Community
Disability sport festival takes place
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/phdisabilitysports.jpg)
![Photo time: Participants grab a photo with member of the Ospreys wheelchair rugby team and Welsh Rugby players .](http://pembs-herald.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/phdisabilitysports-1024x683.jpg)
Photo time: Participants grab a photo with member of the Ospreys
wheelchair rugby team and Welsh Rugby players .
THE FIRST Disability in sport Festival was hosted in Haverfordwest Leisure Centre on Saturday (Jun 20) and was the first of its kind in West Wales.
It was the brainchild of Peter O’Shea, owner of Snowdrop Independent Living. It was an event aimed to encourage those with impairments to try a wide range of sports, from target shooting, table tennis and powerlifting to edgier activities such as wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby (formerly known as murderball).
The organisation was a joint effort between The Haverfordwest Leisure Centre management staff, Angela Miles, Disability Sports officer for Pembrokeshire and Snowdrop Independent Living. Sports clubs were encouraged to take part and to demonstrate their activities and the expertise; and the manpower and equipment of Disability Sports Wales played a vital part in enabling many of the activities to take place.
The event saw a few well-known faces in attendance, from members of the Welsh rugby squad, sponsored by Oil4Wales, the Osprey’s wheelchair rugby team – some of whom participated in the London 2012 Olympic Games, world record holding athlete Nathan Stephens as well as the Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb.
The activities, all of which catered for those with disabilities, were split into different sections throughout the leisure centre, one room having the option of activities such as boccia, table tennis, and powerlifting with Simon Roach of Strength Academy Wales.
The gym hosted gymnastics in one half, and in the other half wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby took place in intervals, coaching for the latter being led by members of the Osprey’s Wheelchair Rugby Team. Bikeability had a large range of adapted bikes available to try, and swimming, target shooting and other disciplines were held throughout the day.
Ospreys wheelchair rugby chairman Rev. Steven Jones was encouraged by what he had seen saying: “People are taking part, some having a go for the very first time, we hope that perhaps it’s the start, that perhaps there will be some future wheelchair rugby players here today.”
Paul Jenkins, Head Coach for the Osprey’s Wheelchair Rugby team was enthused for both the event and the brilliant opportunities created for the disabled through sports such as wheelchair rugby.
He said: “It’s a tremendous game, a tremendous sport for everyone; you can play whether you’re slightly able, physically or mentally, it doesn’t matter, we can get you in and have a go at the sport, and the more we can have down to have a go the better.”
Participant Sarah Davies also praised the event: “It’s out of my comfort zone but a good new experience.”
The event was kindly sponsored by Valero and Snowdrop Independent Living who provide mobility aids, stairlifts and disabled access equipment to help people stay independent within their homes.
Pictures and footage of the event can be found on Snowdrop Independent Living’s Twitter and Facebook pages, as well as their website.
Community
Community rallies to support family of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mukka-scaled-e1725452296502.jpg)
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.
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mukkabw.jpg)
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
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/4FDD5718-217C-41D6-9BAB-6867B28C9063_1_201_a.jpeg)
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
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pups.jpg)
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.
-
Crime4 days ago
Man who threatened to chop off teenage girl’s ears given community sentence
-
Entertainment5 days ago
Mary Poppins star Glynis Johns laid to rest in West Wales
-
Crime5 days ago
Burglary at Royal Mail Sorting Office in Pembroke Dock
-
Crime6 days ago
Woman charged with murder of six-year-old boy in Swansea
-
Crime3 days ago
Taxi driver’s death leads to death by dangerous driving charge
-
Crime6 days ago
How Dyfed-Powys Police cracks down on the drug gangs exploiting West Wales
-
Crime6 days ago
Cadw prosecuting man already in prison over neglect of historic site
-
Crime5 days ago
Violent incident in Milford Haven leads to three arrests