News

Local Commanding Officer honoured with hero’s farewell

Published

3 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

Woman rescued from coast path after ankle injury

Published

13 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Coastguard teams called to Dinas Island near Pwllgwaelod

A WOMAN was stretchered from the coast path near Pwllgwaelod after suffering an ankle injury.

HM Coastguard Fishguard was tasked at 5:22pm on Friday, June 27, alongside HM Coastguard Teifi, to assist the casualty on Dinas Island.

The teams attended the scene near Hendre Farm Campsite and Cottages and, with help from the landowner, were able to quickly locate the injured woman.

Her injured limb was immobilised before she was carried by stretcher to her nearby car, where family members were able to take her on to hospital.

Fishguard Coastguard thanked the landowner for their help.

Entertainment

This Ain’t Texas organisers admit Carmarthen festival ‘didn’t go exactly as planned’

Published

13 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ORGANISERS of a country music festival held in Carmarthen have thanked visitors for their support while admitting that parts of the event “did not go exactly as planned”.

This Ain’t Texas Festival took place at the United Counties Showground on Saturday (Jun 27), promising live country music, line dancing, American BBQ, street food, western-themed stalls and family-friendly entertainment.

The event was part of a UK-wide tour, with the Carmarthen date promoted as a Nashville-style day out for families and country music fans.

But after the event, a number of attendees took to social media to raise concerns about queues, parking, food options and the overall organisation of the day.

In a statement posted online, organisers said: “Thank you, Carmarthen. What a day.

“Firstly, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came out and made this event so special. The support, energy, and positive feedback we’ve received across the country has been incredible, and we’re truly grateful for every single one of you.

“That said, we also know that not everything went exactly as planned. We’ve received some constructive feedback from attendees, and we want you to know that we’ve listened carefully.”

Some visitors said they had enjoyed the atmosphere, music and line dancing, while others said the event had fallen short of expectations.

One attendee said the day had been “very disappointing” after booking early-bird tickets and looking forward to the festival for months.

Another visitor said the bar queue was long, adding that they had queued for more than an hour, although they still felt the ticket price had been good value.

Others called for more food choice, including vegetarian options, and said parking and space on site would need to be reviewed if the event returned on a larger scale.

There was also praise for the local line dancing element, with one attendee saying it had “definitely added to the experience”.

The festival had been advertised as a one-day country and western-themed event, with live tribute acts, dancing, food, drink, stalls and activities.

Community

Civic service brings Pembrokeshire towns together in Haverfordwest

Published

15 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CIVIC service has been held at St Mary’s Church in Haverfordwest, bringing together civic leaders, councillors, cadets and community representatives from across Pembrokeshire.

The Mayor’s Civic Service took place at 11:00am on Sunday, 28 June 2026, at the historic High Street church, one of the county town’s most familiar landmarks.

The service was hosted by Haverfordwest Town Council and attended by the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, Deputy Lord Lieutenants, the mayors of Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Neyland and St Davids, members of the Guild of Freemen, the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and the Mayoral Cadet.

St Mary’s Church has stood at the heart of Haverfordwest for more than 800 years. Built in about 1200, its size and position have made it one of the town’s dominant historic buildings.

Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner said the occasion had been “truly special and humbling”.

He said: “It was an honour to gather in one of our town’s most historic and beautiful buildings, a church that has stood at the heart of our community since the 12th century, bringing people together in faith, service and reflection.”

Cllr Thomas-Turner and the Sheriff thanked all those who attended, saying the presence of civic representatives from neighbouring towns reflected the “strong spirit of friendship and partnership across Pembrokeshire”.

They also paid tribute to fellow town councillors, the Guild of Freemen, and the cadets who supported the service.

Cllr Thomas-Turner added: “Days like today remind us that civic life is about more than titles and chains of office. It is about service, community, friendship and working together for the good of our towns and our county.”

He said the event had been a proud day for Haverfordwest, adding: “Haverfordwest truly is the Best in the West.”