Community

Veteran to run The Great Wall of China

Published

9 years ago

May 11, 2017

Sean Rice (right): Pictured with founder of The VC Gallery, Barry John MBE (left).

AN EX-SOLDIER from Haverfordwest will be running the Great Wall of China next week, in aid of The VC Gallery.

Sean Rice served with the Royal Engineers and Director of Blayney’s Developments, and hopes to raise a grand total of £2,000 for The VC Gallery.

The VC Gallery, which stands for Veterans and the Community, is a drop in centre on High Street in Haverfordwest for veterans, but also helps various groups of people within the community through art engagement.

Speaking to The Herald, Sean said: “Danny King and Barry John asked me if I would to it for their charity. Obviously being a veteran, I found the cause and everything they do for the people of Pembrokeshire is very good – it’s a great cause.”

Sean will be be flying out to China on Monday (May 15) and running his marathon across The Great Wall on Sunday (May 21).

When asked about when he started his training, he laughed, and said: “About 20 years ago!

“I do a ot of marathons. Two weekends ago I did the Little Haven ultra marathon, which was 35 miles. Weekend before that I did Pendine, which is 32 miles. The biggest ones I’ve done is Hadrian’s Wall, which is 69 miles, and I’ve done New York, London – a few of the big ones!”

The Herald asked him if he felt that it was important that The Gallery is supported. He said: “Knowing Barry personally as a friend, and everything he does, and knowing the problems veterans have, it’s very important.

Founder of The VC Gallery, Barry John MBE, said: “I think it’s an epic challenge – it’s a hell of a marathon! He’s trained so much and done so many high profile runs before, that I feel that this is a bucket list for him.

“Because of the amount of miles he’s doing and because it’s the Great Wall of China, he’s served in the forces before, he’s a Pembrokeshire boy through and through and a Pembrokeshire businessman, and he understands that people of Pembrokeshire and what we do here, so I’m absolutely chuffed he’s chosen the VC Gallery to be able to be representative charity, to do this marathon.”

He added: “I just want to wish Sean good luck for his run. I think what he is doing is amazing, and I just want to thank him on behalf of all the people who come here, and all the veterans of Pembrokeshire.”

If you would like to sponsor Sean, you can go to https://www.gofundme.com/greatwallofchina4thevc to donate.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Community

Choir to sing at ten bandstands in one day for Alzheimer’s charity

Published

3 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Côr Meibion De Cymru will begin its South Wales challenge at Milford Haven before finishing in Cardiff

A WELSH male voice choir will sing at ten bandstands in one day as part of an ambitious charity challenge across South Wales.

Côr Meibion De Cymru, the South Wales Male Choir, will begin its Ten Bandstands Challenge at The Rath in Milford Haven at 7:00am on Sunday, May 31.

The choir will then travel east, performing short concerts at Tenby, Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Llandeilo, Neath, Barry Island, Penarth and Newport before finishing at Victoria Park in Cardiff at around 8:00pm.

The event is being held in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, with organisers aiming to raise £5,000.

The choir says the challenge is intended to create a “red wave of singing” across South Wales, while celebrating the Welsh male voice choir tradition and showing that it remains a powerful part of Welsh cultural life.

The full schedule is:

Milford Haven, The Rath: 7:00am to 7:20am
Tenby, Castle Hill: 8:25am to 8:45am
Carmarthen, Carmarthen Park: 9:55am to 10:15am
Kidwelly, Parc Y Bocs: 11:00am to 11:20am
Llandeilo, Penlan Park: 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Neath, Victoria Gardens: 2:00pm to 2:20pm
Barry Island, Friars Road: 3:55pm to 4:20pm
Penarth, Windsor Gardens: 5:10pm to 5:30pm
Newport, Belle Vue Park: 6:35pm to 6:55pm
Cardiff, Victoria Park: 7:50pm to 8:10pm

Organisers say timings may vary slightly depending on traffic on the day.

The challenge is being promoted as a celebration of music, community and Welsh identity, while raising money for a cause that affects families across Wales.

More information and donations are available through the choir’s JustGiving campaign.

Community

Police issue A477 crash appeal after five taken to hospital

Published

4 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIVE people were taken to hospital, three with serious injuries, following a collision on the A477 between Llanteg and Red Roses on Sunday (May 24).

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 5:00pm and involved a grey Honda Civic i-VTEC and a white Kia Soul 2.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested and remains in police custody.

Officers are appealing for anyone who was driving on the A477 at around the time of the collision, or who may have dash-cam footage of either vehicle before the crash, to come forward.

Police said visitors to Pembrokeshire who may not know the area should check their route in case they were travelling along the A477 at the relevant time.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference: 326 of May 24.