Community

Train enthusiasts let off steam

Published

11 years ago

November 12, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Wood burner: Engineering enthusiasts on an American loco

P E M B R O K E S H I R E MODEL ENGINEERS played host to no less than nine visiting engines on Saturday (Sep 20) when members of The Swansea Model Engineering Club came to visit them at their half mile long track behind The Meads Sports Centre in Priory Road Milford Haven. The visitors each brought their 5 inch gauge models along with them with an exception to Bill, who brought his 3 and a half inch gauge LNER 0-8-0 Q6. As he passed the photographer he said: “Look no hands!” A Co-Co GWR Class 52 diesel-hydraulic was also on the scene thanks to Ken.It was by far the longest engine on the track at almost 6 feet in length. The Co-co classification simply means that each bogie holds 6 wheels. Ken’s engine is powered by batteries although the full sized engines are diesel hydraulic. This taken aside, if out to the test it is a very capable engine and can easily and consistently pull a load that exceeds half a ton. The members had a drive of different engines whilst swapping around. Also at the event was Bobbie, who is a PME member and anyone that went to the exhibition in Milford Haven last September would have seen Bobbie’s engine on the PME display. For this visit Nick brought his 0-6-0 ‘Simplex’. Martin Evans was the original designer for the ‘Simplex’. It is an extremely popular design for model engineers as a basis of variations such as lengthening and adding extra axles. Completed in LMS colours, Nick’s engine was almost unmodified and performed all day without fault, much to Nick’s pleasure! Lunch was in the form of fish and chips which was organised for the visitors and members. Some of the drivers were enjoying themelves so much that they ate on the go! Also to bring a ‘Simplex’ was James. He spent all day driving around the track with the engine performing faultlessly. His driving skills and care and attention with the maintenance of his engine is a credit to James. His engine is in a spotless condition! Able to pull loads of over a ton is the 6100 Class GWR 2-6-2 tank engine which was brought along by the ever casually dresses, Ivor. The engine performed without a fault and Ivor informed that it weighs just over 170kg. This is no toy, all engines are working engines in their own right! Taking a different approach on driving was John on his 2-6-0 Mogul, he was laying rather than sitting and his driving trolley has been made specifically for this. The overcast weather did not become a problem and the fun carried on all afternoon. Soon the day came to an end, fires were dropped and engines packed away. The end of the day saw everyone gather in the clubhouse to catch up with old friends and finish off the refreshments provided by the wives of the members.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.