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Haverfordwest: Folk Rock Festival cancelled due to low ticket sales

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Status Quo, along with Mumford and Sons​:​  ​M​ ay play in Pembrokeshire next year

Status Quo, along with Mumford and Sons​:​
​M​
ay play in Pembrokeshire next year

THE ORGANISERS of Haverfordwest Folk Rock Festival have decided to cancel the event due to a lack of ticket sales. Management said that lack of sales revenue means they simply cannot afford to go ahead with the festival.

The Herald spoke to Doc Gee, the main organiser of the event, who said: “The aims of the Haverfordwest Folk Rock Festival were always for the good of Pembrokeshire, to give local artists the opportunity to work alongside top international artists to learn from them and build contacts. It was also to bring top acts to Pembrokeshire and create an annual event for Haverfordwest, which would bring an audience from away as well, bringing opportunities to the area and putting Pembrokeshire’s county town on the map.”

In order to obtain the planning license for the Conygar Stadium, strict guidelines had to be met. A large number of licensed steward, porter loos, crowd barriers car park attendants and other costly requirements meant that the festival was costing the organisers £20,000 before artists, marquees and generators were even bought. The final figure of the cost of putting on the new festival exceeded £50,000.

Though, this was not of concern to Doc Gee, as the costs were anticipated and were heavily discounted to help the festival. Similarly to all festivals, the advance ticket sales needed to cover 60% of the overall costs that were needed to enable deposits to be paid, while the remaining 40% would be covered by sales at the gate.

Doc Gee told is that the event was not aimed at being a profit making venture, with tickets being priced at a break-even level.

Although 2,000 people said that they would be attending the festival, which was 60% of the advance ticket target, these people did not but their tickets by the requested deposit date at the beginning of May. The advance ticket sales only reached a fraction of the amount the festival needed to go ahead.

Doc Gee told The Herald that the acts, suppliers of the stages and PA were very helpful, allowing the festival to delay payment. On May 12, the final day for the festival to pay their deposits, it was decided that the festival would need to downsize in order to be affordable for the organisers.

The headline bands were very understanding when they were told that the festival could not afford their performances and the number of people who could attend was reduced to 499. This meant that the number of stewards, portaloos and barriers could be reduced. Ticket prices were reduced to £9 and could be paid for at the gate, making the event affordable for everyone.

Still, the costs were greater than the possible income, so the festival had to be cancelled. Though, in the last two days, Doc Gee tells us, over 16,000 people have tried to purchase tickets online. They have also received a large amount of emails expressing how disappointed people are about the announcement.

“Putting on a new festival is always a risk,” Doc Gee said, “but it was something we felt was important for our community.”

Not too disheartened by the fact that this year’s festival will not go ahead, Doc Gee says he is already planning next year’s festival, with two huge bands lined up. The organiser said she will only go ahead if the early bird tickets, which will be released in July or August this year, sell by October 2015. The two bands who are intended to headline the festival are Status Quo and Mumford and Sons.

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Lucy’s sudden passing at just 38 leaves a community in mourning

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MILFORD HAVEN is reeling from the untimely passing of Lucy Wind, a beloved mother, daughter, and sister.

Lucy, aged just 38, passed away suddenly but peacefully at her residence on Sunday, April 21, leaving behind cherished memories and a profound sense of loss among family and friends.

Lucy was known for her devotion to her two boys, Ryan and Adam, aged 15 and 12.

Her passing has left a significant void in their lives, as she was not only a dedicated mother but also a pillar of strength for her family.

Lucy’s parents, Angela and the late John Wind, and her siblings Sharon, Jason, and the late Alison, are mourning the loss of a beloved daughter and sister.

Details surrounding Lucy’s sudden demise have shocked many in the community.

Just hours before her passing, Lucy had been joyfully celebrating her cousin’s 18th birthday at a family gathering. Witnesses recount her vibrant presence on the dance floor, reveling in the company of loved ones. She left the venue early at 10:30pm to prepare for work the following day, but passed away at home. Lucy’s unexpected departure has left many grappling with disbelief.

Lucy was known for her selflessness and frugality, always prioritising her family over material possessions.

In line with her wishes, her funeral service will be a testament to her minimalist approach to life.

The service is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 9, at 10:45am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. In honour of Lucy’s vibrant spirit, attendees are encouraged to wear a splash of purple, her favourite colour.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family has requested donations to support Lucy’s sons, Ryan and Adam, through a GoFundMe page set up by Lucy’s cousin, Kerryanne. The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, reflecting the impact Lucy had on those around her.

Expressions of sympathy and support can be directed to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd., Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven. For those wishing to contribute to the fund for Lucy’s sons, donations can be made through the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lucy-wind.

As Milford Haven prepares to bid farewell to one of its own, Lucy Wind’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family will forever be cherished by the community she leaves behind.

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Jonathan Davies to say farewell to Scarlets at the end of the season

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ONE of the Scarlets’ greats, Jonathan Davies, will say farewell to the club at the end of the season.

After 16 seasons spanning two spells at the club, the man known as ‘Foxy’ will be moving on at the end of the campaign.

From Bancyfelin in Carmarthenshire, Jonathan has made 209 appearances in a Scarlets jersey having made his debut for the club against Northampton Saints as an 18-year-old back in 2006.

A former club captain, he was an integral member of the side that lifted the Guinness PRO12 title in 2016-17, the Scarlets clinching the trophy in style thanks to a mesmeric brand of attacking rugby.

Jonathan has gone on to become one of the most decorated centres in world rugby, representing the British & Irish Lions in the Test series against Australia (2013) and New Zealand (2017) – where he was player of the series. He has also played 96 Tests for Wales, featuring in two Grand Slam-winning sides, a further two championship wins, and two Rugby World Cups in New Zealand (2011) and Japan (2019). He has also captained the national side on four occasions.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s final home match against Ulster, Jonathan said: “I am going to miss this place and this group. Day to day, being around a great bunch of boys and saying you are working you feel very privileged.

“It has been incredible to play for a team I supported when I was a young boy. I have enjoyed every minute and have some wonderful memories, but everything has to come to an end.

“I remember my first day coming into the Academy at Stradey, I remember walking into the changing room for training with the likes, Vernon Cooper, Matthew Rees, Iestyn Thomas, Alix Popham – who were the ‘guvnors’ of the changing room – and putting my bag on the bench and coming in afterwards and it was on the floor; I tried another spot the next day and the same happened! it was a great learning; myself, Ken and my generation were probably the last ones to have experience of that old school environment.”

Recalling the highlights of his Scarlets career, lifting the PRO12 trophy in Dublin in 2017 figures at the top of the list, as does playing alongside his younger brother James ‘Cubby’.

He added: “There was a span of five or six games in which I never enjoyed rugby as much as I did during the end of that season when we won the PRO12. I have always said, if we were still in European competition at that point we would have won it.

“The rugby we played was so much fun and so natural, we were operating at a level that we didn’t really need to talk about what was expected of us. It felt as if we were operating at our highest level possible and the talent in that group was so high it showed in the games leading up to the final and then in the final.

“Playing alongside my brother was another special moment and winning a trophy as part of the same side is something I am very proud of.”

As for the future, Jonathan has a testimonial year beginning in June and is also hoping to continue his playing career.

“I would love to see if there is another opportunity to play elsewhere, whether that be abroad or not,” he adds. “I still enjoy coming to train and playing. I am always told you are a long time retired – if you feel you can add to an environment or a team I feel I’d be stupid not to.

“The Scarlets have been a huge part of my life. When you get older there is an appreciation of the effort that people – coaches, team-mates, staff – have put into your career. The supporters here have been amazing from day one as well.”

Paying tribute to one of the Scarlets’ greats, head coach Dwayne Peel said: “I played in the same game as Foxy’s debut, there was a lot of talk of this kid from Bancyfelin coming through and when he turned up he was more developed than some of the senior boys! He was strong and fast and you could see straight away he was something special.

“He was always destined for big things, but he has also worked tirelessly on his game to become the best No. 13 in the world and is an example to any young player who aspires to make it as a professional.

“I am sure the next few weeks will be an emotional time for him, saying his farewells. He has been a big part of this club for a long time.”

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Fourth Bank Holiday shout for Angle RNLI

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ANGLE All-Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch at 5:46pmon Bank Holiday Monday to assist a small vessel in difficulty off the Angle buoy, between Angle and Dale.

The vessel had suffered steering failure, and with a large VLCC tanker inbound the casualty vessel was quickly taken under tow by a Port Authority Pilot Vessel.

As the pilot vessel was required to stay with the tanker as a specified vessel requiring a patrol, the pilot boats crew requested the lifeboats attendance.

The lifeboat launched and rendezvoused with the pilot vessel off Chapel Bay and a tow was swiftly passed to the casualty vessel.

After discussing the options with the vessels skipper, the casualties were taken under tow to their mooring at Castle Pill. Once off the narrow entrance to the Pill, the vessel was transferred into an alongside tow and manoeuvred through the tight entrance.

Around 30 minutes after being taken under tow, the casualty vessel was placed safely on their mooring. Content that no further assistance was required, the lifeboat and her crew were stood down to return to station where she was readied for further service by 6:45pm.

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