Community

Young people transform Haverfordwest underpass with vibrant mural

Published

10 months ago

May 13, 2025

A ONCE-DULL underpass in Haverfordwest has been transformed into a vibrant, eye-catching mural thanks to the creativity and hard work of five young people from the Haverfordwest High VC King’s Trust group, led by Youth Worker Ell Lewis.

Supported by a Youth Bank Grant, GD Harries & Sons and funds raised through raffles, cake sales, and bingo events at their school, the group collaborated with local businesses and the community to bring their vision to life. The result is a stunning public artwork that not only adds a splash of colour to the town but also represents Haverfordwest heritage and the voices, experiences and pride of Haverfordwest’s young people.

“This project is our legacy,” said one participant. “We’ve created something lasting that represents who we are and where we come from, it’s pretty amazing what a cup of tea and a conversation can result in.”

To bring their vision to life, the group collaborated with professional graffiti artist Lloyd, who led workshops involving young people, local businesses and community groups.

“This has been a project I’ve loved being part of from start to finish; the young people involved are a credit to the town and were great to work with,” explained Lloyd. “To not only come up with the idea, but to raise the funds and then take part in the painting as well, I was seriously impressed. Too often people are keen to talk down Haverfordwest, but these young people are certainly bucking the trend. Ardderchog pawb!”

“This mural is more than just art – it’s a statement,” said Ell Lewis, Youth Worker at HHVCS. “It reflects the young people’s connection to their community, their appreciation for Youth Work, and the impact youth services have on their lives.”

Incorporated into the design is personal elements significant to the artists, including a visual tribute to the daily check-in system used in their Youth Work sessions highlighting the essential role of emotional support and connection in their development. “This is exactly what we need to see on our way to school in the morning” one participant shared. “It’s put a smile on our faces, and this is important for our wellbeing”.

Passersby have praised the mural, with many commenting on how it has transformed an overlooked area into a bright and inspiring space; “We hope this is just the start,” one resident commented. “The group has poured colour into their community. It would be great to see the project continue down the rest of the tunnels.”

Heidi Lewis from County Sports remarked: “The project is really beneficial for the town and I love how inclusive it is. It is great to see the young people taking ownership and it has equipped the participants with valuable skills in planning, design, teamwork, and community engagement. It is inspiring”

One participant said “my friends and I got to take part in the workshop because we go to The Edge Youth Centre, the centre is really important to us and I really enjoyed being able to take part. I’ve shown it to all my family!”

The group would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the local independent businesses and community members who supported the project through donations and collaborative efforts. Their contributions have helped turn a vision into a meaningful and lasting piece of community art.

Young People: Carly Sharief, Ayden Jones, Isaac Roach, Ffion Price, Lateesha Boyd, Youth Worker Ell Lewis with Lloyd Roberts.

Pics: Richard Hankinson

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

50 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

8 hours 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.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

18 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”