Community

Community Share Offer for local people to purchase Havards Shop, Newport

Published

5 years ago

June 7, 2021

A NEW community initiative is being launched in Newport, Pembrokeshire to ensure the much loved Havards Shop is kept as a hardware shop for Newport and surrounding areas.

For those who know Newport, Pembrokeshire the Havards Shop is not just a traditional hardware shop but has a considerable amount of essentials and gifts for locals and visitors alike.

The current owners, Bryce and Sonnie Barrett wish to see the community having a chance to purchase and retain the shop and have it as an additional hub for the community.

The shop has been on the market for many months and the option of a community run cooperative shop is one that is now being seriously considered by the locals.

Adrian Varney who is on Newport Town Council contacted Cris Tomos of PLANED to gain support with the initial development phase of seeking funds as community shares and loans from local people.

(left) Sonnie & Bryce Barrett, Adrian Varney, (right) Cris Tomos

Cris has been involved and supported many community asset purchases via community shares, such as Canolfan Hermon, Tafarn Sinc, 4CG Cardigan, Cwm Arian Renewable Energy, The White Hart Inn St Dogmaels and other pan Wales initiatives.

The local town councillor, Adrian Varney noted, “the shop is an important building in the town and so many generations have supported and continue to rely on the shop for hardware and gift items. we have to look at a local solution to retaining the Havards shop”

The current owners Bryce and Sonnie Barrett commented, “A community purchase would ensure the character of the shop is retained and future generations can have a shop such as this within the community” they added “We would ensure that all the current business supplier contacts and electronic till and stock control systems that we have developed would be handed over and we would wish to fully support the new community team on how to manage the business successfully”

Anyone who would wish to consider investing in the community project can pick up a pledge form in the shop or on the new community shop Facebook Page that will be launched shortly. Also anyone who has time to join the new community committee can fill in an application form at the shop.

Cris Tomos concluded “Local shops are now being taken on by many communities around the country and there is comprehensive support for community groups, also for investors there will be a opportunities for annual dividends/interest dependant trading profits and an investors tax relief of up to 30% return for UK taxpayers under the HMRC scheme known as Social Investment Tax Relief.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.