News

TenFoot Swim ‘Wales’ Toughest Sea Swim’

Published

7 years ago

February 21, 2018

Chris Williams: With team members from main sponsors, FBM Holidays

THE TENFOOT Swim, dubbed by many of the competitors in the inaugural 2017 event as ‘the toughest sea swim in Wales’ returns this July 21st for its second year. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Tenby’s famous North Beach and boat-filled harbour, the TenFoot is designed by the organisers for the serious competitor to challenge themselves in what has already become a ‘must-do’ event for the ultra-competitive swimmer.

Dubbed as a swim, and not a race, the purpose of the swim is to challenge yourself, rather than compete against others. The swim itself is a 5km open sea course, that begins in Tenby, but ends in neighbouring village of Saundersfoot, hence the name TenFoot. In 2017, the event received rave reviews not only for the challenge it posed the competitors but also for its efforts in providing safety to all of the swimmers in the water. This year will see the field increase in competitor size to fit demand, with the organisers keen to stress that whilst the participant numbers have gone up so have the number of safety boats that will be in the water this year.

The swim will take place on Saturday 21th July 2018 (or in the event of bad weather on the day the event will be moved to Saturday 4th August 2018), and the organisers would also like to announce that entry into this year’s race is now officially open, with more information on how to take part available on the official TenFoot website.

The race concept was created by the team that also run the annual New Years Day Swim in Saundersfoot, so the event is primarily geared up as a charity event, with all proceeds going to Wales Air Ambulance, The Dai Rees Foundation and a charity yet to be chosen by public vote. All competitors will get free entry to the charity concert, and the event itself is coupled with an accompanying trek, run and a concert will take place on Saturday 21st July 2018.

In its second year, local holiday lettings agency, FBM Holidays of Tenby are proud to sponsor the main swim event, after championing the swim last year. Chris Williams (pictured), one of the organisers of the event has said that “Last year’s race created a really special buzz in the area, with both Tenby and Saundersfoot communities coming together. This year, we want the event to be bigger and better and we have more planned for the entire weekend, but the event is about the swim and its amazing competitors, who really want to challenge themselves.”

Marketing executive for FBM Holidays, Thom James has said of the event, “FBM Holidays are immensely proud to be able to sponsor this event this year. The 2017 event did so much for the area and we hope it goes from strength to strength. We wish all those who sign up good luck, and we can’t wait to see you at the start line on the North Beach come July.”

More information and details on how to register can be found at here, where you can also help decide the third charity to benefit from the charity fund.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

9 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

16 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

17 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.