News

Pembrokeshire masseuse shortlisted for National UK Beauty Awards 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

November 11, 2024

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.

Nina Conant, pictured at the Wales Health and Beauty Awards 2024, where she was named masseuse of the year.

“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.”

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

5 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

18 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

18 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.