TRIBUTES have been paid to Johnny Morris, a much-loved Fishguard photographer who has died at the age of 91.

For decades, Johnny was a familiar figure across north Pembrokeshire, capturing community life through his camera lens for the local press, as well as for countless local groups, charities and organisations.

He was widely regarded as the go-to photographer for Fishguard and the surrounding area, with an extensive archive of images documenting local people, events and history over many years.

As well as his photography, Johnny was known for his love of gardening, his knowledge of local history and his gift for telling stories. Friends said he was often happiest in his garden, where he won several local trophies for his growing skills.

Johnny died peacefully on Sunday, March 22, at Park House Court in Tenby. He was predeceased by his wife Irene. He is survived by his daughter Joy, son-in-law Dilwyn, and his brother Derek.

Former Western Telegraph reporter Anwen Baldwin paid tribute, describing him as a lovely man and a great photographer.

She said: “He knew so much about the local area, its people, events and history.

“He had a great sense of humour and I loved hearing his stories about Fishguard past and present, although not all of them were for publication.

“He had a huge archive of pictures documenting the area over the years, and if I ever needed an image for a story, he would have it, no matter how obscure the request.

“He took me under his wing when I first started as the Western Telegraph’s north Pembrokeshire reporter and became a good friend who I always looked forward to catching up with.

“He will be greatly missed by the local community and the many reporters and editors who were always pleased to see a picture from Johnny Morris on their pages.”

Fishguard RNLI said Johnny had played an important role in recording the life of the station over many years. In a mark of respect, the flag at the lifeboat station has been lowered to half-mast.

A spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of local photographer and supporter of Fishguard RNLI, Johnny Morris.

“As the station’s photographer Johnny documented a vast array of station life, from crew photos and station fundraising events, to the arrival of our current D-Class inshore lifeboat, as well as countless other community events.

“As a mark of respect, the flag over the station will continue to be flown at half-mast.”

Fishguard and District Round Table also paid tribute, describing Johnny as a local photography legend and a strong supporter of community events and charities.

The group said he had always been on hand to record important milestones in the town.

Long-standing member Gwil Evans added: “He had a brilliant knack of being able to make even the worst of us look like a million bucks.”

Johnny’s funeral will take place on Friday, April 10, at 11:30am at the Chapel of Rest, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, followed by interment at Hermon Cemetery.

Family flowers only are requested. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made payable to Fishguard Lifeboat, care of Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard.

A CALL for a 60-foot-long shed and stables at the proposed home of a gypsy traveller family near a Pembrokeshire village has been refused by planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Ryan Surname Boswell & Family, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, sought provision for an access road and replacement of temporary stables and storage containers with a multi-purpose shed and stables at Greenwells, Cosheston Bridge, Cosheston.

The application initially sought a 24.3 by 9.1 metre building, which has now been reduced to 18.3m by nine.

A supporting statement said that land to the north “is subject to a current planning application for the provision of two traveller family pitches with improvements to access and ecological enhancements with other land in our client’s ownership being un-affected”.

It added: “Mr Boswell and his family are of traveller origin and intend to make this site their family home. They own various domestic equipment, children / family articles, mowers / tools and farming equipment that require secure storage. The shed will also be used to house horses/ponies that are currently stabled in the temporary wooden stable block currently on skids on the land in question.”

It concluded: “The scale, design and use of materials (and colours) of the proposed shed is comparable to many new such sheds throughout Pembrokeshire. There will be no significant negative impacts on the level of amenity enjoyed by any neighbours or those travelling along the minor county road to Cosheston from any aspects of the proposed development.”

Local community council Cosheston had raised concerns including the “excessive” size of the proposed building, feeling “this is on the large side of what is required for a couple of ponies”.

It added: “Our concern is that the applicant intends to run his building/property maintenance business from the property. If the council grants the application, restrictions should made on the property’s use. i.e. restricted to agricultural use only.

“We have no objection to the construction of a small stable block, similar in size to the existing one on site.”

Objections were also received from two members of the public, raising concerns including the scale, environmental concerns, and a potential conflict with the ongoing application.

An officer report recommending refusal said the scheme was part-retrospective due to the prior formation of an access track within the field.

It added: “Despite amendments to the application as originally submitted by the reduction in building footprint and scale, the proposal remains a substantial and visually intrusive structure in the open countryside. An essential countryside need has not been justified nor evidence provided of an agricultural or equine enterprise warranting a building of this size or permanence.”

The application was refused on the grounds it “is not typical of a structure intended solely for the storage of paraphernalia associated with grazing land or for equine use and no information has been provided within the application to demonstrate the functional need for a building of this scale”.

It added: “The nature, siting and scale of the building would not be compatible with the capacity and rural character of the site, and together with the access track results in an unjustified and visually intrusive form of development in the open countryside, which does not represent sustainable development.”

Community rallies around grieving family as club honours much-loved player at weekend fixture

JOHNSTON FC paid an emotional tribute at the weekend to Rhyan Nolan after his sudden death at the age of 27.

The club marked the occasion with a flawlessly observed minute’s silence before kick-off, as both teams, officials and supporters came together in his memory.

A signed match ball and Rhyan’s much-worn number ten shirt, covered in messages from team-mates and friends, were also prepared to be handed to his family, who were present for the tribute.

The death of Rhyan has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many gathering around his loved ones in the days since the devastating news emerged.

A fundraiser set up on GoFundMe says his family received the heartbreaking news on Monday that they had lost their “precious, loving son and brother” suddenly at such a young age.

The appeal names his close family as Nichola, Shamus, Brandon, Callum and Lilly, and says relatives are hoping to ease the financial burden while giving Rhyan the send-off he deserves.

It states: “Rhyan deserves a celebration of his short life.”

Johnston FC said it had been a difficult week for all those who knew and loved him, but said it had also been heartwarming to see such an outpouring of love at the match.

The club thanked everyone who helped make the tribute possible, along with those who had sent messages of support and donated towards helping the family.

Photographs shared after the game showed the scale of the moment, with both sides lined up in silence and the orange number ten shirt left covered in handwritten tributes.

For many in attendance, it was a powerful and deeply personal farewell to a young man clearly held in enormous affection.

A GoFundMe appeal has now been launched to support the Nolan family.