News

Wales’ oldest woman – Mary Keir from St Davids – celebrates 111th birthday

Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2023

Tom Sinclair

THE WOMAN labelled Wales’ oldest has celebrated her 111th birthday with her family.

Mary Keir was born in St Davids, Pembrokeshire, in 1912 – before the Titanic set sail.

On Friday (Mar 3) she celebrated with a party at Awel Tywi Care Home in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, where she has lived for 11 years.

According to her daughter the secret to a long life was staying busy and gardening.

Mary trained as a nurse at Llandough Hospital in Vale of Glamorgan, where she worked as a ward sister for 12 years.

She recalled being in Cardiff during World War Two: “War broke out when I was there. I remember it distinctly and listening to the announcement, ‘We are now at war’.

“It was September 1939 I think and from then on things were different and we would have constant warnings in the night to get up from our beds and shut the bedroom door so that we weren’t near any glass.”

A keen pianist she played keyboard for other residents until recently.

“My parents bought me a second hand piano when I was a young child and I loved it,”

“l play keyboard now, but I don’t like it. It’s not like a piano. You can make a piano talk, but with this you just press the notes.” Mary said.

Her son Robert Keir and daughter-in law Sian Keir celebrated her birthday with her.

Sian said her mother-in-law was still very independent.

“If someone does make the bed she will undo it and do it again her way. She is an amazing lady,” she said.

She stays sharp by doing crosswords and sudoku every day – she learned the latter after turning 100.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

14 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.