News
Pembrokeshire masseuse shortlisted for National UK Beauty Awards 2025
Pembrokeshire beauty consultant Nina Conant has been shortlisted as one of the UK’s top massage therapists after winning her way to the National Beauty Awards 2025.
As a result, Nina will now be attending the glittering awards ceremony that takes place in Liverpool on February 20.
“I still can’t believe that I’m going to be a part of such a prestigious event,” a delighted Nina told The Pembrokeshire Herald from her salon at NF Therapies which is on the Withybush Trading Estate in Haverfordwest.
Born and raised in Haverfordwest, Nina trained at Pembrokeshire College before working at a number of health and beauty spas throughout Pembrokeshire. But two years ago, she decided to venture out on her own and open NF Therapies.
“My original idea was to open in March 2020, but naturally Covid put a stop to all that,” she laughs.
“Obviously it meant I couldn’t work face-to-face with my clients, so I tried to build my online following and get people engaged in all the positive effects that massage can have.”
Nina designed a series of online videos which introduced people to the technique of carrying out their own DIY massage techniques to help them tackle some of the anxieties and stresses associated with lockdown.
“The videos proved a big hit but then, following the opening of NF Therapies, the number of people who are now turning to me for help has continued to grow.”
Last year Nina was named Masseuse of the Year in the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards at Cardiff City Stadium.
“Yes, it’s a huge honour to be shortlisted once again – this time for the National Beauty Awards which includes the whole of the UK and Ireland – but I believe it’s largely the result of the way I’ve always tried my hardest to communicate with my clients.
“It’s about so much more than just learning the techniques and applying them as a masseuse. You also have to learn to listen to them, to try to find out precisely where their aches and pains are, but also to give them the opportunity to talk about what might be happening in their lives.”
Nina has helped support people who are going through domestic abuse, family disputes, financial struggles, anxiety, stress-related illnesses and depression.
“At the end of the day, massage is all about wellbeing, which includes both a person’s physical and emotional health,” she explained.
“Massage helps the body to detox and it’s always wonderful to see just how greatly people can benefit from it.
“I’ve met so many people since setting up the business and I’ve made so many friends. It’s wonderful to see them coming back for other beauty treatments besides the massage and to see just how much it’s benefiting them in their everyday lives.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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