Mrs. Jean Hains (left), of the Oiled Bird Rescue Centre at West Williamston, is pictured receiving a cheque for £300 from Barbara Walden (right), secretary of the sponsorship and donations committee at the Total, Milford Haven Refinery. The Oiled Bird Rescue Centre at West Williamston was officially opened in 1980 and was given a Prince of Wales Award in that year, following the 1978 oil disaster involving the Greek tanker 'Christos Bitas'. Since this time, the centre has never closed it doors to any birds needing help, cleaning, nursing or attention - often for long and extended periods of time. During the 'Sea Empress' incident, the centre was stretched to its limits treating oiled birds, often giving round-the-clock treatment and care. The centre houses a large number of care sections. These include two intensive care sections which are complete with infra-red lamps, a small indoor pond area for recuperation, as well as sinks for cleaning the birds and resting cages. Every year, Jean and her team of dedicated helpers treat a variety of different birds, including, in 2004, over 360 young Manx Sheerwaters which needed varying levels of help and treatment before being released back into the wild to start their autumn migration.
