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Pembrokeshire mechanic sets world record with 52mph wheelbarrow wonder

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If you need your gardening done in a hurry, mechanic Dylan Phillips is the man to call.

He has just set a Guinness World Record for the fastest wheelbarrow, reaching speeds of 52 mph (84 km/h) during Straightliners Speed Week 2024 at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire. Dylan built the motorised contraption in his shed in Crymych, Pembrokeshire, and when push came to shove, he smashed the previous record of 46 mph (74 km/h).

The 38-year-old described the experience as “fun and surreal”. Accompanied by his “proud but also slightly bemused” partner Emilie, Dylan completed two runs through a speed trap on the 100-metre course in his machine, which is part wheelbarrow, part scrap scooter.

He said: “It’s uncomfortable and it’s terrifying. Slowing down is the issue – it’s only got brakes at the front. Touch wood, I’ve not come off it or had any mishaps with it, it’s just uncomfortable. It does leave you aching after a couple of runs because it’s got no suspension and it just rattles you to bits. I feel on top of the world. I mean it’s absolute nonsense really but it’s quite a nice feeling.”

Like many other madcap ideas, the plan to go for the world record was conceived in the pub. Dylan explained: “I’ve always just sort of built mad stuff. I ended up building the wheelbarrow for fun. In a little practice run, messing about, I got 37 mph and then the question was asked if there was a land speed record for it. So it was just a case of finding out that the record existed and then deciding to actually do something with this idiotic thing that I’d built.”

After a few days of seeing superbikes, Aston Martins, Ferraris and McLarens, Dylan’s fellow motor enthusiasts were amused when his humble cart arrived at Speed Week. “Everyone loves it – it’s so stupid. You can’t help but smile when you see it,” said Dylan.

He admits he might be on borrowed time until the record is broken, but Dylan is ready for the challenge. “At the moment I’m just happy with it as it is, but that’s the thing with being an engineer – you start to dream bigger,” he said. “I’d be over the moon, to be honest, because it just encourages innovation and it would probably motivate me to go and try again and go faster.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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