News

Coaching trailblazer loses battle with cancer

Published

10 years ago

December 18, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Inspired and encouraged: Ray Williams (right) during his time at the WRU

THE RUGBY world is mourning the death of Ray Williams, after the 87 year old passed away on Tuesday night (Dec 2), after a battle with cancer. Williams, who lived with his wife in Haverfordwest, was honoured this year, when he was awarded the International Rugby Board’s Vernon Pugh award, for his distinguished service.

He is credited as revolutionising rugby coaching after joining the Welsh Rugby Union as the world’s first paid coaching organiser in 1967, and it was his ideas and strategy that helped Wales dominate the northern hemisphere game in the golden 1970s era. Former Wales coach Clive Rowlands said: “Here was a man who did so much, yes in Wales but also throughout the world.

“I feel very sad but, at the same time, I look back and I think of the happy days as well,” added Rowlands. “Ray came in with new things and made coaching interesting. He made coaching a real important part of the game.” Rowlands coached Wales to four Five Nations wins, during Williams’ time as coaching organiser. Williams was appointed WRU centenary officer in 1980 and then succeeded the long-serving Bill Clement as secretary of the WRU. “He was a major influence,” ex-Wales wing Gerald Davies said in October, when Williams won the IRB award.

“His aim was to achieve for the highest possible levels of skills. Excellence was his theme and the systems he created here in Wales were replicated all over the world.” Davies, whose exploits included a starring role in the British and Irish Lions Test series win of 1971, paid further tribute to Williams. “He was responsible for the way we think about rugby football in the way he formulated and tabulated the skills and the requirements of rugby football,” he said. “And he arranged for coaches to be educated in the rudiments of the game; of the skills, the tactics, the techniques – the mechanics.”

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Ray Williams was a wonderful example of how, through his selfless dedication to our sport and its character-building values, rugby can change lives, bring people together and provide tremendous camaraderie.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

10 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

10 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.