News

Minister to act over NekNominate

Published

12 years ago

March 14, 2014

FOLLOWING calls from Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, the Minister for Education has agreed to take action to ensure that teaching staff in Wales are aware of the NekNominate craze and are able to talk to pupils about it appropriately and warn them of its dangers.

NekNominate is an internet drinking game which began in earlier this year. It has swept through the internet, and been responsible for the loss of several lives. The game involves completing a drinking challenge then nominating another person to complete a drinking dare and make a further nomination, and so the cycle continues. Videos of the dares are then posted on the internet.

Mrs Evans said: “Drinking games are no new thing. They have always been hazardous, but NekNominate is leading to increasingly extreme and elaborate drinking challenges.

“The game relies on peer-pressure and one-upmanship – a lethal combination which has already taken the lives of five young people.”

Following reports that children as young as 10 are playing the game, Mrs Evans wrote to the Welsh Education Minister, Huw Lewis, asking that he writes to schools to make staff aware of NekNominate and ensure that they are able to warn children and young people of its dangers.

The Minister responded: “I am fully supportive of raising the awareness, and in order to ensure a coherent message is given I have asked my officials, in consultation with colleagues in Health and Social Services Department and other organisations such as Alcohol Concern Cymru, to consider appropriate age specific advice/materials that may be available to support teachers in raising awareness.

“Once this has been established, I will ensure information is released via our education communication channels, such as Dysg newsletter and the Learning Wales website.”

Mrs Evans said: “I am pleased that the Minister has listened to my concerns and has responded positively.”

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.