Community
Murco engineers make new start

InSite Technical Services: Providing employment opportunities for
Murco taskforce
SIX engineers at the Murco oil refinery in Milford Haven, who lost their jobs following its closure last year, have set up a new business in Pembrokeshire with help from the Welsh Government.
Operating out of Pembroke Dock in the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone, InSite Technical Services have six directors who boast more than 100 years engineering and project management experience in the process industry.
They will operate in three business areas, offering project design and engineering, operational services and technical consultancy. The company also want to find new opportunities for the wealth of technically skilled people that are now in the area after forty years of refining in Milford Haven.
InSite Technical Services Managing Director Jean Martin said: “The closure of the oil refinery in Milford Haven was a devastating blow for the area, with so many people employed there and other jobs associated with the supply chain. But with so many highly-skilled, experienced and talented people working at the refinery and the number of energy industry companies in Pembrokeshire we saw an opportunity to start something new.
With advice and support from the Welsh Government on starting up a new company, from Murco who provided office equipment and Pembrokeshire Council providing the office space we’ve been able to get off the ground quickly. Hopefully we can establish ourselves and grow in Pembrokeshire to ensure there continue to be engineering career opportunities for young people here.”
Economy Minister, Edwina Hart said: “I am very pleased to hear about the establishment of InSite Technical Services and the support they received from the Murco Taskforce. The effects of the Murco closure were felt throughout Pembrokeshire and beyond, so it is encouraging to see new opportunities being created locally. The Murco Taskforce’s work didn’t stop following the closure of the refinery. Since the closure was announced, 41% of the Murco employees have found new work and half of them within Pembrokeshire. The Taskforce and the Welsh Government will continue to do all they can to support those affected by the closure.”
Community
Loch Ness cruise boat Jacobite Queen makes stop in Milford Haven
A BOAT best known for carrying tourists on Scotland’s famous Loch Ness has been spotted alongside the docks in Milford Haven, drawing interest from locals and harbour users.
The Jacobite Queen, a traditional passenger excursion vessel built in nineteen forty-nine, was photographed tied up at Milford Dock earlier this week.
Originally launched as the Tyne Queen, the craft operated as a ferry and pleasure boat in the north east of England before later being renamed and used for sightseeing cruises on Loch Ness, where thousands of visitors boarded her for trips across the iconic Highland waters.
According to comments shared locally, the vessel is currently “on passage heading down on the south coast”, suggesting Milford Haven is a temporary stop rather than a permanent base.
The boat’s windows and lower sections appear boarded up, a common practice when older passenger vessels are laid up or travelling between seasons, helping protect interiors from weather and damage. There are no signs of incident or emergency repairs.
Her arrival has provided an unusual sight against the working backdrop of the docks, with the vintage white-and-purple hull standing out among commercial traffic.
For many, it is a small but welcome reminder of Britain’s surviving historic passenger fleet quietly passing through Pembrokeshire waters.
Cover Photo: Jacobite Queen alongside Milford docks this week (Pic: Berty Barrett).

Community
Milford Haven community invited to honour fishermen lost at sea
Annual memorial service at Milford Haven Cemetery to remember those who never returned home
A MEMORIAL service will be held at Milford Haven Cemetery to honour local fishermen who lost their lives at sea on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Organised by Milford Haven Town Council, the annual gathering gives families, friends and residents the opportunity to come together in quiet reflection and remembrance of those who made their living on the water but never returned home.
The service will start at 11am and will be officiated by Rev Dr Adrian Furse SSC.

Milford Haven has long been shaped by its fishing and maritime industries, with generations of local families connected to the sea. While the harbour has provided work and prosperity, it has also brought tragedy, with storms and accidents claiming lives over the years.
The service will include prayers, readings and the laying of wreaths, creating a moment for the community to pause and acknowledge the sacrifices made by fishermen past and present.
Town councillors say the event is always a moving occasion and are encouraging anyone with links to the fishing community, as well as members of the wider public, to attend and show their support.
The aim, they say, is to ensure those who were lost are never forgotten and that their contribution to the town’s heritage continues to be recognised.
Residents wishing to attend or find out more can contact Milford Haven Town Council on 01646 692505 or visit www.milfordhaven-tc.gov.wales.
Community
Community run to support Tenby food bank returns this February
Traffic-free Wiseman’s Bridge event invites walkers, joggers and dog owners to donate food for James Criddle Foundation
A COMMUNITY charity run supporting families in need across south Pembrokeshire will take place next month.
Saundersfoot Runners are hosting their annual Food Bank Run on Sunday, February 15, starting at 10:00am from the Wiseman’s Bridge Inn.
The event is open to everyone, whether running, jogging or walking, and follows a traffic-free route suitable for all ages. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads. Organisers say the route will take no longer than an hour, with hot drinks available at the inn afterwards.
Entry is free, with participants encouraged to bring a bag of food donations for the Tenby-based food bank run by the James Criddle Foundation.
From small club run to national movement
The Food Bank Run began as a simple idea from runner Sarah Don, who organised a collection event with her club in Fareham to support their local food bank. After seeing the impact, the initiative grew.
Following delays during the pandemic, the project expanded nationally in 2023 when Sarah invited running groups across the UK – and beyond – to host their own local events.
Saundersfoot Runners answered the call and have supported the Tenby charity every year since.
The Foundation operates its food bank from the Tenby AFC clubhouse at The Clickets.
Rachael Criddle, one of the charity’s founders, said: “The Food Bank Run has been a huge support to the Foundation. We are grateful to everyone who takes part, to Saundersfoot Runners for organising such an uplifting and positive event, and to Wiseman’s Bridge Inn for generously allowing us to use their premises.”
Donations needed
Organisers are asking participants to bring essential food and household items, including:
Dried goods such as pasta and rice
Tinned beans, soup, meat, fish, fruit and vegetables
Tinned pies and sausages
Cook-in sauces
Toiletries including toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel
A full list is available on the Saundersfoot Runners events page.
Anyone wishing to take part can simply turn up on the morning.
Organisers say the aim is simple: “Come along, get moving and help stock the shelves for local families.”
Cover image: Last year’s event (Pic: Herald)
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