News
Maenclochog man thanks ‘heroic people’ for saving his life 55 years ago
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.”
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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