Community
Ironman Wales sells out in record time
IRONMAN Wales (Tenby, September 14, 2014), has reached its sell out capacity of 2,000 entries in a record 10 weeks, seven months faster than last year.
The trend for racing Ironman, comprising a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run has seen a sharp rise in participation of the sport both in the UK and abroad.
Ironman Wales, whilst reputedly one of the toughest on the European circuit, is also a key attraction for international athletes with over 44 countries represented. The reason being that Pembrokeshire not only provides a spectacular setting for this ultimate challenge, but also its phenomenal atmosphere that rivals any other Ironman world wide. Whilst the course may push the boundaries for the athletes, the support of the crowds and electric atmosphere is what the event has become renowned for.
2013 Champion Lucy Gossage on crossing the line said “That was hands down the best race experience ever. The bike, it was amazing. Going up the (heartbreak) hill I was crying, the support was fantastic.”
Ironman Wales is proving that it’s not only popular with international athletes, but also with local residents; Entries from Pembrokeshire are continually breaking the record books with 175 entered from the county compared with 92 last year.
Local involvement in the event isn’t limited to taking part either, with 600 local volunteers helping athletes achieve their goal marshalling the course and cheering them on.
Minister for the Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart, said: “I’m delighted to hear that Ironman is proving to be such a success that the places for 2014 have already sold out and that there’s such a high entry level from within Pembrokeshire which shows that the event has inspired so many to take part next year. This is further evidence that Wales is making a name for itself as a host of major sporting and cultural events.
The event also helps raise over £400,000 for Official Charities Scope and Macmillan Cancer Support. Athletes may still be able to secure a place on their Ironman Wales teams, whilst also raising money for a great cause. For further information please contact them via [email protected] or [email protected]
For further information on Ironman and all events please visit www.ironman.com.
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
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
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)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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