Community

Shark hoax leaves Tenby red-faced, but does a real shark story lurk beneath?

Published

2 months ago

September 12, 2024

A SPOOF Facebook page masquerading as the official Tenby Town Council page has caused a flurry of confusion, humour, and frustration in the normally tranquil Welsh seaside town. The latest instalment in its parade of parodic posts claimed that a shark attack off Tenby’s coast had endangered local marine life, sparking wild online speculation about the potential cancellation of the upcoming Ironman Wales event.

The post, which described a seal being “bitten in half” by a shark in a Jaws-style feeding frenzy, alarmed enough locals and tourists that the town council found itself inundated with concerned messages. One anonymous “expert” even declared that Ironman Wales competitors would be “a buffet for the apex predator” if they dared to swim.

***How The Sun reported the story on Wednesday (Sept 11).***

Despite the tongue-in-cheek nature of the post, not everyone caught the joke. Some locals, along with a smattering of Ironman participants and holidaymakers, took the news to heart. The spoof even fooled a few town councillors, who were quick to demand Facebook remove the fake page — a battle they have been waging for years, with no success.

Andrew Davies, the actual clerk of Tenby Town Council, admitted that the spoof had once again caused unwelcome confusion: “We’ve tried to have the site taken down, but Facebook doesn’t seem to recognise that it’s a parody. It’s a bit of fun, but unfortunately, some people take it seriously.”

While Davies seemed irked by the hoax, other locals took it in stride. Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall joined the chorus of light-hearted responses: “The shark story is obviously a bit of fun. If people don’t realise it’s a parody, we might need a bigger denial!”

However, in a bizarre twist, the fake news was hiding a real story. The spoof page’s authors have since claimed their post was based on an actual shark sighting that the media missed. According to them, a fisherman off Woolhouse Rocks reported witnessing a 13-foot shark attack a seal. The fisherman was said to be “shaken” by the event and reported it to the local coastguards, only to have the whole ordeal dismissed as a hoax when the fake page wrote about it.

The anonymous spoof writers added fuel to the fire by pointing out that Great White sharks, known for hunting seals off rocks, are typically not seen in UK waters. Whether or not the sighting is credible, their satirical take on the situation has left the local media and public scratching their heads, questioning what’s real and what’s a parody.

Meanwhile, as Tenby braces for the Ironman Wales event set for September 22nd, concerns about shark safety seem to have subsided, despite the humour-laden warnings of a “buffet for the apex predator.” But, whether inspired by fact or fiction, this saga has certainly left its mark on the town, ensuring that visitors will be looking over their shoulders — and into the waters — for quite some time.

As the spoof Facebook page said in its sharky conclusion: “duunnn dunn … duuuunnnn dunn… duuuunnnnnnn dun dun dun dun…”

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

6 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

6 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

Community

Milford Haven Business Circle launches litter-free zone initiative

Published

6 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling on the community to join the launch of its new Litter-Free Zone.

In partnership with Keep Wales Tidy Pembrokeshire, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, greener town centre while promoting environmental responsibility and community pride.

The event marks a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a litter-free environment and highlights the far-reaching benefits of a cleaner town centre.

The organisation says that a cleaner, more attractive town centre is key to drawing visitors and potential investors.

This initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, benefiting local businesses and encouraging growth in Milford Haven.

The project not only enhances the town’s appearance but also instils a sense of pride among residents. By improving cleanliness, the initiative aims to encourage more community participation in local events and activities.

Reducing litter has significant environmental benefits, including:

Protecting Wildlife: Preventing harm to animals caused by ingestion or entanglement.
Cleaner Air and Water: Reducing pollution in streets and waterways, fostering healthier ecosystems.
Sustainable Practices: Encouraging recycling and proper waste disposal to cut down on the town’s environmental footprint.
Creating Green Spaces: Supporting the development of habitats, recreational areas, and improved air quality for residents.

The Milford Haven Business Circle believes this initiative will set a strong example for other communities, demonstrating the power of collective action in fostering a sustainable future.

By joining this movement, participants can contribute to making Milford Haven a shining example of environmental care and community cooperation. Let’s work together to transform our town into a cleaner, greener space for all to enjoy.

Stay tuned for event details and updates. Together, we can make a difference!