News

Bags of success for traditional business

Published

12 years ago

February 27, 2014

GAYNOR DAVIES-HOWELL is one of the few businesses in Pembrokeshire that still revert to traditional methods of craftsmanship over machine production.

She has produced hand-made bespoke leather bags and briefcases for over a decade and her entrepreneurial drive has seen the business thrive in the current economic climate.

“All of the bags are made with care and precision using the traditional tools from start to finish,” she told the Herald.

Set in a small 19th century chapel , in Clunderwen, Gaynor’s leatherwork is embracing the sudden surge in custom made fashion accessories and has expanded its range of leather products, from mobile phone sleeves to trendy men’s satchels.

Gaynor explains the importance of versatility is from understanding contemporary fashion as a vital component to success. The bags aesthetical appeal is not the only thing that her fashion conscious customers admire.

“We use the best leather material we can get our hands on, and this ensures that our products are strong, durable and above all will give the customer longevity from what they purchase”.

Gaynor also believes that a bag made from this material will complement any outfit and also will bring a touch of class and elegance to whoever wears them.

The company has been trading since 2007 and the appeal of bespoke and hand crafted leather bags have attracted customers from London to Australia and Malaysia. Gaynor hopes the business will continue to grow in the next few years and that her products become a must-have high street fashion accessory for the fashion conscious individual.

Gaynor’s leatherwork makes one-off commissions creating anything from tiny credit card holders, wallets, handbags and even briefcases. They also offer a consultancy and manufacture service for start-up brands as well as running traditional leatherwork courses. These are a great way for people to get directly involved in the craftsmanship of traditional leather from cutting the template to sewing and stitching and right through to the final stages of embossing and strap making. The courses are both fun and informative and details of available dates can be found at www.leathercoursesbritain.com.

Fashion and textile apprentice Enya Judge has become an excellent leatherworker and gives Gaynor valuable advice on current trends. “Enya is a fantastic asset to the company, she keeps me up to date on the current fashion trends and she is a fast learner. She is also key for the success of the business as her ideas and in-put keep the company fresh and appealing to a younger customer base.”

So if you want to get your partner the perfect gift or indulge yourself with fashionable, sublime quality and handcrafted leather accessories, then visit http://www.gdhleatherwork.co.uk/ today and become the envy of your friends, family and peers.

Crime

Milford roofer fined after abusive call to rival firm

Published

7 minutes ago

March 25, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

56-year-old admitted making threats and using offensive language in business dispute

A MILFORD HAVEN roofer has been fined after making an abusive and threatening phone call to a rival company.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard that on Sunday (Feb 2), John Fitzgerald, 56, made a single phone call to a competing roofing business.

“During the course of the phone call, threats were made to the other company’s boss,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James.

“The reason for the threats was that the defendant believes this other company is taking business away from him. The lady who took the call felt alarmed and distressed as he used foul language towards her.”

The court heard the victim contacted police following the incident but chose not to provide a victim impact statement and did not seek a restraining order.

“When he was spoken to by officers he said he’d been a d***,” added Nia James.

“He said he’d had a couple of beers and was getting wound up, as he was fed up with them nicking his work. But it was just one phone call.”

Representing Fitzgerald, Fenn Richards said he accepted his wrongdoing.

“He accepts wrongdoing as he’d had a few too many drinks, he made the phone call, and people were winding him up,” she said.

“The defendant has been in the roofing trade since he was 14, and he believed this person had set up a new business and was taking business away from him. But he didn’t mean any harm by it.”

Fitzgerald, of Elm Lane, Milford Haven, was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 surcharge.

Crime

St Davids man banned after drink-driving in Haverfordwest

Published

8 minutes ago

March 25, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Army veteran over limit after veering across centre line in town centre stop

A ST DAVIDS man has been disqualified from driving after being caught drink-driving in Haverfordwest town centre.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard that just after 12:30am on Monday (Mar 10), police officers saw a black Mercedes C220 pull away from a green light on Thomas Parry Way.

“As he tried to pull away the officers saw him veer over the centre line, so as a result of the manner of his driving, he was stopped,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James.

A roadside breath test proved positive. Further breathalyser tests showed Gray had 52 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Gray, 49, of Bank House, Goat Street, St Davids, pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

Representing him, Fenn Richards said he had intended to wait until he reached home before drinking.

“But after stopping in Carmarthen, he had some alcohol assuming he wouldn’t be over the limit, and then stupidly, decided to have another drink,” she said.

The court heard Gray is a former army serviceman of 13 years and is currently employed by Stena Ferries in Fishguard.

“Naturally he’s unsure how his disqualification is going to affect his employment,” added Fenn Richards.

“He’s absolutely devastated to be here today.”

Gray was disqualified from driving for 15 months. He was fined £438 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £175 surcharge.

Crime

Waterston motorist banned after drink-drive crash near Neyland

Published

10 minutes ago

March 25, 2026

Court Reporter

33-year-old more than twice legal limit after losing control on bend

A WATERSTON motorist has been disqualified from driving after crashing his vehicle while more than twice the legal drink-drive limit.

Rhys Duignan, 33, was seen driving a Suzuki Baleno at Lower Scoveston, Neyland, at around 6:30pm on Friday (Mar 7).

“He was involved in a single road traffic collision when his vehicle left the road on the offside,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

Police attended and carried out a roadside breath test, which proved positive. Further tests at the police station gave a reading of 75 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Duignan, of Main Road, Waterston, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

Representing him, Fenn Richards said he had been dazzled by an oncoming vehicle and was unable to take a bend.

“He didn’t think he was over the legal limit at the time, but has since been to the doctor to enquire about getting help to assist with his alcohol consumption,” she said.

The court heard Duignan has also contacted the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service since his arrest.

Duignan was disqualified from driving for 19 months. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.