Community

Residents hit back after YouTube video shows Milford ‘in decline’

Published

2 years ago

March 17, 2024

IT’S been the talk of social media this weekend. A YouTube video created by Carmarthen-based Jason Thomas has become the centre of local debate after his walk-around film didn’t portray Milford Haven in a favourable light.

Thomas, who became an online sensation with his series “My Welsh Nan” – which had millions of followers – sought to chronicle the historical and modern facets of Wales’s largest port town.

His video, which was released on 5 March 2024, drew attention to the town’s storied past, but also mentioned the decline of the fishing docks and the closure of the local police station.

However, the portrayal has upset many residents, leading to an outpouring of both criticism of the film and steadfast support for Milford Haven.

Not loved by locals: Jason Thomas’ video

Local community members have taken to social media platforms, notably Facebook, to voice their concerns and highlight the town’s positive aspects. John Hodge’s post on the “Pembrokeshire – I LOVE IT!” page marked the beginning of the backlash.

Hodge criticised Thomas for selectively showcasing areas that cast Milford Haven in a negative light, including the out-of-season paddling pool, while seemingly ignoring the town’s culinary and aesthetic appeal. He argued that the video did not do justice to the strides Milford Haven has made in recent years, nor did it acknowledge the efforts of local businesses and the community to revitalise the town.

Hodge’s sentiment was echoed by Anthony Jobson, who praised Milford Haven as a “thriving little town” in contrast to the perceived stagnation of neighbouring areas like Haverfordwest. Jobson, among others, highlighted the vibrant Marina, the array of local shops, and the burgeoning restaurant scene as testaments to Milford Haven’s resilience and growth.

The response from the community has been overwhelming, with many residents sharing their own experiences and insights into the town’s development. From the Harbourmaster’s esteemed dining to the collective efforts in litter picking and beautification projects, the townspeople are keen to showcase Milford Haven’s transformation and communal spirit.

***Jason Thomas with his late-grandmother, star of “My Welsh Nan”***

Critics of Thomas’s video, such as Rhian Bray, accused the YouTuber of deliberately focusing on negative aspects to garner attention. This practice, according to Bray and others, misrepresents the town and undermines the hard work of its residents to maintain and enhance its appeal.

The debate has spurred a wider discussion on the role of social media and individual narratives in shaping perceptions of local communities. While some argue that Thomas’s video offers a skewed perspective, others see it as a call to action for further investment and improvement in Milford Haven.

The community’s response to the video is a powerful reminder of the pride residents take in their town. Efforts to highlight the positive developments in Milford Haven, from its thriving Marina to the array of dining and entertainment options, reflect a collective commitment to overcoming challenges and celebrating local achievements.

Scenes from Jason Thomas’ video about Milford Haven

In response to the criticism his video brought him, Jason Thomas said: “I visited the historic town with the hope of exploring its forts, but unfortunately, the tours were not available at the time.

“Nevertheless, I was captivated by the rich history and the warm hospitality of the locals. If people take the time to watch the video and read the bio on YouTube , they will see that it does not portray the town in a negative light. It’s disheartening to see how some individuals are quick to comment on social media posts without considering both sides of the story.

“I had planned to stay in the town, but due to train cancellations and the hotel’s failure to respond to my booking inquiry, I had to change my plans.

“The town has immense potential, and if there’s anyone to blame, it should be the County council, Town council, and landlords who charge exorbitant rents.

“It is my hope that people will shift their focus from social media comments and instead invest their energy in revitalising the town. I look forward to returning in the spring to explore the fort once again.”

Community

Crowds line streets as tractor run hailed a festive success

Published

4 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CROWDS lined streets and pavements across Pembrokeshire on Saturday evening (Dec 20) as Clarbeston Road AFC’s illuminated Christmas tractor run was hailed a resounding success.

More than 200 tractors took part in the event, travelling through villages and towns including Newmoat, Maenclochog, Llys-y-frân, Walton East, Clarbeston Road, Wiston, Newbridge, Poyston Cross, Crundale and Haverfordwest, where large crowds gathered to watch the festive convoy pass through.

Families, children and residents wrapped up against the cold to enjoy the sight of tractors decorated with Christmas lights and festive displays, with applause and waves greeting drivers as they made their way through built-up areas and rural roads alike.

The convoy set off from the Clarbeston Road AFC Knock Playing Fields at 5:30pm and concluded at the County Showground in Haverfordwest later in the evening. At the end of the run, refreshments were available and the raffle draw took place at the Park House building, which was open to the public.

Organisers said the turnout from both drivers and spectators exceeded expectations, with the event once again bringing communities together while raising funds for local causes, including The Catrin Vaughan Foundation, In It With Isaac, and Wales Air Ambulance.

Clarbeston Road AFC thanked tractor drivers, volunteers, sponsors and members of the public for their support, as well as residents and road users for their patience while the convoy passed through.

The illuminated tractor run has become a firm fixture in the local festive calendar, with Friday night’s event described by many spectators as one of the best yet.

Community

Charity tractor and car run set to raise funds for Macmillan and Paul Sartori

Published

6 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A CHARITY tractor and car run in memory of Charles Rees is set to take place in Pembrokeshire later this month, with funds raised supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Charles Rees Tractor & Car Run will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, starting and finishing at Dudwell Farm in Camrose.

Participants are being invited to “start their engines” in aid of the two charities, with gates opening at 9:00am and the convoy leaving promptly at 10:30am. Organisers have confirmed that the run will operate with no halfway stops, returning to Dudwell Farm at the end of the route.

The event will begin and finish at Dudwell Farm, Camrose (SA62 6HJ), and is open to tractors and cars. Registration and cash payment will take place on the day, with the price to be confirmed nearer the event.

Additional donations can also be made locally in the run-up to the event at Camrose Country Hardware and Croesgoch Stores.

The run has been organised to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides vital care and assistance to people living with cancer, and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which supports patients and families across Pembrokeshire during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

Organisers say more information will be released closer to the event and are encouraging the local community to support the run, whether by taking part, donating, or lining the route to show support.

The event is expected to attract strong local interest, continuing Pembrokeshire’s tradition of community-led fundraising in support of much-valued charities.

Community

Cilgerran school could be discontinued as consultation launched

Published

19 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CONSULTATION on proposed changes for a north Pembrokeshire school, which attracted a near-400-strong petition in opposition to the council, has been launched.

At its May meeting, Pembrokeshire County Council considered a report of the School Modernisation Working Group which outlined the findings of a review of education provision in the Preseli area.

“In particular, the review considered the extent of surplus school places in the area, set against a significant decline in the pupil population,” the council in its consultation on proposals for discontinuation of Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School has said.

A later July meeting of the council, following May’s agreed consultation with St David’s Diocese, backed a general consultation to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School, and to establish it as a 3-11 community school.

The consultation was launched on December 16 and runs to January 30.

Hundreds have opposed the proposed changes, with a petition, on the council’s own website opposing the changes recently closed after gaining 391 signatures.

Any petition of between 100 and 499 signatures triggers a debate at one of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees, and any over 500 a debate at full council, meaning this petition will be heard by committee members at a later date.

The proposals for Cilgerran are part of a wide range of potential education changes in the county.

Two petitions, opposing the potential closures of Manorbier and Ysgol Clydau schools, were recently heard at full council and a further petition opposing the potential closure of Stepaside School has recently been launched.

The Cilgerran e-petition, created by Louise Williams, raised concerns including the school could become part of a federation, a loss of permanent head teacher on site, a shared head teacher would have to oversee several schools, loss of funding control and the ability to maintain the school’s current healthy and stable funding, and a loss of commitment to the church, in turn could impact on the school’s and pupils values, beliefs and cultural beliefs.

It said: “Ysgol Cilgerran VC school has strong links with the Church community in Cilgerran and we believe this will have a negative impact on the children who attend the school, the community of Cilgerran and the links between the two.

“We are proud of our school ethos and values which are strengthened by our links with the church. The school has close and strong relationships with our Church in Wales federation governors one of which is also our safeguarding governor.

“Our Church Federation governors work closely with the school and are regular visitors to the school and the children. They provide vital support and guidance to the school and have a positive impact on the Children’s education. We believe these links will be weakened by this proposal to remove our VC status and we believe this is an un-necessary action.”