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.”

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

6 hours 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

15 hours 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.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

17 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.