THE FAMILY of Matt Baker, affectionately known as “Mr Good Times” of Haverfordwest, has presented donations to three local mental health projects during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Matt passed away in March aged 49, and his funeral in April drew hundreds of mourners. In his memory, the Baker and Oostermeijer families collected donations to support causes close to Matt’s heart.

This week, £700 cheques were presented to two well-known Pembrokeshire organisations: Get The Boys A Lift and The VC Gallery. Both groups work extensively with people experiencing mental health challenges, offering safe spaces, support sessions, and community outreach.

A further donation was made to Bro Cerwyn Hospital, where Matt had spent ten months receiving care. The family gifted a Yamaha electric piano, complete with stool and headphones, in the hope that music can bring comfort and joy to patients.

Phyllis Oostermeijer, Matt’s mother, said: “We as a family would like to thank everyone concerned. Truly amazing – and I trust it will do a lot of good. Perhaps every now and again a pianist can go to the hospital and play for the patients. Matt would like that.”

The gesture comes at a time when mental health support services across Wales continue to be stretched, with charities and community organisations increasingly relied upon to bridge the gap.

Reuben Baker and Aad Oostermeijer, Matt’s brother and stepfather, attended the cheque presentation at The VC Gallery alongside representatives from the supported organisations.

Matt’s legacy of positivity, compassion, and community spirit continues to make an impact – not just on those who knew him, but on the many people these donations will go on to help.

Photo caption:
In memory of Matt: The Baker family present £700 to The VC Gallery during Mental Health Awareness Week (Pic: Supplied)

Visit marks 80th anniversary of VE Day

FIRST MINISTER, Eluned Morgan, visited Milford Haven on Saturday (May 10) as part of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) For Evermore Tour, commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The First Minister was joined by Pembrokeshire County Councillor Guy Woodham and Milford Haven Town Councillor Colin Sharp during a visit to Milford Haven Cemetery, where they paid tribute to local war dead.

Led by CWGC guide Grahame Owen, the tour highlighted the personal stories of those who served and died in the two world wars, including many from Pembrokeshire. The CWGC maintains records of over 1.7 million Commonwealth service personnel who lost their lives in the conflicts.

Reflecting on the event, the First Minister said: “We must never forget the sacrifices of past generations. VE Day was a moment that changed lives, changed Wales, and changed our world. This tour showed how war touches every street, every village, and every family. Over 15,000 Welsh people never came home.”

The For Evermore Tour is part of a nationwide initiative to ensure younger generations learn about the impact of global conflict on local communities.

The CWGC encourages the public to search its free online records to discover stories from their own families and communities, helping to keep the memories of the fallen alive.

The First Minister thanked all those who took part in what she described as a “moving and important” event.

Photo caption:
Remembering the fallen: First Minister Eluned Morgan joins local councillors in Milford Haven Cemetery on Saturday (Pic: MHTC)

Visit Pembrokeshire and holidaycottages.co.uk launch joint initiative to support local charities

COMMUNITY organisations and charities across Pembrokeshire are being invited to apply for a share of £3,000, following the launch of a new funding initiative aimed at supporting grassroots projects across the county.

The Visit Pembrokeshire Community Fund, launched in partnership with holidaycottages.co.uk, will award three grants of £1,000 each to local groups whose work directly benefits the area. The deadline for applications is 7 July 2025.

Organisers say the fund is designed to support projects that help strengthen communities, enhance the environment, and boost the local economy. Suggested uses for the grant include the creation of community gardens, accessible signage such as braille and town trail maps, and new seating in public spaces—though innovative ideas are also encouraged.

The initiative marks the start of a new partnership between Visit Pembrokeshire and holidaycottages.co.uk, part of the Travel Chapter group, which aims to deliver tangible benefits to the places most popular with visitors.

Serena Pearce, Regional Communities Manager at Travel Chapter, said:

“We are incredibly excited to be launching this community fund with Visit Pembrokeshire. At holidaycottages.co.uk, we are passionate about supporting the communities where we operate, and we take great pride in giving back to the places our guests love to visit.

“By investing in local projects, we hope to create lasting, positive impacts that help towns and villages thrive and remain cherished destinations for both visitors and residents. We can’t wait to get started and make a difference together.”

Emma Thornton, CEO of Visit Pembrokeshire, added:

“This partnership reflects our shared vision for Pembrokeshire to be a global leader in regenerative tourism. That means ensuring the visitor economy delivers a net positive for the people who live and work here, as well as those who visit.

“We’re grateful to holidaycottages.co.uk for joining us in this effort, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this collaboration.”

Holidaycottages.co.uk has already supported a number of community initiatives in the region, most recently sponsoring the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim, which raised over £30,000 for local causes.

Applications for the Visit Pembrokeshire Community Fund can be submitted online. Full details, including eligibility criteria and the application form, are available at:
👉 www.visitpembrokeshire.com/industry/community-fund-initiative

The deadline for applications is Sunday 7 July 2025.