CALDEY ISLAND is in mourning following the passing of its oldest resident, Rita Cunningham, at the age of 95. A well-known and much-loved figure, Rita had called the monastic island home for over four decades, leaving a lasting impact on both the island’s community and its many visitors.

Originally from Liverpool, Rita led a fascinating and varied life. She spent time as a Carmelite nun at Bridell Carmel before moving into a completely different sphere, working as an IT manager for a paper manufacturing company in Cardiff. However, it was on Caldey Island where she truly found her place, dedicating herself to numerous roles that helped sustain and enrich island life.

Rita played a key part in maintaining the island’s infrastructure, assisting with everything from building repairs and water monitoring to running St Philomena’s guesthouse. She was also involved in the production of Caldey’s famous perfume and honey. A talented musician, she took great pleasure in teaching piano to the island’s younger residents and served as the church organist for many years.

Father Jan Rossey, the Abbot of Caldey Abbey, paid tribute to her unwavering presence and devotion. “Rita was a faithful member of the island community, a reassuring figure throughout my time here. She attended Mass daily, regardless of the weather, and her contributions to our church and community will never be forgotten. We will miss her greatly.”

Known for her warmth and sociability, Rita embraced the tranquil island lifestyle but was always keen to share a chat and a story with islanders and visitors alike. Many fondly remember her sitting outside the Post Office, engaging visitors with anecdotes, her sharp wit, and a sparkle in her eye. She also had strong connections with the nearby town of Tenby, where she was always warmly received during her visits.

One of her most iconic roles on Caldey was assisting visitors with their luggage, transporting bags to and from the boats on her trusty mini-tractor. Her willingness to lend a hand, coupled with her kind-hearted nature, earned her deep affection from all who met her.

Last November, Rita marked her 95th birthday, receiving messages and well wishes from across the world—an indication of how much she was cherished.

Caldey Island announced her passing on March 6, and plans are underway for her funeral to take place on the island. Further details will be shared in due course.

Rita Cunningham’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her contributions to island life will not be forgotten.

PEMBROKE residents are invited to learn more about a £500,000 gas upgrade set to begin later this month.

Wales & West Utilities is holding a drop-in session at the Town Hall foyer, Main Street, Pembroke, on Sunday, March 24, from 1:15pm to 5:45pm. Locals will have the opportunity to view plans and ask project team members about the work, which will upgrade gas pipes across the Pembroke St. Michael and Pembroke St. Mary South areas.

The upgrade, aimed at ensuring a safe and reliable gas supply for homes and businesses, is scheduled to begin on March 31 and continue until September, barring any engineering delays.

Work will take place in Holyland Road, Gooses Lane, Grove Hill, Main Street, Orange Way, Rock Terrace, and Well Hill. Wales & West Utilities is coordinating with Pembrokeshire County Council, and traffic management measures will be announced in due course.

Project manager Adam Smith said: “We’d like to see as many residents as possible at our drop-in event so we can share the details of the work.

“While most of the gas network is out of sight, it plays a vital role in daily life—whether it’s heating homes, cooking dinner, or running a hot bath. We understand the inconvenience of roadworks, but this upgrade is essential to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply now and for the future.

“Our engineers will be on-site throughout to complete the work as safely and quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum. This project will also prepare the network to transport hydrogen and biomethane, supporting a greener future.”

For further information, residents can contact Wales & West Utilities’ customer service team on 0800 912 2999, via X (formerly Twitter) @WWUtilities, or on Facebook at facebook.com/wwutilities.

Wales & West Utilities supplies gas to 7.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England. If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call the emergency line on 0800 111 999 immediately.

FFYNNON Community Resilience CIC are going green in 2025 thanks to new garden from Keep Wales Tidy.

Ffynnon Community Resilience CIC will be creating a new orchard garden in Pembrokeshire to benefit nature and the local community. Environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy will be installing the garden and providing all the plants, tools and materials for free through its Local Places for Nature scheme. 

Jo Denham from Ffynnon Community Resilience CIC said: “Our group of community allotmenteers have been so excited to receive the garden package from Keep Wales Tidy.

“We chose to put in a communally accessible fruit cage with an array of different bushes, and it’s been really fun installing it and choosing what to put in there.”

Keep Wales Tidy’s Local Places for Nature scheme offers communities free garden packages that range from small gardening projects to orchards and large-scale makeovers. 1,300 gardens have been created and restored across Wales since it was launched in 2020. Groups and organisations of all shapes and sizes have benefited, including emergency services, youth groups, sports clubs, animal homes and disability charities. 

Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy Owen Derbyshire said: “Creating thriving green spaces not only benefits the health and wellbeing of individuals but strengthens our communities.

“We are delighted that groups, like Ffynnon Community Resilience CIC can make a real difference through the Local Places for Nature scheme, and we are grateful to Welsh Government for their ongoing support.

“I can’t wait to see the orchard garden take shape over the coming weeks and months.”

Keep Wales Tidy’s initiative is part of the wider Welsh Government ‘Local Places for Nature’ programme committed to creating, restoring and enhancing nature ‘on your doorstep’.