Drunk man jumps into Milford Marina, sparking multi-agency search

Published

1 year ago

February 24, 2025

A MAJOR multi-agency search was launched at Milford Marina on Friday night (Feb 23) following a 999 call reporting that a fisherman had entered the water near the town’s bowling alley.

The call was received by Angle Lifeboat Station at 8:58pm, but just one minute later, the message was cancelled.

“A person reported that somebody was in the water near to the bowling alley, but just one minute later, our crew received a cancel message, stating that the person was now out of the water,” said a spokesperson for Angle Lifeboat Station.

However, just four minutes later, a second call was received claiming that the individual was once again back in the water.

“As a result, the lifeboat was launched but with the marina lock gates closed, the lifeboat had to tie alongside the pontoon within the lock, with the pier head staff locking the lifeboat in as quickly as possible,” the spokesperson added.

“Fortunately, because the water levels weren’t too dissimilar as a result of the rising tide, the lifeboat was soon within the docks and able to make its way to the area in question.”

Emergency services, including the police, fire service, and coastguard rescue team, arrived on the scene, where the man was later spotted on the quay wall.

Eyewitness Natalya Phillips, who made the emergency call, has since spoken out about the incident, clarifying that the man was not missing but had intentionally jumped into the water while intoxicated.

She said: “Friday night I had to phone 999 because a man who was highly drunk had jumped into the water. He was in and out of a parked car, taking off layers of clothing, and then suddenly ran and jumped off the side into the water.

“I immediately rang 999 and kept my eyes on him because it was cold, it was dark, and the water is not something to be messing with!

“He was later out of the water and taken somewhere safer to rest. There was nothing ‘missing’ about this.”

Phillips also criticised the man’s lack of gratitude towards emergency responders.

“He did not even thank the emergency services for coming to his rescue,” she said. “He didn’t even realise what he had done wrong.”

Local reports suggest that the man was taken out of the water by local fishing skipper Jake Bowman Davies helped by a Latvian member of crew.

Emergency services have not confirmed whether any further action has been taken.

Entertainment

Filming begins on new Welsh BBC comedy starring Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs

Published

6 minutes ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HEARTWARMING new Welsh BBC comedy co-written by Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs has started filming in South Wales.

Better Later, a six-part series for BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC One Wales, will explore the unexpected joys of an unlikely friendship.

The comedy stars Jones and Speirs as two people who meet at a knee trauma clinic. Retired teacher Clive, played by Speirs, is 60, widowed and facing a new chapter in life. Shelley Anne, played by Jones, is a 55-year-old environmental health officer going through a bitter divorce.

The series is being filmed in and around South Wales, including the Brecon Beacons, and is set in the fictional village of Brynfach.

Ruth Jones said: “In a funny way this show has been 35 years in the making, which is when I first met Steve. It’s not that we’re slow writers, it’s just that we’ve been up to other things. It’s fantastic to be back in front of the camera with him again.”

Steve Speirs said: “Our first time acting together for quite a long time. Ruth makes me laugh more than anyone and I’m a terrible giggler. This could be a long shoot.”

Better Later has been commissioned by BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Comedy and is being made by Tidy Productions in association with BBC Studios Comedy, with support from Creative Wales.

The series was commissioned by Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning at BBC Cymru Wales, and Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC. The commissioning editors are Emma Lawson and Paul Forde.

Executive producers are Sarah Fraser for Tidy Productions and Josh Cole for BBC Studios Comedy. The producer is Owen Bell and the director is Simon Massey.

Transmission details will be announced in due course.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

10 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

20 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.