News

Local Commanding Officer honoured with hero’s farewell

Published

2 years ago

June 6, 2023

A BELOVED figure in the community, Commanding Officer (CO) Chris Peake of Fishguard Sea Cadets, was bid a poignant and emotional farewell during his funeral, held at St Mary’s Church in Fishguard on Thursday, June 1. CO Lt Peake passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 12, leaving behind a legacy of admiration from both his cadets and the local populace.

The funeral ceremony was a testament to CO Lt Peake’s revered status, with the church overflowing with attendees and a large crowd outside, all gathered to pay their respects. Fishguard Sea Cadets, along with personnel from neighboring sea cadet units, senior officers from the national and area sea cadet organization, and Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Neil Downing RN, formed a guard of honor, stretching from the church gate to the entrance.

As CO Lt Peake’s coffin was carried into the church, accompanied by members of the clergy and First Lieutenant Steve Hughes, who tenderly held CO Lt Peake’s medals, the sea cadets stood to attention and saluted their esteemed leader. The cadets’ solemn display of respect underscored the profound impact CO Lt Peake had on their lives.

The funeral service featured heartrending hymns, including the soul-stirring renditions of “Bread of Heaven” and “For Those in Peril on the Sea,” sung with utmost beauty and reverence. Luke Jenkins played the haunting notes of the Last Post, further adding to the atmosphere of solemnity.

CO Lt Peake’s entrance to the church was accompanied by Coldplay’s “Fix You,” a fitting tribute to a man who had touched countless lives, and his departure was accompanied by Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing.” The carefully selected music evoked deep emotions within the attendees, encapsulating the essence of CO Lt Peake’s journey and impact.

Following a service characterized by raw emotion, love, and profound respect, a vast gathering of individuals whose lives had been enriched by CO Lt Peake’s presence gathered on Fishguard Square as the funeral cortege departed. The outpouring of support and presence demonstrated the deep and lasting impression CO Lt Peake had left on the community.

The wake took place at the Royal Oak in Fishguard, providing an opportunity for mourners to come together and celebrate the life of CO Lt Peake, sharing memories and finding solace in their shared grief.

In the midst of this overwhelming loss, CO Lt Peake’s widow, Donna, expressed her gratitude to the local community, friends, family, and the sea cadet community for their unwavering support during this challenging time. She acknowledged the immense turnout at the church and Fishguard Square, highlighting the remarkable display of solidarity and strength.

“We are truly overwhelmed by the support we have received throughout the past three weeks,” Donna expressed. “Chris has left an immense void in our lives, but with the love and support of everyone around us, we will find the strength to carry on.”

CO Lt Chris Peake’s untimely departure has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him. His memory will be cherished, and his legacy as a dedicated and revered commanding officer will continue to inspire future generations of Fishguard Sea Cadets.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

11 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

19 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

19 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.