Community
Haverfordwest Airport staff get hands-on with Royal Navy Merlin helicopter
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A ROYAL NAVY Merlin helicopter visited Haverfordwest Airport earlier this month to give staff a chance to learn more about these impressive aircraft.
The visit enabled staff to get up close and hands-on with the helicopter and consider all aspects of safety when it comes to refuelling.
The Royal Navy fleet occasionally use the Pembrokeshire County Council run airport for refuelling when training at the military zones of Pendine and Castlemartin ranges.
The airport staff received training on where the emergency shut down switches are located, fuel shut down, main battery shut off, where to locate engine fires within the aircraft and where to attack engines fires from, if required.
They also learned the location of the emergency hatches, what hazards are involved for aircraft evacuation, understanding where the fuel lines are situated and what materials are used in the helicopter’s construction.
In the unlikely event of an emergency the airport staff now have a better understanding off the Merlin MK4 Helicopter.
Airport Assistant Phil Davies said: “This was a great opportunity for the Royal Navy to understand what we have to offer at Haverfordwest Airport and for our staff to learn more about the Merlin MK 4 helicopter.
“We have received feedback that the Royal Navy are now hoping to use the Airport more frequently with different types of aircraft.”
Haverfordwest Airport has both pressurised and gravity feed mechanisms available for refuelling aircraft.
Gravity feed is used for the smaller aircraft and pressurised for larger aircraft that hold large quantities for fuel.
Pressurised is normally used for refuelling when the helicopters don’t shut down, while working in emergencies that are time critical for example.
Haverfordwest Airport is open from 8.30am hours until 4.30pm from Monday to Friday and also accept flights on weekends.
Online indemnity forms must be filled out prior to arrival and these can be found on the Council’s website.
The Airport works closely with Fly Wales who are located at the Airport on Fishguard Road, Haverfordwest.
Fly Wales offers charted flights across the UK and Europe. They also run Haverfordwest School of flying, offering flying lessons and pleasure flights.
Haverfordwest Airport is also home to Metal Seagulls, who offer engineering services for light aviation.
Metal Seagulls are also leading the UK developments in all metal next-generation light aviation solutions for surveillance, humanitarian, training and recreational missions, whilst working towards net-zero decarbonisation targets.
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Photo avove: Pictured with a member of the Royal Navy crew are (from left) Airport Supervisor Tim Brickwood and Airport Assistants Terry Treiber Johnson, Bryn Etchells, and Phil Davies.
Community
Community rallies to support family of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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