Community

Tributes paid after death of Pembroke Dock councillor

Published

2 months ago

April 27, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

Tributes have been paid following the passing of a Pembrokeshire county councillor of nearly 30 years, who was “passionately devoted” to his hometown of Pembroke Dock.

Cllr Brian Hall joined Pembrokeshire County Council following a by-election in 1996, representing Pembroke Dock’s Market ward.

A long-standing councillor, Cllr Hall was also a representative on the RWE Npower Pembroke Power Station and Valero Liaison Committee.

Cllr Hall had also represented the Authority on the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Swansea Bay City Region Joint Scrutiny Committee.

He was an active member of a number of Pembrokeshire County Council scrutiny committees and the planning committee.

He previously sat on the Cabinet, from its inception in 2002 until March 2007 and between 2012 and 2022, he chaired several Overview and Scrutiny Committees including Environment, Services and Corporate.

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “We were all very sad to hear of Cllr Brian Hall’s death.

“I pass on the condolences of everyone at the council to his family and many friends.

“Brian was a council stalwart and had been working for, and demanding better, for his constituents for nearly 30 years.

“His enthusiasm for his home patch was unmatched and there was little of Pembroke Dock’s history that he could not tell you about. The loss of Brian from the chamber will be felt by all members of council across the board.”

Independent Group Leader Cllr Anji Tinley expressed heartfelt condolences, stating: “The loss of Cllr Hall profoundly saddens us. He was a well-respected figure known for his dedication and commitment to local governance and his community.

“His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, and we will dearly miss him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Presiding Member of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Simon Hancock said: “I am greatly saddened by the sudden passing of Councillor Brian Hall who was a member of the authority for nearly 30 years.

“Brian was a larger-than-life character who was passionately devoted to Pembroke Dock and his constituents. He never let an opportunity pass without mentioning and advancing the interests of his hometown. We extend sincere condolences to his family.”

Pembroke Dock Town council added: “It’s with great sadness to hear of the passing of our county and town councillor Brian Hall.

“Brian served his Ward of Pembroke Dock as a County Council for 30 years with passion and pride and he will be missed by many.”

Mayor of Pembroke Dock Cllr Michele Wiggins said: “It is very sad news and I extend my condolences to everyone who knew Brian. He was a hard working county councillor and town councillor for many years. There wasn’t much of Pembroke Dock’s history he didn’t know. He will be sadly missed.”

Fellow county councillor Cllr Rhys Jordan also paid tribute: “I was very saddened to hear of Brian’s passing over the weekend. He was a lovable rogue with a heart of gold.

“If anything, his greatest flaw was trying to help everyone, something that truly defined the kind of man he was. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of Pembroke Dock and could captivate you for hours with his stories, whether about the town itself or his business links in Ireland.

“Brian was deeply dedicated to his role and was almost always the first to arrive in the members room, often there by 7am. That quiet commitment spoke volumes about his character.

“Above all, he was a devoted husband, and my thoughts are with his wife, family, and many friends at this incredibly difficult time. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

Community

River festival returns to Haverfordwest this weekend

Published

16 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CELEBRATION of the Cleddau will take place in Haverfordwest this weekend as the town’s River Festival returns for a second year.

The event will be held on Saturday (June 13), from 10:00am until late, centred on HaverHub and stretching along the quay towards the Bristol Trader.

Organised by The Cleddau Project, the family-friendly festival will include guided walks, demonstrations, art, science activities, live music, market stalls, free canoe trips and a boat race.

The event aims to celebrate the beauty, wildlife and heritage of the Cleddau, while encouraging more people to make use of the river and riverside area.

Organisers said the weather is looking promising and have invited families to “come on down” and enjoy the day.

Groups involved include West Wales Rivers Trust, Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Paddle West and Pembrokeshire Marine Wildlife.

Community

Mayors and community leaders join Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations

Published

1 day ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town’s civic leaders praised as event highlights community spirit

A HOST of civic dignitaries and community representatives joined residents for this year’s Milford Haven Founders Day, helping to mark the town’s annual celebration of its heritage and community spirit.

The event, held on Saturday, welcomed mayors and representatives from towns across Pembrokeshire, alongside police officers, clergy and local business leaders.

Milford Haven Founders Day organisers thanked guests for attending and supporting the occasion, describing their presence as helping to make the day “even more special”.

Among those attending were the Mayor of Milford Haven, Mark Woodward, accompanied by Mayoress Evija Upeniece Woodward; the Mayor of Haverfordwest, Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner, accompanied by Mayoress and Sheriff Councillor Dani Thomas-Turner; the Mayor of Pembroke, Jonathan Grimes; the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Councillor Tony Wilcox; and the Mayor of Neyland, Councillor Peter Hay, accompanied by Mayoress Mitzy Hay.

The event also welcomed local Police Community Support Officers from Milford Haven and Neyland Police, Reverend Dr Adrian Furse of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, Milford Haven Business Circle chairman Byron Thomas Jenkins, and treasurer Amanda Dyson.

Organisers said the strong turnout from civic leaders reflected the importance of Founders Day as a celebration of Milford Haven’s identity and local pride.

A spokesperson for Milford Haven Founders Day said: “Your presence and support helped make the day a memorable celebration of our town, its history and its community spirit. We are truly grateful that you took the time to join us and share in the festivities.”

Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes later praised the event, commenting: “Thank you for the kind invitation – it was a wonderful event!”

Photo caption:

Civic guests: Mayors, community representatives and local officers gather during Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations (Pic: Captured Soul Photography).

Community

Community rallies to protect AJ Store after break-in

Published

1 day ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New security gate installed thanks to generosity of Pill and Milford Haven residents

MILFORD HAEVN residents have rallied around the owner of AJ Store in Pill Lane after a recent break-in, helping fund new security measures to protect the independent business.

Just days after an appeal was launched to support the shop following another break-in, donations from local people helped pay for a new security gate, now installed at the front of the store.

The owner, who took over the business around nine months ago, had faced costly repairs and mounting concerns over security after the latest incident.

The fundraiser, launched with the owner’s permission, asked for help towards repairs and measures to safeguard the future of the business.

In an emotional message posted online, AJ Local thanked the community for its support.

The shop said: “I would like to thank everyone who have been so generous with your donations to the GoFundMe and have enabled us to have this amazing security gate made and fitted by an excellent local business, KGM Welding.

“A big thank you to Kyle Morris, I’m very, very grateful to you and all of the people of Pill and Milford community.”

Community spirit

The rapid response to the appeal has been praised as an example of Milford Haven residents coming together to support a valued local business during a difficult time.

Independent convenience stores often face significant financial pressures following break-ins, with repair costs, insurance increases and additional security expenses placing strain on small traders.

The Herald previously reported on concerns about shop crime in Milford Haven, with businesses in areas including Pill Lane and Charles Street affected by robberies and break-ins in recent years.

Protected:

The new security gate installed at AJ Store in Pill Lane following community donations (Pic: AJ Local).