PEMBROKE Regatta at South Quay/Castle Pond proved to be very successful event, messing about on the water with Paddle West and raising funds for children’s water safety charity Forever 11.

The local charity was created after the tragic loss of Zac Thompson, at just 11 years old. Its mission is to ensure no other family has to experience such heartbreak - by educating children and young people about water safety, promoting lifesaving skills, and improving access to vital rescue equipment within our communities. Through education, awareness and prevention, Forever 11 is helping to save lives and create a lasting legacy in Zac’s memory.

The day was a huge success with members of Pembroke Town Council putting their best paddles forward to compete for the grand trophies up for grabs.

Cllr Lee Herring, Town Councillor for Pembroke St Mary South and part of the six-person Pembroke Town Council team, paid tribute to Forever 11’s vital work providing sea safety skills, confidence-building sessions and practical water safety training for young people across Pembrokeshire. He said:

“It was a wonderful community event that was fun, joyous, family friendly and full of good spirit. My thanks to everyone who took part, supported the event, and helped make it such a success.”

Michelle Wiggins from Pembroke Dock Town Council manned the Forever 11 stall making sure everyone got their raffle tickets while Pembroke’s Ann Mortenson was rustling up bacon rolls with Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Lions. DJ Lionel Nutting dropped some cool summer tunes and the Royal George was open to quench people’s thirst.

Pembroke Town Team issued a “huge thank you to everyone who organised, volunteered, took part, donated or simply came along to support such an important cause,” adding: “Days like today remind us what an incredible community we have. Pembroke really was the loveliest place to be today.”

The fun continued the following day at Pembroke Dock Harlequins RFC for the Forever 11 Family Fun Day.

£600 was raised for Forever 11 by the Regatta; the winners being LTC Cleaning Team, followed by two Pembroke Town Council teams with a very close 2nd and 3rd place.

Forever 11’s share from the fun day, organised by Layla Brace, was £781.86. Over the two days, the charity’s merch and sweet stall raised an incredible £500.

“We are beyond grateful for everyone turning up,” said Lucy Garrett.

“We can't wait to make this bigger next year.

“Forever 11 have funded 2,000 local school children this year with vital water safety skills, we hope to continue pushing to reach more children over the years to come.”

With well over 100 racers, Paddle West was very pleased with their first annual Pembroke Regatta. It was the first of three weekends of activity on Castle Pond, with the Welsh Open Polo Championships on August 1 and 2, and the upcoming River Rally on Saturday, August 8.