AN INQUEST has begun into the tragic death of Chris Boyle, a well-known local taxi driver from Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, who was killed in a road traffic collision earlier this month. The incident occurred on the evening of Monday, September 2, on the A4139 road between Tenby and Penally. Mr Boyle, aged 57, was widely known in the local community by the affectionate nickname “Mukka.”

During the inquest held at Haverfordwest County Hall on September 20, it was confirmed that the cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries resulting from the crash. Boyle was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of emergency responders.

The investigation is ongoing, with Dyfed-Powys Police leading inquiries. The inquest has been temporarily adjourned as criminal proceedings continue. Thirty-year-old Mateusz Sikorski, who was involved in the collision, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving. Sikorski made his initial appearance at Llanelli Magistrates Court on September 5 and is expected to appear next at Swansea Crown Court in October.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Boyle’s death has shaken the close-knit community. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, friends, and family, with many describing him as a warm, kind-hearted, and helpful man who would do anything for those around him. Fellow taxi drivers and locals have organised memorial events and fundraising efforts, including a GoFundMe campaign to support his funeral costs and family. A fundraiser in Saundersfoot also paid tribute to his contribution to the local community.

Boyle’s funeral is set to take place on Friday, September 27, with services planned at St. Mary’s Church in Tenby, followed by a committal at Parc Gwyn Crematorium in Narberth.

PEMBROKESHIRE has been announced as the host county for the National Eisteddfod in 2026, marking the festival’s return to the region for the first time in over two decades. The announcement has sparked excitement across the area, with preparations for the prestigious cultural event set to begin with a public meeting on Thursday, 10th October.

The meeting will take place at Theatr y Gromlech, Crymych, at 19:00, and offers local residents the opportunity to learn more about the plans for the festival and how they can get involved in the community project.

In a unique move, the catchment area for the 2026 event will include not only Pembrokeshire but also parts of south Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, creating a broader festival footprint. This collaboration is particularly fitting as the National Eisteddfod will be held during the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod, which took place in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

Speaking about the upcoming event, Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, expressed enthusiasm for the festival’s return to the area: “We’re looking forward to holding the Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire in two years’ time. We’ll be working in a new way, bringing areas from three counties together to create a project and festival celebrating our language and culture both locally and nationally.”

Moses also highlighted the strong partnership between Pembrokeshire County Council, which will act as the lead authority, and the councils of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. “It’s a chance for us to work in a brand-new way, bringing the expertise of three local authorities together,” she said. “We haven’t been to Pembrokeshire since 2002, and we’re looking forward to returning to the county that gave us such a warm welcome when the festival was held in St David’s almost a quarter of a century ago.”

She emphasised the many opportunities available for local residents to get involved, whether through organising and supporting community events or working on the artistic programme and competitions. “There’s a warm welcome for everyone at the meeting, and we’ll have translation available at the event,” Moses added.

The National Eisteddfod, a cornerstone of Welsh cultural life, is a week-long celebration of music, literature, and the arts, conducted predominantly in Welsh. The festival draws thousands of visitors from across Wales and beyond, offering a platform for competitors of all ages to showcase their talents.

Nominations for key roles on the executive committee, including Chair, Deputy-Chair Strategy, Deputy-Chair Culture, Secretary, and Chair of the local fund, are currently open, with a closing date of Friday, 19th October. Those interested in getting involved can find more information and register at the official Eisteddfod website.

Following the public meeting in Crymych, work will begin on selecting the competitions for the Rhestr Testunau, with the community project and artistic programme development set to commence in the new year.

For more details on how to participate or to stay updated on festival plans, visit the official Eisteddfod website at www.eisteddfod.wales.

MENTRUS DEVELOPMENTS has started work on phase two of ‘Maes y Teirw’, a residential development of 21 eco-friendly homes on the site of a former cattle breeding centre near Carmarthen that has been part-funded by a seven-figure loan from the Development Bank of Wales.

The 2.2-acre brownfield site includes a mix of 17 five- and four-bedroom homes along with 4 three-bedroom affordable properties. All have solar panels and air source heat pumps to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

With good transport links and a range of local amenities, Maes y Teirw is proving popular with families and commuters alike. The first phase of properties is now almost complete with two having sold subject to contract. Work on phase two of the development is underway and internal fixings are expected to be completed during the winter of 2024/25.

Maes y Teirw is the first residential development for Mentrus Developments, a company set-up by Directors Matthew Watkins, Philip Mann and Richard Phillips. Matthew Watkins said: “The literal translation of Maes y Teirw is ‘The Bulls Field’ and our choice of name is important as it reflects the legacy and history of the land.

“As our first residential development, we were looking for a funding partner who knew the local area, took the time to understand our business model and could meet our timescales for development to maximise build time during the summer months. The Development Bank pulled out all the stops to ensure a quick and smooth completion. We’re very grateful for their support.”

Rob Good is a Property Development Executive with the Development Bank. He said: “We work with developers in Wales to provide the funding that they need to progress the development of good quality, sustainable and energy-efficient homes where they are most needed. With high specifications and an excellent finish, Maes y Teirw will offer buyers the opportunity to benefit from modern living surrounded by countryside close to Carmarthen town centre.”

The loan for Mentrus Developments came from the £54.5 million Wales Property Fund II. Financed entirely by Welsh Government, loans from £150,000 to £6 million are available for small and medium-sized developers based in Wales, working on residential, mixed-use and commercial development projects in Wales.

Pictured above: Matthew Watkins, Mentrus; Philip Mann, Mentrus; Rob Good, Development Bank of Wales; Richard Phillips, Mentrus.