Community

Mark Llewhellin takes on Ryan Jones

Published

9 years ago

March 1, 2016

Ryan Jones and Mark Llewhellin: Before competition began in Haverfordwest

PEMBROKESHIRE fitness star Mark Llewhellin, who is famous for finishing 1st for the Strava Distance Running Challenge out of over 51,000 people in 2014 & 2015 and for breaking the 100k Treadmill World Record, recently took on 3-time grand slam winning former Welsh rugby captain Ryan Jones in a cycling challenge in aide of the Princes Gate Trust at Haverfordwest Tesco.

Here he tells his story of the immense challenge, and how plenty of money was made for a worthwhile cause, which helps many people in Wales:

As I walk in to Tesco the crowd of people immediately watching say “go on Mark you’ve got to do this.”, I’m thinking to myself “oh my god my fitness is about 25% as I haven’t trained much and cycling is something that I hardly ever do.”

I know I’m a complete fish out of water but it’s for a good cause so I think why the heck not.

The local crowd are excited about me and Ryan going head to head and after the positive local support for me Ryan is giving me a look as if to say, ‘who is this guy?’

The only time I’ve come up against professional rugby players was when I did a treadmill test, which was roughly 10 minutes in the University of Glamorgan. The Welsh rugby squad had done the same test as me a few weeks before and on that occasion I was lucky enough to beat their fittest person by a comfortable margin.

But this bike sprint was a different ball game. It was explosive power for a 10 second burst so I knew it was going to be a very tall order to beat Ryan.

I’d never met Ryan before but have a mutual friend Ian Gough so we end up talking and chatted about what we’re both doing these days. My first impression of Ryan was, what a nice guy but I know when he gets on that bike he’ll give it everything he’s got to try and beat me, this is something he trains for so I knew he was going to be good.

Ryan had beat every challenger that he took on and I get a sense from some of the locals that they think I’ll easily beat him because of my fitness background.

The last time I got roped into a challenge like this was at the Welsh Boat show when there was a rowing competition to see who is the fastest person over a certain distance. “Go on” my brother Darren said, you’ll be good at this rowing thing. I never row but out of the 40 people that took on the challenge I was lucky enough to win it on my second attempt (I fell off the seat on the first go) so here I am again having a go at something I never really do.

I mount the bike and adjust the pedal straps, then sit up and (jokingly) give Ryan one of those boxers stares that they do in the weigh ins before a big boxing event. He returns the favour and (jokingly) holds his fist up to me, his fist was a lot bigger than mine.

Before we start we both stand up on the bikes to use our body weight to push the peddles down when someone from the crowd shouts “ready, steady, GO.” As I’m pushing down the pedals I can see Ryan in my peripheral vision. His big powerful legs push down the pedals like “Mallard – The Worlds Fastest Locomotive” and I knew within those first few seconds the race over…Ryan powered to victory!

I could see a mixture of smiles and disappointed faces in the crowd as their local fitness lad had lost.

After the race someone in the crowd says “go for a run together,” So I invite Ryan to do a 50 miler with me, there’s a big smile on his face, he gracefully declines and we shake hands.

Overall a great event and a great day for the locals in Pembrokeshire to see Ryan who’s not only a Welsh rugby Super Star but also a genuinely nice person.

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

9 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.