News

Mission to save Private Ryan

Published

11 years ago

March 14, 2014

MILITARY CHIEFS have embarked on a mission to save the body of Private Ryan after a giant sinkhole swallowed his grave in a Pembroke Dock cemetery.Private Francis Ryan’s body was lost when a 20-foot-deep sinkhole opened up under his final resting place.

His military headstone has also been left teetering close to the giant hole.Private Ryan died, aged 40, in 1915 after volunteering to serve in the 3rd Battallion, Kings Liverpool Regiment. His grave lay undisturbed for almost a century in a military cemetery in Pembroke Dock but his coffin was swallowed up by the sinkhole late last year.

A team of Ministry of Defence officials are fighting to rescue Private Ryan’s remains in time for the centenary of the outbreak of World War One.

Pembroke Dock district parade marshal David Boswell said this week: “Mother Nature has taken over and when she opens up her body there is not much you can do.

“This is the only military cemetery in Wales so it will be nice to have ready for the centenary of the First World War.”

The MoD has so far failed to trace a living relative of Private Ryan. He was born in Longford, Ireland, in 1875 and was stationed in Pembroke Dock. The cemetery is the final resting place for 23 Commonwealth service personnel from the First World War and 51 from the Second World War.

A spokeswoman from MoD said: “Work to fill in the sink hole is due to begin next week and is expected to be completed by the end of March.

“The chosen option does not involve any exhumation and the MOD is confident that work will be effective.

“However in the extremely unlikely event that the option chosen is not effective the MOD will have to consider other options some of which may involve exhumation.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.