Community

Sizzler turns 35: Danter family toast fairground favourite

Published

4 months ago

August 24, 2025

Birthday cheers as iconic ride celebrates three and a half decades of thrills across Wales

A MUCH-LOVED Welsh fairground ride reached a major milestone this week — as the Danters’ legendary Sizzler celebrated its 35th birthday.

Edward and Ellen Danter, members of one of Britain’s best-known showmen families, gathered with three generations of the clan to mark the occasion in style. A bottle of bubbly, gifted earlier in the season by Darren and Michelle Matthews, was saved especially for the big day.

Posting on social media, the Danters said they were “feeling blessed” and raised a glass to “many more years of the Sizzler ride.”

The Sizzler, with its unmistakable flashing red lights, high-speed twists, and booming music, has been thrilling fairgoers since 1990. It remains a staple of summer fun in towns across Wales and the West, drawing in new generations of riders year after year.

***The Danter family mark the anniversary of the Sizzler ride with bubbly and smiles (Pic: Supplied)***

A showman legacy

The Danter family’s history in the fairground business stretches back over a century. Originating from the Midlands, the Danters have become synonymous with quality rides and traditional travelling fairs, operating across South Wales, the South West, and as far afield as the Midlands and the North.

From seasonal residencies in seaside towns like Tenby, Porthcawl, and Barry Island to appearances at major events and town fairs across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and further afield — the Danters have long been at the heart of British fairground life.

Despite changing times, they’ve continued to modernise and invest in state-of-the-art rides while keeping the spirit of the travelling showman alive.

The Sizzler’s 35th birthday celebration, held on the ride’s dazzling chrome platform surrounded by family and friends, was a perfect reminder of the magic these rides still hold — and the pride and tradition that keep them running.

Cover photo caption:

Legendary ride: Edward and Ellen Danter celebrated 35 years of thrills from the Sizzler fairground attraction

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)