Community
Soapbox success story
HAVERFORDWEST’S first soapbox derby proved to be a fun day for all the family – and an event which looks destined to become a regular fixture in the calendar.
Hundreds of people flocked to the Racecourse on a glorious Saturday in July (Jul 30) to watch 17 intrepid teams tackle a course which boasted ‘highly engineered and calculated’ jumps, a water hazard and a tricky corner. The race consisted of three heats and a bonus race, with each member of the teams taking the wheel in a bid to post the quickest time.
The teams had obviously spent a lot of time and creativity in building and decorating their racers, with entries as diverse as the ‘baleistic’ Keyston Old farmers cart and the streamlined and brilliantly-named ‘Cawl Runnings’ team’s entry.
Other local groups to get in on the act included two teams (one all-female) from Puffin, a miniature fuel tanker from KP Thomas, and a jeep from the 14th Signals Regiment.
Only a few seconds separated the teams from the off, and a fierce battle between the ‘Batman, Robin and Pete’ team, ‘Can’t agree on anything’ and ‘The Buggatti Boys’ soon ensued.
The Bugatti Boys triumphed in the first race, before finishing behind the Can’t Agree on Anything team in the second. The third race was a dead heat between the Batman team and Can’t Agree on Anything.
The overall team winners were as follows:
- 1st Cart 9 – Can’t Agree On Anything (165pts)
- 2nd Cart 8 – Batman, Robin & Pete (168pts)
- 3rd – Buggati Boys (169pts)
With only four seconds separating the top three teams, it was a close contest in every sense.
However, the event was about more than the need for speed, with prizes being awarded for best engineering and construction (The Bugatti Boys) and best dressed team (deservedly won by the Mario Cartel).
There were a number of other entertainments on offer, including a chance to dunk police and local councillors, and a number of rides and activities to keep the kids entertained.
Councillor Jon Collier, who was one of the driving forces behind this year’s Haverfordwest Festival, said: “We are thrilled at how well the event was supported by spectators and competitors. The standard of the carts was simply fantastic, beyond anything we imagined.
“It was a brilliant day, and we look forward to hosting it again next year, maybe even holding races in other towns across the county.”
For those of you who missed out, or who want another taste of the action, Soapbox fever will be heading for the north county next week (Aug 13) as Fishguard and Goodwick host a derby of their own, which will hopefully feature a few familiar faces.
Community
Baby loss remembrance service at Withybush Hospital
THE ANNUAL baby loss remembrance service will take place on Tuesday 1 October 2024 at St Luke’s Chapel in Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest at 7.00pm.
The ‘Forget Me Not’ service is part of the health board’s commitment to Baby Loss Awareness week (9-15 October) and is arranged by Midwifery and Bereavement teams and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy).
Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Experiencing the loss of a baby is an incredibly painful experience, and the service allows parents and their families to reflect and remember surrounded by support and love.
The service has long been a source of comfort for parents and families and will include prayers and readings, as well as poems and music to reflect. The service offers the opportunity for people to come together and remember the lives of babies who are sadly no longer with us.
Euryl Howells continued: “The loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death is overwhelming and emotional. We meet families during some of their darkest days and to meet them sometimes after months or years after their bereavement is a privilege and special to staff.”
Should you require further information please contact Euryl Howells by telephone or email 01267 227563 or [email protected]
If you are unable to attend the service and wish to commemorate your loved one, please send a message to [email protected] by 29 September 2024.
Community
Pure West Radio gears up for DAB launch
PURE West Radio is poised to enter a new era in its six-year history as it counts down to the launch of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) later this autumn. The station is awaiting the activation of five transmitters, which will enable DAB to broadcast extensively across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. This move is set to significantly enhance Pure West Radio’s listener base and deliver an exceptional radio sound quality.
Toby Ellis, Pure West’s director, expressed his excitement about this milestone. “This is a very exciting time for Pure West Radio as it means we’re now going to be able to continue to expand in so many different directions,” he said. “Our biggest focus has always been the people who listen to us and who’ve grown with us since we first launched back in April 2018. The way in which we’re now moving forward is due to the hard work and commitment that this dedicated team has shown.”
The station, which has been a key part of the Pembrokeshire community since its inception, boasts a workforce of 13 people, including presenters, producers, journalists, and sales personnel. Additionally, it benefits from a strong voluntary sector comprising over 100 members, contributing to its hybrid working model. This approach allows the station to maintain a strong community commitment while ensuring commercial viability.
“Our move to DAB will enable more people to remain connected to our platform as we continue delivering interviews, local news, information, and of course, a whole load of quality music,” Ellis added. Pure West Radio has grown rapidly, reaching over 500,000 people across its platforms each month. During the COVID-19 crisis, it played a crucial role in providing up-to-date information in collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council.
The station, which celebrated its third birthday recently, has seen two million listens since its start, with an average of 50,000 listens per week. This audience engagement is approaching nearly half of the population of Pembrokeshire. The upcoming DAB launch marks a significant development for the station, allowing it to reach a wider audience and continue its mission of delivering local news, community events, and music to its listeners.
Pure West Radio has close links to the Herald, with its Director, Toby Ellis, General Manager Mathew Rickard and its Head of News, Sarah Jane-Absalom all having previously worked at The Pembrokeshire Herald or Herald Radio.
Herald Editor Tom Sinclair said: “Everyone at The Herald wishes Toby and the team the best of luck with this important milestone.
“Getting on the airwaves is what Pure West Radio needs to take it to the next level and we are very proud of what the PWR team have achieved over the last few years.”
Those interested in becoming part of the radio station can get more information by emailing [email protected].
The official DAB launch date will be announced in the near future, Pure West Radio said.
Community
Celebrate autumn’s bounty at Carew Castle’s Apple Pressing Day
CAREW CASTLE is inviting local communities to join in a day of apple pressing, offering a hands-on experience to transform their extra apples into fresh, delicious juice.
The event will be held at Carew Castle on Saturday 28 September, from 10am to 2pm, giving participants the chance to learn the art of apple pressing in the stunning surroundings of this historic site, managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
Ranger Chris Taylor will be on hand throughout the day with the apple press, ready to help visitors turn their surplus apples into a refreshing homemade treat.
Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, said: “With autumn in full swing, it’s the perfect time to make the most of the apple harvest. This event is a fantastic opportunity for families and individuals to have fun while creating something delicious.
“While the Apple Day is free to attend, we highly recommend enhancing your experience with a ticket to explore the Castle and Tidal Mill – winner of Best Attraction in last year’s Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards and a finalist in three categories this year. We look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy a memorable day!”
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own apples and bottles to take home their freshly pressed juice.
Further information on this and other autumn events at Carew Castle can be found at https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/carew-castle/events-at-carew-castle/autumn-events/.
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