Community

Three Pembrokeshire karate students achieve their Black Belts

Published

3 years ago

August 12, 2023

THREE students of karate who have been studying the martial art at Wado Ryu Karate Dojo Pembroke Dock have recently been awarded their black belts. This is not only a symbol of significant achievement and skill but, it also represents the deeper values and philosophies of the martial art. It’s a testament to an individual’s commitment, both physically and mentally, to the craft and the community.

The three achievers are:

Nadja Vonhoff:
Nadja embarked on her Karate journey at a young age. Currently a member of Henry Tudor, she is soon set to transition to Swansea University, where she will pursue a degree in Psychology. In addition to Karate, Nadja has a keen interest in travel and literature. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Dylan Rowles:
Dylan picked up Karate again after his return from Dubai. He initially began his training with Pembroke Dock Karate when he was just nine years old. A student at Haverfordwest High VC, Dylan’s other passions include rugby and the gym.

Leo Richards:
Enrolled at Henry Tudor, Leo’s introduction to Karate began at the tender age of seven. Much like Dylan, Leo’s hobbies include rugby and working out at the gym.

This past year was challenging for all the students. With school examinations looming, they also had to prepare for their Black Belt syllabus. Their unwavering discipline, commitment, and the willingness to put in extra hours at various times of the day ensured they reached their goal.

Congratulations to each of them on this remarkable achievement. The Black Belt Grading is surely an event they will cherish and remember.

Achieving a black belt in karate symbolises a profound level of proficiency and understanding of the martial art. Here’s a description of what it means and the skill level involved:

Achieving a Black Belt in Karate:

A black belt is not merely a rank, but a reflection of the dedication, discipline, and time an individual has invested in mastering the art of karate. It represents a comprehensive understanding of techniques, forms, and the philosophy behind them.

Technical Proficiency: Achieving a black belt requires a practitioner to demonstrate superior technical skills. This includes mastering a wide range of stances, strikes, kicks, punches, blocks, and evasive maneuvers. The execution of these techniques requires precision, speed, and power.
Kata Mastery: Kata are choreographed patterns or sequences that combine various techniques. A black belt holder will have learned and be able to perform multiple kata with fluidity, demonstrating both form and function.
Sparring Ability: Beyond just techniques, a black belt should be adept at kumite (sparring). This tests the ability to apply techniques in real-time against an opponent, showcasing defensive and offensive strategies, as well as adaptability.
Physical Fitness: The journey to a black belt demands physical endurance, strength, flexibility, and agility. A practitioner should be in top physical condition, reflecting the rigorous training they’ve undergone.
Mental Fortitude: Karate is as much a mental discipline as a physical one. A black belt indicates that the individual possesses qualities such as patience, perseverance, discipline, and respect. They are also expected to embody the philosophical tenets of karate in their daily life, which include courtesy, integrity, and humility.
Continuous Learning: Achieving a black belt doesn’t mean the end of one’s learning journey. In many traditions, it’s often said that earning a black belt is just the beginning, marking a transition from intermediate to advanced learning. There are typically several degrees or dans of black belts, with each successive level indicating further mastery and understanding.
Teaching Ability: Many systems expect their black belt practitioners to be able to impart knowledge to lower-ranked students, guiding them through techniques, forms, and the foundational principles of karate.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

5 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

6 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle

Community

Milford Haven Carnival brings colour, music and crowds to the town

Published

6 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN was filled with colour, music and community spirit on Saturday as the town’s annual carnival brought crowds onto the streets.

The Milford Haven Round Table Carnival returned on Saturday, July 4, with the procession leaving Waterloo Square at 1pm before making its way across Hakin Bridge, along Hamilton Terrace and Charles Street, and down towards Milford Waterfront.

Families lined the route to watch the floats, walkers and performers pass through the town, with spectators cheering and waving as the procession made its way through Milford Haven.

Despite grey skies overhead, there was a strong turnout from local residents and visitors, with many gathering early to secure a good view of the parade.

One of the most eye-catching entries was Queen Bee’s Jubilee, a colourful bee-themed entry by St Katharine’s Stratford Players.

The float was decorated with sunflowers, yellow and black bunting, and performers dressed in matching costumes. Walkers accompanying the float continued the theme, carrying large sunflower props and helping to bring a bright splash of colour to the procession.

St Katharine’s Stratford Players later confirmed that Queen Bee’s Jubilee had been crowned the overall winner of Milford Haven Carnival 2026. The group also took first place in Category B.

In a post after the event, the group said they were “absolutely buzzing” to have won, and thanked all those who had helped build, paint, create, carry, organise, dress up, dance, walk and cheer them on.

They also gave special thanks to Dave Morgan and Ben Bryce for their support, and thanked Milford Haven Round Table for organising what they described as a great community event.

The group said: “It takes a whole hive to make something this special, and we couldn’t be prouder of ours.”

The event also had a strong musical element. Public posts ahead of the carnival listed live performances from Milford Haven Town Band, Swansea Pipe Band and Samba Doc, while other carnival posts referenced visiting Isle of Wight performers, including Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band, Medina Marching Band and The Ventnor Comic Jazz Band.

The sound of drums, brass and carnival music helped create a lively atmosphere as the parade travelled through the town.

Milford Haven Round Table, which organises the carnival, had appealed to residents in Hakin and Hubberston before the event to help keep roads clear for the procession. Organisers said a large number of lorries, floats and support vehicles were expected to take part, and thanked the community for its support.

After the parade, the celebrations continued at Milford Waterfront, where visitors were able to enjoy live music, food and drink, stalls, a funfair, mini golf and family entertainment.

The Kids Activity Zone included Animal Cwtch, the Big Science Project, face painting, Maisie Moo Music, Mr Jon Jon Kids Entertainer, Buzzard Chris Bushcraft, The Bubbleologist, a magician and the new Round Table mascot bear.

There was also entertainment on the water, with a Svitzer tug display and Angle Lifeboat listed as part of the day’s programme.

Street food was also part of the waterfront line-up, with Junkyard Dogs and Market Street Burgers among those named in the official event listing.

The carnival was followed by a free after-party at the Lord Nelson Hotel, organised by Westpresents and The Lord Nelson Hotel in partnership with TCW Productions. The event was due to run from 3pm to 11pm, with live performances, outdoor bars, a face painter and a large LED screen.

Milford Haven Carnival remains one of the town’s best-loved summer events, bringing together local families, volunteers, businesses, performers and community groups.

Saturday’s turnout showed the continued strength of support for the event, with residents turning out in numbers to celebrate a day that has become a key part of Milford Haven’s community calendar.