AN EMOTIONAL gathering was held at Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre as family, friends and volunteers came together to remember the late Mike Stoddart last week.

Members of Mike’s family joined Community Centre trustees and volunteers to commemorate a memorial bench installed in the centre’s Memorial Garden.

Mike, affectionately known as “Old Grumpy”, died on January 4, 2026, aged 85.

Alongside his many years of service as the county councillor for Hakin, Mike was also a dedicated trustee of the Community Centre and worked tirelessly on behalf of local residents.

The inscription on the bench describes it as “a place to sit and remember” and recognises Mike’s contribution as a centre trustee.

The Community Centre said it had been an emotional but special evening and thanked everyone who attended to pay tribute.

Similar memorials are also being planned to honour the late Eric Harries and John Morgan, recognising their own service and contribution to the community.

MID AND WEST WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE is urging residents and visitors to take extra care as extreme heat and prolonged dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires and water-related emergencies.

The warning follows the issuing of a red extreme heat alert for parts of Wales, with exceptionally high temperatures forecast and emergency services preparing for added pressure in the days ahead.

Fire chiefs say the hot, dry weather has left grassland and vegetation particularly vulnerable, meaning even a small spark could develop into a fast-moving countryside fire.

Aled Griffiths, Head of Community Safety for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “With very high temperatures forecast across Wales this week, it’s important that we all take extra care to stay safe and reduce avoidable risks.

“We want everyone to enjoy the sunshine, but these conditions can increase the likelihood of incidents, including fires and water-related emergencies.

“Small actions can make a big difference, whether that’s using barbecues safely, disposing of smoking materials responsibly or taking extra care around open water.”

Barbecue and outdoor fire safety

Anyone using a barbecue is being advised to place it on a flat, non-combustible surface, well away from buildings, fences, dry grass and shrubs.

Barbecues should never be left unattended and must be completely extinguished and allowed to cool before ashes are disposed of.

The public is also being asked not to light campfires or other open fires, particularly in rural areas where dry vegetation can allow flames to spread rapidly.

Cigarettes, matches and glass bottles should never be discarded in the countryside.

The fire service has also reminded residents that burning grass or garden waste is prohibited at this time of year.

Open water warning

The hot weather is also expected to encourage more people to swim in lakes, rivers, reservoirs and other open water.

However, the fire service warned that water temperatures can remain dangerously cold even during periods of extreme heat.

Cold water shock can cause an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing, panic and a sudden loss of swimming ability, significantly increasing the risk of drowning.

People are advised never to jump or dive into unfamiliar water and not to enter open water after drinking alcohol.

Float to Live

Anyone who gets into difficulty in the water should:

• Tilt their head back, keeping their ears submerged
• Relax and try to breathe normally
• Move their hands and legs gently to remain afloat
• Avoid panicking if their legs begin to sink

Once breathing is under control, they should call for help or attempt to swim to safety.

The fire service recommends practising floating in a supervised environment, such as a swimming pool.

Phone, Float, Throw

Anyone who sees another person in difficulty should remain on land and follow the Phone, Float, Throw advice:

• Phone 999 and ask for the emergency services
• Encourage the person to remain calm and float on their back
• Throw rescue equipment or another floating object towards them

Members of the public should not enter the water themselves, as this can place both people in danger.

Further wildfire and water safety advice is available through Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s website and social media channels.

THE TORCH THEATRE’S popular summer schools are returning this July and August, offering two weeks of creative theatre-making for young people aged seven to 18.

Spaces are strictly limited, with the programme divided into two age groups: Heroic Tales for children aged seven to 11, and Playmakers for those aged 11 to 18.

A number of Torch Youth Theatre members have previously taken part in the summer schools, including Zane, who described the experience as a valuable opportunity for young people of all backgrounds.

Zane said: “It’s a great opportunity for everyone, including people who are new to Pembrokeshire or visiting the area on holiday, to attend and get a taste of Torch Youth Theatre.

“Young people get to meet others from all walks of life and discuss topics and ideas they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to explore.”

Zane will also appear in the Torch Youth Theatre’s summer production, Robin Hood: Legend of the Black Knight, this July.

Heroic Tales

Heroic Tales will run daily from 10:00am to 3:00pm between Monday, July 27, and Friday, July 31.

During the week, participants will create and perform their own play based on the idea of a library coming alive after the lights go out and the doors are locked.

As fewer people borrow them, the books face the terrifying prospect of being thrown into the recycling bin. To save their stories, they must search their own pages for inspiration and launch a heroic mission before their final chapters are shredded.

Playmakers

The Playmakers summer school will challenge older participants to rehearse and perform a complete play in just one week.

The Torch has selected a contemporary play written specifically for young people, featuring themes and characters they will recognise from their own lives.

Participants will be guided through a professional rehearsal process, beginning with a first-day table read and ending with a final performance.

Playmakers will run from 10:00am to 4:00pm between Monday, August 10, and Friday, August 14.

Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch Theatre, said: “Torch Theatre summer schools are a real highlight of our year, and we’re very excited about this year’s offerings.

“Both schools place the development of young people at their heart, ensuring they not only have a creative and enjoyable time, but also develop important social skills, teamwork and self-worth.

“The best thing is that no previous experience is needed.”

Places can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.

Anyone wishing to discuss the summer schools or find out more about Torch Youth Theatre can email [email protected].