News

Pembrokeshire County Council commemorates VE Day 80 with poignant ceremony

Published

7 months ago

May 9, 2025

Wartime songs and children’s artwork mark solemn but celebratory event

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL staff, councillors, and members of the public gathered yesterday (May 8) to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a series of commemorative events at County Hall, Haverfordwest.

Local children’s VE Day 80 artwork on display at County Hall

The official VE Day 80 proclamation was read aloud during a respectful outdoor ceremony, with the Council Chairman and Chief Executive Will Bramble in attendance. The proclamation was followed by the raising of the specially commissioned VE Day 80 flag, paying tribute to the moment in 1945 when the guns fell silent across Europe after six years of war.

Inside County Hall, the air was filled with nostalgic wartime songs, performed with enthusiasm by council staff and accompanied on keyboard by a colleague. Bunting and banners bearing the VE Day 80 logo adorned the building, creating a festive but respectful atmosphere.

A highlight of the indoor display was a striking exhibition of children’s artwork and historical research. Dozens of handmade posters, patriotic drawings, and VE Day-themed projects created by local school pupils were displayed throughout the foyer and stairwells. These included Union Jack motifs, historical photographs, and written accounts reflecting on the sacrifices made by the wartime generation.

Presiding Member Cllr Hancock said: “It was an honour to read the VE Day 80th proclamation.

“It was a lovely service and great to see the VE Day flag flying at County Hall.

“As the proclamation stated: ‘We remember those we lost, those who were wounded or scarred and those whose lives were forever changed by war.’

“We thank them for everything they did so that we enjoy our freedoms today.”

Cllr Jon Harvey, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, added: “The 80th anniversary of VE Day has provided a timely opportunity to remember the sacrifices of the Second World War generation.

“It was an honour to be part of the commemorations at County Hall to pay tribute and remember the day peace was secured and victory declared across Europe.”

Cllrs Harvey and Hancock added their thanks to the Pembrokeshire Archives team for their fascinating display and to the local school children for their fantastic posters on the theme of VE Day.

Full Council was adjourned at 10.45am to allow Members to attend the Haverfordwest Town Council and Royal British Legion VE Day service at Salutation Square, Haverfordwest, and the national two-minute silence was observed at 12 midday.

The council’s commemoration formed part of a wider national effort to mark VE Day 80, encouraging reflection, gratitude, and community spirit.

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.