Community

Tenby boat lift signals start of tourist season in Pembrokeshire

Published

9 months ago

March 31, 2025

THE ANNUAL boat lift at Tenby Harbour got underway at dawn on Monday (March 31), as a towering red crane carefully lowered vessels from the harbour’s hard-standing back into the sea—signalling the town’s preparations for the busy season ahead.

A longstanding tradition in Tenby, the boat lift marks the symbolic shift from the quiet of winter to the energy of spring and summer. County Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said: “It brings a feeling of spring and hope. It’s a sign that the town is waking up and getting ready for another busy season.”

In previous years, the event has drawn early-morning spectators who gather to watch the precision required to manoeuvre boats of all shapes and sizes into the harbour. Last year, the lift was postponed due to high winds and heavy sea swells. Despite the challenging weather, the crane arrived by 5:00am and the operation concluded later that morning.

As is tradition, the lift follows the annual ‘Blessing of the Boats’ service at St Julian’s Church—affectionately known as the “little church on the harbour.”

This year, favourable weather meant the lift went ahead smoothly and on schedule, much to the relief of organisers and boat owners alike. The sight of boats gently returning to the water serves as a vivid reminder of Tenby’s strong maritime identity and the community’s eagerness for the approaching tourist season.

Adding to the town’s growing reputation, Tenby was recently named one of the world’s top travel destinations for 2025. Events such as the Tenby Steampunk Festival—complete with Victorian costumes and peacock parades—continue to enhance its unique charm.

With boats once again bobbing in the harbour, residents and visitors are looking forward to the return of the vibrant atmosphere that defines Tenby in the warmer months.

(Image: Gareth Davies Photography)

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.