TŶ HOTEL in Milford Haven is celebrating its first successful year of operation since opening its doors to the public. The hotel is operated by the Port of Milford Haven and The Celtic Collection, the team behind Wales’s iconic Celtic Manor Resort.

Located at the heart of Milford Haven, home to the UK’s largest energy port, the area was recently granted freeport status by the UK and Welsh Governments, aiming to attract significant investment, as well as the creation of 16,000 jobs.

In its first twelve months, Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront welcomed more than 35,000 guests and created 60 permanent jobs with many more supported in the supply chain. It also achieved an impressive four-star grading from Visit Wales inspectors within just a few weeks of opening.

The hotel’s performance has exceeded expectations throughout its first year of trading. School holidays were predicted to be busy with average occupancy peaking at 86% for the month of August, but the amount of business generated year-round by the Port of Milford Haven has produced a constant flow of corporate travellers and visitors outside of the peak seasons.

To mark its one year anniversary, Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront hosted a “celebrator-tŷ” soirée for the local community. Guests enjoyed live music, cocktails, and delicious food created by Simon Crockford, Executive Head Chef at the hotel’s waterfront restaurant, dulse, using the very best Pembrokeshire produce.

Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront is managed by Pembrokeshire native, Adrian Andrews, who returned to his roots to open the hotel last year.

Mr Andrews, Manager at Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront said: “We’re delighted to celebrate our first year in beautiful Milford Haven. We’ve made some very special memories, but our success would not have been possible without the support of the local community, and the dedication of our team, who always strive to ensure our guests have an unforgettable experience.

“I am proud to call Pembrokeshire home. It’s such a beautiful part of the world, but for a long time, Milford Haven was something of a hidden gem. It’s been brilliant to shine a light on the area as a vibrant tourism destination. With its unique coastline, rich history, fantastic shops and restaurants, outdoor activities, and welcoming people, there really is something for everyone.”

This must-stay hotel is the ideal base for exploring the incredible beaches, historic landmarks, and local attractions that Pembrokeshire has to offer. With 100 contemporary rooms, each featuring floor-to-ceiling views over the marina, the hotel is suitable for all travellers, from business to leisure.

The brasserie restaurant, dulse, private dining area and bar all take advantage of the spectacular location, serving up beautiful views right on the water’s edge, whilst the ground floor houses a welcoming lobby and activity suite for fitness.

Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront is also home to four unique cabins, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the water whilst floating amongst the boats moored at Milford Marina.

For guests seeking a self-catering option, ‘The Shores’ apartment is complete with a fully equipped kitchen, a sunny balcony to enjoy in the summer, and a fire to cosy up in front of during the winter.

Rooms at Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront are available to book now, with rates starting from £86 bed & breakfast per room, per night.

CLARE’S Craft Centre first opened in October 2015. To celebrate being open for business for seven years, Clare’s Craft Centre is hosting an open day on Saturday, October 22 from 10am until 3pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event, from usual customers and students to new and curious visitors.

There will be a finger buffet and soft drinks available to those who attend this exciting event. A free gift will also be given to every customer.

The centre, located in Ferry Lane, Pembroke Dock, has a small haberdashery shop which sells a variety of products ready for any kind of craft. It also has a small and welcoming crafting studio which is available for everyone to visit and try new crafts.

The primary aim for the centre is to offer friendly encouragement for people as they learn new craft skills in a safe, warm and friendly environment.

Several tutors provide workshops at the centre for a range of different crafting subjects, such as glass painting, silk painting, organza rag ring making and weaving classes – to name but a few.

They also provide one-on-one sessions for most subjects.

During the open day two resident tutors will be available in the studio on the day to display and sell their own handmade crafts.

Lucy from Hooks & Dye and Dawn from Daisy Chain will also be demonstrating their classes and answering any questions people may have.

Owner, Clare Pugh, will also be available on the day to answer questions about the craft centre and any upcoming classes.

Talking about her business, Clare said: “I believe in the therapeutic benefits of crafting and the creation of art.

“Sewing and creating craft projects have helped me to cope with many challenges in life as well as commemorate and celebrate life’s milestones.

“I have produced gifts, keepsakes, heirlooms, competition entries and I’ve decorated my home with unique items which have provided a sense of achievement as well as instilling a sense of pride. Crafting has improved my confidence and self-esteem.

“I have been fortunate to have family and friends who have nurtured my craft abilities but I believe that many people are unaware of their untapped potential.”

The open day begins at 10am on October 22. Clare’s Craft Centre is excited to meet you and include you as a friend of the centre.

You can visit Clare’s Craft Centre online here or on their Facebook page.

ARMY Veteran, Rachel, has launched her own Slimming World group in Milford Haven after her own positive experiences. 

“I changed lives in the army and hope to continue changing lives for people in Milford Haven.”

Rachel was born and raised in Milford Haven. As a small child, she was “active and busy” and a real tomboy alongside her brothers. 

In 1998, she joined the Army at 16-years-old as a Combat Medical Technician. Following training, Rachel served in Germany, all over the UK, overseas in Cyprus, and was deployed to Oman, Kosovo, Bosnia and Poland before retiring from service in May 2021.

Her role as a combat medical technician meant she often had to deal with soldiers who had been injured in war zones. Rachel described dealing with the range of injuries as “life-changing”.

Rachel’s job not only consisted of helping soldiers physically recover; she also helped them with their mental well-being. 

She said she: “always pointed out the positives ahead of them for their lives and their families.

“The fulfilment I would get from seeing them recover and their family made whole again is so rewarding, I cannot put it into words.”

She has always been a strong, physically fit person. She enjoyed an active lifestyle and felt as though she “could always eat what she wanted.”

In 2017, she was posted to Harrogate. Rachel was 36 years old and had recently given birth to her third child, a daughter, after already having two sons aged 13 and 5. 

She says she was almost two stone overweight even before her pregnancy. 

Rachel said: “So here I was with four stone to lose. I had lost all confidence and was at a loss.

“I was at a GP surgery when I saw a poster for Slimming World. I was there for my daughter’s first vaccinations and that’s when I decided to join my local Harrogate Slimming World group.”

Rachel said she was welcomed to the group with open arms. She described the members as being lovely, offering to make her a hot drink after being weighed or hold her baby while she got settled into the group. 

It was at this group that Rachel found her love for Food Optimising, which is Slimming World’s unique plan to lose weight and get healthy. 

She swapped takeaway meals for ‘fakeaways’ using recipes she learned from her group. 

After only a week, Rachel had lost 4 lbs and knew this new plan was one she could follow. 

Over the next 10 months, she enjoyed curries, chillis, chips loaded with a variety of toppings and cheese within her daily allowance, and she could still enjoy treats every now and then. 

By June 2018, she had hit her target and lost the whole four stone. She said she “felt amazing!”

Unfortunately, during lockdown, she became a single mum and was at an “all-time low”. She moved back to Pembrokeshire in December 2021 and quickly swapped healthy meals for quick and easy, high-fat processed meals.

Rachel said: “Being stuck in the house with three children during lockdown was hard. 

“As I was working from home with nowhere to go, I found myself mindlessly eating as I was only eating out of boredom. 

“I put almost two stone back on and I was devastated.”

In January 2022, she decided to get into shape again. She joined the local Slimming World group in Johnston. 

Rachel said she had two stone to lose and was determined to return to her target weight. 

She claims she was blown away by the consultant Kelly’s knowledge of the plan and her motivation. 

“She guided me back through the new member talk, reintroduced me to my love of Slimming World and allowed me to fall in love with the plan all over again!” Rachel added. 

“The warm atmosphere and the gentle reminder that the plan can be used for all the family reignited my passion.

“Since January 10, 2022, I have lost one stone and five pounds. I am only two-pounds away from my personal target.”

After talking about Slimming World and the freedom it allows Rachel to have, she joined Slimming World and trained to be a consultant. 

Thanks to her time in the Army, helping those with their physical and mental health, Rachel feels that she would be well suited to helping those achieve their goals. 

She commented: “The training is thorough and covers not only the plan but the psychology of wanting to lose weight. 

“It has totally changed my views on how I shop, cook and eat food, and I hope my drive and motivation will help others to do the same.”

To join Rachel’s Slimming World group, call Rachel on 07391 634033 or visit Milford United Football Club, Marble Hall Road, every Thursday at 5.30pm.