risen exponentially. It is a gentle and accessible activity for all ages that requires minimal investment. As well as benefitting our mental state, paddle boarding is a brilliant physical workout improving balance and coordination, strengthening the core and building cardio endurance while being easy on the joints and pleasurable to boot. But being on the water is not without danger. In 2023, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) rescued 22 paddle boarders across the UK, up from three rescues in 2019. There have also been fatalities – most recently a tragic incident involving four people in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire in 2021. Since then, a national governing body has been formed – Paddle UK (formerly British Canoeing), which works with the RNLI and water authorities around the UK to increase awareness of stand-up paddle board (SUP) safety. Paddle UK is also working with training provider British Stand Up Paddle Association (BSUPA) to establish standards and consistency in SUP qualifications and safety across the country, expected to be published in August. 'Rivers, lakes and the sea can so quickly turn from appealing places of calm to a hostile environment,' says professional paddle boarder and former lifeguard Brendon Prince, who set up water safety charity Above Water in 2017. He works tirelessly to educate anyone planning to take to the water on the dangers – whether of rip currents, cold shock or fast-flowing water – and what simple steps can be taken to avoid an accident. This is how to stay safe on the water while paddle boarding. Paddleboarding safety tips Get a lesson from a qualified instructor After buying a board, consider spending an additional £50 to learn the fundamentals of balance, control, technique, self-rescue and safety planning. SUP instructor and BSUPA chairman Andrew Tee said: 'A little bit of tuition goes a long way. Think of paddle boarding like skiing: you wouldn't just take a cable car to the top of a mountain and give it a go.' Be sure to check that instructors or tour leaders are qualified to teach in the conditions you are planning to paddle – ask for their qualifications and cross-reference with Paddle UK or BSUPA.
Pembrokeshire Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Ammanford crowned Scarlets Cup champions after dominant final performance
U12s seal 22-0 win over Haverfordwest to complete double-winning season AMMANFORD RFC's under-12s were crowned Scarlets Cup champions on Sunday (May 18) after a commanding 22-0 win over Haverfordwest at Parc y Scarlets. The young Carmarthenshire side, who already held their county title, produced a clinical display in the final to secure a second major trophy and cap off an impressive season. Facing the Pembrokeshire/Ceredigion champions in front of a large crowd, Ammanford laid down an early marker with a resolute defensive effort. Strong tackles from Bryn Humphreys, Jayden Ratcliffe, Arjun Dale and Seb Armstrong kept Haverfordwest at bay, and their pressure soon earned a penalty. Tomi Maloney stepped up to slot it between the posts for the opening points. Ammanford extended their lead with a 75-metre break from Maloney following a turnover. From the resulting lineout, a well-rehearsed move saw Leo Danter cross the whitewash for the game's first try, set up by a pinpoint kick into the 22 from centre Finn Chapman-Knight. The first half ended 8-0 in Ammanford's favour. The second half saw no let-up in intensity. Ratcliffe, captain Joey Shreeve and Danter led a series of key turnovers, with Chapman-Knight continuing to apply pressure through tactical left-footed kicking. Ammanford's second try came from a scrum inside the Haverfordwest 22, with Danter picking up from the base to power over. Maloney added the extras to stretch the lead to 15-0. Cai Canton's powerful carrying forced another attacking scrum, and replacements Oscar Jones, Evan Lewis, Aaron Morgan and Scott Edwards made a big impact, winning a scrum against the head. Maloney spotted a gap, chipped over the defence, and collected to score a fine solo try. He converted his own effort to make it 22-0. Despite spirited efforts from Haverfordwest, the final whistle confirmed a deserved win for Ammanford, who lifted the Scarlets Cup to complete a memorable season. Head coach Rob Knight praised the commitment and performance of the squad, and extended thanks to the coaching team, parents, and supporters. He also thanked the wider rugby community for their messages of support ahead of the final. Pictured above: Winners: Ammanford RFC U12s celebrate their Scarlets Cup victory after a 22-0 win over Haverfordwest
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Ammanford under-12s named Scarlets Cup final winners
The team clinched a 22-0 victory for the Carmarthenshire Champions in the Scarlets Cup final at Parc y Scarlets, ending their season as double winners. The match saw the young squad face Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire/Ceredigion Cup winners, on Sunday, May 18. The game, marked by its intensity and physicality, saw Ammanford's defence shine, particularly in the first quarter, with strong tackles from Bryn Humphreys, Jayden Ratcliffe, Arjun Dale, and Seb Armstrong. This defensive pressure earned the team a penalty, converted by Tomi Maloney, putting the first points on the board. Ammanford's momentum built after a 75-meter break by Maloney following a turnover, and it was a well-executed training move off the lineout that led to their first try by Leo Danter. Centre Finn Chapman-Knight's strategic kick deep into Haverfordwest's 22 metres set up the move. The half ended with Ammanford leading 8-0. The second half saw Ammanford continue their strong form, with turnovers by Jayden Ratcliffe, captain Joey Shreeve, and Danter. Chapman-Knight maintained territorial pressure with his left-footed kicking. A scrum deep in the Haverfordwest 22 metres saw Danter pick up and score his second try of the match, with the extras added by Maloney to take the score to 15-0. Centre Cai Canton, demonstrating physical strength, forced another scrum deep into the Haverfordwest 22 metres. Impact players Oscar Jones, Evan Lewis, Aaron Morgan, and Scott Edwards forced a scrum against the head, with Maloney spotting a gap and chipping over the defence to score Ammanford's third try. With the extras added by Maloney, the score moved to 22-0. Despite Haverfordwest's continued efforts, the final whistle marked a victory for the Ammanford team, crowning them Scarlets Cup winners. A special note of thanks was given by head coach Rob Knight to the players, coaching team, and parents. He also extended his appreciation to the rugby community for their good luck messages, and to all the supporters who travelled to Parc y Scarlets to cheer the team on.
Pembrokeshire Herald
6 days ago
- Sport
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Parc y Scarlets to host Haverfordwest's European adventure
UEFA Conference League clash to take place in Llanelli stadium PARC Y SCARLETS will once again welcome European football this summer, as Haverfordwest County AFC prepare for their latest UEFA Conference League campaign. The Llanelli-based stadium has been confirmed as the home venue for the Bluebirds' first qualifying round fixtures in the European competition. It marks another major football event for the ground, which has previously hosted Wales men's and women's internationals, most recently in 2023 when Cymru's women faced Ukraine and Kosovo in UEFA Euro 2025 qualifiers. Parc y Scarlets, the home of the Scarlets rugby team, was also the base for Llanelli AFC's European matches in 2009 and has regularly hosted domestic finals and Swansea City reserve games. Haverfordwest County secured European football for the second time in three seasons after their 3-1 victory over Caernarfon Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow last week. They now enter the UEFA Conference League at the first qualifying round stage. The Bluebirds will find out their opponents when the draw is made at UEFA headquarters in Geneva on Tuesday, June 17. The two-legged tie is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 10, and Thursday, July 17. Scarlets Managing Director Jon Daniels said: 'We are immensely proud of the facilities we have here at Parc y Scarlets and are thrilled to be hosting Tony Pennock and his Haverfordwest team for such an important fixture. 'We have hosted high-profile international, European and domestic matches since the Parc was opened in 2008 and the team here are looking forward to being part of Haverfordwest's European adventure.' Ticketing details will be announced in due course.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Couple's annual walk to raise funds for Parkinson's research
A Pembrokeshire couple has raised more than £50,000 for Parkinson's research through annual charity walks. Bob Ratcliffe and his wife, Jane, have been organising a number of walks for Parkinson's since 2011, in memory of Mr Ratcliffe's father, who lived with the condition. The walks started after Mr Ratcliffe's father died in 2010, having donated his brain and spinal column for Parkinson's research. The couple is now urging walkers across Pembrokeshire to join the 2025 Haverfordwest Walk for Parkinson's event on Saturday, June 7, to raise more funds for Parkinson's UK. Registration for the 7.8km circular walk, which costs £15 to enter, will begin at 10am at Haverfordwest Cricket Club. The walk will have planned refreshment stops and welcomes participants at any pace, including those with dogs on leads. Mr Ratcliffe said: "This is the fourth year of the Haverfordwest Walk and we are looking forward to it being the biggest and best yet. "We hope to have a fabulous surprise for walkers and passers-by in Castle Square around noon. "Please come along and get involved in the walk, even if you can't manage the full route." The event has the support of Haverfordwest Rotary, and donations of raffle prizes are always appreciated. Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that worsens over time, affecting 153,000 people in the UK, including around 8,300 in Wales. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and currently, there is no cure. Keri McKie, Wales community fundraiser at Parkinson's UK Cymru, said: "We are so grateful to Bob for organising this event again this year. "Parkinson's is a complex condition, and it's different for everyone. "It's important we continue to take vital steps in helping to fund vital research and make a difference to the 8,300 people living with the condition in Wales. "We hope that Bob's tireless fundraising inspires more people to support Parkinson's UK. "Whether or not you're living with Parkinson's and whatever your age or fitness level, we're sure there'll be a warm welcome for you in Haverfordwest for the walk." To sign up for the walk, visit the Eventbrite page or register on the day. For further details, contact Bob on 07887 707496 or email bobratcliffe@
