News

Haverfordwest: Vigil pays tribute to victims of Manchester attack

Published

9 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.”

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

6 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

16 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

16 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.