News
Several injured in Oakwood Theme Park ride incident
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A ROUTINE day at Oakwood Theme Park took a horrifying turn yesterday when the park’s ‘Bounce’ ride malfunctioned, resulting in multiple injuries. The popular drop tower ride experienced a sudden and catastrophic failure, plummeting to the ground during a scheduled emergency stop, and causing panic among the 20 riders onboard.
Witnesses reported hearing terrified screams as the 147ft-tall ride malfunctioned. The ride, which is designed to give thrill-seekers a stomach-churning drop, unexpectedly plunged from about halfway up, sending the lift hurtling towards the ground. Among the riders were several children, many of whom were described as “school-age.” Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with children “screaming and crying” as the ride’s descent accelerated.
One unnamed guest who was on the ride during the incident said, “It fell to the floor without slowing down. Children were screaming and crying as the ride went up and down a few times before it fell quickly to the ground from about halfway up the tower.”
Following the abrupt stop, the park’s emergency protocols were activated. Onsite first aiders quickly attended to the injured, with around eight individuals receiving immediate medical attention at the park. Four others were transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The nature of their injuries is not fully known, but initial reports indicated cases of lower back pain and shock.
Describing the park’s handling of the situation, the guest claimed it was “awful,” noting that assistance seemed limited to those who actively complained of pain. “There have been no apologies from the park,” they added. “They only gave information for guest relations because we asked for it to take it further after the fact we were told no management was available.”
Oakwood Theme Park, the largest theme park in Wales, which opened in 1987, has since issued a statement regarding the incident. “During operation today our drop tower ride Bounce experienced a programmed emergency stop procedure in response to the ride drop height,” the statement read. “The stoppage of the passenger gondola was attended to by our park team and the ride was lowered to the ground where guests were able to disembark. A number of guests reported minor lower back pain immediately after the occurrence and were attended to by our onsite team of first aiders, where assistance was provided. One group sought additional treatment locally, whilst others continued their day at the park. We have closed Bounce whilst we consult with the ride manufacturer.”
Bounce, a prominent feature at Oakwood, had only recently reopened in 2022 following a significant £400,000 refurbishment. The ride, known for its gravity-defying and stomach-lurching drops, had been closed since 2016 and was originally slated to reopen in 2019. However, the pandemic caused further delays, pushing the reopening to last year.
This incident is not the first time Oakwood has faced scrutiny over ride safety. In October 2022, the park made headlines when a man was hospitalised after falling out of a carriage on the
Treetops roller coaster. Despite this, the Health and Safety Executive found no faults with the equipment, and no action was taken against the park.
Tragically, in April 2004, 16-year-old Hayley Williams from Pontypool died after falling 100ft from Oakwood’s Hydro Ride. Her death led to calls for stricter safety regulations in theme parks across the UK.
An investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the Bounce malfunction. Park officials have stated that they are working closely with the ride’s manufacturer to ensure such an incident does not occur again. In the meantime, Bounce remains closed to the public.
The incident has raised serious concerns among visitors and the local community regarding the safety protocols at Oakwood Theme Park. As the investigation continues, many will be watching closely to see how the park addresses these concerns and what measures will be put in place to prevent future accidents.
Sad to see the decline of our local theme park
THE RECENT malfunction of the Bounce at Oakwood has ignited a wave of public outcry and concern over the safety standards at Wales’ largest amusement park. The incident, which left several riders with injuries, has drawn strong reactions from the local community and beyond, as evidenced by comments on social media platforms.
Many locals expressed their shock and frustration over the incident, highlighting long-standing issues with the park’s maintenance and safety protocols. IJ Sturley commented, “Dangerous places, maintained poorly over the years, shortcuts lead to accidents,” reflecting a sentiment shared by many about the perceived decline in the park’s upkeep.
Dylan Connolly shared his relief at avoiding the park: “When I went there it was closed and now I’m glad it was.” This sentiment was echoed by Steven Absalom, who declared, “This is why I don’t go and won’t,” underscoring a growing reluctance among locals to visit the park due to safety fears.
Several individuals have called for the park to be shut down entirely or handed over to new management. Top fan Richard Shanks bluntly stated, “Shut it down its beyond a joke the amount of times something goes wrong.” Luciana Suardi added, “There is a reason why this place is the UK’s worst rated theme park, with all the accidents that have happened there, it needs shutting down.”
Jimmy Lemon reminisced about the park’s former glory, saying, “That place’s current owners are a shambles… put off here a while ago… wish it was owned by the McNamara family again… would soon return to a jewel not a pile of Cr..!” This sentiment was supported by Andrew Clewett, who noted, “This place was run to a very high standard when it was owned by the McNamara’s. So sad to see it in its current condition. Little to no investment.”
Concerned parents and former employees
Parents with children set to visit the park expressed heightened anxiety. Kelly Griffiths remarked, “Just what you want to hear when there’s a school trip next week. I was already apprehensive.” Similarly, Rebecca Doble questioned the safety of future visits: “Ysgol Dyffryn Taf is on a school trip there next week. Are you sure it’s safe?”
Former employees also weighed in on the situation. Kino Wakeman, who briefly worked as a maintenance technician, warned, “Only a matter of time before another fatality 100%” highlighting potential internal issues. Alan Boswell, another ex-employee, noted historical problems with the Bounce ride: “Always had trouble with Bounce. I worked there when it first came. Always breaking down.”
While the current state of the park drew harsh criticism, many commenters reminisced about the better days of Oakwood. Ky-Ky Goward shared, “Such a shame to see and hear it to be in the state it is now used to love going here back in the day as a kid growing up.” This nostalgic view was echoed by Sam Crowe: “Shame though I got some happy memories from childhood there.”
The immediate aftermath of the incident has left many questioning the future of Oakwood Theme Park. Top fan Sarah Davies emphatically stated, “That park should be CLOSED !!!” Gem Phillips questioned, “Why is it still open?”
Carol Griffiths raised an important point about regulatory oversight: “Surely the health & safety agency’s cannot condone this place, do they ever get checked by them..?” Meanwhile, practical suggestions were offered by some, such as Trixie Trixabell Edwards: “Give it to Bluestone! I’m sure they would actually update and look after the park as it’s been a dreadful mess since pfft 10+ years ago.”
As investigations continue, it is clear that the local community’s trust in Oakwood Theme Park has been significantly shaken. The public’s demand for increased safety measures, better maintenance, or even a complete overhaul of management reflects deep concerns over the park’s ability to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Crime
Sex offender had with hidden phone containing indecent child images
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A CONVICTED sex offender has been caught with a secret mobile phone containing indecent images of children, in addition to breaching a court order by using and deleting Snapchat.
Euwyn Draper, 21, was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years, in April for offences involving the making and distribution of indecent images of children. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The SHPO prohibited Draper from possessing any internet-enabled devices not registered with the police, deleting any internet history or applications, and from holding social media accounts under false names. However, Draper was found to have violated several of these conditions.
According to prosecutor Emily Bennett, Draper informed police that he owned only an Xbox and a mobile phone with internet access. He was instructed to delete a second Instagram account, which he had registered under an anonymous name, and his Snapchat account due to concerns about the app’s ability to delete messages.
Between May 5 and July 10, e-safe software monitoring Draper’s registered phone flagged multiple instances where the Snapchat logo appeared on the device’s status bar. Investigators determined that Draper had used the app on at least two occasions, breaching the terms of his SHPO.
When Draper was asked to attend the police station, officers noted that he had deliberately taken a longer route. Upon questioning, he admitted that this was to allow himself time to delete Snapchat from his phone.
During a visit to his home, officers discovered a phone charger under Draper’s pillow, leading them to find a second mobile phone, hidden from the authorities. The accounts on this device matched those on his registered phone.
Draper claimed this second phone was old and that he had forgotten about it, asserting that he did not believe it was still functional. However, investigators found that across his devices, there were seven Category A images, three Category B images, and one Category C image – all created in November and December of the previous year, prior to the imposition of his SHPO.
Draper, who has one previous conviction for six offences, pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and four counts of making indecent images of children.
In mitigation, defence barrister Dan Griffiths acknowledged that Draper had an “unhealthy interest and compulsion” to view the illegal material. He argued that as the breaches had occurred so soon after Draper’s initial sentencing, there had not yet been adequate time for rehabilitation efforts to prevent further offending.
“The support he so desperately needs is not going to be offered to him while he is in prison,” Mr Griffiths added.
The court was informed that Draper had spent the last two months in custody and had been evicted from his home as a result.
Judge Paul Thomas KC adjourned sentencing in order to establish whether Draper would have a place to live in the community upon his release, acknowledging that prison time was a possibility.
“He could not complain if he got 16 months in prison,” the judge remarked. “However, I take your point that, in the long term, it is in everyone’s best interest that he gets over this addiction.”
Draper, previously of Goat Street, Haverfordwest, was remanded back into custody and is due to return to court for sentencing on September 26.
Community
Archbishop O’Toole announces new united archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia
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IN a historic move for the local Catholic community in the region, Archbishop Mark O’Toole has announced the creation of the new Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia.
This decision, promulgated by Pope Francis today (Sept 12), coincides with the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, and signals a new chapter for Catholics in South Wales and Herefordshire.
The Archbishop expressed his deep gratitude to Pope Francis for his swift decision, interpreting it as a mark of confidence from the Vatican. The creation of the united archdiocese follows a series of Open Listening Sessions earlier this year, during which both clergy and laity discussed the potential merger. The announcement will be read in churches across the region over the weekend of 14th-15th September.
In his pastoral letter to the faithful, Archbishop O’Toole drew inspiration from the Virgin Mary, who he described as the “first missionary disciple.” He encouraged the community to follow her example of faith and service as they embark on this new journey. “We are called to continue walking together on the path of the Gospel, deepening our relationship with Jesus,” the Archbishop wrote, urging the faithful to embrace Christ’s mission through acts of service.
The Archbishop’s pastoral letter further reflected on Mary’s role in both the joyful and sorrowful moments of Christ’s life. He emphasised her presence on the Way of the Cross and her deep understanding of the human experience, urging the community to follow her example in their own lives by embracing both joy and sorrow with faith.
The decision to unite the dioceses also comes as the global Church prepares for the Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” Archbishop O’Toole noted that Mary was the first “Pilgrim of Hope,” bringing Jesus to others with openness and courage. He encouraged the faithful to seek Mary’s guidance in growing closer to Jesus and sharing His love with those who do not yet know Him.
In his letter, Archbishop O’Toole offered a prayer to Mary, asking for her intercession in helping the new Archdiocese live out its mission. He called on the community to be “Pilgrims of Hope” in today’s world, embodying Mary’s love and compassion for all, especially those in need.
The formation of the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia represents a significant moment in the history of the Church in the region, as it seeks to build on the legacy of both dioceses and move forward with renewed purpose and mission. Archbishop O’Toole’s message reflects a vision of unity and hope, urging the faithful to look to the future with courage, inspired by the example of the Virgin Mary.
In closing, Archbishop O’Toole asked for the prayers of the faithful, concluding with a heartfelt blessing for all.
Community
Park celebrates multiple nominations at 2024 Croeso Awards
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SMALL-Carew-Castle.jpg)
THE Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is proud to announce that one of its flagship attractions, Carew Castle, and its dedicated Activities and Events team have been shortlisted for several prestigious awards at the 2024 Croeso Awards. Organised by Visit Pembrokeshire, these awards recognise excellence across the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors, highlighting businesses and organisations that deliver exceptional experiences for visitors.
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SMALL-Fire-1-1024x575.jpg)
Carew Castle, operated by the National Park Authority, scooped the award for the Best Attraction for a second time in last year’s Croeso Awards, as well as winning the Sustainable Tourism Award. This year, it is a finalist in three major categories: Best Attraction, Bro a Byd (Environmental and Sustainability), and Best Event. This is a remarkable achievement for the Authority, which has consistently placed sustainability and visitor experience at the heart of its operations.
One of Carew Castle’s standout events, FIRE! The Launch of the Giant Trebuchet, has secured a nomination for the Best Event Award. This unique event, which brings medieval siege warfare to life, features the only working trebuchet in Wales and drew enthusiastic crowds from far and wide over the summer months. Following a talk by an expert historian on its fascinating history and mechanics, a series of unusual projectiles—including a cabbage, a swede, and, most memorably, a giant watermelon—are catapulted towards the Millpond, much to the delight of the audience.
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Stargazing-1.jpg)
In an exciting twist, Carew Castle will compete in the Best Event category against other events organised by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s Activities and Events team – the Wonders of the Night Sky event at Castell Henllys and the Biofluorescent Night Walk at Pengelli Woods.
As part of Dark Sky Week Wales, the Wonders of the Night Sky event combined stargazing and storytelling around a fire, with local storyteller Alice Courvoisier sharing ancient myths about the stars. The Biofluorescent Night Walk, led by Reveal Nature and Ranger Richard Vaughan, guided participants through Pengelli Woods using UV torches to show the fluorescent beauty of this ancient woodland and its nocturnal creatures. Both events were supported by the Authority’s Dark Sky Officer, Jamie Taylor.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s Director of Nature and Tourism, James Parkin, said: “We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts in delivering world-class visitor experiences that highlight the unique natural beauty and rich heritage of Pembrokeshire. Whether it’s the spectacle of a medieval trebuchet at Carew Castle or the wonders of our Dark Sky events, the National Park always offers something new and exciting for visitors of all ages. These nominations reflect our commitment to providing engaging, sustainable activities that make Pembrokeshire a truly exceptional destination all year round.”
The 2024 Croeso Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 30 October, at Pembrokeshire College, where winners will be revealed, and Pembrokeshire’s top contributors to tourism and sustainability will be celebrated.
To find out more about events throughout the National Park over coming months, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.
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