Community

Service marks memorial for stillborn babies

Published

10 years ago

November 20, 2014

At the service: Rev Geoffrey Eynon;
James Allen, Superintendent and
Registrar; Shane Morgan of Tom
Newing & Son; Canon Geoffrey
Gwyther; Robin Folland of Roy
Folland & Son; Elfyn Evans, former
gravedigger City Road Cemetery; Pat
James and Father Liam Bradley.

ON MONDAY (Sept 29), a memorial was unveiled at a special remembrance service in order to remember Pembrokeshire’s lost children. Members of the public attended the service at City Road Cemetery, Haverfordwest, placing flowers around the memorial to remember the hundred’s of stillborn babies in Pembrokeshire, who lie in unmarked graves. Maureen Colgan, aged 80 of Pembroke Dock lost two babies over 50 years ago, and said the memorial helped a lot. She said: “I have grieved every year since I lost them and I have never forgotten them. In those days, nothing was done when your babies died.

I did not even know where they were buried. The memorial means a lot.” Between 1928 and 1975, it is estimated that 400 stillborn babies were born. At that time, it was also common practice to take them from their mothers without any ritual. Most of the babies were buried at City Road Cemetery, and the memorial is the culmination of years of campaigning by Pat James from Milford Haven, who is Pembrokeshire County Council’s Crematorium Assistant at Parc Gwyn, Narberth. Pat said she is pleased that parents would not be able to get ‘closure’.

She said: “Today, parents of stillborn babies are given a chance to say goodbye to their children with proper burials or cremations, but it wasn’t always so in the past. I hope this new memorial will give those mothers and fathers some solace. Hopefully it will be a place for them to come and reflect.” Pat thanked those who had contributed to the funding, such as J Cecil Jones of Monumental Masons in Swansea, Milford Haven funeral director Tom Newing and Sons, and Haverfordwest undertaken Roy Folland and Sons, who provided four trees to mark the area.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

8 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

17 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

20 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.