Childhood memory sparked lifetime quest, explains local historian Simon Hancock

Published

10 months ago

March 3, 2025

Childhood memories – both the good and the bad – can often remain with us for the rest of our lives.

But sometimes those memories can carve an intrinsic bearing on the way in which we evolve as individuals.

Speaking to local historian Dr Simon Hancock, it soon becomes apparent that his immense knowledge and understanding of local history stems back to his childhood, when he was growing up in what was then a very derelict and forgotten Neyland.

“In the 1970’s, Neyland was a very depressed town,” Simon told The Pembrokeshire Herald.

“The railway had closed in 1964, the year before I was born, and when I was ten, the ferry to Hobbs Point had closed following the arrival of the Cleddau Bridge.

“As a result of what had happened, the area where the marina stands today was sheer desolation.

“I remember walking along there as a child and coming across an isolated railway carriage that had been left close to where the railway station used to be. And that image intrigued me.

“I also remember talking to very old people – Neyland residents who had lived in the town during the Victorian era – and I found their stories and recollections of how the town had once thrived fascinating.

“I have absolutely no doubt that this is what has inspired me as a historian to continue finding out as much as I can about local history.”

This week Simon will be presenting a talk on Neyland’s difficult progression through the Edwardian era, extending from 1900 until the First World War.

“Step back just 50 years from then, and Neyland was in its golden era,” continues Simon. “The railway, which opened in April 1856, was the catalyst for the town’s economic growth, while in August of the same year, the Irish steam ferries started sailing from Neyland to Waterford, followed by sailings to Cork.”

As a result, Neyland continued sailing through the Victorian years as a highly prosperous boom town, linking in neatly with its earlier standing as a salt refinery, a large herring fishery and a private shipyard. The town’s growth is testified by the census figures; in 1830 Neyland had around 200 inhabitants, however by 1901 that figure had soared to 2,827.

The peak lasted for 50 years but then, following the opening of a new ferry port in Fishguard in 1906, Neyland’s confidence took a major tumble.

“People were saying that grass would begin growing up in the streets and there was a real crash in public confidence. But instead of just sitting back and watching the economic decline, the community, together with landowners such as Sir Charles Phillips of Picton Castle, set up the Neyland steam trawling company.”

Land was leased from GWR and a fish market was set up together with a purpose-built ice factory that opened in Barn Lake in 1908.

“Obviously this was never going to compete with Milford Haven, but it was an expression of confidence in the economic fortunes of the town.

“And the High Street and Kensington Road bore testimony to this, with over 60 shops serving the town of Neyland and the much wider outlying community. And this continued right up until the arrival of the supermarkets.”

In 1906, following the loss of the Irish ferries, the town’s population had decreased to 2,423 but 15 years later, that figures had soared to 2,700. So once again, the people of Neyland had an underlying belief and a staunch commitment to their town’s continued prosperity.

“There’s no doubt that what Neyland has witnessed over the centuries is truly outstanding,” said Simon.

“And now, thanks to the way in which history is becoming so much more accessible to everyone, people are eager to find out as much as they can about the history of their own towns and villages.

“I’ve been giving lectures since the 1990s and it’s just so wonderful to be able to communicate to people, in a myriad of different ways, and help them discover the wealth of history that took place in their own towns.

“Schools are now teaching history in a much more holistic way, tv programmes such as ‘Time Team’ and ‘Dig for Britain’ have helped capture people’s interest and then of course, we have all the history sites on social media.

“It’s wonderful that history has become such an accessible topic to everyone.”

Dr Simon Hancock’s talk will include 80 photographic images of Edwardian Neyland. The talk takes place at St Clements Church Hall, Neyland, this Friday, March 7, at 7.30 pm. Entry is £4, which includes refreshments, and all proceeds will be donated to Pembrokeshire Mind. The event is sponsored by Audrey Johns Ltd, Neyland.

Crime

Man spared jail after baseball bat incident in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Court Reporter

Judge says offence was so serious only a prison sentence was justified

A 44-YEAR-OLD has been given a suspended prison sentence after admitting carrying a baseball bat in a public place during an incident in Milford Haven.

Ian Parker, of Cwrt Garreg, Cefn Glas, Bridgend, appeared for sentence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Dec 9).

The court heard that on Tuesday (Oct 29), Parker travelled to Prioryville, Milford Haven, where he was found in possession of an offensive weapon — a baseball bat — without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

Earlier hearings were told that Parker believed his son was at risk and had travelled from Bridgend to Milford Haven. During the incident, another man was struck with the bat before Parker left the scene. Parker later admitted the offence and entered a guilty plea on November 18, with sentencing adjourned for a pre-sentence report.

Passing sentence, District Judge M Layton said the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.

Parker was sentenced to 36 weeks’ imprisonment, but the sentence was suspended for 24 months after the court accepted there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

He will be subject to 24 months of supervision and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. The court also imposed a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 25 days, requiring Parker to attend appointments and take part in activities as directed by probation services.

The baseball bat was ordered to be forfeited and destroyed under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953.

Parker was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £187 surcharge, to be paid in full within 28 days.

The judge warned that any breach of the suspended sentence order could result in the prison term being activated.

Business

Independent brewers join call for business rates relief as pub closures feared

Published

7 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

INDEPENDENT brewers have joined growing calls for urgent, pub-specific relief on Business Rates amid fears that community pubs across west Wales and beyond could be forced to close.

The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) has warned that changes announced in the Autumn Budget will see pub costs rise sharply over the next three years, with the average pub facing a 76% increase in Business Rates. By comparison, large warehouse-style premises operated by online and technology giants are expected to see increases of around 16%.

The issue will be discussed at a meeting taking place on Monday in Saundersfoot, where local publicans, small brewers and business representatives are due to come together to examine the impact of rising Business Rates and escalating operating costs. The meeting is expected to focus on the future sustainability of community pubs, particularly in coastal and rural areas where they often act as vital social hubs as well as key local employers.

Independent breweries are particularly exposed, SIBA says, as the vast majority of their beer is sold through local community pubs. Many small breweries also operate their own pubs or taprooms, meaning they are hit twice by rising rates. Some independent brewers have reported rateable value increases of up to 300%, creating new costs they say will be extremely difficult to absorb.

New industry research published on Thursday (Dec 12) suggests that introducing a pub-specific Business Rates relief of 30% from April 1, 2026 could protect around 15,000 jobs currently under threat in the pubs sector and help prevent widespread closures.

The call for action follows an open letter sent last week by SIBA’s board, expressing deep concern at the impact of the Budget’s Business Rates decisions on the hospitality sector.

Andy Slee, Chief Executive of SIBA, said: “The last orders bell is ringing very loudly in our community pubs after the shock changes to Business Rates in the Budget.

“Publicans and brewers feel badly let down by a system that still isn’t fairly addressing the imbalance between big global tech companies and small business owners.

“We were promised proper reform of Business Rates in the Labour manifesto last year and a rebalancing of the tax regime, but this has not been delivered. Pubs therefore need urgent help to address the planned increase in costs through a pub-specific relief, followed by full and meaningful reform.”

Those attending Monday’s meeting in Saundersfoot are expected to consider how local voices can feed into the national debate and press for urgent action to protect community pubs across Pembrokeshire.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

8 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.