Carnival (continued!)

The long hot spell enjoyed earlier this Summer failed to reappear in August. Cooler and wetter days brought a flush of green back to the dry fields but interspersed with good spells of sunshine this didn't spoil the fun.

Aberaeron's Festival of Welsh Ponies and Cobs was very well attended in the town's Square Field. This year's theme was the Rebecca Riots with lady riders breaking down the burning tollgates. Daring stunt riders and 'Dancing Daffodils' on horseback were part of the spectacle and the six spirited cobs pulling a carriage through the streets was a joy to see. Bendigedig!

The Festival of Rugby from 24-27 August is one of Wales' best Rugby Seven tournaments due to the hard work of the Aberaeron Committee, the 'Magnificent Sevens'! The groups of young players, under 15's, and women's teams competed, followed by the men's Youth Teams. The Seniors concluded four days of exciting rugby and the Chinese National Team, here for the first time, were worthy winners.

Over Bank Holiday weekend Aberaeron proved as popular as ever with accommodation at a premium! The day was bright and sunny and the streets filled with happy crowds gathering to watch the 14 floats led by the excellent Adamant Jazz Band. The Square Field had entertainment for all the family, a real Summer Fair with a great carnival atmosphere. Judging by the expressions on people's faces a really good time was had by all!

The biggest National Whale and Dolphin watch was launched in August with volunteers from across the UK looking out for marine mammals. Information gathered by the Sea Watch Foundation is used for marine conservation and research. The Charity's Scientists can monitor how the mammals numbers are affected by rising sea temperatures and pollution. (www.seawatchfoundation.org)

A new group Save Our Sea (SOS) is hoping to stop plans for oil and gas drilling in Cardigan Bay. Mick Green of 'Friends of Cardigan Bay' formed to oppose such ventures, and thanks to such campaigning, areas of the Bay are designated SAC(1), Special Areas of Conservation by the European Union. They hope to protect 200 Bottlenosed Dolphins living in Cardigan Bay, as well as Sea and River Lampreys (a declining species) and many seals and outstanding Honeycomb worm reefs.

Incredibly Malcolm Wicks of the Department of Trade and Industry has written to the Group to say that 'licences for drilling would be awarded if there is no satisfactory alternative or it could be demonstrated that there was no over-riding public interest', thereby riding rough-shod over wildlife legislation. SOS are drawing up a petition for the public to sign to send a clear message that drilling and exploration for oil is not wanted in Cardigan Bay. The next meeting on 9th September at 12.30pm will be held at the British Legion Hall, Aberaeron.

To quote Mick Green of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, 'If there is gas or oil in commercial quantities ... using more fossil fuels is borderline bonkers ... we should be using less energy and managing demand rather than supply. We should be aware of the danger of creeping indifference over the wonders of Cardigan Bay and the Countryside Council should stop snuggling up to the DTI in the support of oil companies and firmly assert its conservative role'.

On 2nd September Aberaeron locals, braving the wind and rain, payed tribute to the humble Mackerel by parading a 19ft replica, carried by pall bearers, through the streets before it was blessed, towed out to sea and set on fire as a final salute. The wake and fireworks were enjoyed later at the Yacht Club. The Mackerel is praised for its bountiful return to feed fishermen, locals and visitors, and in maintaining the presence of the Dolphins and Porpoises in beautiful Cardigan Bay.

Carnival!