News

Lost fishermen remembered

Published

10 years ago

March 8, 2016

A FISHERMAN remembrance was held on Friday (Feb 19) in Milford Haven, to pay respects to the men who had lost their lives at sea over the years.

The service at Thornton Cemetery was well attended by locals, some of which were wives, sons and daughters of those lost at sea. The crews f the Milford Viscount (April 1950), Richard Crofts (February 1953), Robert Limerick (February 1957) and Boston Heron (December 1962) were all paid tribute to at the service.

Father Harri Williams led the service, who conducted prayers for the mens “immortal souls” who had died at sea, and for the men and women risking their lives at sea today.

After the ceremony, Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Stephen Joseph and his deputy, Cllr William Elliot, laid wreaths on the graves of the fisherman, who are buried close to one another in the cemetery.

Speaking to The Herald, Cllr Stephen Joseph said: “I can sympathise with the men and their families. I went to sea when I was still in my school days because I thought it might have been something I’d have liked to do. But, after two days on the boat, I knew that it wasn’t the life for me!

“We sailed out of Milford in gale force winds, and we saw Belgian and Deutsch trawlers coming back in, and I thought then that something wasn’t right.

“We fished for a couple of days, but on the second day, I was peeling spuds on the ship, and all around me was a wall of water – the waves were that high!

“I remember looking at my watch and it said six o’clock, but I didn’t know whether it was in the morning or in the evening. We’d pull the nets in four times a day, and the only way you’d be able to tell if it was evening or morning was because of what we were having – breakfast, lunch or dinner!

“I have real sympathy with what these guys went through. An old skipper once told me, the boats are made of wood, but the men are made of iron!”

He continued, saying: “It’s very important to remember the fisherman, because it’s an integral part of Milford Haven. And, young people won’t or don’t understand what people went through, so it’s important to keep the remembrance going.

“To go forward, you’ve got to know where you’ve come from. It’s important to recognise their efforts, and understand that they risked their lives to put food of people’s tables.”

Local Government

Pembroke’s Henry Tudor Centre awarded £249,813 National Lottery grant

Published

7 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council, in partnership with the Henry Tudor Trust, has secured a £249,813 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the creation of the new Henry Tudor Centre at South Quay, Pembroke.

The Centre will bring to life the largely untold story of Henry Tudor – the son of Pembroke who carried the Welsh language to the English court and ultimately claimed the greatest prize of all: the crowns of Wales and England. His victory in 1485 established the Tudor dynasty, one of the most influential in British history.

The new attraction will explore Henry’s Welsh heritage, his formative years in Pembroke, and his lasting impact on the national story, Welsh identity and wider British culture.

Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will help develop the Centre ahead of its opening in Spring 2027. The grant will also support a one-year Community Programme Coordinator role to deliver an events programme, establish a volunteering scheme, and create educational resources for local schools.

The Henry Tudor Centre forms part of the wider regeneration of South Quay, which also includes a new library, community café, and an integrated healthcare, social services and supported employment hub in the adjoining buildings.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said:
“Thanks to National Lottery players, these prominent listed buildings beside the magnificent Pembroke Castle have been rescued from dereliction and given a new purpose. The new centre will celebrate Henry Tudor’s deep connection to Pembroke and will be a major draw for visitors. It is a key element of our wider regeneration of Pembroke town centre.”

Andrew White, Director for Wales at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“We’re proud to support Pembrokeshire County Council and the Henry Tudor Trust in bringing the story of Henry Tudor to life. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will not only shine a light on Wales’ rich heritage and cultural identity, but also create a vibrant hub for learning, volunteering and community engagement in the heart of Pembroke.”

Crime

Man accused of Milford Haven burglary and GBH remanded to Crown Court

Published

16 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared in court charged with burglary and inflicting grievous bodily harm, following an incident at a flat in the town earlier this week.

Charged after alleged attack inside Victoria Road flat

Stephen Collier, aged thirty-eight, of Vaynor Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, Dec 5). Collier is accused of entering a property known as Nos Da Flat, 2 Victoria Road, on December 3 and, while inside, inflicting grievous bodily harm on a man named John Hilton.

The court was told the alleged burglary and assault was carried out jointly with another man, Denis Chmelevski.

The charge is brought under section 9(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968, which covers burglary where violence is inflicted on a person inside the property.

No plea entered

Collier, represented by defence solicitor Chris White, did not enter a plea during the hearing. Prosecutor Simone Walsh applied for the defendant to be remanded in custody, citing the serious nature of the offence, the risk of further offending, and concerns that he could interfere with witnesses.

Magistrates Mr I Howells, Mr V Brickley and Mrs H Meade agreed, refusing bail and ordering that Collier be kept in custody before trial.

Case sent to Swansea Crown Court

The case was sent to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Collier will next appear on January 5, 2026 at 9:00am for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing.

A custody time limit has been set for June 5, 2026.

Chmelevski is expected to face proceedings separately.

News

Woman dies after collision in Tumble as police renew appeal for witnesses

Published

17 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for information after a woman died following a collision in Tumble on Tuesday (Dec 2).

Officers were called to Heol y Neuadd at around 5:35pm after a collision involving a maroon Skoda and a pedestrian. The female pedestrian was taken to hospital but sadly died from her injuries.

Dyfed-Powys Police has launched a renewed appeal for witnesses, including anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV footage, or any information that could help the investigation.

Investigators are urging anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have captured the vehicle or the pedestrian on camera shortly before the collision to get in touch. (Phone: 101 Quote reference: DP-20251202-259.)