Community

Caldey Island welcomes new volunteers

Published

10 years ago

August 6, 2015

Tom Sinclair

New volunteers on Caldey Island: Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service

IT MAY be small, but the support and enthusiasm found on the remote island of Caldey for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has been anything but.

Caldey Island has a population of approximately 40 people and measures 1.5 miles long and 1 mile wide (at its widest), yet it is secured by 7 firefighters. All of whom are volunteers; willing to donate their time and skills to safeguard the Island’s renowned tranquillity.

On June 20, Caldey Island Command welcomed five additional volunteers to its modest team of firefighters.

Station Manager Peter Phillips enthuses: “The latest additions to the team have taken part in two weekends of vigorous training since they started with us; taking part in an array of activities, from Health and Safety, Organisational Awareness, to Pump Operation and Defibrillator Training. The training was very well received with the volunteers noting how beneficial it will be to the community of Caldey Island.”

One of the new recruits, Firefighter Reverend Kevin G. Simpson says: “I must express my thanks to Station Manager Peter Phillips, Watch Manager Wayne Jarrett, and Watch Manager Frank Millar of 39 Caldey.

“Due to their foresight, drive and initiative, a recruitment and selection process was undertaken and resulted in five additional crew members. Members, who are now trained for defensive work, are in a key position to conduct early action until mainland appliances arrive.”

Their sense of belonging, community spirit and love for the Island has played a powerful role in each recruit’s decision to join the Command.

To Firefighter couple Simon and Victoria Biggs, the area holds loving memories, “We were married in St David’s Church and one of our children was baptised on the Island. It is a second home to us and as a family we help out wherever is needed.”

Firefighter Paul Cowper recalls a fond childhood spent there, “I have memories when I was just a few years old, fishing around the island with my dad. I have known the island all my life.”

While Firefighter Kevin Simpson puts his volunteering down to “having the interest of the Island at heart and wanting to put myself in a position to protect our small community in the incident of something occurring.”

Head of Response for Pembrokeshire, David Swan praises the efforts of the crew, saying: “This degree of community ownership reflects the core values of MAWWFRS. I commend Caldey Island’s local involvement and pride in what our service is doing.”

The decision to volunteer for MAWWFRS is an admirable one that benefits the entire community at large. To find out about joining the service as a volunteer or retained firefighter visit http://ow.ly/PDEHC

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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.