News

Systemic failings within the fire service led to firefighter’s death

Published

9 months ago

July 23, 2024

THE TRAGIC death of a firefighter during a training exercise almost five years ago has been officially ruled as an accident by an inquest jury.

Josh Gardener, 35, from Milford Haven, suffered a fatal head injury on September 17, 2019, while training with the Mid and West Wales Fire Service on the Cleddau River.

The incident occurred when the vessel carrying Mr Gardener collided with another inflatable craft, leading to a devastating impact that threw him into the water. The collision resulted in a severe head injury described as a “deep chop wound.” Despite immediate rescue efforts by a crew member who jumped into the water, it was evident that Mr Gardener’s injuries were fatal. He was pronounced dead at 11:55 am after the crew arrived at Neyland Yacht Club, where they were met by ambulance and police services.

***Josh Gardener’s funeral in Milford Haven was attended by hundreds. (Pic Herald)***

The inquest, held at County Hall, Haverfordwest and led by acting senior coroner Paul Bennett, opened with a post-mortem examination revealing that Mr Gardener died from a “disruption of the head.” The jury concluded that the incident was accidental after hearing evidence of the circumstances surrounding the training exercise.

Mr Gardener had joined the fire service just a year before his death, fulfilling a lifelong dream of working in emergency services. Previously, he had worked as an offshore wind farm technician. His family, in a heartfelt statement read during the inquest, described him as a “son to be proud of” and a devoted father of two who cared deeply for his family.

***Paying their respects: Fire fighters at St Katherine’s Church, Milford Haven***

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report presented during the inquest highlighted several issues in the preparation and execution of the training exercise. The report pointed out that the exercise had not been adequately planned and that there was a lack of clear leadership and coordination. It was noted that neither vessel was keeping an effective lookout, resulting in a failure to maintain awareness of the boats’ relative positions and movements.

A crucial finding of the MAIB report was that the helmsman of one of the vessels had inexplicably undertaken a full circle turn despite the proximity to the other craft. This manoeuvre, against the agreed plan to rendezvous further upstream, led directly to the collision. Additionally, it was revealed that protective headgear was available on both vessels but was not worn by any crew members, as it was considered uncomfortable and obstructive to communication. However, the MAIB report concluded that even if Mr Gardener had been wearing a helmet, it is unlikely it would have prevented his death.

***The rib involved in the accident (Pic: Herald)***

The inquest also disclosed that the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s pre-activity planning requirements were not met, and standard operating procedures were not followed. No individual had been assigned overall responsibility for the activity, and there was no designated person in charge during the exercise.

Following the inquest’s conclusion, the family of Mr Gardener expressed that the verdict provided a sense of closure and acknowledged the ongoing investigations by the Health and Safety Executive and the Marine and Coastguard Agency. They emphasised the significance of the MAIB report, which underscored systemic failings within the fire service.

In a tribute read during the hearing, Mr Gardener was remembered as a “committed and caring family man” who had always aspired to serve in the emergency services. His dedication to his role and his family was profoundly evident.

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas of the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service extended his condolences to Mr Gardener’s family, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy. He assured that the fire service had implemented several new practices and reviewed procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.

“We hope that the conclusion of the inquiry brings some form of closure to the family,” said Mr Thomas. “We have learned from this investigation and are committed to continuous improvement to ensure the safety of our personnel during training exercises.”

The significant amount of time between the tragic accident and the inquest is due to legal wrangling. The Fire & Rescue Service sought a judicial review of the Coroner’s decision, based on seven grounds. This brought to light several pressing issues:

Report Presentation in Inquest: A significant contention revolved around how the MAIB report should be presented before the jury. The Fire & Rescue Service challenged that fairness requires them to question criticisms in the report and to give evidence in response.
Fresh Investigation Consideration: The Fire & Rescue Service claimed the Coroner misapplied the criteria to determine if a fresh investigation was necessary rather than relying on the MAIB report.
Misunderstanding of Applicable Law: The Fire & Rescue Service alleges that the Coroner misunderstood regulatory standards, leading to a flawed perspective on the MAIB’s investigation and report.
Engagement with Submissions: The Fire & Rescue Service believed the Coroner misunderstood its submissions and failed to engage with them adequately in the Ruling. This, they argued, resulted in an incomplete and potentially skewed analysis of their challenge.

Mr Justice Eyre, after a comprehensive review of the presented facts and arguments, dismissed the application brought forth by the Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service in July 2023. The judge’s decision was rooted in procedural rigour, clarity over jurisdictional matters, and understanding the scope and purpose of the inquest.

News

First UK broadcasting devolution study gets go ahead

Published

8 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST four-nations study of broadcasting policy in a devolved UK is set to begin following the awarding of a major research grant to a Welsh expert.

Leading the study, Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University will work alongside Dr Phil Ramsey from Ulster University, Dr Inge Sorensen from the University of Glasgow, and Dr Tom Chivers from Goldsmiths, University of London.

***Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and TV Studies at Aberystwyth University***

Many policy areas, such as health and education, are the responsibility of the devolved governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

However, the legislative and ministerial powers for broadcasting remain in Westminster; held by the Secretary of State for the UK-wide Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

There is growing pressure from political parties in the devolved nations for broadcasting powers to be devolved, most recently in the Plaid Cymru and Scottish National Party manifestos for the 2024 General Election.

Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies has been awarded a £79,600 Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Curiosity Grant to conduct the research.

Professor Medhurst said: “The concept of the UK – as a unitary state, made up of four nations – is coming increasingly under pressure, and the issue of how broadcasting both reacts to and shapes these debates is a growing issue on policy, political and academic horizons.

“This two-year project will provide a unique and novel forum for discussion, knowledge exchange and cooperation on current and future broadcasting policy in an evolving UK, with a focus on the devolution of broadcasting powers to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.”

Dr Patrick Finney, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Aberystwyth University said: “This research will make an important and timely contribution by helping to inform future debate and decision-making; benefitting policymakers, researchers, stakeholders and wider public understanding at a critical moment in the future of UK public service broadcasting.”

The research team will hold a workshop in each of the nations, bringing together academics, policymakers, politicians, and broadcasters to consider how broadcasting might operate in a more devolved United Kingdom.

Following each workshop, a briefing paper will be produced, drawing together the main issues discussed, together with policy recommendations.

In April 2027, a UK-wide conference will be held, where the final project report will be published. The report will reflect on the findings of the project and will provide a strong evidence base for decision making and policymaking going forward.

Community

Haverfordwest Carnival to make a comeback after six-year hiatus

Published

8 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MUCH-LOVED Haverfordwest Carnival, which has been absent from the local summer calendar for six years, is set to return in 2025. The event, which last took place in 2019 before the pandemic caused large gatherings to be cancelled, is eagerly anticipated by locals who are hopeful for a vibrant revival.

The carnival, known for its bright floats, marching bands, and community spirit, will once again fill the streets of the county town next year. It is being organized by Pure West Radio in partnership with Haverfordwest Town Council, and they are now reaching out to the public for input on key details, including the theme, preferred date, and ways to support the event.

Pure West Radio shared the exciting news on social media, announcing, “After six years, Haverfordwest Carnival is back for 2025! We’re partnering with Haverfordwest Town Council to bring back this iconic event, and we want to hear from you. What theme would you like to see? What day works best for you? And how would you like to get involved? Share your thoughts with us here.”

The announcement has been met with excitement from the community. Emma Flan reminisced, “The carnival was always the highlight of the summer when I was growing up. The town would be buzzing, with everyone out enjoying the day and night. So happy to see it returning, and I hope everyone gets involved.”

Others, like Michelle Dukes, agreed, saying, “It’s great news – the town really needs an event like this,” while Lucy Lulu Eagles fondly recalled, “I loved the carnival! I’d always look forward to the band playing and seeing the floats with the kids.”

One memorable edition of the carnival took place in 2006, when it was held at the Picton Playing Fields, featuring a Queen tribute act and a junior talent show. The 2018 carnival marked a major revival of the event after a few years’ absence, with a maritime theme celebrating the ‘Year of the Sea.’ Despite the wet weather, the procession, which started from County Hall, drew a big crowd and made its way through the town to Bridge Meadow.

The 2019 carnival saw the event moved to a Sunday as a grand finale to Haverfordwest Festival Week, and the sunny weather ensured a wonderful day out for all involved.

While the weather remains unpredictable for 2025, local input is highly encouraged to help make the event one to remember. If you have ideas or feedback, you can share them via the survey linked above.

Community

Classic motorcycles roar into Haverfordwest this weekend

Published

12 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CLASSIC bike enthusiasts are gearing up for a spectacular event at Haverhub this Saturday (May 3), as the Pembrokeshire Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club hosts its eleventh annual Classic Bike Show.

The event, which runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm, is free to attend and promises a stunning display of 55 classic motorcycles, spanning from the 1920s through to the 1990s.

The show supports a range of worthy causes, including Milford Haven Sea Cadets, VC Gallery, Blood Bikes Wales, the Welsh Air Ambulance, road safety initiatives, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Liver Transplant Centre – which serves patients across Wales – and Haverhub itself.

Crowd favourite Becket “The Bullet” Thomas will be providing live entertainment during the afternoon, adding to the festival atmosphere.

Although entry is free, organisers are encouraging visitors to make donations to the supported charities, all of which provide vital services both locally and nationally.

A spokesperson for the club said: “We are really excited to showcase these wonderful machines and to support so many good causes at the same time. It’s a great day out for all ages.”

The event takes place at Haverhub, Quay Street, Haverfordwest. All classic bikes are welcome.

For more information or to register a bike, contact Glyn on 07795 485724 or email [email protected].