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

Hospital staff to climb Pen y Fan for Ward 4 fundraiser

Published

59 minutes ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

STAFF from Ward 4 at Withybush Hospital are preparing to climb Pen y Fan to raise money for their surgical ward.

The team will take on the challenge on Saturday, September 5, 2026, climbing the highest peak in South Wales in Bannau Brycheiniog.

The fundraiser aims to raise £500, with money going directly towards improving the ward environment for patients.

Staff said: “We have organised this event to raise funds that will go directly towards enhancing the ward environment for patients, including purchasing items such as TVs to improve comfort and wellbeing during their stay.

“We’re hoping to raise £500.”

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “A huge thank you to the team on Ward 4 for embracing the challenge and choosing to raise funds for their ward. We hope you have a fantastic day and truly enjoy the experience.

“The generous charitable donations we receive do not replace NHS funding. Instead, they support additional items and activities outside core NHS expenditure. These small extras make a big difference, and we are so grateful for every donation we receive.”

Donations can be made to the Ward 4 Pen y Fan fundraiser at: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/cf/ward-4-staff-at-withybush-hospital-s-pen-y-fan-cha

For more information about Hywel Dda Health Charities and how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit: hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales

Pictured:

Staff from Ward 4

Community

Charles Street to come alive for Milford Haven Founders Day

Published

1 hour ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CHARLES STREET will once again be transformed into a bustling pedestrian zone as Milford Haven celebrates its annual Founders Day on Saturday (June 6).

Milford Haven Business Circle, in collaboration with Milford Haven Town Council, is bringing the much-loved community event back to the town centre to celebrate the town’s heritage, history and community spirit.

The event will run from 11:00am until 4:00pm, with a programme of free family entertainment including bouncy castles, face painting, local stalls, community groups, activities for all ages and live entertainment organised by the Boulevard Theatre.

The day’s celebrations will also be professionally photographed by Captured Soul Photography.

Founders Day gives residents and visitors the chance to come together to celebrate Milford Haven’s past while supporting the businesses, organisations and community groups that continue to make the town a vibrant place today.

To allow the event to take place safely, a road closure will be in force from the junction of Francis Street to Dartmouth Street between 10:00am and 5:00pm. Once the closure is in place, Charles Street will become a pedestrian-only zone.

Medical and event safety cover throughout the day will be provided by Pegasus Ambulance Service.

Milford Haven Business Circle has thanked Milford Haven Town Council, Taste of Haven, PATCH, Tesco Milford Haven, Ambulance Friends, The Ascona Group and Green Light Traffic Management for their support in helping make this year’s event possible.

Business Circle members supporting the event include Cast N Craft Fishing for Health, Pegasus Ambulance Service, Elizabeth Christie Bridal Wear, Taste of Haven, Phoenix Yarns, Phoenix Bowl, Alf Seren Collectables, Granby’s, Captured Soul Photography, Moon Goddess Emporium and Milford Haven Town Council.

Everyone is welcome to attend and entry is free.

Community

Explore Pembrokeshire after hours with lighthouse tours and bat walks

Published

1 hour ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A SERIES of special evening events will offer visitors a different way to experience the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this summer.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is running exclusive after-hours events at Strumble Head Lighthouse and in St Davids, giving people the chance to explore the area’s heritage and wildlife as dusk falls.

Explore the Lighthouse tours will provide rare access to one of the coast’s best-known landmarks at Strumble Head. Led by National Park Authority staff, the small-group tours will begin with a first-hand account of lighthouse life from the current keeper.

A Ranger-led session will then look at the station’s maritime heritage, including the history of nearby shipwrecks, before exploring the lighthouse’s links with the Coast Path, surrounding farmland and the native wildlife that becomes active after dark.

The tours will take place on four Friday evenings this summer: June 19, July 3, July 17 and August 7. Two timed slots will be available each evening, from 5:00pm to 6:30pm and 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

In St Davids, Brilliant Bats will give visitors the chance to discover more about the wildlife that emerges from the nooks and crannies around the city’s iconic cathedral after dark.

Bat detectors will be provided, with guidance from a Park Authority Ranger on how to use them, as well as information about the elusive nocturnal creatures.

The bat walks will take place on Friday, August 14, from 8:15pm to 10:15pm, and Thursday, August 27, from 7:45pm to 9:45pm.

Rachel Perkins, Manager of Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre in St Davids, said: “These events offer a chance to experience familiar places in a completely different way.

“From stepping inside Strumble Lighthouse and hearing stories from the current keeper, to listening for bats around St Davids Cathedral after dark, each event brings people closer to the landscape, heritage and wildlife of the National Park.”

Booking is essential. Tickets for both Explore the Lighthouse and Brilliant Bats cost £10 per person and can be reserved at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.

Caption: Enjoy a different way of experiencing the Park this summer with special evening events run by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.