TRIBUTES have poured in following the sudden passing of Matt Baker, a well-loved radio DJ, entertainer, and former pub landlord, whose vibrant personality and dedication to music left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Baker, who had a rich and varied career spanning cruise ships, radio, and live entertainment, was known for his infectious energy and ability to bring people together. He spent much of his working life at sea, where he served as a Cruise Director, fostering talent and encouraging performers to take the stage. Many have shared their memories of his support for emerging artists and his ability to read a crowd, ensuring that every event he was part of was filled with ‘goooooood times’—a phrase he was known for.

After his time on the high seas, Baker became a familiar voice on the airwaves, joining Herald Radio before later moving to Pure West Radio. His passion for music extended beyond broadcasting, as he briefly ran The Tiddly, a popular pub near Haverfordwest, which became a hub for local musicians and entertainers. The venue, under his leadership, was a space where talent flourished, and many recall fond memories of late-night sessions filled with laughter, music, and camaraderie.

His impact on the local music scene was immense. Baker was instrumental in promoting up-and-coming artists, offering them opportunities to perform at festivals and gigs. Fellow musicians, DJs, and friends have taken to social media to express their shock and sorrow at his passing.

Leading the tributes, Baker’s mother, Phyllis Oostermeijer, shared her heartbreak: “It’s with a broken heart I have to share with you that Matt has gone on another journey. I know he will kick his heels up and make everyone happy. That was his life, to bring love and Gooodtimes to all.”

Nick Carey described him as “a true legend” who introduced him to talented people and encouraged everyone to perform. Cruise industry colleague DjFly Gertos paid tribute from Saint John, Antigua, recalling their time working together from 2007 to 2009: “I did not lose a boss, I lost a friend.”

Thomas Jordan, a fellow performer, shared: “He was a hell of a showman, performer, and all-round great guy! I had the absolute privilege of playing alongside him for numerous events with the Travelling Tiddlys band. The Pembrokeshire music scene will not be the same.”

Others have remembered his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for musicians, including Gareth Sanders-Swales, who noted that Baker was one of the few who “gave an 8-year-old drummer a chance to play in his open mic nights.”

His time as a Cruise Director also left a significant mark. Many entertainers credited him with helping them advance their careers. Sonia Wingert, a fellow cruise ship entertainer, recalled how Baker played her album on his radio show and remained a supportive friend over the years. “He always played my album on his radio shows back home, so very kind and thoughtful. My heart is broken to hear he has left us so, so young.”

Friends and colleagues from across the globe have shared tributes, remembering Baker for his warm personality, quick wit, and boundless enthusiasm. Whether performing magic tricks, telling jokes, spinning records, or running a bar, he brought joy to those around him.

Jason Fubar, a close friend, summed up the sentiments of many: “Hard words to write here as one of my very good friends passed away this morning. We’ve spent many a mental night together—cruises, nightclubs, and belly laughs all the way along. A truly talented soul, one that lit up a room when he walked in. So many happy and fun memories with you, brother.”

Matt Baker’s passing leaves a void in the music and entertainment world, but his legacy of uplifting others and creating unforgettable moments will endure. His family, friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched will remember him as a man who lived to entertain and bring people together.

Rest in peace, Matt Baker.

A POPULAR Pembrokeshire attraction will be welcoming non-residents next month to raise funds for a vital local charity.

The Blue Lagoon at Bluestone will be open to the public on Tuesday, April 15, with proceeds going to Point Youth Centre in Fishguard. The charity, which supports young people with drop-in services, structured activities, free meals, training, and counselling, will receive 75 per cent of the ticket sales from the event.

Before the Covid pandemic, the Blue Lagoon was regularly open to day visitors who could enjoy the pool, waterslides, wave machine, and jacuzzis alongside holiday park guests. However, this stopped during lockdown and was never fully reinstated, leading to frustration among locals.

Now, the water park opens to the public on selected evenings to support the Bluestone Foundation and local charities. The upcoming event will provide families with a chance to enjoy the facility while giving back to the community.

“These events provide an opportunity for community members to enjoy the Blue Lagoon while directly contributing to local causes,” said a Bluestone spokesperson.

The event runs from 6:30pm to 9:00pm, with tickets priced at £11.55 for adults and children. Entry for children under four costs £2.88. Tickets are available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blue-lagoon-event-in-support-of-fishguard-goodwick-young-persons-trust-tickets-1116390406759

Public meeting backs plan for new cultural hub at Tabernacl Chapel

£88,700 has been raised in just one week from the first public meeting

A PUBLIC meeting to advance the community purchase of the old Tabernacl Chapel in Cardigan was held on Saturday (Mar 8), drawing strong support for the plan to transform it into a high street-based community and cultural hub, “Hwb Aberteifi.”

The voluntary committee behind the initiative thanked attendees for their ideas on activities and ways to generate income. Many well-known Cardigan residents and former chapel members were among those present.

A vision for the future

Jonathan Rees provided an overview of the chapel’s history, while Richard Oernant Jones outlined the vision for Hwb Aberteifi, which aims to become a centre for community activities, training, and cultural events. A key focus is preserving the works and legacy of local bard Dic Jones.

Owain Dafydd spoke about Fflach Cymunedol Ltd, a community-owned recording studio and music label hoping to relocate to the chapel’s vestry. He detailed how the label recently raised £72,000 through a share offer to support its expansion at the Hwb site.

Urgent fundraising effort

Cris Tomos, treasurer of 4CG Cymru Ltd, explained that £150,000 must be raised by March 31 to complete the purchase. Since launching the initiative on March 1, supporters have already pledged £18,000 in loans.

The plan involves asking 150 people to lend £1,000 each in return for a guaranteed 4% annual interest over three years. Tomos pointed to similar successful community purchases in Wales, including Newport’s Bethlehem Chapel, where £145,000 was raised in just three weeks last autumn.

“There are generous individuals willing to lend larger sums, such as £20,000 or more,” said Tomos. “For such contributions, we can provide a legal charge on the building as security, as was done in previous community purchases.”

Appeal for ‘Hwb Champions’

At the meeting, held at Cardigan’s Corn Exchange, organisers launched an appeal for “Hwb Champions.” The project is looking for 30 volunteers to each recruit five supporters willing to lend £1,000, helping to bridge the funding gap.

Anyone interested in becoming a Hwb Champion can contact the project via email at hwbaberteifi@gmail.com or by calling the 4CG Cymru office on 01239 621109.

How to support

With time running out, the community is urging potential lenders to pick up a lending agreement from Awen Teifi Shop or the Community Bookshop in Cardigan. Agreements can also be downloaded from the project website: www.hwb-aberteifi.org.

Shan Williams of 4CG Cymru closed the meeting by discussing potential tax relief incentives for supporters. The project is working to secure approval under the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), which could offer UK taxpayers 50% tax relief.

Further details can be found at www.hwb-aberteifi.org.

Photo credits: Stuart Ladd.