News

Donations needed for food bank which has bare shelves

Published

8 years ago

July 19, 2017

Tom Sinclair

Empty shelves: The charity is running out of food

FOR the first time in its nine year history, a local charity which supplies food, small household items and clothing to people in need had bare shelves after a busy shift in its Haverfordwest base.

Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship (known as PATCH) found that the only food items left were pasta and tinned fish.

PATCH Manager Tracy Olin tells the Pembrokeshire Herald more about the charity: “Having worked at food banks for 17 years, never before have the client stories affected us so much. There are people here in Pembrokeshire who haven’t eaten for days (yes, days) as they wait for their benefits to arrive. One client lost their job and went straight on to Universal Credit, with a 6 to 8 week wait for any money.

“They did receive an advanced payment but used all of that to pay their rent. They messaged me with their story. Thankfully we were able to send the client to Citizens’ Advice (CAB) and they are now helping with the claim and gave a referral to PATCH. The client was so grateful – it was incredibly moving.

Donation: Just some of the food The Pembrokeshire Herald has donated

“We have had a family referred to us who haven’t had much of an income for weeks. They were told during a telephone conversation they would have to wait again for weeks before they receive their money. They client asked ‘What do we do until then?’ and was told to go to the local food bank.

“What if there wasn’t a local food bank? Or what if we were unable to give 2 weeks’ food to save them petrol in visiting us? Benefits should be the safety net, not food banks.

“PATCH gives 5-day food parcels consisting of breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks. Because of the generosity of many local supermarkets we can give bakery produce, fruit, vegetables and even luxury items like flowers.

“We aren’t just about the food, which is why we call ourselves a ‘Basics Bank’. We give all of the basic items needed in life, such as clothing and small household items like bedding, crockery towels and small electrical items.

“We recently ran out of kettles, toasters and duvets, so local people went out and bought the whole of a local supermarket’s available stock of reduced kettles and toasters. One person bought a load of duvets and pillows and had them delivered to our main base in Milford Haven.

“Because we are independent we rely on donations and it is only the generosity of Pembrokeshire people that have kept us going for over 9 years. We are proud to be independent and proud to be local covering the whole of Pembrokeshire.”

The Pembokeshire Herald has recently banded together and donated a large quantity of food to the charity – but more is still needed.

If you would like to donate, please visit http://patchcharity.org.uk/donate/

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.