#mumbles — Public Fediverse posts

Mediterranean restaurant La Parrilla closes its two Swansea branches

The company said that the decision has been “extremely difficult” Christie Bannon Senior multimedia journalist 16:11, 15 Jan 2020Updated 16:13, 15 Jan 2020 La Parrilla in SA1 has been welcoming di…
#dining #cooking #diet #food #MediterraneanIngredient #Mediterranean #Mumbles #Restaurants #SA1 #South-WestWales #Swansea
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2633754/mediterranean-restaurant-la-parrilla-closes-its-two-swansea-branches/

Mediterranean restaurant La Parrilla closes its two Swansea branches https://www.diningandcooking.com/2633754/mediterranean-restaurant-la-parrilla-closes-its-two-swansea-branches/ #Mediterranean #MediterraneanIngredient #Mumbles #Restaurants #SA1 #SouthWestWales #Swansea

MUMBLES: Raft race returns for 40th anniversary as event prepares to showcase revamped seafront

The race takes place on Saturday 19 July, starting and finishing at Knab Rock at noon. Teams compete on homemade rafts — often elaborately costumed — paddling a course off the Mumbles seafront while spectators line the promenade.

The event was first held in the 1980s and has run most years since, becoming one of the most recognisable fixtures on the Mumbles summer calendar. Last year’s race was cancelled due to bad weather, making the 40th anniversary edition all the more anticipated among organisers and regulars alike.

At the most recent event to go ahead, teams collectively raised more than £10,000 for the RNLI. Organisers are aiming to surpass that figure this year, with the milestone anniversary expected to draw larger crowds and more entries from across South Wales.

Tony Bowen, a Mumbles RNLI crew member and one of the race organisers, said the event had become a cornerstone of the local community.

“The raft race is a big part of Mumbles,” he said. “It’s a great day where people get together, laugh and support the RNLI. Reaching 40 years is a real milestone, and every pound raised helps us carry on saving lives at sea.”

This year’s event will take place against the backdrop of Mumbles’ transformed seafront. Swansea Council’s coastal flood defence scheme, which has reshaped the promenade over several years of construction, gives spectators clear sightlines along the bay — making it one of the most watchable settings the race has had in its four-decade history.

Alongside the racing, the day will include a lifeboat demonstration giving the public the chance to see the station’s vessels in action close up, water safety advice, choral entertainment, and further shoreside activities suitable for families.

The RNLI’s Mumbles station has one of the longest histories of any lifeboat station in Wales. A lifeboat was first placed at Mumbles in 1835, provided by the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, with management later taken over by the RNLI in 1863. The station now operates from Mumbles Pier and covers the waters of Swansea Bay and the Gower Peninsula year-round.

The charity relies entirely on donations. Every pound raised through events like the raft race goes directly towards funding crew training, equipment, and callout costs at stations across the UK and Ireland.

The race is organised by the Mumbles Lifeboat Crew Association (MLCA), a volunteer-led fundraising body that supports the station, with backing from Mumbles Community Council and local volunteers.

Teams and individuals wanting to enter can email [email protected] or call 01792 361268. No specialist experience is required — previous entries have ranged from corporate teams to community groups, all building their own rafts before race day.

The event is free to watch and open to all. Organisers say the revamped promenade makes this year’s race particularly accessible for families, those with pushchairs, and spectators with mobility needs.

Entries are open now. More information is available at [email protected] or by calling 01792 361268.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Mumbles lifeboat named busiest in Wales as RNLI issue funding Mayday call
The Mumbles station was identified as the busiest lifeboat station in Wales, as the RNLI launched an urgent appeal for funding.

Broken-down yacht marks 1,000th launch for Mumbles RNLI deputy coxswain
A Mumbles crew member reached a remarkable personal milestone after a routine callout to a stricken yacht in Swansea Bay.

Mumbles coastal flood defence scheme officially opens
Swansea Council’s multi-year sea defence project along the Mumbles seafront was officially declared complete and open to the public.

New Mumbles seafront play area opens as part of coastal revamp
A new play area opened along the redesigned Mumbles promenade as part of the wider coastal regeneration works.

Banking hub recommended for Mumbles as high street services continue to disappear

Mumbles has become the latest community in Swansea to be recommended a banking hub, after LINK — the UK’s cash access network — said the village qualifies for a dedicated shared branch. It follows an application from local councillor Will Thomas, who warned that years of bank closures have left residents struggling to access basic services.

If delivered, the hub would be the third in Swansea, joining Morriston’s already‑open site and Gorseinon’s hub, which is due to open later this year.

What the hub will offer

Banking hubs operate like a traditional branch but are shared by all major banks. Customers can withdraw and deposit cash, pay bills and speak to staff from their own bank on rotating days.

The project will now be taken forward by Cash Access UK, which will begin speaking to local businesses and searching for a suitable site in the coming weeks. There are currently 214 hubs open across the UK, including 12 in Wales.

Dr Chris Ashton, Chief Commercial Officer at LINK, said the decision followed evidence of strong local need.

“We’re delighted to recommend a new banking hub in Mumbles. Special thanks go to Councillor Thomas for helping to ensure we had a full picture of the town’s cash access needs.”

“Part of the fabric of a thriving high street”

Cllr Will Thomas, said the hub would restore a vital service that many residents still rely on.

“I’m absolutely delighted my application was successful, so Mumbles will once again have a dedicated community banking facility. Many residents still rely on face‑to‑face services, whether that’s for depositing cash, managing accounts, or simply having the reassurance of speaking to someone in person.”

He said the loss of high street banks had hit the village hard.

“Banking isn’t just about transactions. It’s part of the fabric of a thriving high street. When people come into the village to use banking services, they visit our cafés, shops and local businesses. It supports footfall, strengthens our local economy, and helps keep Mumbles vibrant.”

“A real difference for residents and small businesses”

Tonia Antoniazzi, MP for Gower, also welcomed the recommendation.

“This will make a real difference for residents — particularly those who need extra support when banking — as well as the many small businesses central to the area that rely on cash for their day‑to‑day operations. It’s an important step in keeping our community connected and thriving.”

LINK says anyone can check their nearest free cash access point using its online Cash Locator tool.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

New banking hub confirmed for Gorseinon after branch closure announcements
Gorseinon becomes the next Swansea community to secure a shared banking hub.

Plaid MS challenges LINK over Pontardawe banking hub snub
Concerns raised after Pontardawe was overlooked despite losing high street banks.

Morriston banking hub location confirmed
Morriston’s hub becomes one of the first in Wales to open its doors.

Porthcawl banking hub location confirmed
Another coastal town secures a shared branch as bank closures continue.

Pastel colours at Black Pill with crocuses in the early morning frost looking towards Mumbles near Swansea https://www.dansantillo.com/gallery/gower/?photo=DS_62943 #photography #mumbles #swansea #wales #cymru #naturalbeauty #crocuses #flowers #sunrise #sea #coast #pastel #blackpill