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

Lower-cost family days out at Park Authority attractions this summer

Published

1 hour ago

June 29, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

FAMILIES planning a summer visit to Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys and Oriel y Parc will benefit from reduced prices on selected tickets, events and children’s lunch boxes from June 25 to September 1.

The temporary reduction follows the UK Government’s decision to reduce VAT from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on eligible children’s menu meals and family leisure activities during the summer period.

Eligible child and family day tickets at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill and Castell Henllys will be included, along with selected events such as open-air theatre, concerts and Carew’s Grand Medieval Joust. Young Squires lunch boxes from Nest Tearoom at Carew Castle will also be reduced.

Discounts will be applied automatically at the till point, or at the online checkout for eligible event bookings.

James Parkin, Director of Nature and Tourism at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “The summer holidays are an important time for families to enjoy days out together, but we know that costs can quickly add up.

“This temporary reduction will help make selected visits, events and children’s meals more affordable at the attractions run by the Authority. Our hope is that this will give families more opportunities to enjoy the National Park this summer.

“Carew Castle, Castell Henllys and Oriel y Parc each offer something different, from heritage and hands-on history to family events, exhibitions, food and outdoor space, and we look forward to welcoming visitors over the coming weeks.”

To find out what’s on across the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this summer, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.

Community

Woman rescued from coast path after ankle injury

Published

14 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

14 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”.