Sport

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

Published

2 years 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

Long Course Weekend cycling leg lights up Pembrokeshire

Published

3 days ago

June 27, 2026

Herald Sport

THE CYCLING leg of Long Course Weekend brought colour, effort and plenty of smiles to the roads around Carew on Saturday, as riders powered their way past one of Pembrokeshire’s most recognisable landmarks.

With Carew Castle standing proudly in the background, competitors tackled the climb through the village in warm summer conditions, cheered on by spectators and watched by visitors enjoying one of the county’s busiest sporting weekends.

The pictures, taken by Malcolm Richards Photography for The Herald, capture the spirit of the day: determined faces on the steep sections, thumbs-up for the camera, club colours from across Wales and beyond, and plenty of riders still smiling despite the miles in their legs.

The cycling event is one of the centrepieces of Long Course Weekend, taking athletes through some of Pembrokeshire’s most scenic and demanding roads. From coastal views to countryside climbs, it is a route that tests endurance while showing off the county at its best.

Carew once again proved to be one of the standout locations on the course. The medieval castle, flags flying in the sunshine, provided a dramatic backdrop as riders passed through in steady streams throughout the day.

Long Course Weekend continues to bring a major boost to the local area, with competitors, families and supporters filling towns, villages, cafés, pubs and accommodation across Pembrokeshire.

For many taking part, Saturday’s ride was about more than finishing times. It was about atmosphere, achievement and being part of one of Wales’ biggest endurance sporting events.

Photos: Malcolm Richards Photography for The Herald

Sport

Long Course Weekend gets underway in Tenby as thousands head for county

Published

4 days ago

June 26, 2026

Herald Sport

Three days of swimming, cycling and running begin with The Wales Swim at North Beach

THOUSANDS of athletes and supporters have arrived in Tenby as Long Course Weekend Wales gets underway for three days of sport, crowds and celebration.

The major Pembrokeshire event runs from Friday, June 26, to Sunday, June 28, with competitors taking part in swimming, cycling and running events across Tenby and the wider county.

The weekend begins on Friday evening with The Wales Swim at North Beach, one of the most popular open-water swim events in the UK. Athletes taking on the full Long Course Weekend will then move on to the cycling stage on Saturday before completing their final running challenge on Sunday.

Saturday will see cyclists tackle routes through the Pembrokeshire countryside, with thousands expected to line the roads and cheer competitors on.

The weekend concludes on Sunday with The Wales Marathon, The Wales Half Marathon, The Wales 10k and The Wales 5k, all finishing back in Tenby in front of large crowds.

Organisers say the event is designed for athletes of all abilities, from experienced competitors to first-time participants taking on a personal challenge.

Residents and visitors are being reminded that Tenby and surrounding roads will be busier than usual throughout the weekend, with road closures, parking restrictions and delays expected at various times.

Local businesses are also preparing for one of the busiest weekends of the year, with hotels, restaurants, pubs and shops welcoming the influx of visitors.

Long Course Weekend has become one of Pembrokeshire’s biggest annual sporting events, attracting thousands of competitors and spectators while providing a significant boost to the local economy. The event showcases Tenby and the county’s coastline to participants from across Wales, the UK and overseas.

Anyone travelling in or around Tenby over the weekend is advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys and follow official event and traffic guidance.

Images: Gareth Davies/Herald

Sport

Pembrokeshire table tennis league grows to 27 teams in just three years

Published

4 days ago

June 26, 2026

Herald Sport

THE PEMBROEKSHIRE TABLE TENNIS LEAGUE has marked another successful season, with the competition growing to 27 teams across four divisions in just three years.

The league, which includes teams from Fishguard, St Davids, Haverfordwest, Cardigan, Carmarthen and surrounding areas, now caters for players of all standards, from complete beginners to former Welsh internationals and nationally ranked competitors.

The 2025/26 season has now concluded, with Fishguard Jellyfish taking the Division One title. The winning team featured Gary Strawbridge, Lawrence Harris and Silfan Rhys-Jones.

Division Two was won by St Davids Whitesands, represented by Harry Lovett and David Fisher, while Redstar Stepaside claimed the Division Three title through Aidan and Stuart Johnson.

Organisers say the league has gone from strength to strength since being established, helping to revive competitive table tennis across Pembrokeshire and west Wales.

Silfan Rhys-Jones, who helped establish both the Fishguard club and the Pembrokeshire Table Tennis League, said the competition now offered a place for everyone, from beginners in the lower divisions to elite players in the top tier.

Fishguard players have also enjoyed success on the national stage. Fishguard A won silver in Division Five of the Welsh National League, earning promotion to Division Four, while Fishguard C also won silver in Division Eight and secured promotion to Division Seven. Fishguard B finished fourth in Division Six.

In the National Welsh Veterans League, Fishguard A won bronze in Division Two.

The league hopes to provide annual standings, photographs and season summaries in future years as the sport continues to grow locally.