Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

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

Published

on

Looking back: Alun Ifans was talking to broadcaster John Hardy

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.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Charity

Tenby Round Table donates £2,336 to Paul Sartori Foundation

Published

on

THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity, has received a donation of £2,336 from Tenby Round Table, funding the purchase of two specialised Minuet 2 hospital-style beds to enhance patient comfort at home.

Representatives from the Tenby Round Table visited Paul Sartori House on Tuesday (Mar 4) to meet the team and see how their donation is making a difference. The charity’s Equipment Loan Team demonstrated the new beds, highlighting their benefits for end-of-life patients wishing to spend their final days at home.

Amanda Elmes, Equipment Assistant, and Mark Bunyan, Equipment Technician, explained how the beds provide essential support, with families expressing deep gratitude for their availability, even if used for just a short period.

Will Davies, Chairman of Tenby Round Table, said: “The decision to donate was unanimous because we all strongly believe in the invaluable service Paul Sartori provides to families in need.”

Joost Geertman, past president of Tenby Round Table, shared a personal connection, having recently accessed the charity’s services for a family member. He said: “It’s heartening to see how Paul Sartori supports people at the most critical times of their lives. I know firsthand the difference it makes to families locally.”

The Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in supporting end-of-life patients across Pembrokeshire. In 2023/24, the team delivered over 1,700 items of equipment—an average of 32 per week—including beds, wheelchairs, commodes, chairs, and mattresses, all provided at no cost.

Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator, emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining their work. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tenby Round Table. We rely heavily on donations and grants to continue complementing statutory services. Beds are among the most important items we loan, offering comfort and support when it is most needed.”

The Paul Sartori Foundation provides a range of services beyond equipment loans, including home nursing care, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training. The charity also operates a 24-hour advice line, available seven days a week, with a standby service for those not yet requiring hands-on care.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

Published

on

THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.

The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”

Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ

Continue Reading

Community

Dog owner speaks out after attack in Pembroke Dock

Published

on

THE OWNER of an American Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke Dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”

A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.

Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

‘A complete accident’

Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.

“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”

He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.

“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”

Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.

“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”

Ongoing training and backlash

Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.

“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an intruder broke into her house.”

Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.

“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”

Community protection notice issued

Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.

“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”

The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.

Continue Reading

Sport5 hours ago

England thrash Wales with 10-try rout but miss out on Six Nations title

Wales 14-68 England Youngster Henry Pollock shines with two debut tries in Cardiff drubbing ENGLAND delivered their most dominant performance...

Sport14 hours ago

Wales v England: A battle for pride and the title

TODAY the Six Nations reaches its climax – it’s Super Saturday, Wales and England prepare for a clash in Cardiff...

Crime1 day ago

Child sexual crime in Pembrokeshire: Perception vs. reality

IN RECENT years, concerns have grown among Pembrokeshire residents regarding the perceived high number of child sexual offences in the...

News2 days ago

Software engineer collided with bus near Cleddau Bridge deliberately

A TRAGIC collision near the Cleddau Bridge claimed the life of a Pembrokeshire software engineer, an inquest has heard. Matthew...

News2 days ago

Local Authority is ‘hoarding cash’ as Council Tax rises by 9.35%, says MS

DEMANDS FOR REFORM AS COUNCIL’S £83 MILLION RESERVES REVEALED PEMBROKESHIRE residents are bracing for a 9.35% council tax rise, despite...

Crime3 days ago

Calls for urgent reform as violence among teens rises in Wales

VIOLENCE AMONG TEENS LEADING TO CALLS FOR WELSH GOVERNMENT TO ACT WALES is experiencing an alarming surge in violent crime...

Community3 days ago

Caldey Island mourns loss of beloved long-time resident

CALDEY ISLAND is in mourning following the passing of its oldest resident, Rita Cunningham, at the age of 95. A...

News4 days ago

Dog attack in Pembroke Dock sparks police probe and online debate

A VIOLENT dog attack in Pembroke Dock town centre on Tuesday (March 11) has led to a police investigation and...

Business4 days ago

Câr-Y-Môr leads Wales’ £105m regenerative sea farming push

PEMBROKESHIRE INITIATIVE LAUNCHES CROWDFUNDER TO EXPAND INDUSTRY Wales is poised to develop a £105 million regenerative sea farming industry, projected...

Crime5 days ago

Milford man jailed for hurling racial insults during verbal attack

A Milford man has admitted hurling a barrage of racial insults at a male, after calling him ‘a black b******’...

Popular This Week