Community
Manorbier man makes UK team
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.
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 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
Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities
Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel
THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.
The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.
Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.
The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.












The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.
Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.
The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.
For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.
Pictures: Malcolm Richards
Community
Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration
PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.
The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.
Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.



Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.
The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.
The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.
Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.
Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.
Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle
Community
Milford Haven Carnival brings colour, music and crowds to the town
MILFORD HAVEN was filled with colour, music and community spirit on Saturday as the town’s annual carnival brought crowds onto the streets.
The Milford Haven Round Table Carnival returned on Saturday, July 4, with the procession leaving Waterloo Square at 1pm before making its way across Hakin Bridge, along Hamilton Terrace and Charles Street, and down towards Milford Waterfront.
Families lined the route to watch the floats, walkers and performers pass through the town, with spectators cheering and waving as the procession made its way through Milford Haven.
Despite grey skies overhead, there was a strong turnout from local residents and visitors, with many gathering early to secure a good view of the parade.
One of the most eye-catching entries was Queen Bee’s Jubilee, a colourful bee-themed entry by St Katharine’s Stratford Players.
The float was decorated with sunflowers, yellow and black bunting, and performers dressed in matching costumes. Walkers accompanying the float continued the theme, carrying large sunflower props and helping to bring a bright splash of colour to the procession.
St Katharine’s Stratford Players later confirmed that Queen Bee’s Jubilee had been crowned the overall winner of Milford Haven Carnival 2026. The group also took first place in Category B.
In a post after the event, the group said they were “absolutely buzzing” to have won, and thanked all those who had helped build, paint, create, carry, organise, dress up, dance, walk and cheer them on.
They also gave special thanks to Dave Morgan and Ben Bryce for their support, and thanked Milford Haven Round Table for organising what they described as a great community event.
The group said: “It takes a whole hive to make something this special, and we couldn’t be prouder of ours.”
The event also had a strong musical element. Public posts ahead of the carnival listed live performances from Milford Haven Town Band, Swansea Pipe Band and Samba Doc, while other carnival posts referenced visiting Isle of Wight performers, including Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band, Medina Marching Band and The Ventnor Comic Jazz Band.
The sound of drums, brass and carnival music helped create a lively atmosphere as the parade travelled through the town.
Milford Haven Round Table, which organises the carnival, had appealed to residents in Hakin and Hubberston before the event to help keep roads clear for the procession. Organisers said a large number of lorries, floats and support vehicles were expected to take part, and thanked the community for its support.
After the parade, the celebrations continued at Milford Waterfront, where visitors were able to enjoy live music, food and drink, stalls, a funfair, mini golf and family entertainment.
The Kids Activity Zone included Animal Cwtch, the Big Science Project, face painting, Maisie Moo Music, Mr Jon Jon Kids Entertainer, Buzzard Chris Bushcraft, The Bubbleologist, a magician and the new Round Table mascot bear.
There was also entertainment on the water, with a Svitzer tug display and Angle Lifeboat listed as part of the day’s programme.
Street food was also part of the waterfront line-up, with Junkyard Dogs and Market Street Burgers among those named in the official event listing.
The carnival was followed by a free after-party at the Lord Nelson Hotel, organised by Westpresents and The Lord Nelson Hotel in partnership with TCW Productions. The event was due to run from 3pm to 11pm, with live performances, outdoor bars, a face painter and a large LED screen.
Milford Haven Carnival remains one of the town’s best-loved summer events, bringing together local families, volunteers, businesses, performers and community groups.
Saturday’s turnout showed the continued strength of support for the event, with residents turning out in numbers to celebrate a day that has become a key part of Milford Haven’s community calendar.

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