News
Saundersfoot: Moving tributes from James Criddle’s family
THE FAMILY of a Saundersfoot man described as a ‘kind and remarkable soul’ have paid tribute after he sadly passed away this week following an accident last week in Bali.
James Criddle sustained serious injuries last Friday, July 15, following a bike accident on the island where he lived.
He underwent an intensive seven-hour operation relieve the pressure on his brain and remained in an induced coma while the hospital’s medical team monitored and drained his bleed.
It was hoped that once his condition stabilised, he would have further surgery to replace the bone that was initially removed from his skull in order to relieve the pressure from his brain.
However, his family announced yesterday that James had not survived his injuries and died on July 21.
The family released a statement, saying: “It is with deepest sadness and regret that we share the news that James Matthew Criddle passed from this world in the early hours of July 21.
“It transpired that along with the injuries previously detailed, he had also sustained 25 fractures to his skull. Whilst his mum and dad were en route to be by his side, they were informed that his kidneys had started to fail caused by an infection and needed an urgent operation.
“He was taken down to surgery, but whilst they were working on him, he suffered a cardiac arrest and despite the efforts of the medical team to keep him alive, they were not able to do so.
“Whilst we understand that it may be distressing to hear the details of James last moments, it is important to not only his family, but to his memory to share the true details of what happened and to avoid rumours and hearsay circulating.
“As a family we do not believe in sympathy cards or lamenting. James was a funny, generous, kind and most of all remarkable soul who had an astonishing love of life and lived it to the full,” they continued.
“We respectfully ask that his life should be celebrated with stories shared of the times you spent with him and helping to add to his legacy of experience and ‘paying it forward’.
“In the same vein, we have made the decision not to have a traditional ‘funeral’ – nothing about James was traditional or ordinary and we would like to honour his life in a manner that benefits his zest for life and his Insatiable appetite for love.
“We will shortly be organising and sharing details of a celebration of his life that all those that knew and loved him can attend. James’ body which is the vessel that carried his beautiful soul will physically stay in Bali, where he had some of his happiest times in the last couple of years and will be honoured by his friends there also.
“The ‘GoFundMe’ page that has received such an outpouring of love, will now in part be used to fund the celebration of his life but will also shift into a way to ensure that James’ legacy lives on – by helping those most vulnerable in society, especially the homeless and underprivileged and those who suffer from mental health difficulties that aspired from living on the streets.
“The people of Pembrokeshire donated goods to help this cause where money was raised to form a soup kitchen where the homeless could have a hearty soup raised form the donations. we want James to always be remembered for the beautiful giving and loving heart he had.
“After great thought we would through the GoFundMe page form ‘The James Criddle Foundation’. We would encourage you to honour his memory in this way by continuing to contribute.
“Although James is no longer of this world, his extraordinary spirit will live on in every act of kindness that we perpetuate and happy memory we share,” added The Criddles.
The GoFundMe page which has already raised over £11,000, can be found here: https://gofund.me/e1d02b96
Local Government
Clean-up after yacht wrecked on rocks at Lower Town, Fishguard
A YACHT that ran aground on rocks at Lower Town in Fishguard is being cleared by Pembrokeshire County Council after debris washed onto the shoreline.
Council officers attended the scene to assess the situation and begin removing wreckage after the vessel was found stranded among the rocks.
Heavy machinery was brought in to help clear debris from the beach, with workers seen dismantling parts of the damaged yacht and removing material that had scattered along the shoreline.
Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed it is aware of the incident and has issued a Notice to Mariners, warning of the potential presence of floating debris in the surrounding waters.
The notice advises vessels navigating in the area to exercise caution while clearance work continues.
No further details about how the yacht came to run aground have been released.
Cover pic:
Council workers clear debris from a yacht that ran aground at Lower Town, Fishguard.
Community
Sea Cadets receive grant, donation and celebrate World Book Day
MILFORD HAVEN SEA CADETS have had a busy and successful week, with new equipment arriving at the unit, a donation from a local organisation, and junior members taking part in World Book Day activities.
The Milford Haven unit recently received delivery of new Standard Horizon VHF radios, which will be used during the upcoming boating season. The equipment was purchased after the group successfully secured funding through the RCD Foundation Grant.
The radios will help cadets develop important communication and safety skills while taking part in maritime training on the water.

The unit also received a £100 donation from Neyland Lodge, with cadets presented with a cheque during the week. Staff at the unit said the contribution would help support activities and training opportunities for young people involved in the organisation.
Leaders at the unit thanked the lodge for its support, describing the donation as a welcome boost for the cadet group.
Meanwhile, junior Sea Cadets marked World Book Day by taking part in a special visit to their local library. Along with members of the Junior Training Organisation (JTO), the young cadets dressed up and learned about the role of a librarian.
During the visit, they explored the library and each chose a favourite book, helping to encourage reading and learning outside the classroom.

Milford Haven Sea Cadets said the week highlighted the wide range of experiences available to cadets, from maritime training and community support to educational activities.
The unit is part of the wider Sea Cadet network operating across West Wales and continues to provide opportunities for young people in the Milford Haven area to develop skills, confidence and teamwork.
Local Government
Petition calling for clean rivers policy wins unanimous support at County Hall
A PETITION calling for Pembrokeshire County Council to adopt a stronger Clean Rivers Policy has received unanimous support from councillors at County Hall.
The petition, backed by environmental campaigners and community groups, was presented during a meeting of the council on Thursday (Mar 6). Supporters in the public gallery applauded after councillors expressed their backing for the proposals.

The presentation was delivered by James Harrison-Allen, representing The Cleddau Project, a volunteer-led initiative focused on protecting and restoring the River Cleddau and its surrounding environment.
Campaigners said the atmosphere inside the council chamber was “extraordinary”, with councillors from across the political spectrum voicing support for improving river protection measures in Pembrokeshire.

The petition calls for the council to adopt a clearer policy aimed at improving water quality and tackling pollution affecting local rivers.
Supporters say pollution from multiple sources, including agricultural run-off and sewage discharges, has placed increasing pressure on rivers across Wales, including the Eastern and Western Cleddau.
Following the presentation, councillors backed the petition unanimously, prompting applause from members of the public and campaign supporters in attendance.
The campaign has drawn support from a number of environmental organisations including West Wales Rivers Trust, River Action UK, and the Campaign for National Parks.
Representatives from several organisations and public bodies were also acknowledged by campaigners, including Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, as well as local political representatives Henry Tufnell MP, Samuel Kurtz MS, and Paul Davies MS.
Campaigners say the decision marks an important step in raising awareness of river pollution issues affecting the Cleddau catchment and wider waterways across Pembrokeshire.
The Cleddau Project said the outcome was “a great day for the Cleddau” and praised the work of volunteers and supporters who have helped drive the campaign forward.
-
Community2 days agoWhitland Post Office re-opens under new management
-
Crime5 days agoNine deny Class A drugs conspiracy as case set for Crown Court trial
-
Health5 days agoWelsh Labour launches Senedd campaign with £4bn hospital pledge
-
Health4 days agoDavies and Kurtz attack ‘fantasy hospital’ pledge for west Wales
-
Sport5 days agoNew arrival celebrated at Bridge Meadow
-
Education5 days agoSchool in lockdown after reported phone threat
-
Community5 days agoIncreasing number of LGBTQ+ households fostering in Wales
-
Crime5 days agoSchool lockdown lifted after telephone threat as police continue enquiries








