Community

Charity urges older people to ‘be prepared’ for cold

Published

11 years ago

February 17, 2015

AS TEMPERATURES continue to fall across the country, older people’s charity Royal Voluntary Service is urging everyone to be prepared in order to stay safe

Cold spell: Tegryn Llanfyrnach this
week (Pic – Rebecca Palfrey)

and well during the winter months.

Older people are particularly vulnerable, with the majority of deaths from cold weather in the over 75 age group.

The Royal Voluntary Service Winter Wellness campaign aims to encourage older people to stay both physically and emotionally well whatever the weather. The charity has teamed up with gas distribution company SGN to produce a free leaflet full of advice about how to keep safe, warm and in touch in winter.

Royal Voluntary Service Chief Executive David McCullough said: “As the colder weather continues, it’s important for older people to make sure they’re prepared for the drop in temperatures. We encourage older people to make sure they’ve stocked up on basics, have frequent hot drinks and warm meals and maybe just keep one or two rooms nice and warm instead of trying to heat their whole home. Royal Voluntary Service volunteers can help with things like transport to medical appointments, picking up prescriptions or getting some shopping in if the icy temperatures mean it’s harder than usual for an older person to get out and about.”

Other tips include keeping torches, a battery-powered radio and spare batteries where they’re easy to find in the dark in case of power cuts; getting in a stock of basic foodstuffs and checking weather forecasts particularly severe weather warnings from the Met Office.

Pamela Goee, Head of Community at SGN, says it’s vital everyone makes sure any gas appliances they use are safe: “We’d recommend everyone has a carbon monoxide alarm. Knowing the simple warning signs to look out for, such as ‘lazy’ yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones or black marks on or around the appliance, could save your life.”

Royal Voluntary Service helps older people across Great Britain with services such as Good Neighbours (providing companionship), Meals-on-Wheels and Books-on-Wheels which all help alleviate loneliness. The charity also provides practical support for older people who have been in hospital through its On Ward Befriending and Home from Hospital services.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

2 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

2 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

3 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.