News

Second body found by Dyfed-Powys Police following river search

Published

2 years ago

January 9, 2023

OFFICERS from Dyfed-Powys Police have found a second body in a search for two women who went missing in a Welsh river recently.

Police search officers assisted by the fire service, mountain rescue and a police helicopter were scrambled to the area after a report that two women were seen in the river in the Ystradfellte Falls area of the Brecon Beacons last week.

The search began on Wednesday, and a body was found the next day, however the search continued for the second missing party.

A police spokesperson confirmed to The Pembrokeshire Herald that the search for the second woman was “no longer active”, and the force confirmed in a post on social media on Monday (Jan 9) that a second body had now, sadly, been found.

The police said in an official statement: “We can confirm that officers searching for two women who are believed to have entered the water in the Ystradfellte area on Wednesday (Jan 4) sadly recovered a second body from the river in the Glynneath area on Sunday.

Praising the work of the other emergency services, they said: “Next of kin has been informed with the families being supported by specialist officers.”

TRIBUTES FROM FAMILIES

The families have paid tribute to the loving couple whose “endless laughter will be forever remembered by all who had the honour to know them”.

Rachael and Helen Patching, aged 33 and 52 respectively, who are from the Kent area, were visiting Wales on holiday.

The alarm was raised at around 11.45am on Wednesday, 4 January 2023, with reports that there were two people in the water.

Sadly, their bodies were recovered from the river in the days that followed.

Their families have issued a joint statement paying tribute to the couple and thanking those who tried to go to their aid.

It reads: “We are devastated to have suffered such an immeasurable loss following the news of Rachael and Helen’s passing at just 33 and 52.

“They were such a devoted, selfless, and loving couple having had an immensely positive impact on all those they met.

“Their love for animals and dedication to caring for them so lovingly over the years made them a truly admirable credit to themselves and society.

“Their endless laughter will be forever remembered by all who had the honour to know them.

“There are no words that can express enough how highly they were both thought of by family members, friends, and colleagues.

“We would like to thank all those who have provided such generous support and guidance, including the unwavering commitment of the Brecon Beacons Mountain Rescue volunteers, the police, National Police Air Support, Mid and West Wales Fire Service, National Resource Wales, the Welsh Ambulance Service and Powys County Council for helping so selflessly at such a difficult time.

“We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”

Image credit: Spring Valley Lakes

Business

Pembroke Dock opticians fundraises to support local families

Published

3 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKE DOCK opticians has collected food, toiletries and seasonal supplies to help individuals and families in Pembrokeshire experiencing financial hardship.

The collection, organised by trainee dispensing optician Courtney Hearn, was donated to PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship), a local charity dedicated to providing essential items, including food parcels, clothing and household necessities to those in need.

PATCH also holds an annual Christmas Toy Appeal, which ensures children in need receive gifts, art materials, chocolates and wrapping supplies, bringing joy to families facing challenging circumstances during the festive season.

The Specsavers team contributed food and toiletries, while retail director Ellie Thomas-Wigley and optometrist Andrew Williams purchased wrapping paper and Sellotape, following guidance from PATCH, to support the appeal.

Ellie Thomas-Wigley says: ‘We’re incredibly proud of our team’s generosity and their commitment to helping the community. PATCH plays a vital role in supporting local families facing difficult times, particularly during the festive season, and we’re pleased to contribute to their important work.

‘Thank you to our customers and team for coming together to support those in need at such a critical time of year.’

Since 2008, PATCH has been providing support to Pembrokeshire residents by working with referral agencies such as health workers and social services. The charity’s Basics Bank offers immediate help to those experiencing crises, including job losses, benefit delays, or emergency situations like fire or homelessness.

To learn more about PATCH or to donate, visit their charity shop on Charles Street.
Specsavers Pembroke Dock is open seven days a week. To find out more and book an appointment, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/pembrokedock.

Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.

Entertainment

Body slamming entertainment at the Torch Theatre!

Published

3 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FROM Port Talbot to Llanelli and Porthcawl to Lampeter, the Superstars of Welsh Wrestling are on the road around the country and are getting ready to rumble! They’ll bring their live body slamming family entertainment show to the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, for a one-night extravaganza that you won’t want to miss!

Since its establishment in 2005, Welsh Wrestling has cemented its status as the number one wrestling promotion in Wales, running top quality wrestling shows all over the country in some of the most prestigious venues and theatres. Throughout each year the Superstars of Welsh Wrestling perform in front of several thousand fans, guaranteeing each paying customer of all ages a fun, action-packed, family night out.

Witness the wrestling extravaganza at the Torch that’s guaranteed to get children (and adults) screaming and cheering for their favourite wrestler and making memories that last a lifetime. Pop down to the Torch and witness the glamour and chaos in this showcase of entertainment and athleticism in a memorable family night out.

The Welsh Wrestling Facebook page has information on its Wales tour with positive feedback from several audience members with one being quoted as saying:

“What a fantastic night. My two grandsons loved every minute of the show. A great show designed with families in mind. I will highly recommend this to all friends and family. Thanks for a great evening!”

Welsh Wrestling will be live at the Torch Theatre wrestling ring on Sunday 23 February at 5pm. Ticket prices: Family: £45. Adult: £15. Child: £12. For tickets phone the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

Crime

Police issue update following incident at Tenby multi-storey

Published

1 day ago

January 3, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed this morning that they are investigating a collision on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park in Tenby, at around 4pm on Thursday, January 2.

The collision, police said, involved a grey Nissan Qashqai and a young child.

The child remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The family are being supported by specially trained officers.

One man, aged 33, has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving, drink driving, and drug driving. He remains in police custody.

Police issued a statement saying: “This is a tragic incident and is a live investigation.

“We ask that you do not speculate the circumstances and allow our officers to carry out their enquiries.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to us, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.