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News

A labour of love: The nine-year journey to restore a 1936 Daimler

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FOR most people, owning a classic car is about nostalgia—a connection to a bygone era of motoring excellence. But for owner Harvey Bruce Henricksen, the 1936 Daimler is more than just a vintage automobile. It is the culmination of a near-decade-long struggle, a painstaking restoration project that began with little more than a rusting shell and a dream.

A Passion for British Engineering

Passion for old cars: Hotelier Bruce Henricksen

British motoring history is steeped in craftsmanship, luxury, and innovation. From the earliest models of Rolls-Royce to the sleek Jaguars of the 1960s, the UK has been home to some of the most iconic vehicles ever built. Daimler, founded in 1896, was one of Britain’s most prestigious manufacturers, often supplying vehicles to royalty and dignitaries. By the time the Daimler rolled off the production line in 1936, it was a symbol of pre-war British engineering—graceful yet powerful, designed to turn heads wherever it went.

Unfortunately, like many classic cars, time was not kind to this particular Daimler. When Harvey first acquired the remains of JK 7092, it was barely recognisable as the elegant machine it had once been.

A Nine-Year Odyssey

In 2015, Harvey made the bold decision to take on the challenge of restoring the Daimler. Unlike most restorations, where enthusiasts start with a largely intact vehicle, he was working with little more than a corroded frame, a seized-up engine, and missing bodywork.

“It was in such poor condition that most people would have walked away,” Harvey admitted. “There were times I thought I’d bitten off more than I could chew.”

Over the course of nine gruelling years, he poured his own time and finances into breathing life back into the vintage car. Every part had to be meticulously sourced, refabricated, or custom-built from scratch. The engine was completely rebuilt, requiring parts that were no longer in production. The chassis had to be reinforced, the interior painstakingly restored to match its original grandeur.

Brotherly Support

While Harvey financed the project in its entirety, he was not alone in the journey. His brother, Hugo, lent his skills and support, helping with the heavy lifting, welding, and reassembly of the car.

“There were nights when we were up until 3:00am, covered in oil and wondering what the hell we were doing,” Hugo laughed. “But when you see the final result, you realise it was all worth it.”

The restoration became more than just a mechanical challenge—it was a bonding experience, a shared passion that deepened their relationship.

The Triumph of Persistence

After nearly a decade of setbacks, sleepless nights, and financial strain, the Daimler is finally complete. The car now stands as a testament to British engineering, restored with painstaking attention to detail and a deep respect for its heritage.

“It’s been a labour of love,” Harvey said proudly. “Some people spend years building a house—this car was my house. It’s a part of me.”

A Legacy Preserved

Restoring a Daimler of this calibre is no small feat. Many classic vehicles disappear into obscurity, forgotten in barns or scrapped when restoration becomes too costly. But Bruce refused to let that fate befall the car.

Now, as the engine purrs to life, the years of struggle fade into the background, replaced by the satisfaction of bringing a British icon back to the road. For Harvey and Hugo, the Daimler isn’t just a car—it’s a symbol of perseverance, craftsmanship, and an unwavering belief in the beauty of a bygone era.

And as the fantastic motor glides down the road once more, it carries with it a story of determination, brotherhood, and an unbreakable connection to the golden age of British motoring.

Crime

Police investigate alleged assault at Milford Haven property

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OFFICERS from Dyfed-Powys Police have been maintaining a presence at a property on Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault.

The Herald understands that the front door of the property has been boarded up with plywood, prompting concern and speculation from local residents.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Officers have been undertaking scene preservation in relation to an investigation of assault.”

No further details have been released at this stage, and it is not yet known whether any arrests have been made.

Residents told The Herald they noticed police activity at the address earlier this week, with officers attending the property and cordoning off the area.

The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

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Business

Haverfordwest opticians celebrate 100 years of long service

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WALES’ LARGEST Specsavers store is celebrating a series of individual long service milestones, with nine team members collectively marking a century of long service in 2025.

At the heart of the celebrations is Andy Britton, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Haverfordwest, who has worked at the company for 20 years.

Since becoming a partner in 2006, Mr Britton has overseen the store’s transformation from a small site with just four test rooms to a state-of-the-art £1.2 million premises at 21 Riverside Quay. The enhanced store now boasts 14 test rooms equipped with cutting edge technology and a significantly larger team, growing from 11 to 45 employees.

Haverfordwest residents benefit from Mr Britton’s clinical expertise – he holds multiple postgraduate diplomas that allow him to prescribe medication directly to customers, helping to ease pressure on local GP surgeries and hospitals. He has also led the introduction of enhanced services, including glaucoma monitoring, ensuring more people can access specialist care closer to home.

Reflecting on his career, Mr Britton says: ‘It’s been a privilege to serve the Haverfordwest community over the last 20 years. I’m proud of the team we’ve built and the progress we’ve made – all with the aim of delivering the best possible care for our customers.’

Mr Britton’s anniversary was celebrated alongside colleagues Elise Evans, Gareth Riley and Carrie Lewis-Jones – each marking 15 years with Specsavers – as well as other team members celebrating 10 and five-year milestones.

Fellow director, Wayne Jones, was among those celebrating five years with the business, after joining the Haverfordwest store in 2020. He was named a finalist for Optometrist of the Year at the Optometry Wales Awards in 2023 and then in 2024, joined forces with Mr Britton as retail director of the store.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr Jones says: ‘Our team’s experience and dedication are what makes Specsavers Haverfordwest so special. Reaching 100 years of individual long service milestones in 2025 is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s a real testament to the commitment of our colleagues, and we look forward to many more successful years ahead.’

To mark the occasion, the directors hosted an in-store awards ceremony, presenting certificates and bottles of champagne to the nine long-serving team members celebrating.

Specsavers Haverfordwest is open seven days a week. To find out more information about Specsavers in Haverfordwest, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.

Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.

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Community

Appeal launched as Welsh teenagers missing for nearly a week

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POLICE have launched an appeal after two teenagers from Wales went missing almost a week ago.

Isobel and Daniel, both aged 16, were last seen together in the Machynlleth area of Powys on Monday. They are from the Cardigan area of Ceredigion and are believed to have links to both Gloucestershire and Merseyside.

Isobel is described as 5ft 3ins tall with blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a black parka-style coat with a fur-trimmed hood, grey jogging bottoms, and carrying a large black backpack.

Daniel is described as 6ft 1ins tall, with short dark brown hair shaved at the sides. He was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, a black T-shirt, and a black collared coat. He was carrying a large camping backpack in black, red, and grey.

Dyfed-Powys Police is urging anyone with information about their whereabouts to get in touch via the online portal, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.

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