News

Pembrokeshire motorist dealt ‘life changing’ sentence

Published

2 years ago

April 3, 2024

A 31-YEAR-OLD motorist has been ordered off the roads for three years after refusing to provide a drugs sample following a previous conviction of drug-driving.

Luke Owen was convicted of driving over the legal drugs limit in May, 2022. This week he returned to the courts to face his second drug-drive related offence within a ten year period.

Owen, of Wayside Close, Simpson Cross, was stopped by officers just before 3pm on March 13 as he drove his Vauxhall Corsa through Haverfordwest.

“He was stopped as a result of information the officers had received that he may have been driving on drugs,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “When officers explained why he had been stopped, the defendant was initially dismissive and refused to provide a sample. He was just about to get arrested when he agreed to give a sample that was positive for cannabis.”

Owen was taken to a police custody suite where he was asked to give further blood tests for drugs analysis. But Ms Baker said that upon his arrival, Owen persistently refused too provide the tests.

This week Owen pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

“He didn’t realise how serious it would be, by failing to provide a specimen,” said probation officer Julie Norman.

Meanwhile Owen’s solicitor, Tom Lloyd, said the conviction would have a major impact on his day-to-day life.

“Losing his licence is going to be life-changing,” he said. “His income is going to suffer considerably as he currently has a good employment record with a local cleaning company. But being unable to drive to and from work is going to be very difficult. This is going to be a huge punishment for him.”

Owen was disqualified from driving for three years. He was given a 12-month community order which will include ten rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.

Charity

Tenby Freemasons donate £400 to cancer care charity

Published

30 minutes ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TENBY Freemasons have donated £400 to Tenovus Cancer Care following a raffle held during the lodge’s annual installation banquet.

The raffle took place on the night Damian Brown was installed as Master of Tenby Freemasons Lodge.

As is tradition at the annual installation meeting, the incoming Master chooses a charity to receive the proceeds.

Mr Brown selected Tenovus Cancer Care, a Wales-based charity which supports people affected by cancer through expert advice, counselling and mobile support units.

The charity also funds research into new cancer drugs, improved treatments, and better ways to diagnose and prevent the disease.

Mr Brown later visited the Tenovus shop in Pembroke with lodge charity steward Steve Thurgood, where he presented the donation to volunteer Elena.

Pictured: Damian Brown and Steve Thurgood present the donation to Tenovus volunteer Elena.

Charity

Local cycling legend Ted celebrates 90th birthday

Published

55 minutes ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Much-loved GTBAL regular inspires community with stories of adventure, resilience and kindness

A WELL-KNOWN face at one of Pembrokeshire’s best-loved community cafés is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Ted turns ninety.

For the last seven years, Ted has been a familiar presence at GTBAL — short for Get The Boys A Lift — the Haverfordwest-based community coffee shop and mental health support hub on Dew Street.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after the gym, Ted and friends make their way in for an extra hot cappuccino, conversation and companionship.

Staff and customers say Ted has become part of the “fabric of the community”, with many captivated by the extraordinary stories he shares from a life packed with adventure.

Ted’s experiences have included working as a fine jewellery designer, sailing around the world and raising his family while living aboard a boat.

But perhaps one of his most inspiring achievements came later in life.

At the age of eighty-five, Ted completed a solo and unsupported cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End on his famous trike, raising money for GTBAL along the way. He crossed the finish line on his eighty-sixth birthday.

Many local residents will recognise Ted from his distinctive trike, which has become something of a symbol of his determination and adventurous spirit.

GTBAL said: “What makes Ted so special isn’t just what he’s done. It’s his kindness, his positivity, his curiosity, and the way he can brighten someone’s day with a simple conversation.

“If you see Ted in the shop or out and about, stop and say hello. Spend a few minutes listening to his stories. You’ll leave richer for it.”

As Ted celebrates his ninetieth birthday, friends and customers alike have paid tribute to a man described as an inspiration — proof that age is no barrier to living life with purpose, adventure and generosity.

Cover image:

Ted on his famous trike during one of his fundraising adventures for GTBAL (Pic: GTBAL).

Community

Hospital staff to climb Pen y Fan for Ward 4 fundraiser

Published

3 hours 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