News
UK Powerboat Championships put on hold
THERE will be no Powerboat Racing on Milford Haven Waterfront in 2018, after organisers, P1, confirmed they were switching their emphasis to from Powerboats to Jet Skis.
The P1 SuperStock UK Championship was held in July earlier this year and it had been hoped that the event could be held in Milford on an annual basis.
However, P1 have announced it is focusing its efforts on developing the USA championship and its two jet ski series – AquaX and Jetcross.
A spokesperson for P1 told the Herald that although there will be no Powerboat Racing in 2018, there could still be racing on the Waterfront should everything be agreed.
He added that discussions were ongoing with the Port of Milford Haven and added that they wanted to return to the town.
It is also hoped that the new event would be more of a festival on the water which would also include water ski racing, which was trialled in Scotland earlier this year.
The suspension of the Powerboat Championship is just for 2018 and it is hoped that event can return the following year.
UK Managing Director, Robert Wicks, said: “P1 SuperStock has enjoyed seven great years in the UK but our focus needs to switch to new markets as the business evolves. The ongoing uncertainty in offshore powerboat racing in the UK has also contributed to this decision.
“On the flip side, the Mumbai event earlier this year introduced the sport to a huge new audience on the sub-continent and the nine hours of live television broadcasting and extensive media coverage played a considerable role in taking powerboat racing to the next level. International development is very much part of our SuperStock planning for the future.”
Sam and Daisy Coleman told the Herald: “Our immediate reaction is that we’re supremely disappointed and saddened to hear the news. The event on Milford’s Waterfront was close to our hearts for obvious reasons, and we were looking forward to building on last years’ success while keeping fingers crossed that the weather was to be a little kinder this year!
“The UK’s powerboating governance is going through a transitional period, and the power struggle has sadly affected our sport, its venues and its competitors but hopefully from this will come a solution where we can come back a stronger and more focused sport as a whole.
“At the moment we’re evaluating our options for this season with some interesting opportunities arising already.
“We have had aspirations to race in the USA previously and if we can find the support to make that happen that’s an option, rest assured there will be plenty of work through this off season to make sure Coleman Racing are competing at the best level possible to continue offering value to our loyal supporters who have supported us since the start of our journey back in 2015.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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