News

Milford Haven: Headstone placed on unmarked grave thanks to historian’s efforts

Published

2 years ago

September 8, 2022

A CAMPAIGN to get a headstone on an unmarked grave at Milford Haven Cemetery has reached a successful conclusion.

In 2020, historian and Pembrokeshire County Councillor Simon Hancock discovered that a Nigerian man, John Myers, killed in battle in the First World War, was lying in an unmarked grave.

Since then he has had support from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historic Monuments of Wales and other local people.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has now placed a headstone on the grave of John Myers and have said they will look after it.

John was onboard the SS Falaba, along with other crewmen and passengers, when it was hit by a German U-boat in 1915.

Eight bodies were recovered and taken to Milford Haven for their inquests and all but one was repatriated.

Cllr Hancock attended the grave on Wednesday (Sept 7) to lay a wreath and was joined by Mayor of Milford Haven Kathy Gray and Lynda (nee Myers) and John Lloyd.

Simon Hancock said: “For the past 107 years John Myers has lain in an unmarked grave, completely forgotten about, at least locally. Thanks to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission this young African, working as a crew member in Britain’s mighty merchant marine has finally got the memorial which he deserves.

“He was a victim of the terrible U-boat campaign which was fought around our shores from 1915. My two year campaign has achieved a successful conclusion.

“I am determined to find the graves of other black and minority ethnic sailors who might lie in Pembrokeshire cemeteries and churchyards so that they too will be remembered.”

Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Kathy Gray added: “It’s just nice that he will now be remembered and never forgotten and he’s got his own rightful place in Milford Cemetery where he’s been since 1915.”

Liz Woodfield, Director of External Relations at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, said: “It is our honour to be able to commemorate this brave young man who paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting for his country whilst onboard the SS Falaba. We will care for his grave at Milford Haven Cemetery in perpetuity.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

23 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.