Community

Ironman Wales sells out in record time

Published

12 years ago

December 19, 2013

IRONMAN Wales (Tenby, September 14, 2014), has reached its sell out capacity of 2,000 entries in a record 10 weeks, seven months faster than last year.

The trend for racing Ironman, comprising a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run has seen a sharp rise in participation of the sport both in the UK and abroad.

Ironman Wales, whilst reputedly one of the toughest on the European circuit, is also a key attraction for international athletes with over 44 countries represented. The reason being that Pembrokeshire not only provides a spectacular setting for this ultimate challenge, but also its phenomenal atmosphere that rivals any other Ironman world wide. Whilst the course may push the boundaries for the athletes, the support of the crowds and electric atmosphere is what the event has become renowned for.

2013 Champion Lucy Gossage on crossing the line said “That was hands down the best race experience ever. The bike, it was amazing. Going up the (heartbreak) hill I was crying, the support was fantastic.”

Ironman Wales is proving that it’s not only popular with international athletes, but also with local residents; Entries from Pembrokeshire are continually breaking the record books with 175 entered from the county compared with 92 last year.

Local involvement in the event isn’t limited to taking part either, with 600 local volunteers helping athletes achieve their goal marshalling the course and cheering them on.

Minister for the Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart, said: “I’m delighted to hear that Ironman is proving to be such a success that the places for 2014 have already sold out and that there’s such a high entry level from within Pembrokeshire which shows that the event has inspired so many to take part next year. This is further evidence that Wales is making a name for itself as a host of major sporting and cultural events.

The event also helps raise over £400,000 for Official Charities Scope and Macmillan Cancer Support. Athletes may still be able to secure a place on their Ironman Wales teams, whilst also raising money for a great cause. For further information please contact them via [email protected] or [email protected]

For further information on Ironman and all events please visit www.ironman.com.

Community

£600 reward offered for safe return of missing cat Simba

Published

9 minutes ago

February 10, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Appeal for help to find much-loved pet missing from Pembroke area

A FAMILY is appealing for help to trace their missing cat after he disappeared from the The Green area of Llanelli.

Simba has not been seen since Tuesday, January 20, and was last known to be in the Woodbine Terrace and Rocky Park area. His family say his disappearance is out of character, as he is usually food-motivated and regularly returns home.

In a bid to encourage information from the public, the family have increased the reward for Simba’s safe return from £300 to £600.

Simba is microchipped and neutered. His owners are urging anyone who may have seen him, or who has information about his whereabouts, to get in touch as soon as possible.

The family say they would be extremely grateful for any local support in sharing Simba’s details to help bring him home safely.

Anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Charity

Celebrating the impact of the Bluestone Foundation

Published

16 minutes ago

February 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CHARITIES, volunteers and community groups from across Pembrokeshire gathered at Bluestone National Park Resort on Friday (Feb 6) to celebrate the growing impact of the Bluestone Foundation, which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for local causes.

Around eighty guests attended the event, held inside the resort’s Serendome, marking two years of focused community support through the foundation.

Supporters, staff and representatives from partner organisations came together to share success stories and highlight how funding has helped projects tackling environmental issues, wellbeing and social inclusion across the county.

Speakers included Marten Lewis, Chair of the foundation, alongside Mike Slack from Get The Boys a Lift, Barry John of the VC Gallery and Ellen Petts from FRAME, each outlining the difference local backing has made to their work.

Founded in 2010, the Bluestone Foundation was created to channel support from the resort into environmental, economic and social initiatives across Pembrokeshire. It works in partnership with Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services to distribute grants and strengthen grassroots organisations.

In 2025 alone, more than £60,000 was raised and invested into local projects.

Groups supported range from environmental organisations including Sea Trust Wales, BlueGreen Cymru and Greener Growth CIC, to wellbeing initiatives such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift and the No Shame Foundation. Creative and heritage groups including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and the VC Gallery have also benefited.

Organisers said the event was an opportunity not only to reflect on achievements so far, but to strengthen partnerships and encourage further community involvement.

More information about the Bluestone Foundation is available via Bluestone Wales’ website.

Community

Calls for traffic calming in Neyland after car hits house

Published

23 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A NEYLAND councillor has called for traffic calming measures in the town where “a terrible tragedy” was avoided by “sheer good luck” after a car recently hit a house wall, the fifth such incident in less than a decade.

At the most recent meeting of Neyland Town Council, residents expressed their concerns at vehicle speeds in a part of the town.

Town council member, and county councillor, Simon Hancock said: “They came to express their concern at speeding cars losing control on the corner where Honeyborough Road leads into Kensington Road. On Sunday afternoon a speeding car mounted the pavement and smashed into the wall of No 43 coming to rest in the middle of the road. Emergency services were on the scene.”

***Cllr Simon Hancock has called for traffic calming measures in Neyland after a recent incident where a car hit a wall. (Image: Cllr Simon Hancock)***

He said images of the incident and its aftermath were shared on social media and to the council.

Following that, Cllr Simon Hancock, who is also the county council’s presiding member, said: “I am extremely concerned by some drivers travelling at excessive speeds at this bend. This is the fifth serious incident in nine years where cars have collided with houses in the terrace.

“Any pedestrians on the pavement at the time could have been killed or seriously injured. I have written to the chief executive, leader and cabinet member [of Pembrokeshire County Council] insisting on road traffic calming measures at this location.

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson said: “We are liaising with the police over the incident to determine the cause of the accident before considering what measures the Highway Authority may take.”