A chance for something new last weekend with the inaugural Caldey 10k and 5k charity run. This had been organised by Paul Slack, Ben Childs and then myself helping out.
It all started when Paul was working over on the island and thought it would be a great venue for a race. Liaising with Ben, the idea was born. The hardest part was when and how to hold the race without causing too much disruption for the island.
Ben, it has to be said, was excellent in sorting out the details, getting agreement for the event and organising the boats to get there. All that there was left to do was to map out a course on the island, and that is where my involvement came in.
Paul, Ben and myself set off in Ben’s boat, much to my dismay as I was hoping for something slightly larger and smoother across the water. Indeed, if someone had a camera on me whilst trying to drink and hold a cup of coffee, then it surely would have been worthy of a showing on You’ve Been Framed.
We had a very pleasant walk around and managed to map out a course of 5k, which would be great as we could open up the event for all, no matter what ability. What was also decided, was that we would use the event jointly as a fund-raiser for our charity of the year, Wales Air Ambulance, a cause that the island themselves have used twice this year.
Caldey 5k and 10k
So the course was set, and although we had advertised it, unfortunately it was all done at short notice and so not everybody knew in enough time to be able to attend. The event will now be run on an annual basis, however, and so next year people will have longer to organise.
We had the following people tackling the 10k course - Marc Edwards, Peter Diblic, Neil Morgan, Claire Cleathero, Dai Meyrick, Steve Keating, Noah Merrony, Vicky Jones, Murphy Morris, David Gosling, Elaine Brace, Iain Rich, Joost Gertman, Tracey Thomas, Kyle Wheeler, Imogen Appleby-Jones, Ceire Merrison and Simon Biggs.
And taking on the 5k course were - Iori Badham, Nick Merrony, Dylan Morgan, Ryan Semper, Mel Morgan, Claire Badham, Zac Rowell, Jobe Merrony, David Poole, Tom James, Nigel Merrony, Nicola Coates, Raff Merrony, Alex Maddock, Poppy Griffiths, George Amos, Shauna Rowell, Harry McDonald, Kiera Slack, Neve McDonald, Becky McDonald, Andrew McDonald, Andrew McDonald, Ava Rowell, Tilly McDonald, Lorraine Bolton, Ella Thomas, Dai Bolton.
So there we all were meeting at the Castle Beach to meet the boats, and it was a case of heading into the unknown as the sea mist was so thick that the island could not be seen.
Once we arrived at the island, we were met by Peter Diblic, who is one of the monks on the island, but who was also taking part, although we were all unsure if he had an unfair advantage.
Rhys Jordan from Feel Good Inc at Tenby Leisure Centre had kindly agreed to come over and take care of the timing of the event. And also Frank Miller had agreed to use the fire engine to set off the runners.
So off they started, with all setting off together, whether on 5k or 10k. The mist around the island made having marshals very important, as visibility was very poor. Some elected to go on to complete two loops when just entered as 5k, with Noah Merrony doing especially well, and some elected to complete one loop when entered for two, including Dave Poole, our resident sack race champion, who is now known as Dave One Lap.
Of our 5k finishers, one of the youngsters came home in first place, with Iori Badham getting in just ahead of Nick Merrony, and then on the 10k race Marc Edwards came in first, closely followed by Peter Diblic from the island, and Neil Morgan in third place.
Medals for the kids and a trophy for the 10k winner were kindly donated by the Picnic Basket, Tenby, and Town and Country Roofing.
The monks on the island gave great support on the day and were there at the finish clapping in the competitors, which was great to see.
A lot of the people stayed on the island for the day and had great fun down on the beach. Even living here, you forget how beautiful it is on the island and well recommended to take a visit.
One thing is sure, the future is looking very bright with so many youngsters taking part and not just making up the numbers, but actually kicking some experienced competitors firmly along.
Thanks to Ben and the islanders for making us feel so welcome, and to the boats for getting us all there safe and sound.
Tony Key, of Air Ambulance, came over also and on the day we raised a further £800 between the club and the island for the charity.
As mentioned, this will be an annual event, so look out for further details in the future.
Tenby Aces
Tri-Stars
The latest edition of the Tenby Aces Tri-Stars is on again this week, on Friday at Greenhill School, from 6 - 7 pm. It is suitable for children from eight years of age. Hope to see you all there! £1 for the session will cover the costs of the facilities.
Activities for the coming week
Friday, July 22 - Sea Swim Session, meet at top of North Beach Steps at 5.30 pm to swim at 6 pm.
Friday, July 22 - Slacky’s Swim Session for those booked in. Tenby Leisure Centre at 7 pm.
Sunday, July 24 - Club Ride, meet at Tenby Leisure Centre at 8 am.
Sunday, July 24 - Saundersfoot to Tenby Sea Swim, meet at the Harbour at for a 9 am start.
Monday, July 25 - Sea Swim Session, meet at top of North Beach Steps at 5.30 pm to swim at 6 pm.
Tuesday, July 26 - Club Ride, meet at Tenby Leisure Centre at 6.30 pm. Route detailed below.
Wednesday, July 27 - Aces Run Session, meet at Tenby Leisure Centre at 6.30 pm.
Thursday, July 28 - Club Ride, meet at Tenby Leisure Centre at 6.30 pm. Route detailed below.
Route for Tuesday: Route 63 (Fresh East and Cresswell Quay) - Tenby, coast road to Jason road, left up to Fresh East, down to Lamphey, right onto Ridgeway, left down Milton Hill, Carew Bridge, Whitehill, turn left to Cresswell Quay, right to Cresselly, Jeffreyston, Broadmoor, Devonshire Drive, New Hedges, Tenby (approx. 25 miles). Sweepers - Carlton Coates and Steph Waring.
Route for Thursday: Route 67 (Ridgeway x2 + Maidenwells) - Tenby, Ridgeway to Lamphey, Lower Lamphey road to Pembroke, Commons, left up St Daniels Hill, Maidenwells, turn right for Hundleton, Monkton, Pembroke Main street, upper Lamphey road and Ridgeway back to TLC (approx. 24 miles). Sweepers - Joe Bowles and Lloyd Goforth.
Rides leave Tenby Leisure Centre at 6.30 pm and helmets must be worn on all club rides.