News

The fascinating story of the Haverfordwest firefighter retiring after 42 years service

Published

5 years ago

March 10, 2021

A PEMBROKESHIRE firefighter who has been in the service for nearly 42 years is hanging up his hat for the last time this week. Man and boy, Keith Jenkins started at the tender age of 16 as an apprentice mechanic with the then Dyfed Fire Brigade, but now he is on to pastures new with a role in the NHS as a Fire Safety Advisor.

Speaking of his experiences, Keith, who moved from mechanic to retained fireman in 1983, said: “I was on the Pointsman ship fire getting caught in the third explosion, with two other colleagues Firefighter Rex Evans who broke his Collar Bone and Leading Fireman Brian Tytler who had 20% burns to his hands and face. I was so lucky just to get my helmet blown off and slight burns to my tunic.

“I also attended the Amoco Tank 11 fire in the same year, what an experience to see that boil over and flames reach over a 1000 ft high.

Firefighters were burned in the Amoco tank fire

“I joined the Wholetime on Red watch Haverfordwest, in 1985 and my first nightshift I attended the Scoveston Manor House fire, very sad to have experienced such sad scenes that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Scoveston Farm fire was set to hide a double murder

“Even attending the Sea Empress when she ran aground off Pembrokeshire coast, being used to man the fire tugs with their crews just in case we were needed, many a night we stayed on these fire tugs.

Sea Empress oil spill: A huge operation for firefighters and other agencies involved.

“I would like to say I am saddened to leave MAWWFRS whole time, it has been a privilege and an honour to be part of such a great Service and Team. During my time in the fire service I have been very fortunate to have gained experiences in so many different avenues and fields of this service. I became a fire brigade diver attending many incidents over the years, getting qualified with Northumbria Police for 8 weeks, hardest thing I have ever done.

Pointsman fire, Milford Haven, 1983

“I have worked alongside many great managers and colleagues over the years and been fortunate to have worked in four different commands, which has given me not only great professional development but personnel development too.

“I was in charge of Pontardawe fire station and attended the Gliesion Mine in Pontardawe, where many persons lost their lives in this tragic incident.

“The fire service has been a massive part of my life, serving the community for nearly 42 years, this has been a hard decision for me to make, so at this moment in time I will be continuing working as a Watch Manager in charge of the Partrtime RDS system at Haverfordwest for now.

“I feel this knowledge I have gained will carry me in good stead for the new role I have accepted with the NHS as a Fire Safety Advisor in Hywel Dda Health trust.

“I cannot thank the Fire Service enough for all that they have done for me, I will sincerely miss it.”

Crime

Jury told to continue deliberations in historic child sex abuse trial

Published

12 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Judge says majority verdict may be accepted after jurors report deadlock at Swansea Crown Court

A JURY has been told to continue its deliberations in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after indicating it could not reach a unanimous verdict.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is on trial at Swansea Crown Court accused of oral rape and sexual assault of a child. The offences are alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen.

At midday on Wednesday (Dec 18), the jury returned to court to say they were unable to reach a verdict on which all jurors agreed.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told the jury that while he would be prepared to accept a majority verdict if at least ten jurors were in agreement, he still wanted them to continue deliberations in an effort to reach a unanimous decision.

The jury was then sent back out to continue considering its verdict.

The trial continues.

Crime

Police appeal to locate 69-year-old man wanted in harassment investigation

Published

37 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for information to help locate a man from the Ammanford area who is wanted in connection with a harassment offence.

Alan Tait, aged 69, is being sought by officers as part of an ongoing investigation.

Police believe he may currently be in the Derbyshire area, but say he also has links to South Wales and Gwent.

Anyone with information that could assist officers in locating him is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Charity

Bluestone Foundation marks year of impact with more than £60,000 for local causes

Published

52 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE BLUESTONE FOUNDATION, the charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort, has marked a significant year of community investment after raising and distributing more than £60,000 to support projects across Pembrokeshire in 2025.

Run in partnership with the Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services (PAVS), the Foundation has continued to expand its reach, backing a wide range of charities and community organisations working at the heart of the county.

During the year, the Foundation’s Community Fund delivered three rounds of grants, supporting projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, creativity, and environmental protection.

Environmental organisations including BlueGreen Cymru, Greener Growth CIC and Sea Trust Wales received funding, alongside wellbeing and inclusion groups such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift, No Shame Foundation and Silbers CIC.

Creative, youth and heritage organisations including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and VC Gallery also benefited.

In total, £32,968.57 was awarded through the Community Fund in 2025.

Fundraising events held at the Blue Lagoon Water Park generated a further £19,500 in unrestricted income. Under the Foundation’s funding model, 75 per cent of that money is passed directly to charities, with the remaining 25 per cent placed into a flexible fund to support causes that fall outside the Community Fund’s criteria.

Flexible funding totalling £4,500 was used this year to support initiatives including Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project, refurbishment work at Martletwy Young Farmers Club hall, Bloomfield Bus and Green Dragon Bus services, and Nacro’s Christmas appeal, providing food, warm clothing and essential items to people in crisis.

The Foundation also supported the PATCH Christmas Toy Appeal, encouraging staff and visitors at Bluestone to donate gifts for families referred to the charity during the festive period.

In addition, more than one hundred fundraising events across the region were supported through prize donations from the Foundation, including over 200 family passes to the Blue Lagoon Water Park, 32 overnight spa breaks and nine Bluestone holiday breaks.

Marten Lewis, Chair of the Bluestone Foundation said: “This year’s achievements reflect the heart of who we are at Bluestone. The Foundation exists to uplift the people and places that make Pembrokeshire such a special community.

“The impact of our partners, grant recipients and fundraising efforts in 2025 shows what is possible when we work together, and we are proud to see the difference it continues to make across the county.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the Foundation has confirmed continued support for Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project and will act as gold sponsor of the DPJ Foundation’s Macchu Picchu trek.

Five further Blue Lagoon fundraising events are already scheduled between February and August, supporting Local Cadets, Belles Story, Martletwy YFC Hall, Blue Horizons Coastal Adventure and Friends of Portfield School.

Tickets for those events are available via the Bluestone Foundation’s Eventbrite page.

For more information about the Bluestone Foundation, visit the Bluestone website.