News

Maenclochog man thanks ‘heroic people’ for saving his life 55 years ago

Published

10 years ago

May 4, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Looking back: Alun Ifans was talking to broadcaster John Hardy

A MAENCLOCHOG man has thanked the people of a North Wales community for saving his life 55 years ago.

Alun Ifans was talking to broadcaster John Hardy in the first programme in the new series of the S4C talk show Cadw Cwmni gyda John Hardy to be broadcast on Thursday May 7 on S4C (9.30pm, English subtitles available).

Alun was only 10 years old when he joined three school friends to go hunting for seagulls’ eggs near his original home of Abersoch on the Llŷn Peninsula in 1959. After getting into difficulties, he fell forty feet down the side of a cliff onto a shelf.

“I am so grateful to be alive after what happened to me. After I fell, I was bleeding, but I told the others I was fine, but I must have fallen unconscious. The others ran to a nearby farm to ask for help where the farmer’s wife, Mrs Nancy Smith and two farmhands came to my rescue,” says Alun, who was head teacher at Ysgol Casmael for 33 years.

“They tied a rope around Mrs Smith as they would do when a sheep had fallen down into a cove. But as they lowered her down, I slipped and fell another forty feet to the rocks below.

“They didn’t have enough rope to lower Mrs Smith all the way down to the beach, so it was up to a local policeman, a doctor and the owner of a boat to come and fetch what they presumed to be a body.”

However, Alun had fallen down into what is known locally as the ‘Unapproachable Bay’ and the three had great difficulty coming to his rescue.

“They almost gave up several times, but Dr Bob decided to wade through the water with his medical case raised above his head to come to me.”Alun was then taken to Bangor Hospital, where he remained unconscious for a week.

“I lost months of school and I had to catch up with work on my own, but I will never forget the letters and cards of support from fellow pupils, friends and relatives during that time. I really do owe my life to the actions and quick thinking of that community all those years ago.”

Also joining John in the studio is Siân Williams from Wrexham, who was the first Welsh woman to swim across the Channel. Siân will share her experiences of the crossing and unusual tips for anyone wishing to take up the challenge.

John Hardy, the show’s presenter says, “The series’ success and enduring appeal lies with the stories of real people and each guest has a different tale to tell. I’m constantly reminded as host just how good the Welsh are at telling a story.

“Many people think we’re a nation of introverts, and that we’re not always ready to give people who have interesting stories a platform. This series on S4C gives people that platform, and by doing so we hope it will encourage others to share their life stories with us too.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

23 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.