News

New records set at land speed event

Published

10 years ago

June 14, 2016

MANY new records were set at Pendine Sands over the weekend at the Straightliners Events British and World record top speed event.

The event took place over May 21-22 and was the first time that the Bonneville vehicle classification system was used on sand in the UK and many records were established.

The Bonneville classification system was established to categorise the range of vehicles that attempt to establish or break land speed records at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, USA.

Despite the unpredictable weather of the first day over 40 riders from as far afield as France turned up for action. The range of vehicles stretch from the most up to date powerful motorbikes to a pushbike and many classics and strange hybrids even a bike from the 1930’s was now running electric was in action.

Also of note over a kilometer on Saturday (21 May 2016) the following record was set by James Pratt (Dorchester on Thames) driving his ‘Poetry in Motion’ car, built on a 1926 Ford Model T chassis, at 85.307mph.

The fastest man of the day was Terry Smith who hit 194.589mph on a Suzuki Haybusa over a mile and a half on Sunday (May 22). Nearly 20 miles faster than his outing last year. Over the same distance Gilles Pujol (France) riding a strangely silent 1930’s ‘Majestic’ converted to electric reached 76.340mph.

Chris Ireland (Great Yarmouth) and his ‘Indian scout’ motorbike from the 40s in the US was in action also. He was previously featured in a TV documentary, when he went to Bonneville Salt Flats Utah USA, for a speed record event in 2014.

In addition to all the power and noise cyclist Neil Campbell (Colchester) was attempting to set a new British absolute speed record for a pushbike. His interesting arrangement had him riding behind an estate car which acted as an aerodynamic shield. He reached an amazing 94.604mph.

Straightliners organise over 40 vehicle speed evens across the UK. It is unique in that it makes its events open to all comers. The events are regulated by the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU). All participants attempting records must hold an ACU licence and pass official scrutineering.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

12 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.