Community
VC Gallery’s Woodland Wellbeing Project transforms Mount Woods
THE VC GALLERY’S Woodland Wellbeing Project in the Mount Woods has become a beacon of community engagement, encouraging people to immerse themselves in nature, learn about biodiversity, and restore public spaces damaged by ash dieback disease.
Over the past nine months, the VC Gallery, in collaboration with commissioned partner Silbers CIC, has made significant strides in transforming the woodland into a welcoming space for all. The project has included a diverse array of activities, from wood carving, invasive species studies, and bird identification, to art, photography, sculpture, litter picking, and felling dangerous trees. These initiatives have not only enhanced the woodland but have also provided engaging workshops for multiple generations within the community.
Working in tandem with the River Trust, the VC Gallery has taken responsibility for the Tributary, monitoring the waterways for microplastics and removing tonnes of rubbish to restore tranquility to the area. The woodland has also hosted mental health walks and counselling sessions, particularly benefiting Armed Forces veterans. A variety of organisations have contributed to the project, reflecting a collaborative effort to achieve the initiative’s goals.
Among the project’s many beneficiaries are the Milford Haven Marine and Navy Cadets, with 60 under-18s from Milford Haven, along with other school and third-sector initiatives, having taken part. Plans for further activities are already in the works.
The project, funded by the SPF, Pembrokeshire County Council, and the Levelling Up Fund, has been a resounding success. The VC Gallery’s Founder expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Using the opportunity of this woodland has given our charity the chance to offer many more events for locals and groups who need to get outdoors in a safe and secure way. Many people are more suited to outdoors with certain conditions like anxiety disorder, and the open green spaces are a great way to look at the five ways to wellbeing.”
In addition to its environmental focus, the VC Gallery has combined biodiversity and heritage, offering veterans’ groups from across Wales the chance to witness the good work being done while learning about the rich history of the woods. Stories like that of ‘Dead Man’s Lake,’ linked to the Civil War and Cromwell’s invasion, have added a historical dimension to the project’s appeal.
Project lead Charles Laugharne commented, “We had the military charity Alabaré visit with lots of veterans, and they were very interested in the work we were undertaking at the Mount. It has given us the ability to create micro projects from this wonderful, calming space.
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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