News

Narberth: New group formed to welcome Syrian refugees

Published

9 years ago

September 5, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Mallory Carlson: From The International Organization for Migration

A TEAM has sprung into action in Narberth to help three Syrian families settle locally.

The war in Syria continues and millions of people are without homes as a result. Many have valuable skills and could be an asset in our local communities.

The Narberth team are responding to the UK government’s recent announcement that it will allow pilots of ‘Community sponsored settlement’. This is where a group of neighbours working under a charity takes full responsibility for one or more refugee families to live among them for five years.

The UK has not allowed this in the past, but Citizens UK and Citizens Cymru have been in discussion with government for years, saying that we should learn from countries like Canada where community settlement is a huge success. There people are allowed to invite in and finance named refugees who join the host community leading to full and productive integration.

West Wales refugee support organisation, Hiraeth Hope, is a member of Citizens UK and hopes to pilot community settlement for the UK and is helping to set up the Narberth group.

Narberth has a long history of creative invention, it recreated its own destiny from a dying town to a UK music and shopping top destination. Some of the old pioneers of those days have teamed up with newer arrivals to address the refugee crisis through a Narberth community solution.

The group will meet regularly to plan how to raise the money and to provide homes, meet and greet and integrate Syrian families into the town. Once their plan is approved by the Home Office and Council’s, the hosts plan to communicate remotely with possible guest families, so all sides can find out if the area and the refugees would suit each other.

“We want to ensure we find the people who will thrive in our rural small towns.” says Vicky Moller of Hiraeth Hope.

She continues: “When they arrive their new friends will meet them at the airport and settle them in their new homes. They will introduce them to everything from banks to buses, activities and jobs, and provide services from cultural transition to trauma therapy, including a year’s language teaching”.

Anyone wanting to help in any way is most welcome attend the next meeting which is at the Span building next to the car park today (Sep 5).

A good opportunity to learn more is on Thursday, September 22, when Ms. Mallory Carlson and a Syrian doctor will speak about Syrian culture and history.

Ms. Carlson, Senior Project Support – Resettlement, from The International Organization for Migration has detailed knowledge of Syria’s cultures, family life, diet, education before the war and of its impact and the refugee experience. She is employed nationally to prepare local authorities for settlement.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

1 hour 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

2 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

2 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.