Community

Manorbier man makes UK team

Published

11 years ago

January 31, 2014

BRUCE TASKER, born in Manorbier will be the brakeman for the UK’s Team 1 bobsleigh team at the Sochi Winter Olympics, which start on Friday, February 7.

He attended Greenhill School in Tenby before leaving for the University of Bath to study Biochemistry. It was during his school years that Bruce developed a love for sport, most notably sprinting. After winning the county Championships he was invited to join Carmarthen Harriers whom Bruce represented from the age of 11 for over a decade. Initially competing over 100m, 200m and long jump, Bruce enjoyed most success in the 400m discipline, winning the British indoor Championships 3 years in a row over the under 17 and under 20 age groups and setting a number of Welsh records along the way.

Bruce represented Wales at numerous international competitions, and finally achieved his GB vest at the domestic international event in Loughborough in 2006. At school Bruce also enjoyed playing football and basketball, but at university he focussed solely on athletics and trained throughout his studies. He graduated with upper second class honours in 2008 and persisted with athletics for another 18 months after deciding to remain in Bath. During this time he switched to the 200m sprint but after a lone highlight of an U23 British bronze medal, Bruce felt like his time in athletics was coming to an end.

Bruce was encouraged to try out for bobsleigh in 2010 by the current top GB driver John Jackson. All the physical attributes he gained from years of sprint training helped him pass selection and a week later found himself ‘on ice’ in Italy and competing in the Europa Cup. A 6th place podium finish in his debut race left Bruce hooked on the sport and he went on to race on the World Cup circuit and the World Championships later on that season.

The summer of 2011 saw the selection of Stu Benson and Joel Fearon, who together with John Jackson and Bruce formed the 4man quartet for the subsequent winter season. After a slow start, the results gradually improved as the team developed as a crew and the season culminated in a fantastic 10th place at the World Championships. The 2012-13 season saw a dramatic improvement in performance, with the team achieving multiple podium finishes; most notably 5th place at both the World Championships and the Olympic test event in Sochi. These results earned the team funding from the National Lottery enabling them to train full time at Bath.

This season Britain’s bobsleigh performances throughout the FIBT World Cup Series has successfully earned Team GB four qualification spots for the bobsleigh events in Sochi. These include two men’s teams in the four-man bobsleigh, as well as one team in both the men and women’s two-man bobsleigh.

Team GB have won four medals in bobsleigh since the sports introduction at Chamonix in 1924, one gold, one silver and two bronze medals. Most recent of those was at Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics in the four-man event, where Sean Olsson, Dean Ward, Courtney Rumbolt and Paul Attwood finishes; most notably 5th place at both the World Championships and the Olympic test event in Sochi. These results earned the team funding from the National Lottery enabling them to train full time at Bath.

Team GB have won four medals in bobsleigh since the sports introduction at Chamonix in 1924, one gold, one silver and two bronze medals. Most recent of those was at Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics in the four-man event, where Sean Olsson, Dean Ward, Courtney Rumbolt and Paul Attwood won a joint-bronze medal after they achieved the same combined run score as France. The Sochi Games also marks fifty years since Tony Nash and Robin Dixon won gold in the two man bob at the Innsbruck 1964 Winter Olympics.

Bruce said: “I’m very honoured to be selected for the Winter Olympics in Sochi. It has been a long and tough journey for which there are many people to thank. It has been difficult keeping the excitement at bay but now we have qualified and been selected I can really begin to enjoy focussing on performing my best at the Olympic Winter Games.”

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.

Community

Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN came together once again on Christmas Day for the annual ‘Christmas Together’ event, a cherished tradition that has been running since December 2012.

Organised by Mayor Cllr William Elliott and his consort Lloyd Jones, alongside Cllr Colin Sharp and the dedicated Christmas Together Committee, the event provided warmth, community spirit, and festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

Volunteers played an essential role, with special thanks extended to Claire and her kitchen team, who prepared and served a delicious Christmas meal for all attendees. Milford Haven Town Band added a festive soundtrack to the day, while support from Milford Haven Fire Station and numerous volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly.

The event, which aims to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many, was described as a resounding success. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated money, items, and their time to make the day special.

A spokesperson for the event said: “As another year closes, we would like to thank all those that made Christmas Together 2024 so amazing. Great day, great company, and so good to see the community working together.”

Special recognition was also given to Marble Hall Mini Market for their kind donation of a festive hamper.

The Christmas Together raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the day, with generous donations from supporters.

A special thank you was extended to Mariam Dalziel and the team from South Hook for kindly donating an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet as one of the raffle prizes. Other prizes included a hamper of wine, a tower of temptation (chocolates and Prosecco), chocolate tub hampers, and many more.

Preparations for the event began well in advance, with invitations being posted on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The dedicated team behind this effort included Leanne from Milford Haven Post Office, Mayor Cllr William Elliott, Cllr Guy Woodham (Founder and Chair of Christmas Together), and Cllr Colin Sharp (Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre).

The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community spirit in Milford Haven, with attendees leaving with full hearts and warm smiles.

Merry Christmas to all from the Christmas Together team!

Community

Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Tenby, Councillor Dai Morgan, has delivered a warm and heartfelt Christmas message to the community.

Cllr Morgan praised the town’s ‘resilient and united’ spirit, reflecting on the ‘kindness and generosity’ that have defined Tenby throughout the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering community support that continues to make the town ‘a truly special place to call home.’

Acknowledging the challenges many families face this year, including the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Cllr Morgan encouraged residents to embrace the core values of the festive season: peace, compassion, and hope.

“Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on what truly matters, and to share moments of joy and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

The mayor extended his heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe and supported over the festive season. This included the police, RNLI, health services, fire crews, HM Coastguard, carers, and all frontline workers.

He also highlighted the vital contributions of Tenby’s voluntary organisations, who continue to bring comfort and joy to those who may feel isolated or face hardship during the holidays.

“Without the dedication and compassion of our voluntary groups, our town would lose so much of its heart. Their efforts make a real difference, and they deserve our gratitude and support every single day,” Cllr Morgan added.

Reflecting on the year gone by, he shared how humbled he felt meeting so many inspiring individuals who contribute to the town’s rich tapestry of community life. Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism and a renewed sense of gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues.

Cllr Morgan concluded his message with warm wishes for the season:

“May this Christmas bring you moments of happiness, peace, and togetherness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.”