Community

Electric car clubs grow in Pembrokeshire

Published

12 years ago

January 6, 2014

THERE ARE now four electric car clubs in the UK, with three of them in Pembrokeshire. The Pembrokeshire Electric Car Clubs are the only ones which are rural, non-commercial and where the members know who has got the car, and can get in touch with each other.

The first club started in April this year with a grant to a community group near Newport. They were able to subsidise a second club, which started a month later in St. Davids. Since then, a third started without funding also near St. Davids. Each club is leasing a Nissan Leaf, and last week the clubs held a Christmas get together to compare notes.

It was found that each is in good health. The last car has done over 4,000 miles in around two months with the car used six days of the week by the nine members. The second club has new members joining monthly and is seeking to include younger drivers, who are excluded from driving by the cost of insurance. The first club’s car is also used about 40 times a month, and is considering a choice of second vehicle.

Chair of Cilgwyn community, Vicky Moller said: “We have enough funding to help groups to start up. We can tell any group of people who live near enough to each other to share a car, how to get on the road and can provide up to £1,000 to help this to happen. We can also help find an affordable vehicle, back up advice and an easy booking system. It is a simple idea that works, it saves money for all the users, and it is also sociable. It makes us environment angels, and that also feels good.”

All the clubs have some renewable energy, which often provides free fuel, though a lack of fast charge points is a limitation. There is a charge point in Haverfordwest car park and half hour rapid points are being installed across Britain so that members have just started taking journeys to London and Bristol for zero fuel costs.

Car sharing is growing rapidly, as people abandon car ownership and join a scheme where they pay as they drive. Users find it saves money in a number of ways and also the headache of ownership. But rural car clubs are in their infancy. The three electric car clubs in Pembrokeshire freely admit they feel like pioneers in a new field. They are meeting and overcoming challenges and enjoying the feeling of being ahead.

For help to start a shared car scheme in your neighbourhood get in touch [email protected] or 01239 820971

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.