Community

Milk Matters wins prestigious breastfeeding support award

Published

6 months ago

June 30, 2025

MILK MATTERS Haverfordwest has won the prestigious 2025 Pamela Lacey Award, recognising the group’s exceptional support for breastfeeding mothers in Pembrokeshire.

Founded after the COVID-19 pandemic by a dedicated team of volunteers led by Laura, a trained breastfeeding supporter, Milk Matters quickly identified a significant need within the community. The group provides accessible, compassionate, woman-to-woman support to mothers navigating the challenges of breastfeeding.

Laura was inspired by her experiences at a local NHS breastfeeding group, where she saw how effective peer support was in helping mothers cope physically, emotionally, and socially. Determined to keep this valuable service alive, Laura started informal breastfeeding sessions, often accompanied by her two young children. She soon became affectionately known locally as the “Boob Lady” due to her approachable manner and evidence-based guidance.

As demand increased, Milk Matters established a permanent home in the welcoming “cwtch” room at Scolton Manor Country Park’s café. The group employs a holistic approach, combining practical education, emotional support, and social interaction, reinforced by strong partnerships with local healthcare providers.

Now in its fourth successful year, Milk Matters has grown to include seven trained breastfeeding volunteers: Elisha, Fiona, Rachel, Kathryn, Kinga, Sarah, and Laura. Despite balancing their roles as volunteers with family commitments, each member offers empathetic, knowledgeable, and inclusive support to families across Haverfordwest and beyond.

Milk Matters also maintains active collaboration with healthcare providers, midwives, health visitors, IBCLCs, and the local Infant Feeding Coordinator, regularly appearing in hospital discharge information provided to new parents.

Alongside regular weekly meetings, the group hosts annual events such as World Breastfeeding Week and community celebrations. Future plans include offering antenatal sessions aligned with the Baby Friendly Initiative’s Theory of Change, focusing on maternal wellbeing and peer-informed education.

Milk Matters has proven itself to be much more than just a support service—it is a nurturing community that embraces the realities of motherhood, providing local women with essential support, empowerment, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 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

4 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

4 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.