News

Large turn-out for candlelight vigil

Published

10 years ago

August 18, 2014

THE LARGE turn-out for Monday night’s candlelit vigil in Pembroke Castle took the organisers completely by surprise, according to Gareth Jones, Chairman of the Royal British Legion for Pembroke and Pembroke Dock. “It was outstanding,” he explained. “We had planned for twenty maybe thirty people but there were more than a hundred present. It clearly touched enough people to make a real difference” The Light’s Out vigil, which was led by the Vicar of Pembroke Rev Roger Jones, included readings and hymns as well as a memorable solo by Natasha Djkoto of Westgate Chapel.

The commemoration, which marked the centenary of the outbreak of war in August 1914, began at 10pm in the castle grounds and drew to a fitting conclusion around the cenotaph almost an hour later. It was at this point the congregation stood in silence to honour more than 240 local heroes who had given their lives in a war that was supposed to end all wars. As 11pm approached every candles was extinguished and the large crowd moved away in a poignant silence, leaving a solitary unlit candle nestling among two wreaths at the base of the cenotaph. Clive Collins, Town Councillor and Trustee of the Castle, said “It was a privilege to be there to honour those who gave so much so that we can enjoy the freedoms we possess today.

No one can give more than to give your life and I can feel a shiver down my back even now as I think of what those boys gave. I was there to support their memory, to support our town and this castle. In addition to this I am also a school governor and want to show the children of the area what they can look up to”. Pastor Rob James, who expressed his thanks to the organisers and the vicar for being asked to assist in the vigil, added: “I was particularly thrilled to be allowed to read one of the most powerful passages you will find in the Bible. Jesus said ‘No one has greater love than this than that he is willing to lay down his life for his friends’. I guess we can honour their memory in no finer way than by heeding his call to love one another as we enjoy the freedom they have bequeathed us.”

Business

Pembroke Dock opticians fundraises to support local families

Published

7 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

7 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

2 days 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.