News
New chef at theme park

OAKWOOD THEME PARK has appointed a new head chef to run its Oak Tree Restaurant Bar & Grill.
Garry Ashton, from Haverfordwest, is the new man in charge of the restaurant at the centre of the Narberth park.
The restaurant, which opened last year, features real oak wood extensively throughout, includes waitress service and aims to provide visitors with a stylish and themed experience at the heart of the park.
Garry’s previous jobs include being head chef at the University of Reading, running a coffee bar in Pembroke Dock and 15 years working with the Army Catering Corps.
He also spent 12 years as a chef lecturer at Pembrokeshire College.
“I’m loving the experience of working in such a vibrant and exciting environment with all the challenges and opportunities it presents,” said Garry.
“Hopefully I can use my experience from previous catering jobs to provide visitors to the park with a range of delicious meal options using the best in locally sourced produce
“Working in a theme park is pretty unique but I’m pretty confident that working with the army and with students will stand me in good stead,” he added.
Garry and his team are working with Llanelli-based Castell Howell Foods Ltd, one of the country’s leading independent food wholesalers, who supply a range of products including local pies and pork and leek sausages from Celtic Pride.
Brains Brewery are also providing a selection of bottled beers and ales and Narberth-based Princes Gate Spring Water is also on sale.
Set in 90 acres of spectacular countryside Oakwood is Wales’ biggest family adventure with more than 30 exhilarating rides and amazing experiences to discover.
A unique combination of attractions includes world-class roller, tower and sky coasters, spectacular family rides, children’s themed play areas and so much more.
Community
Milford Haven paddling pool open daily at 10:00am — safety reminder issued

Town council urges parents to supervise children at all times
MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has reminded visitors to the children’s paddling pool on The Rath that the facility opens daily at 10:00am, and that children must be supervised by a responsible adult.
In a bilingual safety poster shared online, the council set out simple but essential rules to help ensure the pool remains a safe and fun space throughout the summer holidays. While the pool is popular with families, the council warns that it is not officially supervised, and users do so at their own risk.
The key rules include:
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- No running or diving in or around the pool.
- No food, drink, or glass bottles in the water area.
- No dogs are allowed within the paddling pool zone.
- Littering is strictly prohibited.
A council spokesperson said: “Hi everyone, a polite request: we ask that all children be supervised by a responsible adult while using the pool. Thank you.”
There is no formal age limit for the pool, but younger children will be given priority, especially during busy times.
Local families have praised the pool since it reopened, with one visitor, Linda Phillips, commenting: “We’ve just spent two hours there. Great effort everyone! The youngsters are really enjoying it.”
Milford Haven Town Council thanked her for the feedback, calling it “lovely to hear.”
Opening times or access arrangements may change due to weather or maintenance — updates will be posted on the council’s official Facebook page.
Caption:
Splash safely: Milford Haven Town Council’s new bilingual poster reminds families to supervise children and follow the rules while enjoying the paddling pool on The Rath this summer (Pic: Herald).
News
Stricken boat rescued off Ramsey Island after gearbox failure

Off-duty RNLI crew member steps in to assist with tow to safety
ST DAVIDS RNLI all-weather lifeboat launched at 6:20pm on Wednesday (July 9) to assist a 28-foot motorboat that had suffered drive shaft failure near Ramsey Island.
The vessel, which had departed from Porthclais harbour with two people on board, was left without propulsion due to gearbox issues and was drifting dangerously close to cliffs.
The call for assistance was received at 6:09pm, and the lifeboat was launched just over 10 minutes later. Calm sea conditions allowed the volunteer crew to reach the scene swiftly. A local recreational boat from Voyages of Discovery had been standing by the stricken vessel until the lifeboat arrived.
Given the boat’s proximity to the cliffs and inability to manoeuvre, the coxswain made the decision to tow it back to Porthclais. However, the harbour is inaccessible to the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat.
Fortunately, off-duty crew member Robin was nearby on his own vessel and was able to take over the tow and bring the motorboat safely into the harbour.
The lifeboat and crew returned to station by 7:40pm.
Crime
Motorist sentenced over crash that left biker with life-changing injuries

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who caused life-changing injuries to a motorcyclist in a serious crash at Merlin’s Bridge has been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.
JAMES IAN PUTTOCK appeared before the court on Wednesday (July 2), where he pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving, contrary to section 2C of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
The collision occurred on December 20, 2022, at Merlin’s Bridge, near Haverfordwest, and involved a red Suzuki Splash driven by Puttock and a motorcyclist.
The rider suffered what police described at the time as “life-changing injuries” and was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. The road was closed for several hours while crash investigators examined the scene.
Puttock had originally been due to stand trial, as previously reported by The Pembrokeshire Herald in January 2024. However, he entered a guilty plea ahead of trial.
At sentencing, the court imposed the following:
- 20 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months
- 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days
- 12-month driving disqualification
The Herald understands the crash had a profound impact on the injured rider and their family, who are still dealing with the long-term consequences of the incident.
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