Childhood memory sparked lifetime quest, explains local historian Simon Hancock

Published

1 year 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.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

43 minutes 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

11 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.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

11 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.