News
Pembrokeshire sailing sensation denied silver medal in ‘devastating’ twist
Solva’s Micky Beckett faced a crushing setback in his bid for an Olympic medal after the men’s dinghy race was abandoned mid-race.
Beckett was in a promising position during the men’s dinghy medal race, with many predicting he would secure the silver medal. However, the race was called off due to low winds while Beckett was strongly placed.
The abandonment was particularly devastating as a series of favourable events had positioned Beckett well as they approached the third mark. Suddenly, race control sounded the alarm and raised the blue and white chequered flag, signalling the race’s abandonment.
Gold-medal favourite Matt Wearn was in eighth position, concentrating on preventing Pavlos Kontides from overtaking him, which was benefiting Beckett. Now, Beckett will have to start again when the race is rescheduled, pending better weather conditions.
“I do not believe it!” exclaimed BBC commentator Niall Myant. “Micky Beckett was doing everything he needed to do. He was doing it all, and the silver medal was there for him.
“Incredible, and now the race is abandoned due to light winds. What have we seen here at this Olympic Games? For Matt Wearn from Australia, he will be pleased; for Pavlos Kontides, he will breathe a sigh of relief.
“For Micky Beckett, that is devastating. Everything was falling into place, and it was snatched away from him at the last moment. What on earth is he thinking now? We said silver was an outside chance; things had to happen that were outside of his control, but they were happening. Brutal, brutal.
“We will have to see what Micky Beckett can do in the next race.”
Unfortunately, Beckett fell short in the next race, finishing 10th and therefore sixth overall, missing out on a medal.
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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