News

Street Pastors celebrate fifth anniversary

Published

12 years ago

March 31, 2014

AS THE street pastors of Haverfordwest celebrated their fifth anniversary last Thursday an enthusiastic group of Christians from various churches in Pembroke gathered with the intention of establishing another initiative south of the Cleddau in the near future.

The meeting, which was held at Westgate Evangelical Chapel Pembroke, took advantage of the fact that Rev Les Isaacs was the guest speaker at the anniversary celebrations planned for Withybush showground later that evening. Rev. Isaac is one of Britain’s most influential black church leaders and co-launched the first Street Pastors initiative together with Baptist minister David Shosanya and Detective Constable Ian Crichlow in 2003. Street Pastors provides a late night outreach service in high crime areas to tackle the issue of guns, knives and violent crimes on the streets of Britain. Reflecting on the developments within Pembrokeshire Rev Isaacs said “We launched in Brixton in 2003 with 18 people of which 15 were women. The public’s response was really fascinating. People wondered why it had taken the church so long and said it was about time they could see the church out on the streets. And then they began to talk to us, telling us all their problems because they felt safe and could see that somebody cared for them. We’ve seen our numbers grow from 18 to more than 11,000 volunteers within the UK.

“We’re also now becoming established in about 8 other countries from Nigeria to America, Australia and Antigua. Other countries are in the pipeline too, including India and Uganda” “It’s brilliant see what has happened in Haverfordwest and to contemplate what might happen in Pembroke. Street Pastors is fantastic because it’s a tool for the church.

“So let’s get out there; let’s be visible; let’s serve and let’s bless our community” Emphasising that street pastors “do not preach at people” he added “We are to be true to our calling to be the light of the world. Just being there is reason enough.

“I remember one guy telling me that he had been watching me for a year and I know that some young people told Michael Howard, the former leader of the Conservative Party that when they saw street pastors at work they saw God walking the streets” Sam Scadden, Project Leader in Haverfordwest said “Five years of Street Pastors in Haverfordwest has been a great blessing to many people.

To begin with it has been very special being out with people on the streets and meeting some of their practical needs right where they are.It has been wonderful to see so many people from different churches and backgrounds networking together.

Many have made new friends and are now supporting each other in many positives ways. We are now looking to recruit our fourth intake of street pastors this summer and are pleased that we may be training with friends from Pembroke, who are looking to initiate a team in their town. Pastor Rob James who is spearheading the Pembroke initiative in conjunction with Rev G Howells of Hundleton said, “I have always been impressed with this work.

“Two of my sons have been heavily involved in Street Pastor projects in London and I know the impact that ordinary Christians can have on the crime rate and the culture of our streets at night. I am thrilled to see a well spring of enthusiasm in Pembroke and delighted with the support we are receiving from the local police.

If anyone wants to know more they can contact me or turn up at our next meeting in Westgate on Thursday March 27tth at 7.30pm”

Business

Mathias Dairies makes doorstep delivery a smart choice as fuel costs rise

Published

9 minutes ago

April 15, 2026

Staff Writer

Family-run Pembrokeshire business says more households are turning to regular home deliveries for milk, bread and everyday essentials

RISING fuel costs and the demands of busy modern life are leading more Pembrokeshire households to rethink the way they shop for everyday essentials.

For many families, short trips into town for milk, bread, eggs or other basics can quickly add up in both time and money. In more rural parts of the county, where a car journey is often unavoidable, the cost of repeated trips is becoming an increasing concern.

Mathias Dairies, a long-established family-run business serving Pembrokeshire, says doorstep delivery is proving to be an increasingly practical alternative.

The company has been operating across the county for more than 37 years, delivering fresh milk and a growing range of everyday products direct to customers’ doors, often before the day begins.

What began as a traditional milk round has developed into a wider weekly delivery service. Alongside fresh milk, customers can order bread, eggs, butter, juices, cheeses and oat milk, as well as items including biscuits, compost and seasonal extras.

For households in outlying areas, the service can remove the need for repeated short journeys during the week, offering a simpler way to keep cupboards and fridges stocked with everyday basics.

Customers have praised the service for its reliability and convenience.

One customer said: “Never miss a delivery brilliant service.”

Another added: “We don’t have to keep running into town anymore for basics.”

A third described it as: “Proper old-school service, but exactly what modern life needs.”

Mathias Dairies says its service is designed to fit around customers’ routines, with flexible ordering and no delivery charge.

At a time when fuel prices remain a concern for many households, the business believes doorstep delivery is no longer simply a nostalgic throwback, but a sensible and cost-effective option for modern family life.

By combining traditional service with a wider range of household essentials, the company continues to offer Pembrokeshire residents a reliable alternative to unnecessary travel.

To arrange a delivery, contact Mathias Dairies on 01437 731777 or email [email protected]. The business can also be contacted through its Facebook page, Mathias Dairies – Pembrokeshire.

Crime

Man sentenced after admitting possession of pepper spray and knuckleduster

Published

28 minutes ago

April 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Court hears prohibited weapons were found at Penygroes address

A 41-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced after admitting possessing a knuckleduster and indicating a guilty plea to possessing pepper spray.

Llanelli Magistrates’ Court heard that Oliver Lycett, of Bridge Street, Penygroes, was before the court on Tuesday (Apr 14) in connection with the two weapons offences.

The first charge stated that on Oct 18, 2025, Lycett possessed a knuckleduster in a private place, contrary to the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

He also faced a second charge of possessing pepper spray without the authority of the Secretary of State, an offence under the Firearms Act 1968.

The court record shows Lycett entered a guilty plea to the knuckleduster offence and an indicated guilty plea to the pepper spray offence.

District Judge M Layton imposed a community order running until Apr 13, 2027.

As part of the sentence, Lycett must complete up to 10 days of rehabilitation activity.

The court also ordered the deprivation of both weapons, meaning the knuckleduster and the pepper spray are to be forfeited.

Lycett was fined £120. He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.

A collection order was made, with deductions from benefits and the financial penalty to be paid in full within 28 days.

Crime

Pembrokeshire man to stand trial accused of rape in Tenby

Published

31 minutes ago

April 15, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Defendant denies allegation as case is sent to Swansea Crown Court

A PEMBROKESHIRE man is due to stand trial at Swansea Crown Court accused of raping a woman in Tenby town centre.

Dean Gough, 48, of Orielton, Pembroke, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week charged with rape.

The court heard that Gough is accused of intentionally penetrating the woman’s vagina at a property in Tenby on December 7, 2022, without her consent and without reasonably believing that she was consenting.

During the hearing, Gough factually denied the allegation.

The case has now been sent to Swansea Crown Court, where trial proceedings are due to begin on May 15.

Gough was released on unconditional bail.