News
Saundersfoot makes a splash with record-breaking New Year’s swim
SAUNDERSFOOT BEACH echoed with cheers and excitement this morning as 2,523 intrepid swimmers took the plunge into the icy waters, marking the 38th annual Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim. This event, touted as the largest festive dip in the UK, drew an estimated 10,000 spectators who gathered to witness the spectacle and celebrate the arrival of 2024.
The beach was alive with energy as the crowd enjoyed a lively warm-up session, courtesy of the talented dancers from Cast & Crew Performing Art School and Mor Creative. The atmosphere was electric, with the gathered throngs joining in a spirited rendition of Status Quo’s classic, “Rockin All Over the World.”
Martyn Williams, Star Of The Swim and a founding member of Saundersfoot Festivities, initiated the swim countdown. At precisely 12:30 pm, a dazzling firework display, courtesy of Westcoast Fireworks, marked the moment as swimmers bravely surged into the sea.
Fancy dress enthusiasts added a colorful touch to the event, with Mick Booth and Rachel Lemmon from Saundersfoot clinching the group fancy dress award for their creative representation of a defibrillator and heart. The individual award went to David Mc Dermott, showcasing the creativity and enthusiasm of the participants.
Chris Williams, Chairman of Saundersfoot Festivities, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community support, emphasising that the event has grown beyond their initial expectations. Reflecting on the event’s longevity and success, Williams said, “Our driving force, as always, is the huge number of fantastic causes that benefit.”
This year, a significant change was the introduction of an online registration and ticketing system to manage costs and enhance swimmer safety. Williams expressed satisfaction with the seamless execution of this new approach and thanked the community for their support in making it a success.
“The additional income from online ticketing will secure the future of the swim and contribute to the many charities and worthwhile causes,” Williams added.
Acknowledging the dedicated efforts of the organising committee, Williams extended thanks to safety marshals, volunteers, sponsors, and partner organisations. He highlighted the invaluable contributions of Tenby Surf & Rescue, Pembroke Paddlers, Saundersfoot Sailing Club, HM Coast Guard, and the RNLI for providing water safety cover. Special recognition was also given to St John’s Ambulance, Tenby Fire Brigade, and the police for their emergency support.
As a gesture of appreciation, Williams thanked sponsors and local businesses, expressing gratitude for their overwhelming support. He singled out individuals and organisations such as Richard Merriman, Salt On The Strand, Dan Roach & Partners, Hean Castle Estate, Saundersfoot Harbour Commission, and others for going above and beyond expectations.
Williams concluded with an invitation for participants to submit their sponsor forms to Salt On The Strand after collecting their sponsorship. He assured swimmers that details about photo uploads and the amount raised for charities would follow by the end of January.
For those seeking more information on the swim, including photos and updates, visit www.saundersfootfestivities.co.uk/nyds. Follow the swim mascot, Charlie Shivers, on Facebook, X, and Instagram @CharlieShivers. Photographer Gareth Davies captured the essence of the event, and swim photos can be obtained from Gareth Davies Photography at Tel: 07836 334436.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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