Beloved dog’s tag discovered on Pembrokeshire beach 15 years after his death

Published

11 months ago

May 1, 2025

WHEN Alison Crispin received a phone call from her long-time friend Shirley Jones on her 60th birthday, it turned out to be one of the most precious she’d ever received.

Earlier that day Shirley’s daughter, Sian, had found a dog tag washed up on West Angle beach, bearing the name Bruno Crispin and a phone number. Realising that the surname was the same as Alison’s who now lives in Bulgaria, Shirley mentioned it to her friend.

“And it soon became apparent that Bruno was the beloved Newfoundland that Alison and her husband had owned since he was just 13 weeks old.

“Sadly Bruno passed away 15 years ago, at the great age of 13.

“We just couldn’t believe that this could be possible,” Shirley told The Herald. “My daughter had gone camping with some friends down on West Angle beach over the Easter weekend, and as they walked across the rocks on the day that Shirley was celebrating her 60th birthday, they noticed something poking out of the sand.

“At first they thought it was an old coin, but when they picked it up and brushed it clean, they could see that it was a tag from a dog collar, with the name Bruno Crispin on one side and a phone number beginning 01646 on the other side, which is the code for Milford.”

Realising that Shirley had a friend with the same surname, Sian took the tag home to show her mother.

“And when she walked in through the door, who was I speaking to on the phone but Alison!” continues Shirley.

“We’ve been best friends since we were children growing up in Merlin’s Bridge, and obviously this friendship has continued, even though Alison moved to Bulgaria nine years ago.

“When I told her the name that was on the tag, Alison explained that their dog was named Bruno, who they’d had when they were living in Milford Haven.

And when I began reading out the phone number on the back, Alison finished it off for me because it was her old landline number.

“So this was definitely the tag that Bruno used to wear when he lived here all those years ago.”

It goes without saying that Alison is over the moon with this amazing discovery.

“Bruno really was a wonderful dog to us,” she told The Herald from her home in Bulgaria.

“We had him from a 13-week old puppy and he lived until he was 13, which is a good age for a Newfoundland. He absolutely loved going to the beach and to be honest, it was always difficult trying to get him out of the water.

“When we lived in Milford we spent a lot of time at Gelliswick, Dale, Broad Haven and loads of other beaches around Pembrokeshire. We were always around the water so it really is incredible that Bruno’s tag has been found on the rocks in West Angle all these years later.”

Meanwhile Shirley is now preparing to get the tag back to Alison for safe keeping..

“I’ve put it safely inside my handbag, so I’ll either send it to Alison by post or I might even go over to Bulgaria to give it to her in person,” concluded Shirley. “It’s something that means so very much to Alison, so it’ll be wonderful for her to get it back. This really is a very special memento of Bruno.”

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

41 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

48 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

1 hour ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.