News

Hakin born Roma Davies celebrates 100th birthday at her Porthcawl care home

Published

5 years ago

June 29, 2021

Tom Sinclair

A HAKIN-born woman has recently celebrated her 100^th birthday.

Roma Davies is currently living at the Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court, in Porthcawl.

The centenarian enjoyed a celebration complete with a buffet at the care home with, fellow residents, her family and the Deputy Mayor of Porthcawl, Tracy Hill, who congratulated Roma on her special day.

The staff told The Herald that they were determined to ensure that she had a memorable birthday, so they safely arranged this gathering for her, where she delivered a speech to guests.

Roma was born on 26 June 1921 in Hakin, Milford Haven, where she went to school and lived with her parents, her sister and her great aunt. She was taught to knit at aged three, and had just turned 18 when the Second World War started. She recalls: “There was no food, and clothes had to be altered. I remember making pillow cases out of old sheets.”

Although Roma spent her entire childhood in the same area, soon after she would see the world. When she married Frederick, who was an inspector for the Naval Ordinance, they moved to Kenya, where they spent three years. The couple travelled extensively around East Africa and even walked the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in the continent.

Shortly after, the couple had three children: Richard, Peter and Freda. On their return from Kenya, Roma and her family would enjoy camping all around Great Britain. This led her to take a post in the Girl Guides, where she stayed for 15 years, starting as a Lieutenant and then becoming a Captain.

A tireless activist throughout her life, Roma joined the National Federation of Women’s Institute at 65 and became a founding member of the Women’s Institute in Milford Haven. She arranged many activities to advance the education of women and girls and even became president on several occasions.

Her involvement in such initiatives led Roma to win an award in her home town, which recognised her outstanding contributions to Milford Haven. Likewise, Pembrokeshire Council awarded her for her contributions to intergenerational activities in the local area.

Roma sadly lost her husband when she was 80. “Fred was a marvellous husband and I was so blessed to spend my life with him,” she said. Despite her loss, she kept active in the following years. At aged 88, Roma took up computer lessons so that she could communicate with her loved ones through email and video calls, and even took many of her Women’s Institute friends with her on the course. She said: “Thank God I could use Zoom at the Home during the pandemic. I am so grateful to the Home’s staff for that.”

Roma moved into Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court in 2018 and was joined by her sister Gwyneth in 2020. Mandy Kilpatrick-Evans, one of the care home’s Activities Coordinators, said: “Roma joins us in all our activities. Her input includes poems, short stories and, of course, her greatest love: knitting. We have raffled blankets and cushions that she has made at Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court. Her knit is absolutely amazing! She’s been a true inspiration to me.”

Asked about her secret for a long life, Roma said: “Don’t envy anyone and don’t have secrets. Have a life of service helping others.”

She also gave some advice to the younger generations: “Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you. Live for the day and expect highs and lows!”

Alison Aberdeen, the Home Manager, said: “Roma is a strong woman and a valued member of the Home. She has great respect from everyone who knows her.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

19 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

19 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

20 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.