Community

Neyland community rallies to raise £6,000 for local ‘gentle giant’ Keri

Published

3 years ago

May 16, 2023

Carli Newell

Organisers Rebecca Charlton, Jamie Charlton Donna Matthews and Keri Matthews Organisers Carys and Tom Obrien

THE NEYLAND community have rallied together to raise funds for local man Keri Matthews and his family.

Keri, described by those who know him as a ‘gentle giant’ is a much loved character within the community, and when news broke of his ongoing illness, the community rallied to set up a fundraising event.

Fundraising organisers Rebecca Charlton, Jamie Charlton, Carys O’brien and Tom O’Brien who are all residents at Neyland, set up the ‘Keri Matthews get together’ which was held on Saturday, May 13.

The first leg of the day was a huge fishing competition, which then led onto a family fun day at the Legionnaire pub, Neyland, a place that holds a special meaning to Keri and his family, having played Santa at the pub’s annual Christmas grotto for an astonishing 20-years.

The event included a bbq, bouncy castle and a live performance from the band dig deep.

Two mega raffles were held which included a fantastic array of prizes donated by local businesses.

One local woman, Amanda Legg, went the extra mile and had her hair shaved off, which raised a fantastic £500 towards the fundraiser.

The day was a huge success and raised a staggering £6,000 for Keri and his family.

Speaking on the achievement, the event organisers thanked the Neyland community for their spirit and generosity. They said: “The community spirit shown was outstanding and between all of the raffles, generous donations, fishing competition entry monies, and food sales on the day we handed over an incredible £6,000 to Keri and his family.”

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

12 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

22 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”