News

Reg Owens: Tributes as ‘fantastic’ grandad and councillor dies

Published

2 years ago

February 15, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of Pembrokeshire grandad, county councillor, and National Park member Reg Owens, who had “a passion for ensuring equal opportunities for all and supporting those who needed a voice.”

At the opening of this week’s Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet meeting, Council Leader David Simpson said: “It is with great sadness I have to announce the death of Councillor Reg Owens.

“Reg has been in poor health for several years and has been a fighter to the end.”

Mr Owens, who represented St Ishmaels as an Independent Group member, had served as a county councillor since 2012 and had also served on Herbrandston Community Council, as chair on numerous occasions.

He was also a member of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for more than a decade and was chair of its planning committee for five years.

Mr Owens had formerly been an education officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, working for the local authority for 45 years, having joined as a 17-year-old. Wheelchair user Reg became a champion for equalities.

Calling for a minute’s silence at the start of the meeting, Mr Simpson said: “Reg was well respected by all of the chamber and never held back on his views on behalf of his constituency.”

‘Supporting those who needed a voice’

A statement from Mr Owens’ children read: “We are all saddened at the passing of Reg; he has been the most wonderful husband for 53 years and a fantastic father and grandad to us all.

“As his children, we have always valued and cherished the support and guidance he and our mum, Josie, have given us. This support has also been passed on to the numerous groups we, as children, were involved with growing up, including sports, music, and youth work.

“As a grandad, he has actively followed and supported Euan, Gregor, Mostyn, and Elwyn in their sporting achievements, particularly on the rugby field.

“Something which Dad instilled in us was his passion for ensuring equal opportunities for all and supporting those who needed a voice.

“He was not afraid to speak his mind and was always eager to tell us about the debates he had with members of the various committees he sat on.

“We were so proud when Dad successfully secured his third term as a county councillor. We thoroughly enjoyed being part of his election campaign and listening to the praise and warmth from residents across the areas that he led.

“Dad will leave a huge void in our lives, and we thank him for everything he has done for us. We love you and will miss you forever.”

‘Passionate advocate’

Chair of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Councillor Di Clements, paid tribute to ‘Reg’.

“Reg Owens was a valued and influential member of the Park Authority for over 10 years. During that time, he was a passionate advocate for the National Park and the communities of the Dale Peninsula.

“He argued strongly for initiatives and activities that enabled people from all backgrounds and abilities to visit and enjoy the National Park and always considered the impact of any decision on staff and their well-being.

“For five years, Reg chaired the Development Management Committee, which decides planning applications. He had his own unique style and was always welcoming and supportive of applicants and objectors, irrespective of their views.

“Reg saw great value in the role town and community councils play in the planning system and would always give significant weight to their views.

“Reg was often described as a great character and was a friend and supporter to all the members of the Park Authority. He will be greatly missed by all, and we value his contribution to the National Park. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”

Tributes to Mr Owens were also paid by chair of the council’s planning committee, Jacob Williams, who, at the February 13 committee meeting, recorded his “personal sadness at Councillor Owens’ passing,” offering his condolences to friends and family.

Education

Haverfordwest High closes early after heat raises safety concerns

Published

1 hour ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST VC HIGH SCHOOL has closed early today after extreme heat affected wall-mounted soundproofing boards around the building.

The school said several of the boards, including some positioned at height, could become unsafe and fall from the walls.

Pupils were initially moved to safe areas and placed under supervision while the situation was assessed by the school’s site management team and Pembrokeshire County Council maintenance officers.

Following discussions, a decision was made to close the school early so the boards could be removed safely.

School buses were due to arrive at 1.15pm to transport pupils who normally travel home by bus. Children attending a trip at Scolton Manor were expected to return to the school by 1pm.

Parents and carers who usually collect their children were asked to do so from 1.30pm.

Pupils who normally walk home were only permitted to leave after receiving parental permission. Parents could provide permission by sending their child a text message to show their form tutor or by contacting the school reception.

The school said it expected the affected boards to be removed today, allowing the school to reopen as normal tomorrow, Tuesday, July 14.

Parents will be updated through ParentMail if the work cannot be completed as planned.

Entertainment

Open-air theatre brings mystery and musical adventure to Carew Castle

Published

2 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SUMMER evenings at Carew Castle will be filled with mystery, music and family entertainment as two much-loved stories are brought to life in the historic castle grounds.

Audiences are being invited to pack a picnic, bring a rug or low-backed chair and enjoy professional touring theatre in one of Pembrokeshire’s most atmospheric settings.

Hot drinks and ice creams will also be available during the performances.

The first of this summer’s open-air productions takes place on Thursday, July 30, when the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company presents a new adaptation of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Featuring live music, audience interaction and inventive theatrical comedy, the production follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the deadly secret behind the Baskerville family curse.

Suitable for all ages, although parental guidance is advised, the show promises an evening of suspense, mayhem and laughter.

The entertainment continues on Tuesday, August 4, when Immersion Theatre brings its trademark energy to a musical adaptation of The Jungle Book.

Packed with original songs, audience participation and larger-than-life characters, the production follows Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera on a fast-paced jungle adventure.

The story features cheeky monkeys, a slithering snake and the fearsome tiger Shere Khan.

Recommended for children aged four and above, the show promises a funny, exciting and entertaining evening for the whole family.

Daisy Hughes, manager of Carew Castle, said: “What works so well about outdoor theatre at Carew Castle is the relaxed, sociable feel of it.

“People can bring a picnic, settle in with family and friends, and enjoy professional touring theatre without the formality of a traditional auditorium.

“This year’s productions offer two very different experiences, from the suspense and humour of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles to the colour, music and energy of The Jungle Book.

“They are exactly the kind of performances that work beautifully outdoors, with plenty for families and theatre fans to enjoy.”

Gates will open at 5.30pm for Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles, with the performance beginning at 6.30pm.

The show will run for approximately two hours, including an interval.

For The Jungle Book, gates will open at 4.45pm and the performance will begin at 5.30pm.

The show has an approximate running time of one hour and 25 minutes, with an interval between acts.

Tickets cost £16 for adults and £12 for children aged between three and 16.

A family ticket, covering two adults and two children or three adults and one child, costs £50.

Booking is essential through the Carew Castle website.

Tickets are non-refundable and performances will go ahead in wet weather. Visitors are advised to wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring a torch.

Caption: Live theatre returns to Carew Castle this summer, bringing stories, songs and suspense to the historic grounds.

Crime

Operation Lion returns to tackle summer antisocial behaviour in Tenby

Published

2 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A JOINT policing operation aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire will return during the busy summer holiday period.

Operation Lion brings together Transport for Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police and British Transport Police to provide an increased visible presence in the area as visitor numbers rise.

The annual operation, first launched in 2015, will run throughout the six-week school summer holidays, with dedicated patrols every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

British Transport Police officers will patrol Tenby and the surrounding area, working alongside Dyfed-Powys Police to respond to incidents and reassure residents, businesses and visitors.

Transport for Wales security teams will also patrol train services between Tenby and Pembroke Dock, while additional cover will be provided on the final service to Carmarthen.

The operation aims to reduce antisocial behaviour, public disorder and vandalism, while improving public safety through a visible police and security presence.

Organisers say the initiative has helped reduce summer incidents in previous years and has received positive feedback from businesses and communities in Tenby.

Transport for Wales security manager Simon Turton said: “We’re proud to once again support Operation Lion alongside our colleagues from British Transport Police and Dyfed-Powys Police.

“This initiative is a great example of partnership working in action. Through a proactive, community-focused approach, we have helped reduce antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire over the years, and we are committed to building on that success again this summer.

“Our aim is simple: to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy everything these fantastic areas have to offer in a safe and welcoming environment.”