Latest news with #Mumbles
Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Deserted' UK beach boasts 3-miles of golden sand but getting there isn't easy
Protected by a lush nature reserve and firmly out of the tourist spotlight, this beautiful three-mile beach needs to be on your bucket list - if you can actually get there Sugar-like sand, clear waters, and not a soul in sight - it's hard to believe this secluded beach is in the UK. Tucked away in the west of Porthcawl, Wales, and sheltered by the Kenfig National Nature Reserve lies the golden bay of Sker Beach. Boasting three miles of soft golden sand, this rural slice of coast has somehow managed to escape the tourist limelight - despite being a stone's throw from the insufferably crowded Morfa Beach. It's an idyllic spot, one that will make you feel like you've discovered your own tropical island and is great for those wanting to spend the day soaking up the sun or braving the cool, cobalt waters. But, with no direct car park, getting to Sker Beach is no easy feat. In fact, you can only access the shore on foot, by walking from Rest Bay or the Kenfig National Nature Reserve. It's a 20-minute walk from Rest Bay and a 40-minute walk to the nearest toilet - so make sure you come prepared. Due to its rural location, there are no amenities on Sker Beach, so it's essential you bring food, drink, and sun cream with you. Volunteer lifeguards patrol at certain times, but if there's no flag, there's no patrol. "At low tide, a plaque in memory of all the lives lost on the S.S. Santampa and the Mumbles lifeboat is visible," explained Bridgend County Borough Council. "At very low tides, wreckage can still be found." On TripAdvisor, the beach has received stellar reviews from travellers - who dubbed the coastal gem a 'wild and wonderful place'. "It's so lovely, [it's] like being on the edge of the world," one person hailed. "Definitely worth the walk." Another agreed, commenting: "[There's] so much beach it feels deserted. Plenty of shelter in the dune areas, or on top of the pebble areas for reflection, reading a book or soaking up the sun!" while a third added: "This beach is one of the most unappreciated beaches in Wales. It has no tourists, no pretend surfers and no overcrowding." Located some 173 miles from London, driving to Sker Beach will take around three hours and 22 minutes - followed by the 20-minute coastal walk. You can get indirect trains from the Big Smoke over to Pyle - which takes two hours and 37 minutes - for as little as £64.40. You'll then have to drive, or take a taxi, for six minutes to reach Kenfig National Nature Reserve and then walk to the beach. However, many travellers have slammed the car park here for issuing out hefty fines - so make sure you pay and don't go over the time limit. *Prices based on adult single fares on Trainline at the time of writing. Tickets may be cheaper if you have a Railcard.
Pembrokeshire Herald
11-05-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Charity celebrates contribution of nurses in communities across Wales
Welsh RNLI crews braved mines, storms and enemy fire to save lives at sea AS the country marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is paying tribute to the bravery of its volunteer crews in Wales who served during the Second World War. From the storm-lashed coasts of Anglesey to the exposed lifeboat stations of Pembrokeshire and Gower, Welsh RNLI crews launched into perilous seas to save lives, often under enemy threat. Between 1939 and 1945, lifeboats from stations across Wales were launched repeatedly to respond to wartime emergencies. Despite limited resources, ageing equipment and extreme danger, the RNLI never stopped saving lives. During the two World Wars combined, lifeboats around the UK and Ireland launched 5,478 times and rescued nearly 11,700 people. A significant number of those launches came from Welsh waters. Crew at St Davids, seen walking up from the lifeboat station during WWII (Image: RNLI) One of the most remarkable Welsh rescues of the Second World War came in January 1940, when Moelfre Lifeboat Station, on the east coast of Anglesey, responded to a mayday from the SS Gleneden of Glasgow. The vessel was in trouble during a fierce northeasterly gale and very rough seas. The volunteer lifeboat crew, battling bitter cold and towering waves, managed to save all 60 crew members aboard the stricken ship. For their actions, Coxswain John Matthews was awarded the Silver Medal for gallantry, and Motor Mechanic Robert Williams received the Bronze Medal. In December 1944, as the war was drawing to a close, another Welsh lifeboat launched into danger. The Mumbles lifeboat, Edward, Prince of Wales, responded to distress signals from the Canadian cargo vessel Chebogue, which had broken her back in hurricane-force winds off the South Wales coast. In a night-time rescue carried out under extraordinary conditions, the Mumbles crew saved 42 lives. These heroic missions were carried out not by trained naval personnel, but by local men—fishermen, harbour workers, and retirees—who volunteered their time and risked their lives. With many young men serving on the front lines, lifeboat crews in Wales were often made up of older volunteers, with some in their fifties, sixties and even seventies stepping up to fill the gaps. Wartime conditions made the work of the RNLI even more dangerous. Lifeboat stations were occasionally damaged or destroyed in air raids. In all, 40 RNLI crew members across the UK and Ireland died during the war, including those who were machine-gunned by enemy aircraft, blown up by floating mines, or lost during stormy rescues. Seven lifeboats were lost in action. Although most of the RNLI's wartime launches were in response to vessels in distress, the crews often found themselves navigating minefields, dodging enemy fire, and recovering the dead as well as the living. One Welsh example came from Courtmacsherry, across the water from Pembrokeshire, where 14 volunteers rowed 12 miles through calm seas without wind, only to find they were too late. Undeterred, they recovered the bodies and brought them home so that loved ones could bury them with dignity. Wales also played its part in one of the most famous operations of the war—Dunkirk. In May 1940, 19 RNLI lifeboats were part of the fleet of civilian vessels known as the Little Ships that crossed the English Channel to rescue British troops stranded on the beaches of northern France. Lifeboats from Ramsgate and Margate were operated by RNLI crews who brought with them unfamiliar equipment such as steel helmets, gas masks, and extra supplies. They worked for over 30 hours amid wreckage, gunfire and strong currents. Although not from Wales, the spirit of this operation mirrored the courage shown by lifeboatmen in Welsh waters throughout the war. To mark this VE Day anniversary, the RNLI is calling on the public to help uncover more stories connected to lifeboat stations in Wales during the war. A grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has made it possible for the charity to launch a new project: RNLI 1939–45: Stories of Courage. The project aims to record and preserve these memories before they are lost to time. Hayley Whiting, RNLI Heritage Archive and Research Manager, said: 'Our Welsh lifeboat crews experienced some of the most difficult years in the charity's history. Lifeboats were damaged, lifeboat stations were hit, and lives were lost. But their determination never wavered. As we reflect on VE Day, we remember not just those who served on the front lines, but those who braved the storms at home to bring others back to safety.'
North Wales Chronicle
08-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
How RNLI lifeboat crews helped during the Second World War
The RNLI played a vital role in the war effort, with lifeboats launching 3,760 times, coming to the aid of those in need from ships and aeroplanes, saving a total of 6,376 lives. RNLI lifeboat crews not only went to the aid of ships that had been wrecked, but also to towed vessels loaded with explosives and top secret information. They navigated minefields, rescued downed aircrew, ferried food to remote villages, brought doctors to the injured and took priests to the dying. During the war years (1939–1945), RNLI lifeboat stations across Wales were actively involved in numerous rescue operations, often under perilous conditions. Significant rescue efforts in Wales involved Moelfre Lifeboat Station in 1940 and 1943. On the 28/29 January 1940, volunteer lifeboat crew rescued a crew of 60 from the SS Gleneden of Glasgow during a north easterly gale and very rough sea. The crew showed great skill and endurance and a Silver Medal was awarded to Coxswain John Matthews and a Bronze Medal to Motor Mechanic Robert Williams. In 1944 The Mumbles lifeboat, Edward, Prince of Wales, rescued 42 crew members from the Chebogue during hurricane conditions, highlighting the relentless efforts of the Welsh volunteer lifeboat crews in saving lives amidst wartime perils. The last lifeboat launch of the war happened one minute before the Second World War ended, with Salcombe lifeboat launching to a Norwegian minesweeper which had encountered an explosion off the coast of Devon. Torbay and Salcombe lifeboats conducted a search of the area but, sadly, only two cushions were found. Tragically, during the war, many lifeboat crew lost their lives during rescue efforts. In all, 12 lifeboat crew lost their lives trying to save others and a total of seven lifeboats were lost in various ways – from air-raids on lifeboat stations, to being captured. Many crew were recognised for their bravery and a total of 204 RNLI gallantry medals were awarded to lifeboat crew for their wartime efforts. The RNLI was recently awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories of courage from the Second World War. The project, called RNLI 1939-45: Stories of Courage explores and commemorates the charity's Second World War story. Hayley Whiting, RNLI Heritage Archive and Research Manager, said: "As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it's an important time to reflect on the valiant work of our volunteer crews during the Second World War and the courage and determination they used to save lives at sea. "The RNLI has a rich history and has been saving lives at sea for over 200 years, it played a vital role in the Second World War and saved a total of 6,376 lives. We know there are more stories from the Second World War connected to the RNLI that are yet to be discovered, we want to find them now before it's too late." Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: 'We're proud to be supporting this important RNLI project to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, thanks to National Lottery players. Collecting these stories of courage and heroism will not only mean that they are safeguarded for the future but that they can be heard for generations to come.' The RNLI was awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories of courage from the Second World War. The project, called RNLI 1939-45: Stories of Courage explores, commemorates the charity's Second World War story. Please email heritage@ if you have a story you would like to share.
Rhyl Journal
08-05-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
How RNLI lifeboat crews helped during the Second World War
The RNLI played a vital role in the war effort, with lifeboats launching 3,760 times, coming to the aid of those in need from ships and aeroplanes, saving a total of 6,376 lives. RNLI lifeboat crews not only went to the aid of ships that had been wrecked, but also to towed vessels loaded with explosives and top secret information. They navigated minefields, rescued downed aircrew, ferried food to remote villages, brought doctors to the injured and took priests to the dying. During the war years (1939–1945), RNLI lifeboat stations across Wales were actively involved in numerous rescue operations, often under perilous conditions. Significant rescue efforts in Wales involved Moelfre Lifeboat Station in 1940 and 1943. On the 28/29 January 1940, volunteer lifeboat crew rescued a crew of 60 from the SS Gleneden of Glasgow during a north easterly gale and very rough sea. The crew showed great skill and endurance and a Silver Medal was awarded to Coxswain John Matthews and a Bronze Medal to Motor Mechanic Robert Williams. In 1944 The Mumbles lifeboat, Edward, Prince of Wales, rescued 42 crew members from the Chebogue during hurricane conditions, highlighting the relentless efforts of the Welsh volunteer lifeboat crews in saving lives amidst wartime perils. The last lifeboat launch of the war happened one minute before the Second World War ended, with Salcombe lifeboat launching to a Norwegian minesweeper which had encountered an explosion off the coast of Devon. Torbay and Salcombe lifeboats conducted a search of the area but, sadly, only two cushions were found. Tragically, during the war, many lifeboat crew lost their lives during rescue efforts. In all, 12 lifeboat crew lost their lives trying to save others and a total of seven lifeboats were lost in various ways – from air-raids on lifeboat stations, to being captured. Many crew were recognised for their bravery and a total of 204 RNLI gallantry medals were awarded to lifeboat crew for their wartime efforts. The RNLI was recently awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories of courage from the Second World War. The project, called RNLI 1939-45: Stories of Courage explores and commemorates the charity's Second World War story. Hayley Whiting, RNLI Heritage Archive and Research Manager, said: "As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it's an important time to reflect on the valiant work of our volunteer crews during the Second World War and the courage and determination they used to save lives at sea. "The RNLI has a rich history and has been saving lives at sea for over 200 years, it played a vital role in the Second World War and saved a total of 6,376 lives. We know there are more stories from the Second World War connected to the RNLI that are yet to be discovered, we want to find them now before it's too late." Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: 'We're proud to be supporting this important RNLI project to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, thanks to National Lottery players. Collecting these stories of courage and heroism will not only mean that they are safeguarded for the future but that they can be heard for generations to come.' The RNLI was awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories of courage from the Second World War. The project, called RNLI 1939-45: Stories of Courage explores, commemorates the charity's Second World War story. Please email heritage@ if you have a story you would like to share.
Pembrokeshire Herald
08-05-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Wartime lifeboat heroes of Wales remembered on VE Day anniversary
Welsh RNLI crews braved mines, storms and enemy fire to save lives at sea AS the country marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is paying tribute to the bravery of its volunteer crews in Wales who served during the Second World War. From the storm-lashed coasts of Anglesey to the exposed lifeboat stations of Pembrokeshire and Gower, Welsh RNLI crews launched into perilous seas to save lives, often under enemy threat. Between 1939 and 1945, lifeboats from stations across Wales were launched repeatedly to respond to wartime emergencies. Despite limited resources, ageing equipment and extreme danger, the RNLI never stopped saving lives. During the two World Wars combined, lifeboats around the UK and Ireland launched 5,478 times and rescued nearly 11,700 people. A significant number of those launches came from Welsh waters. One of the most remarkable Welsh rescues of the Second World War came in January 1940, when Moelfre Lifeboat Station, on the east coast of Anglesey, responded to a mayday from the SS Gleneden of Glasgow. The vessel was in trouble during a fierce northeasterly gale and very rough seas. The volunteer lifeboat crew, battling bitter cold and towering waves, managed to save all 60 crew members aboard the stricken ship. For their actions, Coxswain John Matthews was awarded the Silver Medal for gallantry, and Motor Mechanic Robert Williams received the Bronze Medal. Crew at St Davids, seen walking up from the lifeboat station during WWII (Image: RNLI) In December 1944, as the war was drawing to a close, another Welsh lifeboat launched into danger. The Mumbles lifeboat, Edward, Prince of Wales, responded to distress signals from the Canadian cargo vessel Chebogue, which had broken her back in hurricane-force winds off the South Wales coast. In a night-time rescue carried out under extraordinary conditions, the Mumbles crew saved 42 lives. These heroic missions were carried out not by trained naval personnel, but by local men—fishermen, harbour workers, and retirees—who volunteered their time and risked their lives. With many young men serving on the front lines, lifeboat crews in Wales were often made up of older volunteers, with some in their fifties, sixties and even seventies stepping up to fill the gaps. Wartime conditions made the work of the RNLI even more dangerous. Lifeboat stations were occasionally damaged or destroyed in air raids. In all, 40 RNLI crew members across the UK and Ireland died during the war, including those who were machine-gunned by enemy aircraft, blown up by floating mines, or lost during stormy rescues. Seven lifeboats were lost in action. Although most of the RNLI's wartime launches were in response to vessels in distress, the crews often found themselves navigating minefields, dodging enemy fire, and recovering the dead as well as the living. One Welsh example came from Courtmacsherry, across the water from Pembrokeshire, where 14 volunteers rowed 12 miles through calm seas without wind, only to find they were too late. Undeterred, they recovered the bodies and brought them home so that loved ones could bury them with dignity. Wales also played its part in one of the most famous operations of the war—Dunkirk. In May 1940, 19 RNLI lifeboats were part of the fleet of civilian vessels known as the Little Ships that crossed the English Channel to rescue British troops stranded on the beaches of northern France. Lifeboats from Ramsgate and Margate were operated by RNLI crews who brought with them unfamiliar equipment such as steel helmets, gas masks, and extra supplies. They worked for over 30 hours amid wreckage, gunfire and strong currents. Although not from Wales, the spirit of this operation mirrored the courage shown by lifeboatmen in Welsh waters throughout the war. To mark this VE Day anniversary, the RNLI is calling on the public to help uncover more stories connected to lifeboat stations in Wales during the war. A grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has made it possible for the charity to launch a new project: RNLI 1939–45: Stories of Courage. The project aims to record and preserve these memories before they are lost to time. Hayley Whiting, RNLI Heritage Archive and Research Manager, said: 'Our Welsh lifeboat crews experienced some of the most difficult years in the charity's history. Lifeboats were damaged, lifeboat stations were hit, and lives were lost. But their determination never wavered. As we reflect on VE Day, we remember not just those who served on the front lines, but those who braved the storms at home to bring others back to safety.'
