Community

Remembering the collapse of the Cleddau Bridge fifty years on

Published

5 years ago

June 2, 2020

TODAY, marks the 50th anniversary of the collapse of the Cleddau Bridge, then called the Milford Haven Bridge, a day that would change bridge building forever.

The construction of the bridge was a staple of a then booming economy, with the original project estimated to be around £2m, but the flawed design caused devastation.

On June 2, 1970, disaster struck the small village of Pembroke Ferry, when a 150 tonne section of the part-built Cleddau Bridge collapsed, killing four men and injuring another 5 people.

At 2.16pm BST, as a section of the bridge was lowered onto the supporting structure below, villagers reported hearing a groaning sound followed by an engulfing cloud of red dust.

The first officer on the scene was dad of two, PC Phil Lloyd, having just clocked into his shift at Pembroke Dock Station when the fire siren sounded.

Recalling the day, Phil, 74 said “I presumed it was just another chimney fire.”

Then at 2.20pm Phil received a call from his mother in law, she lived 30 metres below the bridge.

“When I went into the switchboard the fella said ‘your mother-in-law is on the phone’.”

“She shouted, ‘the bridge has come down!’ and i said ‘don’t be so dull’.”

PC Lloyd’s mother-in-law, Ivy Lewis, lived directly under the bridge, in Pembroke Ferry, on the south side of the river.

With the oil refineries, Milford Haven Port, all being developed in the county, the bridge was a much needed asset, which would give better accessibility and cut down the 20-mile round trip for vehicles.

Arriving at the scene, Phil described it as “utter pandemonium”.

At the time of the collapse, the local gas man was attending Mrs Lewis’ property. She originally assumed that he “had blown the house up”.

It was only when stepping into her garden could she fathom the true cause of the commotion. The whole section of the bridge was resting at a 45-degree angle in her garden.

Astonishly the bridge narrowly missed the below properties. Although it had completely demolished Phil’s aunties coal shed and outdoor toilet.

“Luckily there was a gap between her house and her sister’s house which is where the bridge came down.” Phil said.

“One man had been killed at the scene and two others were taken to hospital but died later. Then when the bridge was lifted, we found another man underneath.”

Construction of the box-section bridge was put on halt immediately.

Within 18 month’s bridges in Germany and Australia, both of the same ill-fated design collapsed with fatal consequences.

The cause of the collapse was later revealed that the diaphragm above the pier of the bridge had not been thick enough and buckled as the 230-foot section was cantilevered out.

Following an inquiry, a number of safety recommendations were made, which included the addition of 500ft of extra steel to strengthen the bridge.

In 1995, on the 25th anniversary of the disaster a memorial plaque to the four men who died, William Baxendale, George Hamilton, James Thompson and local man Evan Phillips.was unveiled.

Unfortunately the plaque was later stolen and has not yet been replaced.

The completed Cleddau Bridge reopened in 1975, making it the largest unsupported span in Europe although costs had escalated to £12m upon completion.

The disaster which shook the small village, laid the foundations for which a new standard was developed in the box girder bridge design.

The Cleddau collapse was regarded as the last major bridge disaster in the UK.

Community

Former Port Chair Dr Chris Martin Awarded OBE in New Year Honours

Published

2 days ago

December 31, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DR CHRIS MARTIN, former Chair of the Port of Milford Haven and a proud Pembrokeshire native, has been awarded an OBE in The King’s New Year Honours list for his outstanding contribution to the maritime and ports sector.

Dr Martin’s leadership journey at the Port began in August 2017, following his appointment as Chair by the Secretary of State for Transport.

Prior to this, he had served as Vice Chair for four and a half years, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a successful entrepreneurial career.

Having built and sold pharmacy chains across South West England and Pembrokeshire, he transitioned into leadership roles across healthcare and advisory boards. Between 2009 and 2014, he was the lead Chair for all health organisations in Wales, demonstrating a strong commitment to public service.

During his tenure at the Port of Milford Haven, Dr Martin played a pivotal role in steering the organisation through a significant period of change and diversification.

His strategic vision ensured the Port maintained its position as the UK’s leading energy port and a cornerstone of Pembrokeshire’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and attracting inward investment.

Beyond the Port, Dr Martin’s dedication to public service extended to a variety of leadership roles.

He served as Deputy Lieutenant, Chair of Life Sciences Hub Wales, Trustee of Marie Curie UK, Governor at Pembrokeshire College, Co-Chair of the Bevan Commission, and Vice Chair of St John Ambulance Cymru.

Each role reflects his deep commitment to improving the lives of people across Wales and beyond.

This recognition is a moment of immense pride for the Port of Milford Haven, Dr Martin, and his family.

Congratulations, Dr Chris Martin, on this well-deserved honour, and thank you for your tireless dedication and service.

Community

Milford Haven mum gives birth to triplets amid medical emergency

Published

6 days ago

December 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PREGNANCY is often a challenging experience, but for Ellie Davies from Milford Haven, it became even more stressful when she found herself facing a 140-mile round trip away from home during labour.

Ellie was initially admitted to Carmarthen’s Glangwili Hospital with pre-eclampsia, a condition causing dangerously high blood pressure. However, due to a lack of available neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) beds, staff arranged her transfer to Singleton Hospital in Swansea, nearly 30 miles away. Thankfully, accommodation was also provided onsite for her fiancé, Craig Butland.

RENAL FAILURE COMPLICATIONS
Ellie explained: “I had pre-eclampsia and was taken to Glangwili. My blood pressure was going up and down, and they had to ring around hospitals with a NICU to see if they had any spare beds – Singleton was the only one with space.”

On November 12, Ellie was transferred to Swansea, where she remained on the antenatal ward. However, her condition worsened. “On Sunday 17, my kidneys became affected by the pre-eclampsia, and I was going into renal failure,” she said.

In the early hours of Monday, November 18, Ellie underwent an emergency C-section, delivering triplets Mia, Isla, and Elsie two months prematurely.

BRIEF FIRST MEETING
“I only met Isla, the middle triplet, for around two minutes before she was taken to neonatal to be with her sisters,” Ellie shared.

Mia was born weighing 2lb 9oz, Isla at 2lb 10oz, and Elsie at 2lb 8oz. All three girls initially required breathing support and spent nine days in the NICU. Now, over three pounds each, they are receiving care at Glangwili’s special care unit and are reportedly “doing really well.”

SUPPORT FROM NHS STAFF
Reflecting on their experience, Ellie praised the hospital staff: “The midwives Louise and Emily were amazing, answering every question we had and supporting us through everything. Dr Sree Nittur, who was there during the delivery, followed up daily. The neonatal nurses were absolutely fantastic, and we can’t thank them enough for their care and dedication.”

A PLACE TO STAY
For Craig, the availability of accommodation at Cwtsh Clos, a row of five houses on the Singleton Hospital site, was a significant relief. Without it, he would have faced daily commutes between Milford Haven and Swansea.

“Craig spent a week in Cwtsh Clos, and I joined him for the final night,” Ellie said. “It was a huge help having Craig so close. It’s one problem you don’t have to think about, and it gives you a space to gather your thoughts.”

The couple is now supporting Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Cwtsh Clos appeal, which aims to raise £160,000 to refurbish the homes for future families in similar situations.

‘TRIPLETS ARE A RARITY’
Lisa Harris, interim matron for neonatal services, said: “We are delighted to hear the girls are doing well. Cwtsh Clos allows parents to stay close to their babies, which is so important during such critical times.”

NICU consultant Kate Burke added: “Triplets are a rarity for us. We serve families across south central and south west Wales, and often, we’re the unit they turn to when pregnancies are more complicated. It’s wonderful to see families like Ellie and Craig’s returning home with their babies healthy and thriving.”

The family recently celebrated their first Christmas together with Mia, Isla, and Elsie, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all who supported them through their journey.

Support the Cwtsh Clos Appeal: Donations can be made via the Swansea Bay Health Charity website.

(Pic: Swansea Bay University Health Board)

Charity

Boxing Day Duck Race raises £2,000 for Wales Air Ambulance

Published

6 days ago

December 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE ANNUAL BOXING DAY Duck Race in Lower Fishguard, organised by the Round Table Fishguard & District, proved to be another resounding success this year.

A large crowd gathered by the riverside to watch the vibrant yellow ducks race downstream, with participants and spectators enjoying the festive tradition despite the winter chill.

Thanks to overwhelming community support, the event raised an impressive £2,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, a vital service providing emergency air cover across the region.

The winners of this year’s race were:

1st: Duck 807 – Rachel
2nd: Duck 94 – Glenys Hughes
3rd: Duck 119 – Howard Hughes

In a lighthearted twist, the title of ‘Last Place Duck’ went to Duck 937 – Julia Moffet, earning laughs from the crowd.

A spokesperson for the Round Table Fishguard & District said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who bought ducks, attended the event, or supported us in any way. It’s always a joy to see the community come together for such a great cause.”

The Boxing Day Duck Race continues to be a cherished tradition, blending fun, community spirit, and charity support into one delightful event.