News
Grieving the departure of a hero: Ted Owens, one of Wales’ last D-Day veterans
PEMBROKESHIRE stands united in grief as it bids farewell to Ted Owens, a gallant D-Day veteran whose life journey was intertwined with the annals of history. Just a few weeks shy of his 99th birthday, Mr. Owens breathed his last on Tuesday (Jul 18), leaving behind a legacy of bravery, resilience, and a commitment to ensuring that the sacrifices of those who fought in the Second World War would never be forgotten.
Hailing from Pembroke Dock, Ted Owens was born in 1924, and destiny led him to play a pivotal role in the momentous liberation of Dunkirk in 1944. His valour and devotion to duty did not go unnoticed, and he was honoured with the prestigious Légion D’Honneur, a testament to his exceptional contributions to the war effort.
Despite the passing of years, Ted Owens’ indomitable spirit and dedication to preserving the memories of those tumultuous times remained ever strong. At the age of 95, he became a prominent figure in the hearts of many viewers as he featured in the acclaimed program “Lest We Forget.” Accompanied by two wide-eyed primary school children, he embarked on a poignant journey through France and Germany, retracing the steps he took as a young soldier during the war. Through this remarkable venture, Mr. Owens imparted invaluable knowledge to the younger generation, ensuring that the horrors and heroism of the war would not fade into the pages of history.
As a Royal Marines commando and a skilled marksman, Ted Owens was among the brave souls who landed on Sword Beach during the fateful D-Day on June 6, 1944. His courage on that momentous day was etched into the fabric of history. However, the fortunes of war dealt him a painful blow when he suffered injuries during the invasion. Undeterred, he defied adversity and displayed remarkable resilience by returning to the front lines in August 1944. His unwavering dedication to the cause saw him fighting his way back to Dunkirk, leaving an indelible mark on the pages of military history.
In 2019, Ted Owens embarked on a poignant journey back to France, where he was hailed as a true hero by grateful locals. The town of Pont L’Évêque, once liberated by his valiant efforts, held his memory dear, evidenced by the presence of his portrait on a lamppost. During this memorable trip, he left an enduring impression on young Evan Lewis, a ten-year-old who described the experience as “the greatest history lesson ever.” Despite their significant age difference, Ted and Evan formed a heartwarming friendship that spanned generations. Evan’s admiration for the veteran knew no bounds, and he often regaled others with tales of Ted’s bravery, recounting how he had been “blown up, shot, and injured by an exploding mine.”
Evan Lewis and his sister Caoimhe were fortunate to accompany Mr. Owens to Germany, where the war hero found himself embraced by new friends. Ted’s warm personality and genuine interest in the lives of others endeared him to everyone he met. The impact he made on young hearts and minds was truly immeasurable.
During his visit to St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Cardiff, Mr. Owens was welcomed with open arms and hearts by the pupils. Overwhelmed by their warm reception, he humbly expressed hope that his stories would resonate with the younger generation and inspire them to embrace the values of courage, sacrifice, and compassion.
Freelance TV producer Greg Lewis, who had the privilege of spending many joyous moments with Ted Owens, praised him as a treasure trove of information and captivating stories. Ted’s first-hand accounts of historic events provided invaluable insights into the past, making him a living bridge between generations.
The loss of Ted Owens marks the departure of one of Wales’ last surviving D-Day veterans, leaving a void that can never be filled. His bravery, resilience, and unwavering commitment to preserving history will be remembered and cherished by all who had the honour of knowing him. As Pembroke Dock and the entire nation bid a tearful farewell to their beloved hero, they take solace in the fact that his legacy will continue to inspire and guide generations to come. Ted Owens, a true war hero, will forever remain in the hearts of the nation he served so selflessly.
Entertainment
St Davids Cathedral Music Festival representatives attend Royal Garden Party
SIMON PEARCE, the esteemed Organist and Master of the Choristers at St Davids Cathedral, was honoured to attend a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The event, celebrating the UK’s Creative and Cultural Industries, featured an array of celebrities, stunning displays of spring gardens, and performances by the Band of The Marines.
Mr Pearce, who attended with his wife Katherine was appointed in 2022 as the Director of Music at the cathedral—a position he has held since 1998 in an assistant capacity—expressed his delight at the opportunity to represent the festival. “Every single moment was to be savoured,” he remarked, noting the “wonderful music, fantastic host of celebs, a sumptuous tea party, stunning gardens and Palace, and glorious British spring weather.”
The St Davids Cathedral Music Festival 2024 will open with a dazzling performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales on May 25. The orchestra will treat audiences to Mathias’s Festival Overture and Brahms’ Second Symphony.
Adding to the splendour, award-winning violinist Inmo Yang will grace the stage with his rendition of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto.
This year’s festival will also introduce several new performers. The Choir of Royal Holloway is set to debut on May 27, enchanting attendees with choral arrangements of orchestral classics. Local talent is also in the spotlight, with Pembrokeshire-born horn player Simon Lewis performing alongside Trio Preseli on May 26, showcasing works by Welsh composer Anthony Randall.
Adding a touch of environmental consciousness to the festival, clarinet virtuoso Emma Johnson returns on May 28 with her Orchestra for the Environment.
Their repertoire will include pieces by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Johnson’s own composition, ‘The Tree of Life’.
The festival will kick off with the 150-strong Children’s Festival Chorus on May 24, captivating audiences with their youthful energy and a live band.
Throughout the week, the cathedral musicians will feature prominently in several concerts, with the highlight being the full Cathedral choir performing Choral Evensong live on BBC Radio 3.
This prestigious invitation to Buckingham Palace came just two years after Mr Pearce’s official appointment as the Master of Choristers, a role in which he has pledged to continue enhancing the cathedral’s distinguished musical tradition.
At the time of his appointment, the Very Revd Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, as Dean of St. Davids, praised Mr Pearce’s exceptional talents, saying, “It has been a pleasure to enjoy the excellence of Simon’s playing and conducting over the years.”
Under his leadership, the Cathedral Choir and Choral Foundation have been furthering their well-deserved reputation for excellence. “St Davids Cathedral is a spiritually inspiring and beautiful place in which to make music,” Mr Pearce said, acknowledging the special connections the cathedral maintains with the local community, school, and the wider Pembrokeshire area.
News
Council works to reduce empty properties in Carmarthenshire
CARMARTHENSHIRE County Council is reducing the number of empty properties within the county through the introduction of the Empty Properties Framework.
Combining enforcement, the implementation of council tax premiums on empty properties and providing support to help owners bring empty properties back into use, the Empty Properties Framework aims to:
• Reduce the number of long-term empty homes across the county
• Increase the supply of affordable housing to meet demand
• Tackle issues relating to property nuisance, blight and the impact on communities
The following case study is an example of how Carmarthenshire County Council is supporting communities and owners to bring empty properties back into use.
An empty property was reported to the Council with loose rendering falling onto a neighbouring driveway and refuse/waste material in the garden. Investigations revealed that the property had been recorded as empty for seven years and was privately owned by a limited company.
The property was visited by the Council’s Empty Homes Officers and scored as high risk (Category A), requiring enforcement. The owners responded positively to the notice served and assisted with the Council’s formal inspection of the property, during which various category 1 (the most serious) hazards were identified.
As a result, statutory notices were served on the property. These notices provided varying timeframes for work to be carried out. In the event of non-compliance, the Council may choose to undertake works, recovering all costs from the owner.
The owner complied with the work which posed an imminent risk and then sold the property at public auction. The Improvement Notices remained with the property when sold. Upon purchase, the new owners immediately began work to improve the property and this is progressing well.
Cllr Linda Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes said: “The introduction of the Empty Homes Framework aims to be bold in bringing about the improvement and occupation of empty homes, increasing the supply and use of housing to all.
Carmarthenshire County Council is committed to reducing the number of empty properties in the county, with various methods of support in place to assist owners of these properties to bring them back into use including financial assistance, subject to eligibility.”
From 1st April 2024, council tax premiums were also introduced on properties empty for more than 12 months to encourage owners to reflect on whether they could make better use of their property.
For more information on the support available to owners of empty properties visit the Council’s website – Carmarthenshire.gov.wales/housing
News
Free disability sports event heads to Pembroke Leisure Centre
PEMBROKE Leisure Centre will play host to a free disability sports and physical event later this month with lots of sports and activities to try.
The insport series, in partnership with Disability Sport Wales, Sport Pembrokeshire and Pembrokeshire Leisure is an inclusive sport and physical activity event.
It offers opportunities for disabled young people (ages 5 years+) and adults across Pembrokeshire and friends and family are welcome.
On offer to try are: boxing, boccia, swimming (on a separate first come first serve booking basis), football, wheelchair rugby, target shooting, adaptive bikes, cricket, golf, multisport, and more.
The event takes place Pembroke Leisure Centre, on Wednesday May 29th between 10am-2pm.
Booking for the event and swim places is required.
For more information please contact: Jess West from Sport Pembrokeshire byemail [email protected] or by calling 07795305871.
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