News

Bluestone Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon puts West Wales on the map again

Published

1 year ago

July 11, 2023

THE ANNUAL Bluestone Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon in Broad Haven saw over 400 competitors take on the challenge of a 2.7km run, a 42km bike ride, and finishing with a 10km run through the area’s beautiful coastal landscape on Sunday.

The event, sponsored by Bluestone National Park Resort since 2020, also drew in many visitors and supporters on Saturday to watch the athletes in action.

Among the competitors were five Bluestone employees, who took part in the event organised by Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club.

The triathlon, which was founded in 1994, is one of the oldest in Wales and attracts a diverse field of athletes, including relay teams with different levels of experience and abilities.

The female category was won by Claire Walters in 2:18:05, the open category by Gruffudd Lewis in 1:59:15, and the first relay team home was @leastwetri in 2:13:47.

Yvonne Buckingham, Director of Commercial at Bluestone, said the triathlon provides great sporting entertainment and boosts Pembrokeshire’s profile by attracting participants and supporters from across the UK.

“Such events provide important economic and social value to the area, including health and wellbeing benefits. We’re pleased to have some of our colleagues competing as well and hope everyone had a great day, whether they were taking part or spectating,” said Yvonne.

The Bluestone team, which included Mike Slack, Lewis Hodgson, Dyfan Penfold, Matt Badger, and James McNamara, was also supported by colleagues who volunteered for the event.

Mike Slack, Head of Leisure at Bluestone, said: “It was a great event, well organised and supported. It’s a great feeling to take part in a triathlon, especially in our home county of Pembrokeshire. The support of visitors helps push you on over the course, as well as the amazing volunteers. A big thank you to all involved.”

David Astins, Race Director for Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club said: “Once again we were pleased to have the support of Bluestone. It ensures we can put on one of the best triathlons possible with the help of a great group of volunteers and supporters who all play an instrumental role in it. Additionally, the event is a great way to highlight the best of Pembrokeshire in addition to supporting the local economy and communities.”

The 2024 event will take place on Saturday 6th July, more details can be found at www.pembstri.org.uk.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

6 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.