News

Haverfordwest: Vigil pays tribute to victims of Manchester attack

Published

8 years ago

May 25, 2017

Tom Sinclair

Local politicians: Mayors and councillors gathered to pay tributes

HUNDREDS gathered for a candle lit vigil at Haverfordwest War Memorial last night (May 24) to pay their respects to the victims of the Manchester attack on Monday (May 22).

Members of the public were joined by politicians and representatives of local emergency services to express their solidarity with all those who were caught up in the tragic events in Manchester.

The vigil, organised by the Mayor of Haverfordwest, Cllr Alan Buckfield, saw people from every corner of Pembrokeshire observe two one–minute silences.

Rev Father Nick Cale gave prayer, before the Mayor addressed the crowd, emphasising how ‘all violent deaths are tragic; but the death of a child is even more so’.

The Manchester attack claimed the lives of 22 people, many of whom were children.

The Mayor added: “The joys of childhood, the hopes and dreams and aspirations for a long and fulfilled life extinguished by a moment of cruel, obscene violence.

“Our hearts bleed for those families trying to come to terms with and understand their loss.”

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He went on to pay tribute to the men and women of the emergency services who show extraordinary professionalism and competence ‘in the most trying of circumstances’, and the members of the public ‘who found it in their hearts to help others in their time of need’.

Following the vigil, The Herald spoke with Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb. Reflecting on the event, he said: “Events like tonight’s vigil in Haverfordwest are so important, because they provide a way for the community to come together, express its grief and frustration, but also express unity and empathy with those families who are suffering.

“It’s tremendous to see the support from right across Pembrokeshire here in Haverfordwest this evening, a genuine county–wide event, and it was good to see our emergency services very well represented, because the stories of heroism and bravery that are coming out of Manchester in the last couple of days has just been truly astonishing.”

Asked what local communities ought to do in the wake of the attack, Mr Crabb said: “It’s important for everyone to be vigilant; we might not think that we have potential targets in places like West Wales and Pembrokeshire, but the truth is that the kind of enemy we are facing will strike indiscriminately, men, women, children, regardless of location, and I think it’s important that we shouldn’t have our lives unduly interrupted, but we do need to be vigilant and be on guard.”

Labour candidate for Preseli Pembrokeshire Philippa Thompson meanwhile described the vigil as a ‘sombre gathering with prayer and quiet reflection’ to remember those who lost their lives in Monday night’s ‘senseless attack’.

She added: “I think the bright evening as we lit our candles was a sign to us all that we defeat terror by showing we are defiant in the face of evil and we carry on.”

Labour candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Marc Tierney added that the vigil gave people a chance to show how ‘they are empathising with their friends and others’ from across the UK.

He said: “I think it’s important that local people have an opportunity to come out and show their respects like this. Events often happen in big cities like Cardiff and Swansea, but there’s not always an opportunity to do the same in Pembrokeshire.

“I was really pleased with the turnout, but hopefully we won’t have to do it again anytime soon.

“I think the real issue now is that the public remain vigilant, and report anything suspicious – just as Dyfed–Powys Police want them to do.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.