News

Vets celebrate gold status

Published

12 years ago

April 4, 2014

LAST FRIDAY, MP Stephen Crabb joined Billa Schleicher and her team at All Pets Vet Care in Milford Haven to celebrate the company receiving prestigious gold status accreditation from Investors in People. Only four per cent of companies in Wales can boast Gold Status and All Pets Vet Care is now one of just three companies in Pembrokeshire to have the accreditation.

Stephen first met Billa five years ago when she came to his office to seek his support as the local MP for a new business venture. Billa had received funds from the Pembrokeshire Lottery and Stephen worked with Billa to help her achieve her dream of opening a state-of-the-art vet practice in rural west Wales.

In September 2009, All Pets Vet Care opened its doors as the first high-tech, dedicated small animal vet practice in Pembrokeshire. It is now the only practice in South Wales to offer laser treatment and the only practice in Pembrokeshire to offer dental radiography.

Achieving Gold Status accreditation is testament to the limitless ambition that Billa has for her team. Billa believes strongly in investing in extensive training to make sure all her staff can reach their full potential. Last year one of her nurses was voted Blue Cross Nurse of the Year as a result of the training she had received. The newest member of Billa’s team is completing an animal management course at Pembrokeshire College before going on to study veterinary nursing. Billa currently employs 10 staff and is looking to expand further.

Speaking at the event, Billa said: “We’ve worked so hard to achieve gold status but we don’t want to stop there. My dream is for All Pets Vet Care to be the best veterinary practice in the whole of the UK, even Europe!”

After unveiling the plaque, Stephen gave out prizes for the practice’s Client of the Year 2013 Awards. The award ceremony demonstrated the strong relationship that Billa and her team have developed with local people and those receiving the awards paid tribute to the excellent care and service they have received at the practice.

Stephen commented: “All Pets Vet Care is a real Pembrokeshire success story and it is fantastic to be here tonight celebrating a company that I’ve seen develop right from the beginning.

“From achieving Pembrokeshire Lottery funding to overcoming planning obstacles; from making smart business decisions to investing in a growing and skilled workforce, Billa is an inspirational figure and her infectious ambition has created a thriving local business.

“I’ve been privileged to visit a number of growing local businesses recently and it’s great to be here tonight to hear the positive impact All Pets Vet Care is having on the local community.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

8 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

8 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

9 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.