Community
Fishguard community in mourning at the passing of Sea Cadets Commander, Chris Peake

THE COMMANDING Officer of Fishguard Sea Cadets, Lieutenant Chris Peake, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Friday, May 12, leaving behind a community in mourning.
Lieutenant Peake was adored and respected by his cadets, their families, and the wider public for his unwavering dedication, hard work, and kindness.
Having been involved with the Sea Cadets for over four decades, Lieutenant Peake joined as a cadet at the age of 11 in 1981. Recognizing the positive impact the organization had on his life, he became an adult volunteer at 18, driven by a desire to give back. In a 2020 interview on Cadet Day, he expressed the value he placed on witnessing the growth in confidence of his cadets. Lieutenant Peake took great joy in their accomplishments and found fulfillment in working as a team to shape the lives of young individuals for the better.
Just last month, Lieutenant Peake was honored with the Fishguard and Goodwick Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Mayor Sharon McCarney, explaining her choice, praised his remarkable contributions to the Sea Cadets and his selfless volunteer work in the town. She spoke proudly of the Fishguard Sea Cadets and their invaluable presence in the community.
Lieutenant Peake’s sudden passing has deeply affected Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, with Mayor McCarney expressing their profound sadness.
In a statement released on behalf of the council, she conveyed their heartfelt condolences to his family and everyone associated with Fishguard Sea Cadets.
The Central Sea Cadets charity also paid tribute to Lieutenant Peake, recognising his unwavering commitment and dedication.
A spokesperson announced the devastating news of his unexpected passing, highlighting his role as Commanding Officer for Fishguard Sea Cadets Unit and describing him as a mentor, leader, dedicated member of the Sea Cadets family, and a pillar of the community.
Lieutenant Peake’s profound impact on the Sea Cadets organization was immeasurable, and his absence will be sorely felt.
The spokesperson extended their deepest sympathies to his wife, children, and extended family, acknowledging the profound loss they are facing.
During this incredibly challenging time, their thoughts and prayers are with them and everyone associated with Fishguard Sea Cadets.
Support and condolences poured in from various organizations and entities with connections to Lieutenant Peake and the Sea Cadets.
Fishguard RNLI Lifeboat expressed shock and sorrow at the news, emphasising the strong bond between the Sea Cadets and their station.
They extended sincere condolences to Lieutenant Peake’s wife, Donna, their sons Aaron and Scott, his family, friends, and all involved in Fishguard Sea Cadets. Their loss is not only that of a loved one but also a significant blow to the local community.
The town’s Round Table, which has collaborated extensively with Fishguard Sea Cadets, mourned the passing of Lieutenant Chris Peake.
A spokesperson from the Round Table expressed deep sadness and highlighted his dedication to the maritime youth organization. The close partnership between Fishguard Sea Cadets and the Round Table highlighted Lieutenant Peake’s outstanding commitment, making his absence deeply felt.
Their thoughts are with his family and everyone associated with Fishguard Sea Cadets during this difficult period.
The profound impact of Lieutenant Chris Peake’s sudden passing reverberates throughout Fishguard and beyond.
His memory will endure as a testament to his selflessness, commitment, and remarkable contributions to the lives of young individuals within the Sea Cadets.
The outpouring of support from the community stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of a man who touched the hearts of many.
Community
Milford Haven School warms hearts with over 200 gifts for local children

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL has once again led a successful Christmas charity initiative, bringing festive cheer to over 200 children in need.
For several years, the school has been supporting PATCH, the Defender House Charity, through its annual Toy Appeal. This November, a special tradition continued as a Christmas tree adorned with tags stood tall in the school, each tag representing a local child affected by deprivation.
Staff members at the school wholeheartedly participated by selecting a tag, purchasing a thoughtful gift, and placing it under the tree. These gifts were then collected by PATCH for distribution, ensuring a brighter Christmas for many children.
This year, responding to requests from the wider community, the initiative expanded beyond the school gates. Additional Christmas trees with tags were placed in prominent community locations including Milford Haven Library, Neyland Library, and Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre, allowing more community members to contribute to this noble cause.
The response was overwhelming. Over 200 presents were lovingly donated, highlighting the communal spirit of Milford Haven. Ms. Morris, the headteacher of Milford Haven School, expressed her immense pride in the staff’s involvement and extended heartfelt thanks to the libraries and community centres for their indispensable support.
“It’s more than just gifts; it’s about showing we care and understand the challenges some families face, especially during the festive season,” said Ms. Morris. She emphasized the school’s ongoing commitment to supporting local families and raising awareness of the community’s needs.
The initiative’s success not only brought joy to children but also reinforced the strong bonds within the Milford Haven community. The generosity and compassion shown by the school and its wider community stand as a testament to the power of collective effort in making a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
As the festive season approaches, the Milford Haven community can take pride in their substantial contribution to the PATCH Charity Toy Appeal, embodying the true spirit of Christmas and bringing the warmth of “Nadolig Llawen” – Merry Christmas – to many.
Community
Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office wins prestigious national award for its custody visiting

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys has won a prestigious national Gold award for the quality of its Independent Custody Visiting Scheme.
The Independent Custody Visiting Scheme is a volunteer scheme that is run by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Arising after riots in the 80s centred around public distrust in policing, and in particular the policing of black communities, independent custody visitors (or ICVs) are volunteers who give their time to make unannounced visits to police custody across the UK, ensuring the rights, entitlements and wellbeing of detainees throughout the country.
In Dyfed-Powys, there are currently eighteen volunteers who act as Independent Custody Visitors, and make unannounced visits to police custodies in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Powys.
They report their findings to the Police and Crime Commissioner, who in turn holds the Chief Constable to account.
The Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) Quality Assurance Awards were presented at a ceremony at the Old Library, Birmingham on 29 November.
ICVA is the national organisation which supports, leads and represents locally-run custody visiting schemes. Schemes manage teams of independent volunteers who visit those detained in police custody.
There were four graded levels of award, and the Dyfed-Powys Scheme was delighted to have received the Gold standard; meaning their Scheme provides an excellent standard of custody visiting and volunteer management. The Scheme was established in Dyfed-Powys in 2001, and since its roll out, thousands of visits have been made to custody suites across the force area.
Welcoming the award, Dafydd Llywelyn, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys told The Herald: “I am thrilled to announce that our Independent Custody Visiting volunteer scheme in Dyfed-Powys has been honoured with a prestigious national Gold Award. This recognition reflects the commitment and dedication of our volunteers and the high standards of custody visiting and volunteer management in our region.
“It is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our community, Dyfed-Powys Police and my Office, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in ensuring the welfare and rights of individuals in Custody. I would like to congratulate and thank all of our volunteers for their hard work – we are proud of this achievement and will continue our efforts to maintain this gold standard in the service we provide to our community”.
On a blog, published following the awards ceremony to congratulate volunteers, ICVA Chief Executive Katie Kempen said; “I am so grateful for all of your incredibly hard work on the Quality Assurance Framework, in what for many have been quite challenging times.
“At the opening of the assessment window, many of your schemes were still in a period of Covid recovery and getting schemes back up to resilience, recruiting and training new volunteers all over the country.
“As we have moved through the process, many of you have come into post and as well as getting accustomed to your new role have taken on the Quality Assurance Framework too. I am so proud of each and every scheme and their award.
“It hasn’t happened without a commitment to the scheme, to the amazing volunteers and ultimately to the fair and effective treatment of those deprived of their liberty by the state. Thank you all so much.
Community
Pure West Radio is Prestige Wales Awards Radio Station of the Year

PEMBROKESHIRE’S very own Pure West Radio is celebrating it’s multi-award winning status after being crowned Radio Station of the Year for a second year running.
Prestige Wales Awards is available to around 30,000 readers across Wales who nominate their favourite businesses in variety of categories.
Pure West Radio has now built to a strong team over 90 – a mix of volunteers and paid-staff – that provides a comprehensive and varied programme of shows and outside broadcasts covering Pembrokeshire.
Its commercial community radio station business model has been recognised as sustainable and attractive to advertisers and the wider community in Pembrokeshire and Pure West Radio is one of the most trusted media brands in the region.
“It’s a great honour to receive this award again” said Toby Ellis, Station Manager. “We love what we do with great passion serving Pembrokeshire, it’s our duty to deliver quality hyper local content to the community and to be recognised for that is just wonderful”
Pure West Radio will be launching on DAB in 2024 and will be looking to recruit people in marketing, sales, content creation and broadcasters – so watch this space!
-
News6 days ago
Decades-old naval shell in front garden prompts bomb squad alert
-
News7 days ago
Concerns raised as council social worker charged with child sex offences
-
Sport5 days ago
Spotlight on Milford United Football Club
-
News6 days ago
Deep Space Radar base to be built in Brawdy, creating 100 jobs
-
Sport5 days ago
West Wales Cup Round Up 02/12/23
-
Sport1 day ago
Spotlight: Herald Sport speaks with referee Marty Jones
-
News2 days ago
Police probe after outboard motor stolen in Neyland
-
News7 days ago
Future for Wales: Navigating Major Climate Changes for Sustainability