News

Heartbreak for Solva’s Micky Beckett as Olympic medal slips away

Published

2 years ago

August 7, 2024

PEMBROKESHIRE star Micky Beckett has seen his Olympic medal hopes dashed, despite being on the brink of securing a bronze.

To claim third place behind the dominant Australian Matt Wearn, Beckett needed to finish four places ahead of Peru’s Stefano Peschiera in the double points medal race. This seemed certain as he was in second place at the third of four “mark” buoys, with his rival trailing far behind.

However, with just minutes remaining and Beckett on course for the podium, the judges abandoned the race due to shifting winds. When they resumed an hour later on a different course off Marseille harbour, Beckett’s fortunes took a turn for the worse as he was forced to perform three penalty 360-degree turns.

The first penalty came right at the start, with Beckett penalised for “rocking” – moving the boat too much from side to side to gain speed.

By the first mark, Beckett had climbed to sixth place, two spots ahead of the Peruvian in the race but one point behind in the overall standings. Yet another penalty on the downwind run to the second mark temporarily evened things out as Peschiera was also penalised.

A final penalty on the approach to the last mark caused Beckett to drop to the back of the fleet, ending up in sixth place overall, with no chance to recover as Peschiera secured the bronze.

Micky said: “We did about 90 percent of the race and then the breeze died right at the last bit. In that race I was coming second and I’d have got the bronze medal and it was all looking pretty good. Then obviously to have that taken away was pretty tough. But I was like, this is sport, this is sailing in particular. This does happen. Reset.”

He added: “I think in the last three years I’ve been penalized [for it] once and in that last race I got penalized twice for it, so that’s something to think about in the future.

“That just kind of spat me out the back of the fleet and then I was in a position where I couldn’t really get back into it.”

The BBC’s commentary team described it as “heartbreaking to watch” as Beckett’s medal chances slipped away, leaving fans equally distraught.

One fan commented, “Micky Beckett (Dinghy) virtually had the silver in his hands … & they stopped the race. Restart – they gave him an immediate penalty. It’s f***ing outrageous.”

Another expressed frustration, saying, “I feel sorry for Micky Beckett, man… he had a great lead in the early race before the abandonment, and then he got stuffed. I don’t see the difference in wind from before until this race… So annoying.”

Entertainment

Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery

Published

10 minutes ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.

Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.

The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.

A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.

The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.

The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.

Vintage tour: Jo Richards and Alun Mason with tractors at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port (Pic: Martin Cavaney).

Community

Volunteers praised as Rath paddling pool gets summer makeover

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Questions raised over new netting as community pitches in to prepare popular spot

VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their efforts to get Milford Haven’s Rath paddling pool ready for summer – but a new addition has sparked debate among locals.

A group of residents, including Caroline Jones, Derek Abbott, Jordy, Tina Hawkins and Isla, were pictured this week installing colourful netting along the fence surrounding the pool.

The work forms part of ongoing efforts by the community to clean, maintain and improve the popular splash area ahead of the warmer months.

Caroline explained the netting had a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.

She said: “It’s partly to try and prevent some of the grass cuttings getting into the pool but also to brighten the area up.”

Others suggested it could also help reduce the amount of litter blowing into the water – an issue that has been raised in previous summers.

The efforts were widely welcomed online, with many residents thanking those involved for giving up their time.

One commenter wrote: “A bit of praise for these volunteers who give our little ones a bit of enjoyment at the paddling pool. Well done all.”

Another added: “Well done and thank you everyone.”

Some questioned the need for the netting, with one resident saying: “I don’t understand the netting around the pool. It looked lovely as it was.”

The Rath paddling pool is a well-used facility during the summer months, particularly by families with young children, and relies heavily on volunteer support to keep it clean and operational.

Local groups, including TipTop Wheelies, are understood to be involved in helping prepare the site for the season.

Despite mixed views on the netting, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for those working behind the scenes to keep the facility open.