News

Tenby’s first female firefighter takes her first shift

Published

4 years ago

November 20, 2021

CINDY RICHARDS who has joined Tenby’s volunteer fire crew, the service has announced, said that she first thought about joining the fire service a few years ago, after a close friend who had been a firefighter for 20 years suggested it.

“I’d been interested in the Ambulance service but after a bit of research it would mean leaving my job and going back to college, and as I’m a single mum, this wasn’t an option financially,” she explained.

“I work in The Glen pharmacy as a dispenser, and I love the part of my job which helps people every day, but I needed something more to do, so helping the local community by joining the fire service seemed like something I’d enjoy!

“About 12 months ago I decided now was the time to apply for the fire service and take on the challenge! I only work part-time, and my daughter was 16 so I had time to put my whole attention towards it.

“I started the application process in January and started the training at the beginning of February. I can honestly say it’s the hardest thing I’ve done physically, and I’ve done Ironman Wales!

“There were times when I didn’t think I was strong enough, but the instructors were amazing with me! They encouraged me to keep going, not that I was going to give up!

“Also, the guys that were on my training course were amazing, we helped each other through it,” she continued.

Cindy whose dad and his brothers were members of the Tenby RNLI lifeboat crew many years ago, whilst her cousin Rob is also currently a crew member, as well as being a policeman, said that she could recommend to any female who is thinking of joining the fire service, or indeed any of the emergency services, to go for it.

“There definitely aren’t enough females in the fire service but I feel that this is definitely changing,” she remarked.

“Everyone I’ve met through training or on shouts have been so nice and encouraging. The training is tough but it’s worth it! It’s like having a brand-new family!

“Tenby fire station is a massive part of the local community, and as a child growing up in Tenby the Firefighter’s Carnival was the highlight of the summer.

“The firefighters in Tenby are a renowned part of the community and are seen to be friendly and very approachable, so I’m super honoured to be a part of their team!”

Also climbing on board with the Tenby fire crew recently is local Carpenter Luke Hartland.

“It was great to go through training with Luke knowing that we’d both be the new guys at Tenby, he gave me encouragement and told me to stop moaning! Since joining I’ve realised more and more that in the fire service it’s all about teamwork, no one is ever on their own,” added Cindy.

A spokesperson for Tenby Fire Station told The Herald: “Both new additions have settled in very well and are progressing well with their development.”

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

2 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

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

Published

21 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.