Community

My remembrance

Published

10 years ago

December 2, 2014

FOR many , Remembrance Day is more than a commemoration of the thousands of men who gave their lives for our freedom. Men whose stories we hear but will never get to meet. For many of us, it marks a personal tribute to the men of our own families whose lives and innocence was lost and whose bravery must never be forgotten. This year marks the centenary of the First World War and the strength and courage of those men is more poignant than ever. This is my remembrance for the three generations of my family who fought in the First and Second World Wars. My Great Grandfather, George, was a Dockyard worker who spent his spare time repairing clocks. Like many of the young men he was called up with, he had no idea of what War would be like, of the conditions he would live in and the terrible things he would see. He was proud to be fighting for his country, so he left his home in Devon to become a soldier in WW1.

He was part of the machine gun co, spending most of his service in the trenches. He was also involved in the Battle of Somme in 1916 which is most likely where he sustained his injuries. He was lucky not to be one of 58,000 troops killed during the battle. I don’t remember much about Great Granddad, except that he was very quiet and watchful. He never talked about the war or its effects on him. My Granddad, Robert, was a bricklayer and keen motorcyclist from Devon. When he was enlisted, he offered his services as a bricklayer.

There wasn’t any need for builders so he began infantry training in 1942. He later became a motorcycle Dispatch Rider (military messenger), serving for 5 years in North Africa, Italy and Palestine in several antitank regiments. Granddad kept a diary, a very frank account of what he saw and felt during the War. He was badly injured when a passing shell hit a farm house on the road he was walking down. Throwing himself to the ground, he remembers being littered with debris and a sharp pain in his back. It was later found that shrapnel from the shell had gone into his back, leg and shoulder.

This was removed in an operation but years later he could still feel small pieces of shrapnel in his knee and finger. Like many soldiers, Granddad wrote home to his family during the War. We discovered these letters after he’d passed away. There was also a prayer book, with an inscription inside by my Great Grandfather. This little book came safely through World War 1… Darling Bob, hoping you will come safely back to us.

The letters are heartfelt exchanges between a worried mother and a brave son. My Great Gran talks of my Great Grandfather ‘fire watching’ and the ‘Yanks’ nearly running her over in their Jeeps. Also the terrible silence as my Great Granddad works on his clocks and she sits with nothing to do but wait and worry. My Grandfather reassures her that he is well, requesting small items of comfort and to pass on his good wishes to friends at home. On leaving the War, Granddad wrote his diary entries into a book which I typed up for him and he had printed in 2008. Sadly he passed away in 2011, but I will never forget the tall man, who talked modestly about the war, cracked jokes at his own expense and loudly banged the side of the chair in time to the band on the Festival of Remembrance.

My Dad’s Great Uncle John Harris, affectionately known as Jack, left his family in LLanfrynach, Brecon in 1914. He joined the machine gun co and was heavily involved in front line battle. He died in a POW camp in Belgium in Sep 1918 just weeks before the Armistice. My Dad’s Uncle still has the letter from the British Red Cross announcing his death. In 2010 my family travelled out to France, to find the War Grave of Jack. They talk about the rows of grave stones, looking out over the Channel and the way they are beautifully kept by the locals. I think this was a cold realisation of all the lives lost, the Sons, Brothers, Fathers and Grandfathers who will never come home.

I am proud of my family’s military history and of the men and women who continue to fight for us. November 11 is a day to remember these people and the way they suffered to give us the freedom we enjoy today. We should never lose sight of that, of what it means to be alive, to share compassion. It’s the only way we can ever truly be thankful.

Community

Grab a glass to deal with spiders says British Pest Control Association

Published

14 hours ago

October 29, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ARACHNOPHOBIC residents in Pembrokeshire can call a pest professional for help, says national trade body British Pest Control Association (BPCA), but spiders are best left alone, or removed to a sheltered spot if needed.

Experts at BPCA say spiders might sneak indoors as the weather turns colder, and while trapping and releasing them in a suitable shed or outhouse is the quickest way to tackle the problem, they will disappear in a few months if left alone.

However, BPCA members are on hand for anyone who has a severe phobia, or who believes they may have an allergic reaction to a spider bite from species such as the False Widow Spider.

Natalie Bungay is Technical Manager at BPCA. She said: “Native spiders are not considered dangerous or a threat to health, but pest professionals are on hand to help anyone who suffers from arachnophobia if spiders are becoming a nuisance.

“Calls for False Widow Spiders tend to peak in October as numbers increase during the winter months and then they become more conspicuous as the males wander in search of a mate.

“False Widow Spiders are venomous but not aggressive – bites generally seem to occur through accidental contact. They can be very painful but are no more dangerous than a wasp sting.”

For most spiders, trapping them under a glass, sliding a stiff piece of paper underneath and releasing them in a garage or shed is all that is required.

Natalie added: “Spiders have an important role to play in our natural eco-systems, so releasing them in a sheltered place where they won’t succumb to the cold is generally the best alternative if you can’t quite cope with them inside the house.

“However, if spiders are becoming a nuisance, you have a phobia, or believe you are likely to have a severe reaction to a spider bite, we’d recommend you seek advice from a pest professional.

“A BPCA member will have the knowledge required to ensure the infestation is contained as much as possible and have access to a range of specialist products that are not available to the public.”

BPCA members are trained, experienced professionals who are regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636 and endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme.

To find a professional pest controller visit bpca.org.uk/find

Community

Milford Haven Business Circle to host Halloween medium and music evening

Published

1 day ago

October 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WHY not join the Milford Haven Business Circle for a thrilling Halloween evening of mediumship and live music at Milford Haven RFC on Thursday, October 31.

Doors open at 6:30pm, with tickets available online, at Cast n Craft Fishing for Health on Charles Street, or at the door for £5 per person.

The evening features an engaging performance by renowned medium Nathan Roberts, followed by a dynamic musical set from Chris Didcote. All proceeds will support Prostate Cymru and the local Community Access Defibrillator Fund.

This cause holds special significance following an incident on Friday, October 11, when two MHBC members were dispatched to a cardiac arrest within Milford Haven via the GoodSAM app.

Thanks to prior fundraising efforts, these members provided immediate pre-hospital care to the patient using one of the community’s defibrillators until ambulance services arrived.

The event highlights the ongoing need for accessible defibrillators, underscoring the life-saving difference they make in emergencies.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment and community spirit while supporting a vital cause.

Community

Christmas Together 2024: A warm welcome for all in Milford Haven

Published

1 day ago

October 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott BA QTS, and the Christmas Together Committee are thrilled to announce the upcoming Christmas Together 2024 event, now in its thirteenth year.

Set for December 25 at Pill Social Centre, Cellar Hill, Milford Haven (SA73 2QT), this cherished event opens its doors to those who might otherwise be alone on Christmas Day—often one of the loneliest days of the year.

The festivities will start at 11:00am, featuring carols, a quiz, Bingo, and a complimentary three-course Christmas lunch in a setting filled with warmth and companionship. The event will conclude around 5:00pm, with free transport available for guests unable to attend otherwise.

Mayor Elliott expressed his enthusiasm, saying: “As Mayor of Milford Haven, it is my absolute pleasure to host Christmas Together this year. This event was originally created by Cllr Guy Woodham during his term as Mayor. Due to health reasons, Cllr Woodham is unable to run this year’s event, and I am honoured to step in and help ensure Christmas Together 2024 is another great success.”

Reflecting on his involvement, Cllr Guy Woodham, founder and Chair of Christmas Together, added: “While it’s disappointing that I can’t be directly involved this year, I am delighted that the Mayor, alongside his Consort, Lloyd Jones, has taken on the hosting duties. With Cllr Colin Sharp, Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre, and our dedicated volunteers, I am confident this Christmas will be as joyful, fun-filled, and companionable as ever.”

Guests and volunteers are invited to secure their spot by Wednesday, December 18. Application forms are available from Cllr William Elliott at Christmas Together, 44 Bunkers Hill, Milford Haven SA73 1AG, via email at [email protected], or by calling 07747 141019. A limited number of forms can also be collected from the Torch Theatre Box Office and Pill Social Centre.

For those wishing to support or donate to Christmas Together, please use the contact information above. This event is fully funded by the generosity of its supporters.