Community
Mayors and community leaders join Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations
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
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).
Charity
More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day
A FUN Day and Dog Show in St Clears has raised more than £5,000 to help vulnerable and abandoned animals.
The event, held in aid of Greenacres Animal Rescue on Sunday, May 10, brought together supporters, local businesses and members of the community to raise vital funds for the charity’s rescue and rehabilitation work.
A total of £2,584.84 was raised on the day, with the amount then matched by the Benefact Group through the support of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, bringing the final total to £5,169.68.

The money will help Greenacres meet the growing costs of caring for animals in need, including veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, food and other essential welfare expenses.
Greenacres Animal Rescue provides refuge and care for animals that have been abandoned, neglected or need rehoming. The charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising and volunteer support to continue its work.
A spokesperson for Greenacres Animal Rescue said: “We’re honestly blown away by your generosity and support.”
Among those supporting the event were representatives from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, which has backed Greenacres Animal Rescue for several years as its chosen charity partner.
Colleagues Stephen Vale, Yvette Llewellyn and Lauren Davies attended the event, helping to support the fundraising and celebrate the work carried out by the charity.
Stephen Vale, from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking said: “Greenacres Animal Rescue has been our chosen charity for several years and we’re incredibly proud to support the vital work they do for vulnerable animals in our community.
“The dedication of the Greenacres team is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see local people come together to help raise funds that will directly support the charity’s ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.
“As part of the Benefact Group, giving back is central to who we are, so being able to support Greenacres through fundraising and matched funding initiatives is something we’re passionate about.”
The success of the event highlights the strength of community support for Greenacres Animal Rescue and the difference local fundraising can make for animals in need.
For more information, call 01994 231548 or visit lloydwhytecommunity.com.
Community
Children enjoy special day out at Folly Farm thanks to Rotary support
Packed lunches donated by local businesses as Narberth and Whitland Rotary treats youngsters to memorable trip
CHILDREN from across the area enjoyed a fun-filled day at Folly Farm on Wednesday (June 10), thanks to the efforts of Narberth and Whitland Rotary and the generosity of local businesses.
The annual “Children’s Day Out” saw youngsters treated to a special visit to the popular Pembrokeshire attraction, where they were able to enjoy the animals, rides and activities on offer.
Narberth and Whitland Rotary said the trip was made possible through the support of several local organisations and businesses who helped ensure the children had an enjoyable and well-catered day.
The Rotary club extended special thanks to The Plas in Narberth for providing packed lunches for the children attending the trip.
Additional refreshments were also donated, with Jack Williams supplying a generous selection of fruit and CK’s contributing bottled water.
Rotary organisers said the children had a “great day out” and praised Folly Farm for welcoming the group and helping to make the visit a memorable experience.
A spokesperson for Narberth and Whitland Rotary said: “All of the children had a great day out and special thanks go to Folly Farm for welcoming us all.”
The club regularly organises community activities and events aimed at supporting local families and young people across the Narberth and Whitland area.
Photo caption: Day to remember: Children enjoy a special outing to Folly Farm organised by Narberth and Whitland Rotary (Pic supplied).
-
Crime5 days agoPaddleboard company owner loses bid to cut sentence over Haverfordwest tragedy
-
Crime4 days agoMilford Haven man admits harassment and assault
-
News4 days agoCommunity appeal for privacy after serious emergency in Pendine
-
Crime2 days agoSex offender in senior role at Tenby family hotel
-
Community2 days agoForgotten wartime archive found in Pembroke Dock attic after 80 years
-
Business5 days agoCall for gym and Padel courts at Kiln Park Farm unanimously backed
-
Crime2 days agoFamilies condemn failed appeal by paddleboard boss jailed over Haverfordwest tragedy
-
Community4 days agoFounders Day hailed a success despite rising costs and extra security







