Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Milford Haven: Teen delivers speech in House of Commons

Published

on

THE CHAIR of the Pembrokeshire Youth Assembly, 17-year-old Bethany Roberts of Milford Haven, has been congratulated for delivering a speech at the House of Commons – and winning a major local award.

In November, Bethany attended the UK Youth Parliament at Westminster, representing young people from Pembrokeshire. She spoke about Votes at 16 and why young people should be given the vote.

A week later, she won the Volunteer of the Year category at the Radio Pembrokeshire awards for her hard work and commitment to young people and children’s rights.

“She is one of the most committed young people I have ever worked with,” said Nadine Farmer from Pembrokeshire Youth – the County Council’s Youth Service.

“I was delighted when she received the award as it recognises her contribution to make Pembrokeshire a better place for young people.”

And Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, David Simpson, described Bethany as an ‘inspiration’ after meeting her at the Radio Pembrokeshire Awards.

David Simpson: With Bethany Roberts

Bethany, a student at Pembrokeshire College, started attending Milford Haven Youth Club at the age of 11, which led to her becoming a member of Milford Haven Youth Council.

She has been involved in many youth club activities over the years, including helping to host six Christmas dinners, bingo events, afternoon teas and trips for isolated pensioners.

In October 2016 she was elected as Chair of the Pembrokeshire Youth Assembly and was re-elected by her peers in November this year. As Chair, she has attended many meetings to ensure that young people’s views are being heard – and challenged adults to think about the views of the young people she represents.

Bethany said: “When I first joined Milford Haven Youth Council, I never realised what doors it would open for me. This work has made such a difference in my life and I’m really passionate about giving young people a voice at a local, national and UK level. I also really enjoy being part of my community and making a difference.

“Attending the House of Commons with the UK Youth Parliament was an amazing opportunity and a real privilege to represent Pembrokeshire. I never in my life thought I would stand in the House of Commons and deliver a speech!

“When I was told I had been awarded the Radio Pembrokeshire Young Achievers Award for Volunteering I felt really happy and proud. It also gave me another platform to promote young people having a voice.

“The Children and Young People’s Rights Office and Pembrokeshire Youth have really supported me and given me many opportunities.”

Crime

Police appeal to locate 69-year-old man wanted in harassment investigation

Published

on

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for information to help locate a man from the Ammanford area who is wanted in connection with a harassment offence.

Alan Tait, aged 69, is being sought by officers as part of an ongoing investigation.

Police believe he may currently be in the Derbyshire area, but say he also has links to South Wales and Gwent.

Anyone with information that could assist officers in locating him is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Continue Reading

Charity

Bluestone Foundation marks year of impact with more than £60,000 for local causes

Published

on

THE BLUESTONE FOUNDATION, the charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort, has marked a significant year of community investment after raising and distributing more than £60,000 to support projects across Pembrokeshire in 2025.

Run in partnership with the Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services (PAVS), the Foundation has continued to expand its reach, backing a wide range of charities and community organisations working at the heart of the county.

During the year, the Foundation’s Community Fund delivered three rounds of grants, supporting projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, creativity, and environmental protection.

Environmental organisations including BlueGreen Cymru, Greener Growth CIC and Sea Trust Wales received funding, alongside wellbeing and inclusion groups such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift, No Shame Foundation and Silbers CIC.

Creative, youth and heritage organisations including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and VC Gallery also benefited.

In total, £32,968.57 was awarded through the Community Fund in 2025.

Fundraising events held at the Blue Lagoon Water Park generated a further £19,500 in unrestricted income. Under the Foundation’s funding model, 75 per cent of that money is passed directly to charities, with the remaining 25 per cent placed into a flexible fund to support causes that fall outside the Community Fund’s criteria.

Flexible funding totalling £4,500 was used this year to support initiatives including Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project, refurbishment work at Martletwy Young Farmers Club hall, Bloomfield Bus and Green Dragon Bus services, and Nacro’s Christmas appeal, providing food, warm clothing and essential items to people in crisis.

The Foundation also supported the PATCH Christmas Toy Appeal, encouraging staff and visitors at Bluestone to donate gifts for families referred to the charity during the festive period.

In addition, more than one hundred fundraising events across the region were supported through prize donations from the Foundation, including over 200 family passes to the Blue Lagoon Water Park, 32 overnight spa breaks and nine Bluestone holiday breaks.

Marten Lewis, Chair of the Bluestone Foundation said: “This year’s achievements reflect the heart of who we are at Bluestone. The Foundation exists to uplift the people and places that make Pembrokeshire such a special community.

“The impact of our partners, grant recipients and fundraising efforts in 2025 shows what is possible when we work together, and we are proud to see the difference it continues to make across the county.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the Foundation has confirmed continued support for Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project and will act as gold sponsor of the DPJ Foundation’s Macchu Picchu trek.

Five further Blue Lagoon fundraising events are already scheduled between February and August, supporting Local Cadets, Belles Story, Martletwy YFC Hall, Blue Horizons Coastal Adventure and Friends of Portfield School.

Tickets for those events are available via the Bluestone Foundation’s Eventbrite page.

For more information about the Bluestone Foundation, visit the Bluestone website.

Continue Reading

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

on

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)

Continue Reading

Community12 hours ago

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...

Crime19 hours ago

Teenager charged following rape allegation at Saundersfoot nightclub

Incident reported at Sands Nightclub in early hours of Sunday DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an allegation of rape following an...

Crime20 hours ago

Milford Haven man jailed after drunken attack on partner and police officers

A MILFORD HAVEN man who launched a violent drunken assault on his partner before attacking two police officers has been...

Crime22 hours ago

Court hears historic child sex abuse claim emerged after ‘tarot reading’

Judge reminds jurors there is no standard timeframe for victims to come forward as trial reaches final stage A JURY...

Crime2 days ago

Rape allegation investigated at Saundersfoot nightclub

Police appeal for witnesses after incident reported in early hours of Sunday DYFED-POWYS POLICE are investigating an allegation of rape...

Crime2 days ago

Milford ground worker denies historic child sex abuse charges at Crown Court

Accused tells jury claims did not happen as trial hears evidence about alcohol use and alleged controlling behaviour A MAN...

Crime3 days ago

Three inmates deny murder of Lola James killer at Wakefield prison

THREE prisoners have denied murdering child killer Kyle Bevan, who was found dead in his cell at HMP Wakefield. Bevan,...

international news3 days ago

Dyfed-Powys Police reassure communities after Bondi Beach mass shooting

Officers monitor local tensions following terror attack on Jewish event in Sydney DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued reassurances to communities across...

News4 days ago

Search under way in Pembroke Dock for missing man Lee

Coastguard, RNLI and rescue helicopter launched as fears grow he entered the water A MAJOR search and rescue operation is...

News4 days ago

Search under way in Pembroke as man reported missing

Rescue teams battle worsening weather ahead of amber rain warning A MULTI-AGENCY search and rescue operation is under way in...

Popular This Week