Community
Smokers to quit on No Smoking Day
BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION (BHF) Cymru is this week urging smokers living in the county to get the support of local stop smoking services to help them quit on this year’s No Smoking Day on Wednesday 12 March.
The latest figures show that 19% of people living in Pembrokeshire smoke, which is over 23,000 people. Half of all long-term smokers die because of their addiction to tobacco, making this one of the most pressing health concerns in the area, according to the nation’s heart charity.
Research from stop smoking services shows that smokers are four times more likely to be effective in quitting if they use specialist stop smoking support and treatment.
Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Director of Prevention and Care at BHF Cymru said: “Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do to improve your health. Stubbing the cigarettes out will significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and a variety of cancers and you’ll have more money to spend on things that you enjoy.
“We know that quitting isn’t easy but last year nearly a million smokers across the UK used No Smoking Day to try and mark the start of their smoke free future. We’re encouraging people to get support from their local stop smoking service now and join forces with other would-be quitters across the country on March 12, to win the battle with cigarettes once and for all.”
Although more than two-thirds of smokers want to give up, BHF research shows that one in five people in Wales are putting it off because they are concerned about putting on weight. The poll also revealed that nearly one in four (23%) Welsh smokers have lit up after a meal to stop them eating more.
Victoria Taylor, Senior Heart Health Dietitian at the British Heart Foundation said: “Some smokers feel they need to smoke to keep trim but, contrary to the urban myth, you don’t have to consign yourself to an early grave in order to stay in control of your waistline.
“We’re encouraging people to start their own battle plan now by following our tips and filling their fridge and handbag with healthy snacks to help them ditch the cigarettes for good on No Smoking Day and come out looking better than ever.”
Around 6,000 people in the Wales die prematurely from smoking related causes each year, including an estimated 1,500 from heart and circulatory diseases and 3,000 from cancer.
Despite this nearly a quarter (23%) of Wales’ population still continue to smoke.
The BHF’s annual No Smoking Day campaign encouraged a million people to attempt to quit smoking last year. This year’s ‘V for Victory’ theme is set to inspire even more people to win the fight against cigarettes and quit for good on March 12.
BHF Dietitian Victoria Taylor shares her tips to help you to minimise weight gain during the quitting process and keep the weight off once you’ve given up for good:
Brush your teeth or try chewing some sugar free gum when you get a craving for a cigarette. The clean feeling in your mouth and minty taste can help to deter you from smoking and it can also help to curb cravings or urges to eat too.
Keeping your hands busy can be important when you are trying to give up. Avoid the temptation to keep nibbling and try playing a word or number game on your phone, doing some cleaning around the house or fiddly tasks that we often put off, like sewing.
Set aside 30 minutes five times a week for getting active. It can help you to manage stress and will also use up some energy which is perfect for helping you to stick with your quit as well as manage your weight. For more top tips, information and support on quitting, visit: nosmokingday.org.uk
For Stop Smoking Wales services visit – www.stopsmokingwales.com – 0800 085 2219
Community
Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker
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
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
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.

-
News3 days agoDyfed-Powys Police launch major investigation after triple fatal crash
-
Crime11 hours agoMilford Haven man jailed after drunken attack on partner and police officers
-
Crime2 days agoMan sent to Crown Court over historic indecent assault allegations
-
Crime1 day agoMan charged with months of coercive control and assaults
-
Crime4 days agoMan spared jail after baseball bat incident in Milford Haven
-
Crime2 days agoMilford Haven man admits multiple offences after A477 incident
-
Crime9 hours agoTeenager charged following rape allegation at Saundersfoot nightclub
-
Education6 days agoTeaching assistant struck off after asking pupil for photos of her body






