Community

British Empire medals for service to the community

Published

11 years ago

October 31, 2014

THREE Pembrokeshire residents have been presented with their British Empire Medals. Doreen Hammersley from Tenby along with Frank Harries and John Evans, both from Pembroke Dock, received their medals from the Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, The Hon. Robin Lewis, last Friday at County Hall. Former Tenby Junior School teacher Mrs Hammersley, 88 was recognised for her services to the local community.

She is a leading light in the Girl Guide movement, which she has been involved in since the 1930s, as well as being an accomplished artist and an enthusiastic lace-maker and embroiderer. A member of Soroptimist International of Tenby and District for over 35 years, she sells her work to raise money for charity. Frank Harries, 85, is also recognised for his charity work. A well known face in Pembroke Dock, it is estimated he has collected around £200,000 for good causes throughout his life. Much of this money has been raised by writing shows and organising concerts not only locally but also nationally.

A keen sportsman in his younger days – particularly football and cricket – he has been Chairman of the local Probus and Round Table clubs and has long been associated with the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir. John Evans, the third recipient of the British Empire Medal, is honoured for his services to the preservation of Pembroke Dock and its military past.

Born at The Rhos, Haverfordwest, and a former journalist on The Western Telegraph, John, 63, is the driving force behind the Sunderland Trust, which celebrates Pembroke Dock’s historic link with the aircraft. Indeed, he is widely recognised as the country’s leading authority on Sunderland flying boats about which he has written several books. His latest project has been to open the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre based in the town’s Council-owned Royal Dockyard Chapel, where John met The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh when they visited at the end of April.

Community

PCSO clocks in after villagers raise speeding fears

Published

6 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HERBRANDSTON residents flagged fast-moving traffic as a key concern, prompting police to carry out speed checks in the village.

Concern over speeding in Herbrandston has prompted a local police response, with PCSO Adam out in the village carrying out speed checks after residents raised the issue through DPP Connect.

Milford Haven and Neyland Police said the concerns emerged after officers signed local people up to the messaging service, which allows residents to share feedback and receive updates from police.

Many of those who responded said speeding through the village was one of their main worries.

In response, PCSO Adam was deployed to monitor traffic and check vehicle speeds.

The move is likely to be welcomed by residents who have grown tired of motorists treating the village like a racetrack.

Community

Walk the Path for Wellbeing to span three counties in 2026

Published

22 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY is inviting communities, workplaces, families and friends to take part in the 2026 Walk the Path for Wellbeing challenge, with this year’s event expanding across three counties for the first time.

Taking place on Sunday, May 10 and Monday, May 11, the challenge will bring people together to celebrate the spectacular West Wales coastline through walking and other forms of active travel, while highlighting the strong links between nature, movement and wellbeing. A reserve weekend of May 17 and 18 has also been set aside in the event of severe weather.

Building on feedback from last year, the event will now take place over two days rather than one, giving more people the opportunity to get involved and creating a longer window for celebration, storytelling and community spirit.

While last year’s challenge focused on the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast, this year’s event will also include sections of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, bringing even more communities into the shared coastal celebration.

The two-day event will feature self-led sections for group entry. With the focus firmly on enjoyment, there is no pressure to complete every stage, and participants are encouraged to do only as much as they feel comfortable with. Together, those individual efforts will contribute to a shared goal of covering the full 313 miles of coastline.

Angela Robinson, Health and Wellbeing Officer at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “The coast has an extraordinary ability to lift people, connect communities and create lasting memories. By extending the event across two days and into neighbouring counties, we’re opening the door to even more people to celebrate that connection together and share their experiences on social media.”

Community

Ex-commercial hens need homes in Boncath or face slaughter

Published

2 days ago

April 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Spring appeal launched to rehome 180 birds by Friday deadline

AN URGENT appeal has been launched to find homes for 180 ex-commercial laying hens in Boncath before next weekend, with campaigners warning the birds may otherwise face slaughter.

The British Hen Welfare Trust is holding a rehoming event in Boncath on Saturday (Apr 11), but says kind-hearted adopters must register by 2:00pm on Friday (Apr 10) if the hens are to be given a second chance.

The charity says the birds, all around 18 months old, have reached the end of their commercial laying lives, despite still having plenty to offer as pets.

Supporters say hens are friendly, curious and easy to care for, and can continue to provide eggs while enjoying retirement in a garden or smallholding setting.

Andy Hill, of the British Hen Welfare Trust said: “People are often surprised by how much joy hens bring. They’re funny, curious little characters, they love routine, and they’re genuinely a delight to care for. Plus, they’re still more than happy to pop out the occasional egg.

“With spring finally here, this is the ideal time to start. These girls are more than ready for a fresh beginning, and they really do make wonderful pets.”

The trust says anyone willing to adopt must be able to provide food, water, shelter, security and a little care and attention.

The charity, founded in 2005, says it has now found retirement homes for more than one million ex-commercial hens across the UK, all of which would otherwise have been destined for slaughter.

People interested in adopting can visit the British Hen Welfare Trust website and select the Boncath rehoming event, or call the rehoming team on 01884 860084.