News

The Ironmen of Pembrokeshire College

Published

8 years ago

September 27, 2016

Tom Sinclair

John Goy: Successfully completed his second IRONMAN.

THIS YEAR’s IRONMAN event proved that Pembrokeshire College staff not only work hard but can play exceptionally hard too.

Tenby’s long-distance triathlon saw College IT Development Team Leader, John Goy, compete in the race for the second time. Completing a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run in an impressive 11 hours and 17 minutes – his personal best to date, finishing 55 minutes faster than his previous race!

John praised the crowds of supporters who buoyed him up along the way, saying: “I’m sure I speak for everyone who is so grateful for the crowds who gather along the route. The race is a battle of survival for us all and the amount of support is truly amazing, it’s what got me through.”

Despite holding out and completing the race, John was quickly taken to the medical tent where he received treatment for hypothermia by St. John’s Ambulance. In spite of the blip at the end of the race, now fully recovered, John can bask in his achievement: “For anyone thinking that it’s too hard or too far, I’d quote the Ironman man motto which is: Anything is Possible and I’m proof of that!”

College Sports Lecturer, Lee Gibbons didn’t take part in the race but worked tirelessly in the Sports Therapy tent, administering over 500 treatments to Ironman athletes. Working alongside a former Sports Massage student, Julie Barritt and another two therapists, Lloyd Davies and Sandi Patchen, the team worked hard throughout the weekend to ease the pain of the athletes who took part. Lee was excited to be involved in the event for the first time, he said: “The athletes are incredible! I admire their dedication and not just their physical strength but their mental willpower too. What an event!”

College Plumbing Lecturer, Nicky Rees also took part in the triathlon race for the sixth time in Wales. Finishing in 12 hours and 40 minutes was no mean feat after completing the Otillo Swimrun World Championship in Sweden only two weeks earlier! The Otillo Swimrun involves racing from Sandhamn to Uto via 24 islands, running across the islands and swimming between them to complete the race.

Crowned Ironman for the tenth time, having completed four other Ironman challenges in Austria, Bolton, Norway and Switzerland, Nicky is still eager to take part in Ironman Wales in 2017, commenting, “I must be mad but I’ll be taking part again next year if my body lets me!”

Pembrokeshire College would like to congratulate everyone who took part, especially to Lee and Nicky who are keen to sign-up to be involved in Ironman Wales next year.

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

3 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

3 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

4 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.