Community

Landmark tower secures lottery fund grant

Published

12 years ago

March 14, 2014

ST DAVIDS CHURCH, Prendergast, is to receive a grant of £84,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its Tower and Roof repair project.

The church, a Grade II listed building with mediaeval tower and fine Victorian interior, is a living focus for spiritual care – and a popular setting for weddings and baptisms. Its impressive tower is floodlit each winter courtesy of Haverfordwest Town Council.

This HLF grant will enable urgent repairs to the church tower, particularly to the stone staircase and wooden belfry floor, currently closed to visitors for safety reasons. In recent years, water leaks at tower and roof have damaged roof timbers, plaster and historic wall monuments inside the church. One memorial at risk is that of Dame Mary Phillips, wife of “the good Sir John” who gave Haverfordwest its Old Bridge.

Other memorials in the church are to Admiral John Lort Stokes, who sailed with Charles Darwin; social reformer Rev Francis Foster who shaped modern Prendergast; and Major Francis Williams, brother-in-law of General Sir Thomas Picton.

The planned repairs are designed to solve both the water and the safety problems. The 30-week contract, to start this month, will include extensive repointing of the tower in conservation quality lime mortar, structural repairs to the stone stairway, and renovation of rainwater goods and other features. Timber with wet rot and woodworm will be treated or replaced as necessary.

Although the work will cause some disruption, the repairs should soon allow the local community full use of this lovely church again. The HLF grant will help preserve the oldest surviving part of Prendergast’s built heritage, with its spiritual resources and its memorials to the fallen of World War I and II.

The Rector, Rev Canon Geoffrey Gwyther, said of the HLF funding, “It is wonderful news and very welcome. We are equally grateful for the support of the National Churches Trust, Welsh Churches Act Fund, Representative Body of the Church in Wales, and local organisations such as the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and the Red Dragons Guitar Group. In particular, I would like to thank the Prendergast congregation, whose tireless fundraising events including Easter bingo and the Strawberry Teas have enabled access to this major HLF grant.”

Explaining the importance of the award Head of HLF in Wales, Jennifer Stewart commented: “Wales’ many churches are an important part of our shared heritage and are strongly associated with the local identity of the towns and villages they serve. We are thrilled that this grant will help secure the future of St David’s Church to be enjoyed by present and future generations not just as a place of worship, but as a focus for community activity.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.