News
Tributes pour in for Milford Haven schoolgirl after tragic accident
HUNDREDS of emotional tributes have been shared across social media following the death of Honey French, a 12-year-old schoolgirl, in what her family described as a “game gone wrong” at her home in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.
Honey was discovered deceased on Saturday morning (Oct 21), with her mother, Jessica French, calling the incident a “horrible accident.” Emergency services, including the Welsh Ambulance Service, were alerted on Saturday, and Dyfed-Powys Police have ruled out any foul play.
A report on Honey’s death is now being prepared by the coroner, and police are yet to disclose further details.
MOTHER’S HEARTBREAK
Speaking about the loss of her daughter, Jessica French said: “This was a horrible accident, a game gone wrong. Our hearts are shattered; she was the most loved little girl of all.”
Since the confirmation of Honey’s passing, hundreds of tributes have flooded social media, with friends, family, and the wider community offering condolences. Messages have been directed to her parents, Jessica and Alan French, and her older brothers.
Stacey-Leigh Keeble, a family friend, wrote: “Honey [bee], one of my daughter’s best friends, absolutely heartbroken about the news, you’ve left too soon.” She added that her daughter was “heartbroken” and hoped that Honey was “dancing up there beautiful.”
COMMUNITY IN MOURNING
A Milford Haven community group on Facebook also paid tribute, stating: “Our town is in mourning for a young lady loved by so many. Please light a candle for the French family and keep them in your thoughts and prayers. May Honey’s light continue to shine bright.”
Jessica French responded to the outpouring of love, saying: “Thank you for all your kind messages. All these photos show me how many other people love her too.”
Dyfed-Powys Police have offered support to pupils at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA, where Honey attended. A spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with her family at this time, and support has been offered from specialist officers. The death is not being treated as suspicious. Children affected by this incident can find help and support from Childline by calling 0800 1111.”
SCHOOL PAYS TRIBUTE
In a statement, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA expressed their sadness at the loss of their student: “It is with great sadness that we announce that one of our pupils passed away unexpectedly at the weekend. Honey French was much loved and cherished by all who knew her and was a valued member of our school community here at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA. She was a keen performer and writer who gave generously of her humour, time, and talents to support our school family and wider community—and she will be very much missed. Our love, thoughts, and prayers go out to her family at this sad time. We now ask people to be mindful of the family’s need to grieve in private.”
An inquest is set to be opened by the Pembrokeshire coroner, where the cause of death will be formally determined.
Community
Lord Nelson Hotel refunds lucky couple the full cost of their wedding day
WHAT an amazing Christmas present!
In an extraordinary gesture of generosity, the Lord Nelson Hotel delighted one lucky couple by refunding the full cost of their 2024 wedding. Abby and Simon Hooper, who tied the knot at the historic venue on August 3, were thrilled to learn they were the winners of this year’s giveaway.
The initiative was part of a special promotion open to all couples who celebrated their weddings at the Lord Nelson in 2024. The winners were selected through a random draw using a fair generator system, with the Hoopers emerging as the fortunate recipients.
The hotel has announced plans to continue the tradition in 2025, offering next year’s couples the same opportunity to win their wedding costs back.
A spokesperson for the Lord Nelson Hotel said: “If you’re planning to get married in 2025, it’s not too late to book with us and secure your spot in next year’s draw.
“We are thrilled to celebrate love and create moments to cherish, and this is just one of the ways we give back to our incredible couples.”
Known for its elegant venue spaces and exceptional wedding team, the Lord Nelson Hotel remains a top choice for couples seeking a perfect wedding day. This annual giveaway further cements their commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.
Abby and Simon Hooper shared their gratitude after their special day: “From start to finish, the team at the Lord Nelson Hotel was incredibly helpful, and nothing was too much to ask.
“The day went smoothly, the food was fantastic, and the staff were polite, hardworking, and attentive. Mia and Jenna, in particular, stood out for their thoughtfulness and attention to detail.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
Crime
Police hunt driver after dog walker killed in Carmarthenshire hit-and-run
A PEDESTRIAN walking his dog has died after being struck in a hit-and-run collision on a Carmarthenshire road on Monday (December 23).
The incident occurred in Llanpumsaint, near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel, between 6:45pm and 7:45pm.
The road remains closed, and police are urgently appealing for information to locate the driver of a blue vehicle believed to have fled the scene.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are actively searching for the driver of a blue vehicle with noticeable damage, which was involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire. The driver left the scene, and locating them is now our top priority.
“We are appealing directly to the driver to do the right thing and come forward. Additionally, we urge anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.
“This collision, which tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian, happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm on Monday, December 23, as the man was walking his dog.
“Our investigation indicates the vehicle was travelling northbound through Llanpumsaint at the time of the incident.”
The road is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries continue. Police stress that any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in identifying and locating the driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.
News
Pembrokeshire County Council invites public feedback on budget plans
PEMBROKESHIRE County Council is calling on residents to share their views on the upcoming budget as it faces significant financial pressures.
The consultation, open until January 5, aims to identify which services are most valued by the community and where savings could be made.
An update on the provisional funding settlement from the Welsh Government was presented to the full council last week. Councillor Joshua Beynon, Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiencies, noted that while the 3.6% increase—equating to an additional £8.1 million—was more favourable than expected, it still leaves a funding gap of approximately £28.1 million.
Councillor Beynon said: “Difficult decisions lie ahead despite the improved settlement. We need to prioritise services that matter most to our residents.”
Detailed reports on the settlement’s impact and the projected funding shortfall will be discussed by the cabinet and scrutiny committees early next year, before being presented to the full council in February.
Residents can have their say by completing an online response form available on the council’s website. A budget modelling tool is also provided for public use.
Paper copies of the response form can be requested by calling 01437 764551 or emailing [email protected].
All responses must be submitted by January 5.
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