Sport

Tributes pour in for ‘First Lady of Point-to-pointing’ following death of Cynthia Higgon

Published

3 months ago

October 15, 2024

Tributes are pouring in for Cynthia Higgon, a woman described by many as the First Lady of Point-to-pointing following her death after battling cancer for many years. She was 86.

She will be remembered for giving a lifetime of service to point-to-pointing but also to many other organisations which brought so much pleasure to riders of all abilities, including Riding for the Disabled and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.

Born and raised in Gloucestershire, she was introduced to the sport as a young child, and then followed her father into the mastership of the Pembrokeshire Hunt when she moved to the county in 1964. She subsequently held a mastership with the Pembrokeshire, and had 14 seasons as field master to the South Pembrokeshire.

“My first recollection of point-to-pointing was as a child,” she once said in a newspaper interview.

“On Easter Sundays it would be church in the morning, family lunch, then to Ryalls Court to clean the numbers on the number board for the Croome point-to-point on Easter Tuesday.”

She also took great pride in seeing pony races being held at some of the county’s point-to-points.

“The young are the future,” she said. “Already in Wales we have produced some super horses and quality jockeys, and when I see trainers such as Peter Bowen, Evan Williams and Tim Vaughan doing so well, I feel honoured to have known them.”

Cynthia Higgon continued following hounds on the back of a thoroughbred until she was well into her 80s.

Paying tribute to her commitment to the sport and her outstanding horsemanship this week was Beverley Thomas, who succeeded her as the West Wales point-to-point secretary.

“One of her finest legacies is The Planner, which she was instrumental in instigating and which she stewarded all her life,” she said.

“She was a key organiser at the Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells and was incredibly resilient, as we saw in her recent battles with cancer. She initiated inter-hunt relays at shows all over Wales and if you asked Cynthia to do something, she gave it her all. Nothing was too much trouble for her and if there was a fundraising event, she was there.”

Cynthia Higgon was a familiar face at meetings as a steward and owned and trained point-to-pointers including Sir Noddy who, in 1989 won three on the bounce, and was a candidate for the country’s leading novice, while Terrierman was named after her husband, Peter.

But perhaps Cynthia is best known for her administrative skills which saw her become chairman of the PPSA (Point-to-Point Secretaries’ Association) which organises meetings and has a key role in creating the fixtures’ list. She was also the West Wales area secretary for over 40 years.

“For me she was the First Lady of point-to-pointing, and when I became chairman, she was often the first port of call, and was always there with ready advice,” said Robert Killen, who is the current PPSA chairman. “I always respected her views, and we had a lot of laughs too. She was enormous fun.”

The Cynthia Higgon Award for services to administration within the sport has become a treasured piece of recognition for officials around Britain and is presented at the National Dinner and Awards ceremony each year. For many years she presented it in person.

Following her retirement, Cynthia Higgon continued to be a great supporter of point-to-pointing in Pembrokeshire.

“She always took a great interest in everything we were doing and gave a lifetime of service, not only to point-to-pointing but so many other organisations connected with riding,” added Beverley Thomas. “Our thoughts are with her family at this very sad time.”

Sport

Carmarthen Town FC manager to step down at end of season

Published

3 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARMARTHEN TOWN AFC’s long-serving manager, Mark Aizlewood, has announced that he will not be renewing his contract, marking the end of an era for the club. In a heartfelt statement released on January 14, 2025, Aizlewood revealed this season would be his last at the helm of the Old Gold.

Aizlewood expressed gratitude to the players, staff, volunteers, directors, sponsors, and supporters who have supported him throughout his tenure. “The people of CTFC have made me one of their own,” he said, despite living 60 miles away. He also extended heartfelt thanks to his wife and family for their understanding and unwavering support.

Two decades of success

Aizlewood has been a defining figure in the club’s history, holding a UEFA Pro Licence for over 30 years and leading Carmarthen Town AFC to consistent top-six finishes in the Welsh league, as well as cup victories and European qualifications. “In my 20+ years at the club, these achievements became the norm, and we were at the very top of the football ecosystem in Wales,” Aizlewood remarked.

However, he acknowledged that the current situation at the club has shifted, adding, “Unfortunately, this is not the case any longer. The ship is pointing in the right direction, and the destination is agreed by all, but perhaps now is the right time for a new captain to steer the club along its agreed journey.”

Looking ahead

Aizlewood assured fans he remains passionate about football, declaring he will retain his UEFA Pro Licence and remain involved in the sport. As Carmarthen Town AFC prepares for a new chapter, Aizlewood wished his successor and the club every success in the future.

A legacy of dedication

Mark Aizlewood’s departure signals the end of one of the longest managerial tenures in Welsh football, a career marked by dedication, achievement, and an unyielding love for the game. His leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at Carmarthen Town AFC.

The search for a new manager begins as the club aims to build on Aizlewood’s formidable achievements and continue its proud tradition in Welsh football.

Cover image credit: Lewis Mitchell/FAW

Sport

Letterston marksman wins junior athlete award

Published

6 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TALENTED young athlete from Letterston has been honoured at the British Shooting Awards 2024.

Seren Thorne was shortlisted for the prestigious awards and attended the gala event held at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester. To the delight of her family and supporters, Seren was named the winner of the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award.

This accolade highlights Seren’s exceptional skill and dedication to the sport, marking her as one of the rising stars in British shooting.

Her mother, Sian Thorne, expressed immense pride in Seren’s achievement, sharing photos of the memorable evening.

The British Shooting Awards 2024 celebrated excellence in the sport, with a full list of winners available on their official website.

PHOTO CAPTION: Champion marksman: Seren Thorne receiving the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award (Pic: Supplied).

Sport

Previewing the 2025 Super Bowl

Published

7 days ago

January 20, 2025

Staff Writer

Each year millions of people across the world gather to watch one of the biggest sporting events of the year – the Super Bowl. Last year, 3.4 million people in the UK watched the Super Bowl, up 1.1 million from the previous year. Considering the growth in popularity of American football in the UK, we anticipate the viewership will be even higher for 2025.

The 2025 Super Bowl is scheduled to take place on 9 February 2025 at Caesars Superdrome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

NFL teams

12 teams began competing for a spot in the 2025 Super Bowl when the playoffs began on January 11. At this point, four teams were eliminated. This now leaves eight teams to compete in the Divisional playoffs. Four of these will make it to the Conference Championships before contesting for a spot at this year’s Super Bowl.

The eight teams left with a shot at competing in the 2025 Super Bowl are:

Philadelphia Eagles
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Detroit Lions
Houston Texans
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Rams
Washington Commanders

Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs took the title for the second year in a row. However, the latest Super Bowl odds puts the Detroit Lions as the favourites to win this year’s Super Bowl, following a series of impressive performances in the regular season.

The national anthem and halftime show

Before the game commences, a special guest performs the national anthem. Last year, Reba McEntire offered a moving performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, and this year the task falls to jazz singer Jon Batiste.

It’s not just the football match that people look forward to. Super Bowl halftime shows are a spectacle in themselves and many look forward to the performance as much as the game itself. This year, 17-time grammy winner Kendrick Lamar is headlining the halftime show. Lamar previously headlined the Super Bowl in 2022.

How can I watch the Super Bowl in the UK?

The Super Bowl is being broadcast to fans free on ITV, including live online via ITVX on your laptop, mobile, or tablet.

Sky Sports is also broadcasting the event which you can watch online via Sky Go, NOW TV, or using the Sky Sports mobile app. You could also head to your local pub as plenty of pubs in Pembrokeshire will be showing the big game.

Will you be tuning in?

With a surge in popularity for American Football, it’s anticipated that more people from the UK than ever before will be turning their TVs on for the big event this year. Will you be watching this year’s Super Bowl?