News
Mum renews appeal over Michaela’s final hours
THE MOTHER of a young woman who tragically died in Tenby a few days before Christmas is again appealing for anyone who had contact with her in the period leading up to her death to get in touch with police.
25-year-old Michaela Haines was in Tenby on December 22 and the morning of December 23.
Her mother, Christine Williams, has contacted The Herald to appeal for anyone who was with her or saw her during this period to contact the police.
A JustGiving page has been set up to help fund the funeral.
More than £4,000 has now been raised as friends and family come to terms with their shocking loss.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police were called to an address in Tenby in the early hours of December 23 to reports of a death of a woman at the location.
“Officers and paramedics attended and the body of a 25-year-old woman was found at the address.
“There aren’t believed to be suspicious circumstances. HM coroner has been informed.”
Michaela was recognised for her work with The Prince’s Trust and Duke of Edinburgh awards, and also volunteered at the Pembroke Dock youth club.
She was an active young woman who loved horse riding, dancing, surfing and motocross.
In Tenby, flowers, candles and cards have been left as a tribute to her short but memorable life.
Hayley Brown posted on Facebook, commenting on the tributes: “So many people have come and brought you flowers. You have your own little flower garden; it’s so beautiful with candles and fairy lights and flowers… A beautiful tribute to such a beautiful girl; so many people love you.”
Jessica Austin said: “I’m in shock. I can’t believe what I’m reading! The tears haven’t stopped! Never in my life have I known such a caring, loving and beautiful girl as you!”
Sally James concurred: “Still doesn’t feel real! Micheala always had such a positive attitude no matter how she was feeling, and was always ready to help others! College will never be the same; we will all miss you so much!”
Michaela’s funeral will be held on Tuesday (Jan 10) at 1.30pm at St Mary’s Church in Pembroke.
A service will be held at 3.15pm at the Parc Gwyn Crematorium in Narberth.
There will also be a reception at the Monkton Swifts Social Club, Pembroke, commencing at approximately 3pm, following the service.
Michaela’s family have asked that attendees remember that the funeral is a happy celebration of her life and say that all are welcome.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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