Community

Final ride for biker Mark: Wife Ros appeals for bikers to join tribute

Published

1 month ago

October 13, 2024

IN a heartfelt plea, Ros, the widow of lifelong motorcycle enthusiast Mark, has reached out to the local biking community to join her in a final ride to honour her late husband, who passed away unexpectedly after a short illness.

Mark, a passionate biker since the age of 16, spent much of his life restoring and riding motorcycles. He and Ros recently returned to their homeland of Wales after living in East Anglia for many years, hoping to enjoy a long and happy retirement together. Sadly, their plans were cut short when Mark became too ill to ride just two weeks after getting his bikes back on the road.

Mark’s love for motorcycles began in his youth, with many fond memories of touring with Ros on their Suzuki Bandit. Recently, his passion turned to restoring Moto Guzzis. “He was an ordinary guy who loved to ride and restore motorcycles,” Ros shared, adding that they had shared countless rides together, braving the elements and learning just how ineffective waterproof leathers could be on long trips.

Mark’s funeral is scheduled for the morning of Saturday, October 19. As a tribute to their shared memories of the Suzuki Bandit days, Ros has hired a Hayabusa hearse to take Mark on his final ride from their home near Cresswell Quay to Narberth Crematorium. Ros will ride pillion on the hearse, accompanying Mark on his last journey.

Ros is asking fellow bikers to join them for Mark’s final ride, creating the roar of motorcycles that Mark loved so much. “Please, if any of you can make it, I would love as many fellow bikers to ride with us on Mark’s final ride – and to make enough noise so he can hear us as he travels on down the road to the next world,” she said.

The cortege will leave their home at around 10:30am., heading first to Cresswell Quay, where the couple shared many happy bike nights with friends. Bikers are encouraged to meet there and join the ride, which will proceed to Narberth Crematorium, where the funeral directors, Rossiters, have requested an arrival by 11:15am.

After the service, Ros plans to return to the Cresselly Arms to celebrate Mark’s life in one of his favourite places. “I will be streaming tears of joy as well as sadness as we see him off on his final journey,” she said.

Ros’s appeal to the biking community is a touching reminder of the strong bond shared by those who ride. It’s clear that Mark’s passion for motorcycles and the camaraderie he found on the road will live on in the memories of those who join him for this final ride.

For those who wish to pay tribute to Mark, your presence on this special day would be greatly appreciated.

Climate

Pembrokeshire group plans for larger community wind turbine

Published

1 hour ago

November 22, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A NORTH Pembrokeshire group which has raised more than £76,000 from its community wind turbine for local projects is hoping to expand with a bigger turbine.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Abergwaun Community Turbine Ltd, through agent Machynlleth-based Dulas Ltd is hoping to get permission for a larger turbine to replace the existing Abergwaun Community Turbine.

The proposed turbine, in a pasture field at Trebover Farm, to the south of Fishguard, would be 67m tall, the existing 2015 one being 45 metres.

In supporting statements, parent company Transition Bro Gwaun said: “The Community Climate Fund (CCF) is the mechanism by which Transition Bro Gwaun (TBG) is fulfilling our ambition of funding projects in Fishguard, Goodwick and across North Pembrokeshire, using income from the community wind turbine.

“The core themes for grants are climate change mitigation and adaptation, enhancement of biodiversity and improvements to community resilience through promotion of community engagement and resource sharing.”

In 2015, TBG raised its 50 per cent share of capital funding for the project by means of loans from 28 local individuals and four community groups, contributing a total of £286,500, the other 50 per cent contributed by landowners Parc-y-Morfa Farms Ltd.

The statement added: “Profit generated by sale of electricity from the turbine is split 50:50 between TBG and Parcy-Morfa Farms Ltd through the jointly owned trading arm, Abergwaun Community Turbine. By the end of 2022, all loans had been repaid, allowing the launch of TBG’s Community Climate Fund. This year we have awarded our third round of grants bringing the total amount granted to £76,036.”

In 2022, £15,274 was awarded to seven projects, including Fishguard Sports AFC to install solar panels on their clubhouse as part of their Tregroes Park development, Ysgol Bro Gwaun for their Increasing Biodiversity and Bees project, and Nevern Valley Veg / Llysiau Cwm Nyfer to install a solar powered vegetable irrigation scheme.

In 2023, £39,85 was made available for seven projects, including Sea Trust Wales to part fund the installation of solar panels on the Ocean Lab roof and to produce a display on solar technology, Letterston Memorial Hall to part fund the installation of an air source heat pump heating system, and Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club to install solar panels on their clubhouse.

2024 awards of £20,917 were made to six projects, including Theatr Gwaun to insulate their loft to reduce heating loss, Parc Cerrig Growers for developing a rainwater harvesting system with a pond to irrigate their allotments, Caerhys Organic Community Agriculture for an electric cargo bike for delivering organic vegetables in the Fishguard and St Davids areas, and Nevern Valley Veg to develop wildlife ponds and rainwater harvesting for food production.

The supporting documentation concludes: “The repowering of the existing turbine at Trebover would require a limited increase in turbine size which would result in a very limited change in landscape and visual effects in comparison to the existing Trebover turbine.”

The application will be considered by planners at a later date.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

8 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

8 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.