Pembrokeshire’s heavenly host of angels gains spiritual promotion for Christmas 2025

Published

1 year ago

January 21, 2025

The heavenly host of St Katherines angels – all 4,000 of them – have been granted spiritual promotion of the highest order after being told they’re to be exhibited at St Davids Cathedral throughout Christmas 2025.

Their arrival in St Katherine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, last December, resulted in well over a thousand people crossing the west door threshold to engage in their angelic presence in a multitude of different ways.

“When people walk through the door for the very first time and see the angels, many are overawed by their power but also their beauty,” said the Reverend Nicola Davies, curate of Steynton, Hakin and Herbrandston and orchestrator of the angel display.

“Perhaps the most poignant part has been some of the wonderful story-sharing that the angels have prompted, such as the memories of altar boys, choristers and congregation members who perhaps haven’t been inside the church for many years.

“But the display has also attracted lots of younger people. One evening, four teenage boys turned up to see the angels, and asked if they could look around the church. They took selfies of themselves up at the altar after asking what it was used for, and they spent a long time in the memorial chapel, again asking questions about what it was all about. So those four boys received a very personal introduction to the church here at St Katherine.

“Another lady told me that spending time in the church amongst the angels was one of the most restorative times she’d had in a long time, after losing her child.

“Knowing how deeply the seed has been planted as a result of the angels is wonderful, no matter how small that seed may be.”

Rev Nicola had strong convictions that the St Katherine’s angels would engage with a wide cross section of society throughout the Christmas period.

“Christmas is one of the few times of the year when people want to step over the threshold of the church and enjoy the Christmas celebration, but it isn’t always easy for people to do that. I thought the angels would help people to engage with the church and what it stands for.”

Each of the angels was handmade and individually decorated by everyone who took part.

The workshops began at the beginning of November while angel packs were sent out to many local schools. Once completed, each angel was carefully mounted on display strings which run through the nave as well as along both of the church’s side aisles. And the finished display proved a huge hit with locals and visitors alike, with up to 60 people visiting the church on a daily basis.

“We decided on angels because they play such a big part in the Christmas story,” continued Rev Nicola.

“An angel visited Mary, an angel visited Joseph and then we have the whole host of angels visiting the shepherds. So we decided to bring another host here to Milford Haven to help bring the Christmas story alive.

“And what they’ve brought to so many is wonderful. Obviously the younger children were desperate to find their own creations and spent ages hunting their way through the thousands of angels to try and find the one that they made. But others became very tearful, and emotional for a whole range of different reasons. And the news that they’ll be heading off to St Davids Cathedral for Christmas 2025 is the icing on the cake.”

Meanwhile St Katherine and St Peter’s Church is planning some similar community-led projects throughout 2025.

“The display has made us realise how important it is to include the community in church events and activities,” said Nicola. “So we’re currently thinking about what else we can do in the coming year, and we’re open to suggestions from the public.”

A Spring project is scheduled to take place when children and adults will make handmade baskets and flowers for Mothering Sunday which is on March 30. Further details of this project will be released nearer to the date.

But sadly Nicola, who is a native of Rosemarket, won’t be around to enjoy the forthcoming projects because in February she will be taking up her new post as assistant curate of Llandybie, near Ammanford.

“It’s going to be sad leaving my home county, but we’ll have to see what the future holds,” she said. “Hopefully, one day, I’ll be able to come back to Pembrokeshire as a priest and carry on working with the wonderful congregations and communities that we have around us.”

The angel display can still be viewed at St Katherine and St Peter’s church on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, between 4pm and 7pm.

There is no charge to see the angel display, however donations can be made to the Wales Air Ambulance, which Nicola described as ‘the angels of the sky’.

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

38 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.

Charity

Pembroke Dock charity shop expands to support hospice care

Published

43 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SHOP NOW OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AFTER EXPANSION INTO ADJOINING UNIT

A CHARITY shop in Pembroke Dock has expanded into a neighbouring unit to help raise more money for local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home has completed a knock-through at its shop in Bierspool, London Road, creating a larger retail space and allowing the charity to offer a wider range of items, including furniture.

The expanded shop was officially opened on Friday (May 1) by the outgoing Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Michelle Wiggins.

The shop team, led by Kelly Elliot and supported by volunteers, worked for several weeks to prepare the new-look store for customers.

Head of Retail Julia Brady welcomed guests at the opening, while the charity also thanked staff, volunteers and supporters who helped decorate and prepare the premises.

Special thanks were given to Gill at Pembroke Dock Tesco for donating treats for customers and staff on the day.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home operates nine retail shops and an eBay department. Income from donations and sales helps fund the charity’s clinical teams, who provide free specialist palliative care to patients and families across Pembrokeshire.

The charity says it costs £3,600 every day to deliver its free clinical services. Around 30% of that cost is funded through Hywel Dda Health Board, with the remainder raised through retail income, fundraising and community support.

The Pembroke Dock shop is now open seven days a week, giving people more opportunities to shop, donate and support local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

The charity provides care for people with any life-limiting condition, not only cancer, and supports patients of all faiths and none. It operates an open referral system, with referrals accepted from patients, families, friends and healthcare professionals.

Paul Sartori Foundation Ltd operates under the name Paul Sartori Hospice at Home. The charity was registered in 1982 and will celebrate its 45th anniversary during 2027/2028.

News

Ysgol Bro Teifi celebrates national championship rugby success

Published

52 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Herald Sport

UNDER-18 SIDE LIFTS WRU PLATE AFTER HARD-FOUGHT FINAL AT RODNEY PARADE

YSGOL BRO TEIFI’S under-18 rugby team are celebrating national success after winning the WRU Schools and Colleges Plate Final at Rodney Parade.

The Ceredigion side travelled to Newport to face Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in a fast, physical and closely contested final.

Bro Teifi made a strong start, with tries from Elis Evans, Llew Thomas and Jack Brown giving them an early advantage. Dafydd Nichols-Evans added the extras from the kicking tee as the team went into half-time 19-14 ahead.

The second half proved even tighter, with Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth applying sustained pressure and forcing Bro Teifi to defend with discipline and determination.

A late try gave Bro Teifi breathing space before Nichols-Evans held his nerve in the closing stages, landing a crucial penalty to seal a 27-19 victory.

The school said the win reflected the hard work, commitment and talent of the players, as well as the support of staff, parents and fans throughout the season.

Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “This game is the culmination of a tough season for the boys as they beat much bigger schools on the way to the final.

“It also builds on the school’s reputation in sport, with numerous successes this year across a range of sports and age groups.

“I would like to thank all the school staff for their tireless work in ensuring these experiences for our pupils, and the parents for their support.”

Photo caption: Plate winners: Ysgol Bro Teifi’s under-18 rugby team celebrate their national success at Rodney Parade.