Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Ironman Wales kicks off in Tenby with spectacular start

Published

on

IRONMAN Wales got under way in Tenby at 7:30am this morning (Sunday), as thousands of athletes braved the waves and streets of Pembrokeshire in one of the world’s toughest endurance races.

The day began in dramatic fashion with a parachute display over North Beach, filling the skies with coloured smoke as crowds gathered along the seafront. From there, attention turned to the iconic swim start, where more than 2,000 competitors wearing brightly coloured swim caps surged into the waters of Carmarthen Bay.

Parachute display over Tenby Bay as Ironman Wales got under way. (Pic: Gareth Davies/Herald)

Conditions were much improved compared with Saturday’s IronKids event, which went ahead despite heavy rain soaking Tenby. This morning brought clearer skies and calmer seas — a welcome relief for the athletes and the huge crowds who turned out from dawn to cheer them on.

There had been concerns over water quality after campaign group Surfers Against Sewage issued a warning yesterday, but that did not deter competitors or dampen the enthusiasm of the spectators. The atmosphere was electric as the swimmers charged into the bay, cheered on by thousands lining the clifftops, beach, and harbour walls.

Thousands of athletes gather on North Beach for the 7:30am swim start. (Pic: Gareth Davies/Herald)

Athletes face a 2.4-mile sea swim, followed by a gruelling 112-mile bike ride through the Pembrokeshire countryside, before finishing with a full marathon through Tenby’s narrow streets, where supporters are expected to keep up their famous wall of noise well into the night.

Tenby once again provided a stunning backdrop for the event, with its pastel-coloured houses, lifeboat station, and bustling harbour framing the scenes of determination and excitement as the competition got underway.

Green-capped athletes make their way from the beach into the water. (Pic: Gareth Davies/Herald)

Now in its twelfth year, Ironman Wales continues to attract athletes from across the globe, with many describing it as one of the toughest — but most rewarding — Ironman courses in the world.

Spectators will line the route all day, with the final finishers expected to cross the line late tonight, greeted by Tenby’s famous party atmosphere on the Esplanade.

Green-capped swimmers enter the bay cheered on by crowds at North Beach. (Pic: Gareth Davies/Herald)
Competitors power through the sea swim watched by crowds lining Tenby harbour. (Pic: Gareth Davies/Herald)

 

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

on

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

 

Continue Reading

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

on

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

 

Continue Reading

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

on

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.

 

Continue Reading

Crime17 hours ago

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man. Henry Howlett, 70, of Market...

News2 days ago

Conservatives target two seats in new Ceredigion Penfro constituency

Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz say health, farming and transport are key as they seek return to the Senedd CONSERVATIVE...

Community2 days ago

Milford Haven Beer Fest returns to waterfront this May

EVENT WILL FEATURE 34 DRINKS, LIVE MUSIC AND STREET FOOD MILFORD HAVEN is preparing to raise a glass as Beer...

Community3 days ago

Cancer patients targeted with parking fines outside Haverfordwest support centre

Adam’s Bucketful of Hope says vulnerable users, elderly volunteers and charity drivers have paid more than £1,000 after Ateb introduced...

Charity3 days ago

Row erupts at Spitfire museum after Reform poster displayed at charity premises

A HAVERFORDWEST museum has become caught up in a political row after Reform UK campaign material was photographed inside the...

Crime3 days ago

Pembrokeshire man charged with making hundreds of indecent images of children

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with making hundreds of indecent images of children. David Lewis, 42, is...

Crime4 days ago

Man appears in court charged over death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer

FAMILY WATCHED FROM PUBLIC GALLERY AS CASE SENT TO CROWN COURT A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with...

Crime4 days ago

Police launch arson investigation after Haverfordwest fire

CCTV APPEAL ISSUED POLICE have launched an arson investigation after a derelict building was destroyed in a major overnight fire...

News4 days ago

Residents told to stay indoors as derelict building destroyed in Haverfordwest fire

EMERGENCY SERVICS were called to a major overnight fire in Haverfordwest which led to residents being urged to remain indoors...

Health4 days ago

Welsh public backs urgent action on dementia ahead of Senedd elections

Calls grow for diagnosis, care and support to become national priority NEW figures reveal overwhelming public demand for dementia to...

Popular This Week