Community
Beach access in memory of Alan boosted with £500 donation
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s aspiration to improve beach accessibility has been boosted by a donation of more than £500 from Pembrokeshire Access Group.
The Access Group – an independent charity – has historically been supported by the Access Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC).
The Access Officer and group members promoted improved access to services and facilities for disabled people in the county.
It encouraged Councils, developers and businesses to subscribe to the social model of disability and the principles of inclusive design so that everyone, including disabled people, could enjoy the same facilities equally.
Trustees of the charity made the decision to disband last year and decided to donate the remaining funds in the charity bank account in memory of former Access Officer, Alan Hunt.
Alan worked at PCC from 2003 until his death in October 2019 and was a huge supporter of the beach wheelchair and outdoor access initiatives. His wife, Frances Hunt, joined group trustees for a cheque presentation on Thursday 7th September at County Hall.
Access Officer Jessica Hatchett said: “While I am sad to see the end of the Access Group I am thrilled that we have been able to make such a substantial donation to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
“The majority of the money came from donations in Alan’s memory so I’m pleased it will help support something he was so passionate about. It was also lovely that Frances was able to join us and see the fantastic equipment for herself.”
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Beach Wheelchair and Outdoor Mobility Co-ordinator, Angela Robinson added: “We are extremely grateful for this kind donation, which will go towards purchasing equipment that will help more people access Pembrokeshire’s great outdoors, something Alan worked so hard to do over so many years.”
The £528.93 donation will be used towards buying an all-terrain rollator which is specifically designed to give users a safer, more stable base to walk with.
A full list of available equipment can be found on the National Park website (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, call 01646 624800.
Pictured: Left to right are: Jessica Hatchett, Access Officer, Pembrokeshire County Council, Annette Peter, Pembrokeshire Access Group trustee, Angela Robinson, PCNPA Beach Wheelchair and Outdoor Access Coordinator, Frances Hunt, Tegryn Jones, PCNPA Chief Executive Officer and Margaret Baron and Rex Codd, Pembrokeshire Access Group trustees.
Community
Community rallies to support family of Chris ‘Mucker’ Boyle
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.
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
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
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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