News

John Knapp-Fisher dies

Published

11 years ago

March 13, 2015

PEMBROKESHIRE-BASED artist John Knapp-Fisher has died at the age of 83. He passed away in Withybush Hospital on February 21 after a lengthy illness.

Born in London in 1931, John Knapp-Fisher studied graphic design and typography at Maidstone College of Art. Following National Service he worked as an exhibition designer in London and it was during this period, around 1958, that he began to concentrate on drawing and painting.

He later worked as a theatre set designer at the Theatre Royal Margate and the Castle Theatre Farnham before taking up painting full time.

In 1965, he moved to Pembrokeshire and opened his studio gallery in Croesgoch two years later. Since that time his name became synonymous with paintings of the Pembrokeshire coast and landscape.

In an interview given to Radio Wales at the time of his eightieth birthday, the artist was modest about his abilities: “I think my parents were despairing of my lack of ability in most of the other subjects. I was quite good at English and I suppose the only two things that I’ve pursued all my life are writing and painting. In childhood I wasn’t particularly aware of art or painting or drawing, I don’t think I was better at it when I went to school. My father was a brilliant draughtsman, much better than me.”

His love of Pembrokeshire and the sea comes across strongly in his work, much of it painted in the converted cowshed that served as his studio.

Possessed with a strong practical streak he expressed the view: “You’ve got to be practical as an artist. There’s no point in being airy fairy and artistic, putting a beret on and standing at a rickety easel; you’ve got to be very hands on.”

John Knapp-Fisher claimed he painted every day. “I tell students to do something every day – even if it’s a quick thumbnail sketch… Rather like a dancer has to practise every day, a painter has to oil the hinges by doing little drawings.”

He preferred to paint from notes and drawings in his sketchbooks, rather than from photographs. As a result his favourite subjects were local to his studio, for example Porthgain Harbour.

In 1992, he was elected a member of the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art. John Knapp Fisher’s work is exhibited in the National Museum of Wales, the National Library of Wales and in The Contemporary Art Society for Wales.

His family have said that John’s passion for art never faded, and he had continued to sketch and paint until recently.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

10 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

10 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

11 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.