Community

DNA proves link with Llangwm’s founding fathers

Published

10 years ago

December 1, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Former deputy headmaster: Norman Roach

THE LLANGWM men are digesting surprise evidence showing a likely genetic link to the founding fathers of the village back in the 1100s.

As part of a project to save Llangwm’s medieval church and uncover the village’s Flemish roots seven men furnished saliva samples for DNA testing back in May.

The hope of the organisation behind the project, Heritage Llangwm, was to show a direct genetic link to the Flemings who settled the area after the Norman Conquest. Having come across to Britain with William the Conqueror, they were later sent to Pembrokeshire by his son Henry I ‘to quell the unruly Welsh’.

Results on five of the seven men, just released, showed little likelihood of Flemish genes. But tests on a sixth, Peter Cousins, showed a high probability that his forefathers may have come from the low countries.

However it was the results of a seventh, former deputy headmaster Norman Roach, that really shocked the experts.

The tests showed that Norman possessed an extremely rare combination of genes found only in southern Egypt. As if that were not unexpected enough, the experts then discovered a close match with men also named Roche or Roach, in Ireland.

It’s known that the sons of Llangwm’s founding father Godbert went to Ireland in the 1100s and the family later adopted the name de la Roche; it’s thought that the Irish Roches may be direct descendants.

According to Dr Jim Wilson, the Edinburgh University medical geneticist who analysed the results, the Egyptian link may have come from one person crossing the Mediterranean a few thousand years ago.

“This shows that the Roche family in Pembrokeshire matches the Roche family in Ireland and you have found one of their direct descendants,” he said.

Norman Roach said he found the results astounding.

“My father always said there was a link with Ireland but he had no proof. I have a strong affinity with the village – this makes you feel humble in a way.”

The story of the Llangwm Flemings and the men now thought to be their descendants will be featured in S4C’s DNA Cymru series, to be broadcast at 8pm on December 6, and repeated with English subtitles at 3 pm on December 11.

Heritage Llangwm is supported by a £340,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and by other funders.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.