News
Haverfordwest: New book reveals town centre’s past glory

FUNDING from Pembrokeshire County Council has enabled a book on the history of Haverfordwest shops to be published.
The book by local historian Pat Swales Barker – herself a well known shopkeeper – has been supported by a grant from the Council’s Haverfordwest Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) along with backing from the town’s Civic Society and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Said Pat: “I’ve been working on the book for some years and as one of the town’s shopkeepers, I’m pleased our family has had an investment in this aspect of the town’s history. It was the shops which made Haverfordwest a county town to be proud of.
“There was an immense variety of shops, small and large, family businesses, independents and chain stores all with their own stories.
“Sadly the last twenty years or so have seen a steep decline in the quality and size of the town’s shopping centre as more businesses have located outside the town.
“The book was an opportunity to record something of the fascinating history and tune into the nostalgia there is for what it used to be and I am grateful for the support from the local organisations.”
County Councillor Thomas Tudor, Chairman of Haverfordwest THI, said his group was pleased to be able to support the book.
He explained: “It is Important to recognise and record our proud past as we work to provide a successful future for Haverfordwest.
“With the completion of the new Glan-yr-afon / Riverside facility and, more recently, the Castle Link walkway together with the planned significant investment in future work, I am positive and optimistic for the future of Haverfordwest.
“It is all an integral part of the Haverfordwest Master Plan which aims to boost the footfall and economic activity of the town centre both day and night.”
‘The Shops of Haverfordwest’ by Patricia Swales Barker is available from Victoria Bookshop and other local outlets and from the author (tel: 01437 766107) price £7.99.
Pictured at the top of this article: Author Pat Swales Barker with Haverfordwest THI Chairman, County Councillor Thomas Tudor, and the new book.
Health
Tavernspite School the ‘healthiest of schools despite the pandemic’

THE STAFF, governors, parents, and of course, the children of Tavernspite Community Primary School are delighted to gain the Welsh Network of Healthy School Schemes National Quality Award for an incredible 5th time after a recent and very rigorous assessment.
The school is already well known and highly regarded for its outstanding work in developing the health and wellbeing of all members of its school community. To achieve this prestigious recognition in the midst of a pandemic is all the more impressive.
Health and Wellbeing at the school is led by teacher, Lauren Arthur, who has done an incredible job preparing for this re-assessment and raising the profile of the Healthy Schools scheme.
The assessor Mrs Lynne Perry, enjoyed a virtual tour and presentation by Year 3 pupils who took great pleasure in proudly showing Mrs Perry all the wonderful work the school has done to ensure its children are safe, happy with high levels of emotional and physical wellbeing.
In her report, Mrs Perry wrote, ‘Tavernspite School continues to be an outstanding health promoting school. The health promoting school ethos is evident across the whole school population and it runs seamlessly throughout everything that the school does. Tavernspite School continues to give high priority to promoting and enhancing the health and well-being of the whole school community.’
The school received fantastic support from Mrs Liz Western, Senior Public Health Officer and Lead for Healthy Schools and Pre-schools, Pembrokeshire, to whom they are very grateful.
Head teacher Kevin Phelps said, ‘We were delighted to receive this award for the fifth time, particularly considering the experiences we have all been through these past twelve months. Health and wellbeing has never been so important and we are proud to be leading the way like this.’
News
Joinery learner through to Screwfix Trade Apprentice of the Year Finals

PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE joinery learner, Conor Ratcliff has made it through to the final ten in this year’s Screwfix Trade Apprentice of the Year competition.
Now in its seventh year, the competition celebrates the next generation of tradespeople as they start out on their career. With over 2,500 nominations, Conor was shortlisted to the top 30 where he had to deliver a video presentation to industry-leading judges and trade body representatives. Judged on professionalism, creativity, innovation, enthusiasm and knowledge of their trade, Conor impressed the judges and is now in the final 10.
Simon Jackson, Screwfix Customer and Digital director, commented: “Every year we are amazed by the outstanding quality of entrants and, this year, we are on the lookout for apprentices who go above and beyond to succeed within their chosen trade.
“We’ve seen how this career-boosting accolade and £10,000 prize bundle helps kickstart an apprentice’s career. I’d like to wish everyone through to this stage the best of luck!”
The prize package includes everything a future tradesperson may need to start up their own business including £5,000 of tools, a £3,000 training budget and £2,000 worth of technology. The college where they study will also receive £2,000.
Conor is thrilled to have made it through to the finals and commented: “I am extremely honoured to have made it is this far in the competition and I am very excited for the final event. It would be an amazing opportunity for me, if I won this competition.
“I hope it encourages more people to consider an apprenticeship in a trade, the Carpentry and Joinery department have been incredibly supportive during my studies.”
The Final is due to take place imminently where the judges will conduct an online interview with the ten finalists before selecting and announcing their overall winner.
News
Warrant without bail issued for Milford Haven man who failed to attend court

A WARRANT without bail has been issued for a Milford Haven man who failed to appear in court yesterday.
Gareth James Mann, 45, of Bunkers Hill was stopped in his VW Golf on October 31, 2020 in Milford Haven.
Mann is accused of driving without a licence, insurance, under the influence of cocaine and whilst in possession of an ounce of cannabis.
Police are now instructed to find Mann, arrest him and bring him before the courts.
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