Service honours shared history, service and friendship on the Quayside

A SYMBOL of Haverfordwest’s wartime and Cold War connections with the United States was formally re-dedicated on Tuesday (Jan 27), marking 30 years since the anchor was first presented to the town by the US Naval Facility at Brawdy.

The re-dedication service was hosted by Haverfordwest Town Council and brought together civic leaders, veterans, serving personnel and members of the public to honour service, remember history and celebrate enduring friendship between the UK and the US.

The Mayor welcomed guests including the Mayor’s Chaplain, the Reverend Heather Cale, along with civic dignitaries His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Dyfed, Patricia Mawuli Porter, and the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Ann Jones. Also present were fellow councillors, invited guests and veterans, including James Phillips, Colonel (RN) and Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales, David Griggs, Lieutenant Commander (RN) and former Royal Navy Liaison Officer at the facility, and Squadron Leader David Warneford (RN), former Commanding Officer of RAF Brawdy.

Representatives from the 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare) at Brawdy and the Royal British Legion attended, alongside members of Pembrokeshire County Council, the town mayors of Neyland, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, the Joint Presidents of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society/County Show and local historian Mark Muller.

Family links to the original ceremony in 1996 were also recognised. Jonathan, the son of the late Mayor Councillor D Twigg—who was Mayor of Haverfordwest when the anchor was first presented—attended with his mother. Apologies were noted from former Town Clerk Mrs Pat Lewis, who had been in post at the time of the original presentation.

The service opened with reflection and prayer from the Mayor’s Chaplain before Dr Simon Hancock, Armed Forces Champion at Pembrokeshire County Council and Haverfordwest Museum Curate, set out the historical context of the US Naval Facility at Brawdy, its relationship with the local community and the significance of the anchor’s presentation in 1996.

Town councillor Randell Thomas-Turner offered a personal reflection, recalling that his father had been stationed at the US facility and speaking of the human connections forged during the American presence at Brawdy and the lasting bonds between service families and local communities.

Veteran Squadron Leader David Warneford followed with reflections on shared service and alliance, and on the continuing relationship between the US and the UK. The Mayor then spoke of the anchor as a permanent part of the town’s heritage and the importance of international partnership, before the formal act of re-dedication was led jointly by the Mayor and Mr Warneford.

Music included Sousa’s Hands Across the Sea, underscoring the theme of transatlantic friendship. The service concluded with a blessing and closing remarks, with thanks extended to speakers, organisers and attendees.

With Storm Chandra moving in at the start of the ceremony at 12.30pm, proceedings were held upstairs at the Town Council offices, allowing guests to look out towards the Quayside anchor from a distance. As the rain eased by the close of the service, attendees joined the Mayor, Sheriff and councillors at the anchor site itself, where a newly painted anchor and new interpretation sign—installed by Town Council staff—were unveiled.

A live recording of the re-dedication service has been shared in two parts on the Pure West Radio Facebook page, with thanks given to Alex at Pure West Radio, council staff, speakers and the Reverend Heather Cale for their support in making the event possible.

HEAVY overnight rain and strong winds brought by Storm Chandra have caused disruption across Pembrokeshire, with fallen trees and localised surface water flooding reported in several areas.

The Cleddau Bridge that had been closed to high-sided vehicles has now reopened to all traffic. Yellow weather warnings for wind and heavy rain have since expired.

Road closures due to fallen trees

• Golden Hill, Spittal – A team is on site working to clear the road.
• C3185 Stepaside to Summerhill – Closed due to fallen trees and power lines. Crews are working alongside utility companies.
• B4329 through Crosswell – At the square, turning right towards the mountains and near Hen Ger y Llwyn, a large tree is blocking the carriageway.

Motorists are advised that there may be further fallen trees or branches on the road network. Clearance teams are responding as capacity allows.

Road closures due to flooding

• B4586 Jeffreyston to Loveston
• B4318 at Gumfreston

Drivers are urged to take care as localised surface water flooding continues to affect parts of the network.

Natural Resources Wales has issued five flood alerts covering Pembrokeshire. With a one-metre surge forecast on current neap tides, combined with large waves, people are advised to be cautious along coastal fronts, particularly around high tide at lunchtime.

Further rain is expected this afternoon and into the evening, though it is not forecast to be as intense as overnight. Strong winds are also expected for a time today before clearing northwards.

MILFORD HAVEN ROUND TABLE has formally thanked Milford Haven Town Council for its continued support, saying the council’s backing helps make some of the town’s biggest free events possible.

The group said the Town Council is a major supporter of its work in Milford Haven and plays a vital role in enabling community celebrations including the Milford Haven Carnival and the annual Fireworks Extravaganza, which draw thousands of people.

Representatives from the Round Table said it was “great to catch up” with the Mayor, Councillor William Elliott, at the Christmas Lights Switch On in December, where they presented a small token of thanks to mark another year of collaboration.

Milford Haven Round Table said it is proud to support the town through fundraising, volunteering and delivering events which create memories, raise money for local causes and strengthen community spirit.

The group added that none of its work would be possible without strong partnerships across Milford Haven, and thanked the Town Council for its “ongoing support, trust and commitment” to the town and its residents.