Community

PATCH puts out urgent appeal as foodbank overwhelmed by so many families in need

Published

4 years ago

April 8, 2022

PEMBROKESHIRE-based food bank PATCH has asked The Herald to put out an appeal to explain they are running low of some basic essential supplies.

PATCH say they are helping around 50 people a day in the county who otherwise could not afford to eat, and they say that benefit changes, the electricity and gas price hike and increase in cost of fuel at the pump are all having an impact on local families. More and more people cannot cope.

On Facebook yesterday (Apr 7), PATCH said: “We’ve helped around 50 people a day this week. We really need your help and please. (If you can)
“Not only are we desperate for meat meals (meat balls, tinned pies, chicken in sauce, chilli etc) and soup.
“We really need tea bags, tinned spaghetti in tomato sauce, tinned tomatoes, rice pudding and tinned peas.
“Please help with anything you can. We do realise times are tough for so many, but even 1 tin would be amazing. Thank you!”

Asked if PATCH had seen an uplift in the number of people using their services, Manager Tracy Olin said: “Oh my word yes!
“It’s a 26% increase from 2021 for the first quarter and there had already been a huge increase during the two years of the pandemic.
“The client’s needs have got worse as well as the increase. The £20 a week uplift was withdrawn at the worst possible time. The cost of living has escalated at an unmanageable rate for many. Now we have the fuel standing charge increase. It’s a dire and very scary time for those that use our services.
“Just yesterday we had a client come in distressed as they just can’t cope with their income. She was so much happier when she left. She knew the family can have food and the ‘luxury’ of some chocolate too.
“They had not purchased any chocolate for months. Things that many take for granted have become luxuries for too many. We had a mum with a very young child that just couldn’t afford to put the heating on.
“By providing food they could afford heating for the weekend.

“Small business cannot afford wage increases and sadly that can mean that employees need our support. Minimum wage isn’t sufficient, yet what can small businesses do?
“Saying all this we are absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters.
“I have learned to always have faith in our amazing community.
“As the need increases so does the amazing generosity. We’ve had times when the shelves are empty and no money to purchase food, yet we’ve never had to say sorry we have run out.
We are so incredibly grateful.”

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

4 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

12 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

21 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”