'You missed a wonderful weekend'

Sir,

Re. 'The lockdown of Pembrokeshire', September 14. What a shame that Mr. James 'and crew' decided not to come to Lydstep last weekend. For you would have had the marvellous opportunity to see the amazing Ironman triathletes - far from robots - at first hand.

As our Paralympic athletes have taught us in recent weeks, don't think of what you can't do, but of what you can do.

Not all roads were closed. It was possible to get around. But you could have spent the day in Tenby with the thousands of spectators from all over the world - yes, definitely outside the area. What an amazing sight to see over 1,500 athletes enter the sea at North Beach at 7 am and complete a 2.4-mile swim. Even the sun emerged from behind the clouds to smile on the crowds watching from every vantage point. You could have then followed the athletes as they moved along to transition and on to the bikes for a 112-mile ride.

So, time for a leisurely breakfast in one of the many eateries in the town and the opportunity to chat to a couple from Vancouver, Canada, here for a week, not just the weekend, with their Ironman daughter, and thoroughly taken with our lovely town.

Time for church now, and then time to browse around, have some lunch and prepare to cheer on the athletes as they do the marathon - four laps through the town, along Narberth Road, to New Hedges and back.

They are all incredible, and it is so good to cheer them on. It is appreciated with a word, a smile, a wink or just a lift of a thumb and you know you are helping them along, especially all our local entrants.

I was sceptical about last year's event, but my mind was soon changed and I was filled with admiration and determination to follow this year's Ironman from beginning to end.

So, Mr. James, all I can say is that you missed a wonderful weekend and I urge you to try it next year.

Many congratulations to all the triathletes from 39 countries who competed this year, and especially our local team. They are all winners, each and every one.

Jayne Rees,

Upper Hill Park,

Tenby.

Competition was brilliant

Sir,

I read with dismay the letter from Mr. Graham James regarding the Ironman gridlock. Yet I was simultaneously heartened by the fact that there were fewer of these letters of concern than last year.

Unlike Mr. James, having listened to friends discussing the competition last year, I deliberately chose to come to Tenby this weekend for the Ironman, not because I knew anyone competing, but to support the town that I care deeply for.

With a seemingly diminishing number of days of guaranteed sunshine and an economy that forces people to prioritise between essentials and family holidays, Tenby is suffering, as I am sure is Mr. James's beloved Carew and Lydstep. Without events such as Ironman Wales firmly putting Tenby on the map for other reasons than a known holiday destination, and bringing new people to the town (who incidentally were in awe of the place), Tenby and its economy and fortune will deteriorate.

If I was being perfectly honest, I'd prefer to have Tenby to myself, but the vibrant and beautiful place that it is wouldn't be sustainable if we didn't look to the future and embrace activities such as the Ironman competition to maintain the town's economy and world placing.

The competition was brilliant. The sight of people entering the sea at 7 am took my breath away, as did the determination and willpower of the athletes competing. The resilience of competitors and indeed supporters to applaud and cajole the final athletes towards the finish line showed the true nature of what Tenby is all about; a friendliness from locals that is adopted by visitors - all welcome.

To exemplify this, the town's Mayor appeared to have stood for over seven hours at the finishing line to ensure that every athlete received their medals from him. Such dedication is noteworthy and again indicative of the people of Tenby who have embraced the need for change.

Well done everyone involved and I look forward to returning next year for both a summer holiday and the Ironman.

Clare Smith

3 Hayesford Park Drive,

Bromley.

Worldwide publicity

Sir,

I can sympathise with your correspondent (Observer, September 14) from Aberdare whose planned family holiday to this area was disrupted by the Ironman event.

After all, the Ironman only attracted thousands of people - participants, supporters, spectators - to the area, provided worldwide publicity for Tenby and brought a significant financial bonus to the local economy during the shoulder of the season.

Surely families from remote locations should have been greater priority in this era when minority opinion outweighs that of the majority.

John H. T. Griffiths,

3 Scotsborough View,

Tenby.

Words

fail me

Sir,

The Ironman Wales event that took place on Sunday in Tenby was a fantastic tribute to all who took part, not only the entrants who showed commitment, courage, fitness and strength, but also the management and organisation who provided Tenby and surrounding areas with everything that makes this country - Great Britain.

I would also personally applaud the achievement of our local entrants who took on this challenge and proved that if you have the determination, then it's achievable. Well done to you all and thank you.

Unfortunately, three things caught my attention which caused me concern to write this letter.

1. BBC local news at 6 pm (September 16) for 10 seconds reported on the event (a sad reflection on a wonderful event).

2. ITV local news 6.30 pm did not even mention the event (words fail me).

3. A certain Graham James from Aberdare had the audacity to complain (in your paper September14) he couldn't get to Lydstep on this particular weekend. Well - think - this event has been advertised for months in advance and if he had the presence of mind to consult a map he could have got to Lydstep via a variety of very pretty Pembrokeshire lanes, or even chosen a different weekend. Words fail me that there is always one person somewhere that manages to negate the magnificence of an event that occurred in Tenby last weekend.

Derek Bibby,

Merrion,

Retreat Road,

Penally.

Negative attitude

Sir,

I was amazed and dismayed to read the letter from Graham James, of Aberdare, in your edition of Tenby Observer, September 14.

I was appalled at the selfish and negative attitude of his whole letter. There were some road restrictions in South Pembrokeshire during the Ironman Wales event, but hardly a shut down of the road infrastructure of all Pembrokeshire. What a shame he was so sadly misinformed.

He and his friends could have come and enjoyed the atmosphere with all the other visitors and locals alike; surely one day's inconvenience is not too much with which to cope.

Many people worked extremely hard in organising this event and bringing welcome publicity to our beautiful county.

Does Tenby and Pembrokeshire need people with the sort of attitude that Graham James portrays? I think not!

Well done to all the competitors. What an incredible achievement!

Marilyn Davies,

Greenfields,

Valley Road,

Saundersfoot.

Ironman

a bonus

Sir,

In reply to the narrow-minded Graham James who wrote in the letters to the editor, September 14, I, too, own a caravan with Bourne Leisure, and am honoured that I can visit this beautiful part of the world several times a year. I have been visiting Tenby all my life and have taken the time to befriend many of the locals over the last 40 years. So many of them rely on tourism to survive and the Ironman is a bonus, especially this year after such a wet summer.

I had the opportunity to watch the first Ironman Wales in Tenby last year. I found it both a privilege, an honour and quite an emotional experience that people had travelled all over the world to come and visit Tenby. If you could be bothered to take the time, you would learn about some of the stories behind each of these amazing people who enter the Ironman.

The roads around about have to be closed for parts of the day, but it can't be for more than 17 hours, as that's all the time these amazing people have to swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles, then run 26 miles. Between them they raise thousands for charity, but because you selfishly may have to alter your plans - and by the way you can still walk 'the gorgeous Pembrokeshire path, just relaxing, taking in that precious sea air, enjoying the wonderful view and wildlife', even with the Ironman on - you feel it gives you the right to wish for a wet and windy weekend.

Maybe you are just ignorant so don't realise the Ironman competitions take place throughout the world at different times of the year and this is Ironman Wales, so it needs to take place in Wales not 'warmer climes elsewhere!'

All I can say is I hope more activities are planned similar to the Ironman throughout the year, then it may keep selfish, uncaring people away from this beautiful part of Wales.

Resident of Worcestershire and frequent holidaymaker

in Tenby.

(Name and

address supplied)

Ironmen, I salute you

Sir,

What a season of sport we have just had. The Olympics and Paralympics to me was the greatest show on earth.

Nothing could top it. How wrong was I? Ironman Wales was truly an awesome event from the 7 am start right through to the last finishers around midnight. Anyone and everone I spoke to was in awe of all who took part.

Yes, Mr. James, you were not mistaken, there were VIPs in Pembrokeshire, over 1,500 of them! And as a resident of Ceredigion, I would love to have some roads closed one day of the year to host such an event.

But don't worry, the bass will still be there next week.

All you Ironmen, I salute you.

Roll on Ironman Wales 2013. I cant wait.

Darren Griffiths,

Dolphin Court,

New Quay,

Ceredigion.

Epic Inconvenience!

Sir,

The greatest tragedy befalling Mr. Graham James, of Aberdare (see letter from September 14 edition of Tenby Observer entitled 'The Lockdown of Pembrokeshire') in the reflective and inspirational afterglow of the hugely successful Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and Pembrokeshire's own Ironman Wales is the absence of an event that recognises exponents of small-minded, selfishness, for which the aforementioned would surely find himself on top of the podium.

I read his letter several times, in utter disbelief, in order to confirm my understanding that such shallow pettiness could possibly exist on the occasion, with the eyes of the world upon our beautiful Pembrokeshire as its theatre, of an event of such gladiatorial determination and dedication. And why?... Because the truly magnificent Ironman event inconvenienced his weekend plans!

Instead of embracing such a wonderful celebration of human endeavour in an area he, as a caravan owner, clearly loves, he chooses to undermine and belittle the contestants and the exuberant, enthusiastic and adoring people of Pembrokeshire who rose sartorially above minor road closure inconveniences to ensure every stroke, every stride and every pedal push was carried on a wave of affection and admiration.

I am a Tenby 'boy' through and through and, like all of those who truly love this town and county, I offer my utmost support to every attempt to attract the great and the good to this stunning haven of ours across all activities, be it sport, music, the arts et cetera.

So with more advance notice than one could possibly wish for, perhaps Mr. James could have simply elected to choose from the other 51 weekends in the year for his visit!

Furthermore, his letter, structured initially as an attempt to impress with his knowledge of South Pembrokeshire beauty spots, a failed attempt at that, as true Pembrokeshire people know all of these locations and more was also sarcastic and as unfunny as I suspect he might be as a dinner guest!

One final piece of advice for all sports governing bodies around the world... Please contact Mr. James before organising major sporting global events, just in case he is planning on visiting your proposed locations and finds himself faced with a road closure or two... Heaven forbid!

Nicky Lloyd,

Tenby.

Amazing event

Sir,

I write in response to Mr. Graham James from Aberdare who wrote in to complain about the international Ironman event and how it would spoil his precious caravan stay.

A lot of folks I know fully support this amazing event that brings many welcome visitors from all over the world to our county during this time of year. The few objections that we do see printed in this paper are usually from people who reside permanently or run businesses here and may have a valid point as council tax payers. However, I would like to add that there is usually more support than objections to this event.

It's obvious Mr. James is not local, or has not been for quite some time, as he made many inaccurate statements such as the whole county being on shutdown - this is not true, you only have to study maps issued well in advance to see the roads affected at certain times and they do have crossing points.

With regards to Caldey Sound, the swimmers are not allowed to swim that far out and do not touch Lydstep Bay. None of the footpaths for walking the coast path are used and certainly to my knowledge the wildlife and tranquility is not disturbed any more than the usual road traffic.

Again the other attractions he mentions completing all in one day are worth far more than a passing glance, because at this rate the writer is packing more activities into one day than Action Man himself and maybe should be a competitor in the Ironman event next year!

There are many more weekends in the year, in and out of season, which do not have prestige events like this to enjoy our wonderful county. However, I would not dream of taking a holiday in Aberdare only to lodge a complaint in advance of an event that could be running for the benefit of the community that lives there. If it did not suit my needs or hamper my travelling plans, I'd simply book another weekend.

Mr. James got one wish - it did rain. However, I'm sad to break the bad news to him that his other wish did not come true. It did not hamper the spirit of the action and the jollity of all these nations coming together in sporting history in our county.

Laura Requena,

Bluebell House,

Narberth.

An entertaining day

Sir,

I worked on the feed station in Narberth on Sunday for the Ironman competition and would like to congratulate all the competitors for a wonderful entertaining day. All involved are to be congratulated on the planning and preparation of this event.

Competitors were very verbal in their thanks to us at the feed station and also to the support they were given around the town; indeed, it was a wonderful opportunity to meet so many people from all over the world. Listening to these cyclists, they are very impressed with our county and thought the atmosphere was like a big carnival, with everyone shouting encouragement.

To those against this tremendous event, perhaps you could be a volunteer next year and see what really goes into holding this spectacular. I myself am already looking forward to next year. Well done everyone.

Gwyneth Johns,

3 Springfield Park,

Jesse Road,

Narberth.

Support was fantastic

Sir,

I would take this opportunity to thank Saundersfoot villagers, businesses, visitors, volunteers and of course competitors for making Ironman 2012 such a wonderful day.

It was fantastic to see a huge cross-section of spectators on the village streets and up St. Brides Hill clapping, ringing bells and cheering every one of the 1,600-plus competitors, one supporter even bringing his own drum.

This year saw more local competitors taking on the gruelling course and in response the crowds also increased, especially on 'Heartbreak Hill'. Was it the Olympic and Paralympic phenomenon that brought people out to support these elite athletes helping them on their way?

A huge vote of thanks to the Ironman team and Pembrokeshire County Council officers who embarked on an extensive consultation programme explaining the event at many open meetings and exhibitions, explaining how the vast majority of the county roads remained open. There will always be lessons to be learned and people who have to make alternative arrangements for one day, but 2012 built on the success of 2011 and more of us now understand what Ironman is.

Saundersfoot can be proud of the way it embraced the event, with businesses providing live music and pig roasts, Saundersfoot Community Council and Chamber for Tourism provided flags throughout the streets, Saundersfoot Harbour Commission and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority provided free car parking in the village centre. Saundersfoot Rotary Club and many villagers volunteered as marshals in the village during race day and also on Tenby North Beach for the practice swims.

The county council maintenance team worked tirelessly to ensure the roads and streets were ready in advance of the main event, starting at 4 am on Sunday morning; I pass on their apologies for any disturbance in the early hours.

So once again, a huge thanks to the organisers, competitors, villagers and visitors for making Sunday, September 16, such a day to remember. I like many others can only guess what makes people challenge themselves to the extent that the Ironmen competitors do, but it was humbling when they thanked us for the support that was so vital in helping them on their way.

I am already looking forward to Ironman 2013 and will continue to remind the organisers that Saundersfoot would relish hosting the Ironman swim, we already provide a similar size event every New Year's Day!

County Clr. Phil Baker,

Representing Saundersfoot ward,

Northover,

Rushy Lake,

Saundersfoot.