Community

Huge crowds in Saundersfoot for fantastic weekend of music and celebrations

Published

2 years ago

June 26, 2022

THE QUEEN’S Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Saundersfoot were successfully concluded yesterday with a charity band evening. There was a great buzz in the village’s cafes and businesses during the day as momentum built towards the main event. Wogan Terrace was closed for a few hours to allow a large crowd to gather safely and enjoy the festivities.

Rocking Rod started events at the Captain’s Table, followed by the entertainment at Wogan Terrace with the Royal Oak, Harbwr Bar and Foam (The Hean) working together. Both the Twist and Daz were class acts, much appreciated by the crowd. Popular local bands Footbridge and Sleeping Dogs also performed to help make this event a huge success.

It proved to be a successful evening with the large crowd certainly getting into the spirit of the event. The curtain was brought down with local legend Butch playing to a packed Old Chemist Inn. Of course, no village event would be complete without Wally Marr’s unique rendition of “You’ll never walk alone”.

With a heavy downpour in the morning we were all nervous, but our prayers were answered. Apart from one very brief shower the sun shone on all the proceedings. The behaviour of those attending was absolutely impeccable throughout the whole day.

The scene outside The Hean public house (Photo: Jane Lee/Herald)

There are so many people to thank, including Marc Owen of PCC for his assistance in the road closure application and Ben for the professional traffic management system which ensured that the village remained accessible throughout. Thanks also to Paul of Scaffold 2000 who kindly donated the stage for the event and John from Tazrock for providing the raffle prizes and John from Tazrock (the specialist crushing and screening company) for providing the raffle prizes – which included tickets to Wales vs New Zealand and Wales vs Australia in the Autumn Internationals at Cardiff Principality Stadium and two tickets to a Manchester United home game at Old Trafford. Thanks also to Nick Pudsey who filmed the event from the roof of Foam.

An event of this size couldn’t be managed without the professionalism of the bar staff, glass collectors, the many marshals and raffle ticket sellers; including Rod, the Chief Marshal. The volunteers were fed throughout the day by Mike and Ross at the Harbwr Bar, a special ‘thank you’ to them.

Crowds enjoying the atmosphere in a sunny Saundersfoot (Photo: Jane Lee/Herald)

A sincere thank you was given by organisers to all the local residents, especially those on Wogan Terrace, who fully supported our efforts. The wristband system definitely seemed to work and this enabled us to keep a count of the immense numbers that filled the area.
Some people were happy to just purchase a band to support our worthwhile charities and causes, a very generous gesture so thank you to them.

Councillor Chris Williams said “Following on from last year’s event, I feel that Saundersfoot is more than capable of getting people together to support music around the village over a weekend next year. We should be able to cater for everyone’s taste in music and, hopefully, use the amazing facilities at the Regency Hall and the Decking on Saundersfoot Harbour. The music event is yet another great example of the community spirit we have in Saundersfoot.”

The charities and causes to benefit are Cancer Research (Saundersfoot Branch), Guide Dogs (Saundersfoot & Tenby Branch), Dementia UK, Saundersfoot in Bloom, Saundersfoot Sailing Club and Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

2 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

11 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

13 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.