News
Sporting achievements celebrated at the Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2023
The remarkable achievements of Pembrokeshire’s sporting community were celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony on Friday evening, November 24th.
The Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2023 were held at Folly Farm and paid tribute to efforts both on and off the pitch by sports people, coaches and volunteers alike.
Record nominations had been received as the awards continue to go from strength to strength.
The judges had an extremely difficult task to whittle the numbers firstly down to finalists and then deserving winners.
The winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award was race walking star Heather Warner who has represented both Wales and Team GB at the highest levels.
A Pembrokeshire Harrier, Heather soon discovered a natural talent for race walking and it was no surprise that a collection of local and national titles followed.
Welsh and Team GB vests at both junior and senior level were the natural progression in her career.
Heather collected a fantastic seventh place in the Commonwealth Games in 2018 on Australia’s Gold Coast and a British record followed in Birmingham four years later to go with a brilliant sixth place.
While competing around the world Heather has always continued to coach at Pembrokeshire Harriers and passing on the breadth of her knowledge and experience and is a worthy winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023.
“Heather’s outstanding success, coupled with an obvious desire to one day guide others, can only help raise the profile of the sport in a positive way,” said Geoff Williams from BBC Wales, who presented Heather with her award.
The winner of the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award, presented by Cllr Thomas Tudor, was Makala Jones.
Makala has taught cold water confidence and a proper swimming technique to countless people of all ages in Pembrokeshire, enabling them to enjoy the coastline all year round. She also successfully swum the English channel solo in July this year.
She has been described as a legend, an inspiration, a real-life super hero, great fun to be around, a role model proving you can achieve your dreams and an incredibly strong and helpful human being.
In presenting her award, Cllr Tudor said what makes her so special is her passion for sharing the benefits of outdoor swimming for improved mental health.
This year the School Award was won by Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi.
The judges were impressed by the wide range of sports and activities provided by and hosted by Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi and how the school is a focal point for sports health and wellbeing in the St Davids community and surrounding areas.
Under Headteacher Rachel Thomas and Head of Wellbing Bruce Evans, young people are given the opportunity to try a wide variety of sports and activities to embed a love of staying active and protecting the natural environment from an early age.
It was also a significant evening with the announcement that host Bill Carne would be retiring after 17 years presenting the awards.
Matthew Freeman, manager of Sport Pembrokeshire, paid tribute to his dedication and professionalism over the years.
“Bill Carne has become synonymous with the Sport Pembrokeshire Awards and is rightly regarded as the voice of sport in Pembrokeshire,” he said.
“Sport Pembrokeshire are truly honoured to have had his support at the awards for all these years along with his wider support in advocating and raising the profile of the work that Sport Pembrokeshire team do across the county.
“Bill can now retreat from the stage and enjoy the evening from the audience’s vantage point and enjoy the spectacle that is the Sport Pembrokeshire awards.”
The other winners are as follows:
- Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement: Josie Hawke
- Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement: Ramon Rees-Siso
- Club of the Year: Pembroke Cricket Club
- Junior Disability Sport Award: Saskia Webb
- Disability Sport Award: Bleddyn Gibbs
- Young Volunteer of the Year: Elizabeth Clissold
- Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year: South Pembs Sharks U14
- Unsung Hero: Dave Astins
- Team Achievement of the Year: Haverfordwest County AFC
- Male Sporting Achievement: Mickey Beckett
- Female Sporting Achievement: Gracie Griffiths
- Club Organiser of the Year: Stefan Jenkins
- Coach of the Year: Samantha Feneck
List of Finalists and Winners
Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement
- Josie Hawke – Winner
- Chloe John-Driscoll
- Nina Marsh
Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement
- Finley Bruce
- Reuben Lerwill
- Ramon Rees-Siso – Winner
Club of the Year
- Haverfordwest Tennis Club
- Pembroke Cricket Club – Winner
- Tavernspite Short Mat Bowls Club
Disability Sport Award
- Bleddyn Gibbs – Winner
- Michael Jenkins
- Jules King
Junior Disability Sport Award
- Lewis Crawford
- Saskia Webb – Winner
- Ioan Williams
Young Volunteer of the Year
- Elizabeth Clissold – Winner
- Ellie Phillips
- Lukas Tyrrell
Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year
- Pembrokeshire Schools Football U14’s
- South Pembs Sharks U14’s – Winner
- Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi Tennis Team
Unsung Hero
- Dave Astins – Winner
- Piers Beckett
- Sam Rossiter
Team Achievement of the Year
- Haverfordwest County AFC – Winner
- Haverfordwest Ladies Rugby
- Llangwm RFC Youth
Male Sporting Achievement
- Micky Beckett – Winner
- Jeremy Cross
- Moritz Neumann
Female Sporting Achievement
- Katie Dickinson
- Gracie Griffiths – Winner
- Seren Thorne
Club Organiser of the Year
- Rachel Grieve
- Stefan Jenkins – Winner
- Huw Jones
Coach of the Year
- Sam Feneck – Winner
- Daisy Griffiths
- Michael Newman
School Award
- Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
Special Achievement Award
- Makala Jones
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Heather Warner
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
-
News13 hours ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News13 hours ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
Crime2 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
Business5 days ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Business2 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
Crime7 days ago
All three school stabbing victims discharged from hospital, police confirm
-
News12 hours ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
News1 day ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson