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Powys County Times
28-06-2025
- Powys County Times
Amazing dolphin sighting for sailors returning from Anglesey
A BOAT certainly lived up to its name when members of a sailing club had a magical encounter with a pod of around 15 dolphins that played in the waves and rode alongside them for nearly 30 minutes. Sailors from Dee Sailing Club were on their way back from their annual Solstice Cruise to Anglesey aboard Wild Magic when they were treated to the special moment in waters near Penrhyn Bay and off Llandudno. Footage of the encounter was captured aboard Wild Magic and shared with our titles by Dan Knight from Dee Sailing Club. Mr Knight said: "Before reaching Llandudno, aboard Wild Magic, we had spotted a single dolphin in the distance - a lovely sight, though not unusual in these waters. "Later, at around 4pm, about two miles off Penrhyn Bay, a much larger pod of around 15 dolphins appeared and began swimming and playing alongside the boats. He said dolphin sightings aren't uncommon on the North Wales coast, but the scale and duration of this encounter made it something truly memorable. "Usually, you might get a few joining for a few minutes, especially once the engine is off and you're under sail," he said. "This time it was a large pod – around 15 dolphins. They were leaping and playing in every direction you looked. They stayed with us for about 30 minutes. "There's something really special about moving along under wind power alone and when wildlife like this appears, it takes the experience to a whole new level. "As we slowed to take it all in, a few of the other boats gathered nearby and you could see everyone completely focused on the dolphins, just watching in awe. "It was one of those rare shared moments where time stands still and the magic of being on the water really hits home. "I don't think it matters whether it's your first time or your hundredth seeing dolphins in UK waters, it's one of those moments you just have to stop and take in the beauty of nature." Mr Knight has been part of the club for about a year. Talking about the highlight annual trip, he said: "The Solstice Cruise is all about bringing as many of our fleet together as possible for a week of sailing, beautiful scenery, and shared adventure between experienced sailors and those heading out on their first long-distance trip. Anglesey tends to be our favourite Solstice cruise as it is open to a range of abilities." The group set sail on Friday, June 20, returning on Wednesday, June 25 - a slightly shortened journey due to approaching poor weather. Despite high winds limiting their sailing time, the group made the most of their time ashore. He said: "We anchored in Red Wharf Bay and spent our time exploring Anglesey on foot and by bus, enjoying meals together, walking into local towns, beach BBQs and simply enjoying each other's company. It was a great chance to slow down, share stories, and build friendships even if the sails had to stay stowed. We were warmly welcomed by Traeth Coch Sailing Club, which was a lovely chance for two sailing communities to connect and share their passion." In total, 12 boats joined the cruise, with a mix of experienced and newer sailors. Many crews rotated throughout the week, and while some had to return early, the camaraderie remained strong. "It was a strong turnout and a great atmosphere throughout," Mr Knight said. "On the return trip, we anchored off Llandudno to stretch our legs and grab some food while we waited for the tide to turn, allowing us to cross the sandbanks in the Dee Estuary later that evening." Mr Knight bought his own boat last year and spent the winter renovating her, while also crewing on other members' boats. He sailed this trip with Cruiser Fleet Captain, Andy Rainford.
Rhyl Journal
27-06-2025
- Rhyl Journal
Amazing dolphin sighting for sailors returning from Anglesey
Sailors from Dee Sailing Club were on their way back from their annual Solstice Cruise to Anglesey aboard Wild Magic when they were treated to the special moment in waters near Penrhyn Bay and off Llandudno. Footage of the encounter was captured aboard Wild Magic and shared with our titles by Dan Knight from Dee Sailing Club. Mr Knight said: "Before reaching Llandudno, aboard Wild Magic, we had spotted a single dolphin in the distance - a lovely sight, though not unusual in these waters. "Later, at around 4pm, about two miles off Penrhyn Bay, a much larger pod of around 15 dolphins appeared and began swimming and playing alongside the boats. The trip was part of the club's annual Solstice Cruise and took in waters off Llandudno (Image: Dan Knight / Dee Sailing Club) He said dolphin sightings aren't uncommon on the North Wales coast, but the scale and duration of this encounter made it something truly memorable. "Usually, you might get a few joining for a few minutes, especially once the engine is off and you're under sail," he said. "This time it was a large pod – around 15 dolphins. They were leaping and playing in every direction you looked. They stayed with us for about 30 minutes. "There's something really special about moving along under wind power alone and when wildlife like this appears, it takes the experience to a whole new level. "As we slowed to take it all in, a few of the other boats gathered nearby and you could see everyone completely focused on the dolphins, just watching in awe. "It was one of those rare shared moments where time stands still and the magic of being on the water really hits home. "I don't think it matters whether it's your first time or your hundredth seeing dolphins in UK waters, it's one of those moments you just have to stop and take in the beauty of nature." The pod of dolphins were playing alongside the boat (Image screengrab - Dee Sailing Club). Mr Knight has been part of the club for about a year. Talking about the highlight annual trip, he said: "The Solstice Cruise is all about bringing as many of our fleet together as possible for a week of sailing, beautiful scenery, and shared adventure between experienced sailors and those heading out on their first long-distance trip. Anglesey tends to be our favourite Solstice cruise as it is open to a range of abilities." The group set sail on Friday, June 20, returning on Wednesday, June 25 - a slightly shortened journey due to approaching poor weather. Despite high winds limiting their sailing time, the group made the most of their time ashore. He said: "We anchored in Red Wharf Bay and spent our time exploring Anglesey on foot and by bus, enjoying meals together, walking into local towns, beach BBQs and simply enjoying each other's company. It was a great chance to slow down, share stories, and build friendships even if the sails had to stay stowed. We were warmly welcomed by Traeth Coch Sailing Club, which was a lovely chance for two sailing communities to connect and share their passion." In total, 12 boats joined the cruise, with a mix of experienced and newer sailors. Many crews rotated throughout the week, and while some had to return early, the camaraderie remained strong. "It was a strong turnout and a great atmosphere throughout," Mr Knight said. "On the return trip, we anchored off Llandudno to stretch our legs and grab some food while we waited for the tide to turn, allowing us to cross the sandbanks in the Dee Estuary later that evening." Mr Knight sailed aboard his own boat, which he purchased last year and spent the winter renovating. He was joined on this trip by Cruiser Fleet Captain, Andy Rainford. He said: "He's seen dolphins before, but said that both the size of the pod and how long they stayed with us was something new even in his five years of sailing."
North Wales Chronicle
27-06-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
Amazing dolphin sighting for sailors returning from Anglesey
Sailors from Dee Sailing Club were on their way back from their annual Solstice Cruise to Anglesey aboard Wild Magic when they were treated to the special moment in waters near Penrhyn Bay and off Llandudno. Footage of the encounter was captured aboard Wild Magic and shared with our titles by Dan Knight from Dee Sailing Club. Mr Knight said: "Before reaching Llandudno, aboard Wild Magic, we had spotted a single dolphin in the distance - a lovely sight, though not unusual in these waters. "Later, at around 4pm, about two miles off Penrhyn Bay, a much larger pod of around 15 dolphins appeared and began swimming and playing alongside the boats. The trip was part of the club's annual Solstice Cruise and took in waters off Llandudno (Image: Dan Knight / Dee Sailing Club) He said dolphin sightings aren't uncommon on the North Wales coast, but the scale and duration of this encounter made it something truly memorable. "Usually, you might get a few joining for a few minutes, especially once the engine is off and you're under sail," he said. "This time it was a large pod – around 15 dolphins. They were leaping and playing in every direction you looked. They stayed with us for about 30 minutes. "There's something really special about moving along under wind power alone and when wildlife like this appears, it takes the experience to a whole new level. "As we slowed to take it all in, a few of the other boats gathered nearby and you could see everyone completely focused on the dolphins, just watching in awe. "It was one of those rare shared moments where time stands still and the magic of being on the water really hits home. "I don't think it matters whether it's your first time or your hundredth seeing dolphins in UK waters, it's one of those moments you just have to stop and take in the beauty of nature." The pod of dolphins were playing alongside the boat (Image screengrab - Dee Sailing Club). Mr Knight has been part of the club for about a year. Talking about the highlight annual trip, he said: "The Solstice Cruise is all about bringing as many of our fleet together as possible for a week of sailing, beautiful scenery, and shared adventure between experienced sailors and those heading out on their first long-distance trip. Anglesey tends to be our favourite Solstice cruise as it is open to a range of abilities." The group set sail on Friday, June 20, returning on Wednesday, June 25 - a slightly shortened journey due to approaching poor weather. Despite high winds limiting their sailing time, the group made the most of their time ashore. He said: "We anchored in Red Wharf Bay and spent our time exploring Anglesey on foot and by bus, enjoying meals together, walking into local towns, beach BBQs and simply enjoying each other's company. It was a great chance to slow down, share stories, and build friendships even if the sails had to stay stowed. We were warmly welcomed by Traeth Coch Sailing Club, which was a lovely chance for two sailing communities to connect and share their passion." In total, 12 boats joined the cruise, with a mix of experienced and newer sailors. Many crews rotated throughout the week, and while some had to return early, the camaraderie remained strong. "It was a strong turnout and a great atmosphere throughout," Mr Knight said. "On the return trip, we anchored off Llandudno to stretch our legs and grab some food while we waited for the tide to turn, allowing us to cross the sandbanks in the Dee Estuary later that evening." Mr Knight sailed aboard his own boat, which he purchased last year and spent the winter renovating. He was joined on this trip by Cruiser Fleet Captain, Andy Rainford. He said: "He's seen dolphins before, but said that both the size of the pod and how long they stayed with us was something new even in his five years of sailing."
BBC News
21-05-2025
- BBC News
Attacked West Midlands ambulance paramedics hope for swifter court justice
Last summer, as people watched England in the Euro 2024 final, paramedic Jacob Hoy was on a night shift. He was called to a football fan in Birmingham, reportedly in cardiac arrest - but the patient was drunk and Mr Hoy said he was attacked. "He grabbed hold of my wrist, twisted it and it caused a sprain to my wrist," he said. Mr Hoy is among West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) workers who have welcomed new Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance aimed at bringing swifter sentences for people who attack them. Mr Hoy said the assault meant he could could not do his job for eight weeks. "I had to wait for time to heal because I wouldn't have been able to lift or carry. I wouldn't be able to do CPR for any patients," he said. But Mr Hoy said it was not an isolated incident as he had been attacked a number of times before. "If you speak to any of my colleagues that have been on the ambulance service for a year or more, they will have at least one case where they have been assaulted by a patient - either verbally, physically, sexually or racially," he man who attacked him was cautioned under a scheme targeting alcohol-related violence. WMAS has 30 cases involving 37 front-line workers either waiting for a court date or with such a date not set until August 2026. Dan Knight, WMAS' head of security and safety, said: "We're seeing more cases going through the legal system, which is a positive for us."But unfortunately, because of that, we are now seeing a delay in the number of cases seen in court and getting an outcome on those cases - which is having an impact on staff morale." Steve Raven, who was assaulted while on duty as a paramedic in Leominster, Herefordshire in 2022, told an anti-violence campaign by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives it had a huge impact on him. "I thought I was going to die," he said, adding the attack "broke my jaw, caused facial nerve damage and affected me mentally as well".The man who punched him was jailed for two years in February 2024, after admitting grievous bodily harm and criminal damage. Earlier this month, the CPS issued new guidance with the hope of getting faster justice for emergency workers assaulted while on duty. The move means prosecutors will now be able to pick a charge which best fits the seriousness of the case, including those that can be dealt with more quickly in magistrates' courts. A spokesperson said they hoped it would help reduce backlogs in the court news has given some workers who have been attacked, including Mr Hoy, more optimism. "A lot of the time me and my colleagues don't generally report [assaults] because we don't have faith that the prosecution will happen," said Mr Hoy."But after hearing the new CPS guidance, that they're pushing to get more people through magistrates' court rather than having to wait for crown court, it makes me more hopeful." Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice announced an independent review to address court backlogs.'It is clear there are many cases taking far too long to be heard," a spokesperson said. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
24-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
'Shocking' rise in abuse of West Midlands Ambulance staff
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) says nine incidents of physical or verbal abuse are carried out against staff every day, prompting it to launch a new safety project - How We Treat Each Other Matters - aims to generate respect for workers and underline that aggression towards them will not be number of violent incidents against UK ambulance staff reached an all-time high in the last 12 months, with 22,536 cases recorded across the 14 services - a rise of 15% on the previous year, with 3,370 incidents in the West Midlands, WMAS said."Appropriate actions will be taken when these incidents occur," WMAS head of security and safety Dan Knight said. Staff from the frontline, control rooms and patient transport services have come together to encourage respect and safety for the WMAS workforce as part of the campaign."Everyone deserves to come to work without fear of abuse, aggression or violence from the public," Mr Knight said."Whether that be our staff on the frontline, patient transport services staff or those who work in our control rooms.... 3,370 incidents of abuse and violence is 3,370 too many." Breakdown of incidents by county:Hereford and Worcestershire – 341Coventry and Warwickshire – 318Staffordshire – 462Birmingham and the Black Country – 2,051Shropshire – 168Cheshire patient transport services – 30 The latest figures have prompted Jason Killens, chair of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), to write to ministers responsible for ambulance services to explore what further national policy interventions can be developed to stem the rise in abusive incidents."These figures are truly shocking and reflect a pattern of increased violence, aggression and abuse directed at hard-working ambulance people who are there to help people in their times of greatest need," he said."Frontline staff as well as call handlers are affected by this horrendous abuse and this unacceptable behaviour has a major long-term impact on the health and wellbeing of ambulance people who are simply trying to do their jobs and help save lives."He said it was "vital" all available legislation was used to ensure appropriate sentences were handed out consistently to those guilty of "these horrific crimes".Endorsing the campaign, WMAS chief executive officer, Anthony Marsh, said: "For many staff, this sort of abuse can have a profound impact on their lives with some staff never recovering and actually leaving the service altogether. "While it is a minority of people who commit these offences, we need the public to support us to make such abuse something that is unacceptable." Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
