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Sport

Sports awards winners revealed

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THE achievements and hard work of sportspeople, coaches and volunteers in the county were celebrated at the prestigious Sport Pembrokeshire awards ceremony on Friday (Nov 24) – one of the highlights of the local sporting calendar.

Now in its 11th year, the gala ceremony at Folly Farm was attended by more than 600 guests, and hosted by Bill Carne and Cllr Huw George.

Fourteen award-winners were announced in a variety of categories, together with the winners of two special awards – the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Special Achievement Award.

The winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award was Paralympian and former international Boccia champion, Jacob Thomas (main picture) of Bethesda near Narberth.

Jacob, aged 23, claimed several international titles and achieved a place in the final sixteen in the London 2012 Summer Paralympics prior to his retirement last year.

Among his successes were the coveted gold medal at the World Student Games in Brazil, the pairs’ bronze at the European Championships, and bronze and silver in the World Championships in Beijing.

Jacob was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Geoff Williams, Head of Sport at BBC Wales.

He praised Jacob’s exceptional achievements and said that he was a ‘true champion in every sense of the word’.

“With his extraordinary degree of skill, determination and perseverance, Jacob is quite simply one of the most inspirational figures ever to come before us in the Sport Pembrokeshire Awards,” said Geoff.

The Special Achievement Award, presented by the Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Paul Harries, was won by Marie Tilley of Narberth.

Pictured is Marie Tilley, the winner of the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award, with the Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Paul Harries.

After her sister and son were diagnosed with diabetes, Marie set up ‘Marie’s Mission’ in 2014, a quest to raise funds to help improve the treatment and diabetes and contribute towards finding a cure.

Since then, she has completed many endurance events, including cycling the punishing La Marmotte in France – 110 miles of mountainous terrain – and raised more than £15,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

She has also set up ‘Marie’s Marvels’ – a running and fitness group comprising more than 30 women – and is currently establishing two further fitness groups for youngsters.

“Her dedication to helping others, while managing her own son’s condition, is nothing short of inspirational,” said Cllr Harries.

The awards ceremony also featured a screening of a music video by Tom Fletcher, previously of McFly, featuring the amazing skills of Tenby WCMX champion Lily Rice, winner of the 2016 Junior (U16) Disability Sport Award.

Councillor Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “The Sport Pembrokeshire awards are an opportunity to celebrate  the achievements of sportspeople across the County and recognise the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to all nominees, finalists and winners.”

The Sport Pembrokeshire awards were organised by Sport Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire County Council’s sport development team, which also sponsored the awards together with the Western Telegraph, Valero, Radio Pembrokeshire and Folly Farm.

The winner of the award was Libi Phillips (Wheelchair rugby), whose sister Madi accepted it on her behalf from Tom Rogers of Arriva Trains Wales. The finalists were Leon Davies (Gymnastics) and Antony Triebel (Gymnastics).

Sponsors of individual categories included Strength Academy Wales, Arriva Trains Wales, Sport Wales and the Pembrokeshire Youth Service.

The winners of the 14 award categories were:

Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2017 – Winners

Coach of the Year – Chris Barker (Squash)

Female Sporting Achievement – Abbie Williams (Triathlon)

Male Sporting Achievement – James Tomlinson (Athletics)

Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement – Iori Humphreys (Athletics)

Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement – Lowri Hart (Badminton)

Disability Sport Award – Jack Lloyd (Bowls)

Junior (U16) Disability Sport Award – Libi Phillips (Wheelchair Rugby)

Unsung Hero – Sam Rossiter (Cricket)

Club Organiser of the Year – Mel Marshalsey (Netball)

The award-winners Just Tri Junior Triathlon Club are pictured with David Walker from the Pembrokeshire Youth Service and Sion Jenkins from the Just Tri club.

Team Achievement of the Year – Sam and Daisy Coleman (Powerboating)

Junior  (U16) Team Achievement of the Year – Ysgol Preseli under 16’s rugby team 2016/17

Contribution to School Sport award – Rick Walton

Student Contribution to School Sport award – Nina Garcia (Greenhill School)

Club of the Year – Just Tri Junior Triathlon Club

Sport

Scarlets and local NHS Charity announce continued Wish Fund partnership

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SCARLETS RUGBY has announced that it will be continuing its partnership with Hywel Dda Health Charities, the local NHS Charity, to support the Wish Fund campaign. The campaign raises funds to create magical memories for children and young people living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families.

The campaign, which launched in spring 2022, has already raised a fantastic £29,900 which has been used to create unforgettable experiences for paediatric palliative care patients and their families. These have included days out at the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Urdd Llangrannog, pantomime trips to Llanelli and Milford Haven, and fun family days at Parc y Scarlets.

Families have also enjoyed free entry to Scarlets games, and a Wish Fund information and support stand has appeared regularly at Scarlets home games.

Heulwen, who attended a Scarlets visit with her son Jake, said: “It was a magical day and Jake was thrilled to receive a signed shirt and hat. We’ll never forget it.”

Rachel Brown, Paediatric Palliative Care Play Specialist, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Scarlets are supporting our Wish Fund campaign.

“The Wish Fund provides us with opportunities to give that little extra to our patients and families which are beyond NHS expenditure. These include fantastic group activities and family day trips, therapeutic play toys to help young patients process what they are experiencing, and wellbeing resources for families and young siblings.

“It means we can create cherished memories together.”

Scarlets’ Wales international Gareth Davies said: “We are delighted to be a part of the Wish Fund campaign and hopefully we can help make a real difference to families across mid and west Wales.

“We want to help them create some brilliant memories which will last forever and hope to inspire people across the region to join with us and bring a bit of joy to their lives.”

The Wish Fund campaign will see the NHS charity and the Scarlets Rugby continue to work together to both raise funds for the campaign and raise awareness about the work of the Paediatric Palliative Care team.

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News

Pembrokeshire filmmaker tackles extraordinary football documentary

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BULL MOOSE PRODUCTIONS has announced the commencement of production of “Metcalf vs Puskás: The Forgotten Game,” a documentary chronicling a remarkable yet little-known charity football match from 1967.

The film, directed by Daniel Metcalf, from Pembrokeshire, explores the events leading up to some of Britain’s biggest footballing stars, alongside Daniel’s grandfather Mike Metcalf, taking on a Ferenc Puskás International XI for charity.

This independent production delves into a forgotten piece of football history, reconstructing a charity match that featured legends such as Billy Liddell, John Charles, Malcolm Allison, Dave Hickson, and Billy Bingham. The documentary aims to uncover this lost moment in football history while examining how sport brings communities together.

“This project is a journey of discovery,” says Daniel Metcalf, director. “It’s about uncovering a lost moment in football history, but it’s also about exploring how sport brings communities together. Through my grandfather’s story, we’ll examine the changing face of football over the past half-century.”

The production has already garnered significant support. Chester FC has provided access to a wealth of archival material and granted permission to film at their stadium. The project has also caught the eye of the footballing community, with Welsh legend Neville Southall stating, “A fascinating footballing story which should make for a great film, I can’t wait to watch and learn more about it.”

“Metcalf vs Puskás: The Forgotten Game” aims to recreate the atmosphere and sense of celebration surrounding this extraordinary match, using a combination of interviews, archival footage, and animation. The film will not only pay tribute to a unique moment in football history but also explore broader themes of community, memory, and social change.

Local Talent Opportunities

Bull Moose Productions is eager to collaborate with local talent in Pembrokeshire and surrounding areas. We are seeking filmmakers, technicians, and production assistants who are passionate about bringing this unique story to life. This project offers an excellent opportunity for emerging talent to work on a professional documentary production.

“We’re looking to build a community around this film,” says Daniel Metcalf. “Whether you’re a football fan, a history buff, or simply someone who loves a good story, there are many ways to get involved. We’re particularly keen to tap into the wealth of creative talent here in Pembrokeshire.”

  • The production team is seeking individuals to assist with:
  • Film crew positions for summer 2025 filming
  • Pre-production organisation and research
  • Post-production assistance (editing, sound, score)
  • Fundraising and investment
  • Marketing, social media and distribution

This is a unique chance for Pembrokeshire residents to contribute to a project with national appeal, gaining valuable experience in the film industry.

The production is also actively seeking financial support to ensure the highest quality for “Metcalf vs Puskás: The Forgotten Game”. We welcome investment from individuals and groups who are passionate about football history, local heritage, and compelling storytelling.

The team also plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign, offering supporters the chance to feel personally involved in the project through a range of perks and rewards. Additionally, Bull Moose Productions will be applying for funding from relevant film bodies to support this ambitious project.

For those interested in contributing their skills, investing in the project, or learning more about upcoming crowdfunding opportunities, please contact Daniel Metcalf directly using the details below.

  • Bull Moose Productions is an independent film production company based in Wales, dedicated to telling unique and compelling stories that bridge personal narratives with broader historical and cultural contexts. With a talented team of upcoming film production experts, Bull Moose Productions is committed to creating high-quality, thought-provoking content that resonates with audiences both locally and internationally.
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Education

Pembrokeshire College’s WRU Hub Officer Aled gets European experience

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THE COLLEGE’S WRU Hub Officer and renowned rugby coach, Aled Waters, has recently returned from an exciting series of coaching stints in Germany and Austria, where he worked with top youth and national teams as part of ongoing international rugby collaborations.

In Germany, Aled’s coaching efforts were focused on a partnership between the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and Rugby Deutschland, working with the Under-16s National 7s Squad. As part of this unique link, Aled provided high-performance coaching designed to develop the young squad’s skills in the fast-paced 7s format, preparing them for future international competitions.

After his time in Germany, Aled travelled to Austria, where he played a pivotal role in preparing the Austrian National Rugby Team for their participation in the upcoming Rugby Europe Competition, taking place over three consecutive weekends. His expertise helped ready the team for their first test, culminating in a thrilling match against Hungary.

Speaking about his international experience, Aled commented: “It’s been an incredible opportunity to help nurture rugby talent in both Germany and Austria. The players’ dedication and commitment are impressive, and I’m excited to see how they perform in upcoming tournaments.”

Looking ahead, Aled’s coaching journey is far from over. In November, he will be heading to Italy to continue his international coaching work, helping teams prepare for further competition within the Rugby Europe framework.

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