Tributes paid to former RBL chairman and Citizens’ Award recipient

MILFORD HAVEN has been left saddened by the death of Robert Duncan, a well-known and much-respected community figure who devoted decades of his life to voluntary service.

Milford Haven Town Council said it was “so sorry to learn of the passing” of Mr Duncan, describing him as a dear friend to many and a man whose generosity touched countless lives.

Mr Duncan served as Chairman of the Milford Haven branch of the Royal British Legion and was widely recognised for his tireless work supporting veterans and local causes. Alongside his wife Carol, he received a Citizens’ Award in 2016 in recognition of their years of voluntary service to the town.

The couple also fostered children for many years, opening their home to young people in need and providing stability and care to families across the area.

Beyond his work with the Legion, Mr Duncan was involved with the local R.A.O.B. lodge and Milford Haven Museum, contributing time and energy to preserve the town’s history and strengthen community life.

In a statement, the Town Council said: “Robert was a wonderful family man and a most dedicated public servant. So many of us will have stories of his generosity and community activities that we would like to share. Thank you for everything, Robert. We will truly miss you.”

Councillors added that his quiet commitment and willingness to help others made him a familiar and trusted figure across Milford Haven.

Sympathies have been extended to Carol and the wider family, as well as friends and colleagues who worked alongside him over the years.

Those who knew him say his legacy will live on in the many lives he helped shape and the strong sense of community he worked so hard to build.

Photo caption: Robert Duncan and his wife Carol receive a Citizens’ Award in 2016 alongside the Mayor of Milford Haven (Pic: Milford Haven Town Council).

YOUNG players from Pembrokeshire and Fishguard enjoyed an evening of friendly competition and learning as Fishguard Junior Chess Club welcomed Pembrokeshire Chess Club Juniors for a lively inter-club match.

Fourteen juniors took part in a series of games, gaining valuable experience across the boards while putting their developing skills into practice. Coaches from both sides said it was encouraging to see not only improving tactics and confidence, but also the traditional etiquette of the game on full display.

Handshakes, quiet concentration and respectful play summed up the night, with sportsmanship praised as highly as the results.

While everyone enjoys winning, organisers stressed that chess is also about patience, discipline and respect — qualities that serve players well both at the board and beyond.

One standout performance came from Pembrokeshire captain and board one Harry Harling, who secured two impressive results against an opponent around 150 grading points higher and several years his senior.

Growing numbers

The club continues to go from strength to strength, with ten new junior members joining in recent weeks. That brings total junior membership to 25, prompting sessions to be split into two groups to ensure coaching can be tailored to different ages and abilities.

Plans are already in place for Fishguard to make a return visit to the Pembrokeshire club’s Steynton headquarters, giving those who missed out this time a chance to take part.

The wider aim, organisers say, is simple: to grow junior chess locally and give as many young people as possible the opportunity to play competitively.

That philosophy is already bearing fruit, with under-11 Henry Burton recently stepping up to represent the adult side on board one — an opportunity he is said to be relishing.

What’s next

Attention now turns to the half-term trip to Llanelli on February 18 for a return fixture against White Knights, with thanks given to Jason Garcia for organising the match.

There is also talk of arranging games against the newly formed Haverfordwest Chess Club, with both senior and junior players expected to take part, ensuring newcomers and experienced competitors alike get time at the table.

The club also congratulated friends at Redhill High School for fielding three teams at the Welsh Secondary Schools Championship, where they competed with distinction.

With more fixtures in the diary and growing enthusiasm among young players, junior chess in Pembrokeshire looks to be firmly on the move.

A NEW pop-up exhibition celebrating local history, identity and creativity is set to open at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven, showcasing artwork created by customers and partners of ateb Housing Association.

The free exhibition brings together a year’s worth of creative work produced through the Wales REACH project, which encourages participants to explore Pembrokeshire’s heritage while building confidence, skills and social connections.

Through workshops, visits and shared activities, residents have developed a varied collection of personal and community-focused pieces reflecting their own experiences and the stories of the county.

Among the featured works is Museum in a Bag, a reflective look at identity and self; REACH for the Landsker Line, which examines Pembrokeshire’s cultural divide through Norman castles and the Welsh language; and REACH Back in Time, a textile sculpture inspired by the history of Milford Haven.

An interactive scroll will also be on display, inviting visitors to add their own memories and reflections, alongside an oral history recorded by an ateb customer and disability rights advocate, offering a powerful first-hand account of life and resilience.

Organisers say the project has had clear benefits beyond the artwork itself.

Rex, an ateb customer who took part, said: “I have enjoyed the planned sessions – being able to get out and about and take part in the activities where possible. I also enjoyed the social aspect, mixing with other residents, sharing our local knowledge of the area and learning new facts.”

Another participant, Joan, added: “It has revived my school-level love of history. I am loving all the given work with interest.”

Project Officer Anne Kerr-Hughes said she had seen noticeable improvements in wellbeing and confidence.

She said: “We’ve noticed so many positive changes – from people trying new things and learning new skills to gaining the confidence to travel independently. One lovely outcome has been more residents using the local bus service after trips to the archives in Haverfordwest. It’s been heart-warming to see.”

The Wales REACH project has been supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with partners including Open University in Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru and People’s Collection Wales.

The exhibition runs from Tuesday, February 10 to Saturday, February 14, with visitors welcome to drop in during opening hours.

Entry is free and open to all.