News

Milford Haven: End of era as one of town’s favourite bars closes

Published

8 years ago

January 3, 2017

Tom Sinclair

Gone but not forgotten: Regulars pose outside Charlie’s

REGULAR customers who have frequented one of Milford Haven’s favourite watering holes over the last decade gathered on New Year’s Day (Jan 1) for a musical entertainment extravaganza to celebrate the last day that their favourite bar was open.

Charlie’s Bar on the Docks has closed its doors for the very last time.

The popular venue has been a regular stop for fisherman, tradesmen and the youth of the town for ten years and will be sadly missed by many.

Drinkers were treated to a night of musical entertainment headed by The Honeyheads and The Pennysows – two bands whose members were regular customers at Charlie’s.

The bands played emotional last sets as a large crowd of punters drank the bar dry for the very last time.

Revellers posed for a final group photograph outside the bar and the lead singers of the bands took to the microphone to wish landlord Charles Mathias and his girlfriend Vicky Cooper the very best in the future.

Such was the popularity of the bar that some customers frequented the premises nearly every night of the week, including many Herald staff. Most notably graphic designer Luke Sinclair, younger brother of The Editor. The talk of the town is what on Earth will young Sinclair do now on his evenings and weekends?

Luke Sinclair: Part of Charlie’s furniture

The bar has closed because business owners Janet and Rob Mathias, Charlie’s parents, have decided to concentrate on their luxury bed and breakfast business at Monk Haven Manor, St Ishmaels.

The bar has also seen an increase in rent from this month which would make it less financially viable. Charlie Mathias, speaking to the Herald, said: “I have enjoyed running this bar for ten years, that’s a long time, it is now time to do something different.

“A big thank you to all of my customers over the years.”

Crime

Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

Published

1 hour ago

March 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.

Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.

She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.

Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.

The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Business

Cardigan shop wins St David’s Day competition

Published

1 hour ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.

High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.

To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.

To enter the competition, participants must:

Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
Like the competition post
Comment with their favourite Welsh word

The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.

For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Community

Haverfordwest fire station hosts community engagement event

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.

Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.

Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.