News

Men drowned after drinking nine pints

Published

11 years ago

January 31, 2014

A CORONER has heard how two men drowned in a Gloucestershire canal after drinking up to nine pints of beer.

Nicholas Cyril Barry, 53, of Cynghordy, Llandovery, and Terence Humphreys, 69, of Pleasant Valley, Stepaside, had spent the afternoon and evening of January 10, drinking at the Tudor Arms at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. They then set off in the dark to walk along the Gloucester-Sharpness canal to get to their separate boats moored nearby.

Gloucestershire coroner’s officer Terry Onions said: “At 9.40am the next morning, Mr Barry’s body was found soaking wet on the canal bank at Purton with the dogs sitting nearby. “The body of Mr Humphreys was found 45 minutes later floating in the canal.”

Mr Barry’s body was formally identified by his brother Jonathan and Mr Humphreys by his son Lee Humphreys.

The coroner continued: “There are no suspicious circumstances but at this stage it is unknown exactly what happened.”

Post mortem examinations found that both men had died from drowning and blood specimens have now been sent for scientific analysis.

“Mr Barry was staying in his narrow boat on the canal. Mr Humphreys was also staying nearby on his own boat,” Mr Onions said.

“The two met up at the Tudor Arms in Slimbridge and spent the afternoon and evening there drinking. They were accompanied by three dogs.

“Staff estimate they consumed up to nine pints of beer. They left the pub at closing time to walk along the unlit towpath with the dogs to their boats.”

Assistant Gloucestershire coroner Katy Skerrett took evidence of identification and adjourned the inquest until July 20.

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

9 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.