Community
Welsh and Pembrokeshire books are coming home
NARBERTH-born Dr Ruth Chilcott (1929-2023) lived most of her life in England, but never forgot her roots. Her grandfather had built many of the houses in the town, and her father, T.R. Francis, was the local headmaster. Her childhood there was tinged with sadness, overshadowed by the death of her mother giving birth to her, and coloured by World War II and its aftermath. Despite this, Ruth always loved Pembrokeshire.
After studying medicine at Cardiff University, she moved to London to practice as a doctor. But still having family and friends in Narberth, she visited often, and over the years amassed a large collection of books about Pembrokeshire and Narberth. Those books are now returning to Wales, and will be available for ‘rehoming’ at this year’s Llangwm LitFest.
Ruth’s daughters, Sian and Rhian, recount that as their mother got older, the stronger her bonds to Wales felt. Hers was perhaps the only house in Essex decorated extravagantly with Welsh flags. The family Welsh dresser – made from oak felled on the family fields – dominated the sitting room. She died last year at the age of 93, but they smilingly note that in her final months, she was determinedly trying to teach her carers Welsh, and existed mostly on a diet of cockles and prawns from South Wales.
Now to honour her bond to Narberth, the daughters want to find good homes for as much of their mother’s library as possible. “We are bringing the books to Pembrokeshire, because we know we will find a great community of people who both love books and are interested in Welsh history” said Rhian. “And the Llangwm LitFest is the ideal way to connect with this community.”
The books are an eclectic selection, from rare historical accounts of drovers’ roads to modern language learning materials. “There is a bit of everything,” says Sian, “from poetry to coffee table books to memoirs. Whether you like ghost stories, or recipe books, or family history collections… we hope you’ll find something to interest you.”
Anyone who takes a book will be invited to make a donation in return, and the sisters will donate the proceeds to the Narberth Museum of which Ruth was a lifelong friend. Sian and Rhian’s stall will be next to Claire’s bar in the Big Marquee during the Llangwm Literary Festival. The festival takes place between 9 and 11 August 2024 in Llangwm. For more information on the festival, please contact [email protected], or visit their website: www.llangwmlitfest.co.uk
Community
Community rallies to support family of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle
THE local community has come together to raise thousands of pounds in memory of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle, a beloved taxi driver who tragically lost his life in a road traffic accident earlier this week.
Mr Boyle, 57, from Kilgetty, was killed in a collision involving two vehicles near Tenby on the evening of Monday, 2nd September. His death has sent shockwaves through the area, where he was widely known and respected. In the days since the accident, friends, family, and customers have expressed their grief, remembering Mr Boyle for his generosity and kindness. His family remarked that he was “the kind of man who would do anything for anyone”.
A fundraising campaign to assist with funeral expenses and to support Mr Boyle’s five children has so far raised almost £13,700, with nearly 400 people contributing. One particularly generous individual has donated £750.
Gabriel Nowak, a colleague and fellow taxi driver, organised the fundraiser, stating: “I don’t think there’s anyone in Tenby or Pembrokeshire who didn’t know Mucker. His friendly face and his sense of humour will be missed by so many.”
“Chris was always there for people, whether it was squeezing in an extra lift or knocking a bit off the fare to make sure someone got home safely. Now it’s our turn to give back to him,” Mr Nowak added.
Tributes have poured in, with friends and colleagues sharing fond memories of the late cabbie and expressing their sorrow over the loss of someone who was seen as a key figure in the community.
Chris Boyle’s funeral is set to take place at St Mary’s Church in Tenby on Friday, 27th September at 10:00 am, followed by a committal service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 12:15 pm. The funeral procession will pass through Kilgetty at approximately 11:45 am, allowing those who wish to pay their respects to do so.
Funeral directors W. & M.J. Rossiter & Sons, based in Tenby, shared a heartfelt message on behalf of Mr Boyle’s family: “Chris was a deeply loved son, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be sorely missed by his children Daniel, Chloe, Leah, Jimmy, and Tommy J, as well as his siblings Liz, David, and Lisa.”
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Firefighters Charity in Chris Boyle’s memory. Donations can be sent via the funeral directors.
Additionally, local rock and blues band Karma will be dedicating their upcoming performance at the Lawrenny Arms on Saturday, 14th September to Mr Boyle. A collection will be held during the event, with proceeds going to The Firefighters Charity.
A man has been charged in connection with the fatal accident. Mateusz Sikorski, 30, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after his silver Volkswagen collided with a brown BMW near Penally on the A4139.
Mr Sikorski appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 5th September and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on 7th October.
Dyfed-Powys Police have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 405 of Monday, 2nd September. Alternatively, those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The loss of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle has deeply impacted the local community, and the outpouring of support for his family is a testament to how cherished he was by those who knew him.
Community
Saundersfoot Annual Vintage Motorcycle Event showcases classic machines
ON SATURDAY (Sept 7), Saundersfoot came alive with the roar of nearly 100 vintage motorcycles as the annual Saundersfoot Vintage Motorcycle Event hit the coastal roads of South Pembrokeshire. Enthusiasts and spectators alike were treated to the sight of beautifully restored bikes from a bygone era, as they cruised westward out of the village.
The event, a local favorite, drew riders and fans from across the region to celebrate the engineering marvels of the past. It was a day filled with nostalgia, as the sound of classic engines echoed through the scenic routes.
Check out the photos from the event, captured by Malcolm Richards, to relive the vintage spectacle, on our Facebook page.
Community
Blue Lagoon temporarily closed to protect seals and their pups
ONE of Pembrokeshire’s most popular coastal attractions is to be temporarily closed to swimmers in a bid to protect breeding seals and their pups.
The National Trust will be closing the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy on Saturday, September 21, and it will remain closed until the beginning of November. The date of its re-opening is yet to be decided.
The nearby beach at Traeth Llyfn will also be closed for the same period.
Visitors will still be able to watch the seals and their pups in their natural habitat from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Anyone who may come across seals and their pups in other parts of Pembrokeshire is asked to avoid disturbing them and follow the Marine Code. This involves staying quiet, keeping at least 50 metres away from them, and never coming between a seal and her pup. Dogs must also be kept on leads at all times and kept away from the breeding areas.
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