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Pembroke Dock designer turns illness into inspiration

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A YOUNG woman from Pembroke Dock is making waves in the fashion world after turning a serious illness into a source of creative power.

Designer Keesha Haines, the founder of bold clothing label Fungarees, was recently named a finalist at the Pembrokeshire Fashion Festival — an achievement made even more remarkable given her journey.

Keesha spent a year bedridden after being diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system and can cause severe fatigue and dizziness. Doctors warned her she might be dependent on medication and confined to a wheelchair by the age of 30.

But instead of accepting that prognosis, Keesha channelled her frustration into creativity. She began using make-up and accessories as a way to express herself when words failed — a form of therapy that evolved into fashion design and ultimately, into the creation of her brand Fungarees.

The Fungarees Collection is described as functional, fearless and fiercely personal. Each piece celebrates freedom, individuality and strength — designed for people who live life with energy, intent and attitude.

James Silbers, Founder and Director of Silbers CIC, said his organisation had been proud to support Keesha’s journey.
He said: “Keesha is a shining example of resilience and creativity. She’s transformed adversity into art, and she’s inspiring others along the way.”

Silbers CIC works to transform lives through education, play and nature, and has been mentoring Keesha as she develops her brand and takes her designs to wider audiences.

Keesha’s work continues to gain attention online, where her designs are shared under @keeshaleeart, @keeshaleefacepainter and @galdemglitz.

Business

RM Training and Security Solutions shortlisted for major UK festival industry awards

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Support service and supplier categories recognise Milford Haven firm’s work with outdoor events

RM TRAINING and Security Solutions Ltd has been shortlisted for two national honours at the Festival Supplier Awards 2026, placing the Pembrokeshire-based company among the top outdoor-event service providers in the UK.

The finalists were announced this week ahead of the awards ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in central London. The annual event celebrates the teams and suppliers who deliver festivals and large-scale outdoor events across Britain.

RM Training and Security Solutions has been named a finalist in two categories — Best Support Service (Training) and Best Supplier — recognising its growing reputation for high-quality training provision, professional standards, and reliable on-the-ground event support.

Now in their eleventh year, the Festival Supplier Awards have become a staple of the industry calendar, providing a platform for companies to showcase innovation, specialist expertise and sector-leading achievements.

Event director Michelle Tayton said the standard of entries this year had been exceptional.

“Once again, we’ve been blown away by both the volume and calibre of entries for the Festival Supplier Awards,” she said. “Our finalists really highlight the creativity, capability and capacity that exists within the outdoor event industry. Making the shortlist is an achievement in itself and RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd has been recognised for its hard work and ability to deliver.”

Entries are judged by a panel of high-profile industry professionals, including representatives from Live Nation, IMG, London Marathon Events, CarFest, Engine No.4, Stable Events, and other major UK organisers.

The ceremony and gala dinner will take place in London on Thursday, 29 January 2026.

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Business

New sewing studio in Haverfordwest offering bespoke dressmaking and workshops

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Councillor welcomes Seam Shop Atelier to Quay Street

A NEW sewing and dressmaking studio has opened in the heart of Haverfordwest, offering everything from clothing alterations to custom-designed garments.

County Councillor for the Castle Ward, Thomas Tudor, visited Seam Shop Atelier this week and praised the business for bringing new skills and services to the town. The studio is run by professional seamstress Flavia Santos, who has built a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and a passion for creative design.

Wide range of services

Seam Shop Atelier provides a full suite of alteration and repair services, including zipper replacements, hemming for skirts, dresses, trousers and coats, sleeve adjustments, and general garment repairs.

The shop also specialises in bridal and occasion wear, offering expert fitting and alterations for wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and prom dresses.

As a trained dressmaker, Flavia also produces custom designs and handmade items—ranging from bespoke dresses to accessories—tailored to each client’s needs.

In addition, the business offers curtain alteration services, including shortening, adding new tape and updating linings.

Workshops for all ages

The studio is set to host sewing workshops for different age groups, including introductory sessions for children aged eight to twelve, helping young learners gain confidence with sewing machines and garment creation.

Welcoming a new business to the town

Speaking after his visit, Cllr Tudor said he was delighted to see a new independent business opening its doors in Quay Street, adding that Flavia’s skills and enthusiasm would be an asset to the community.

Location

Seam Shop Atelier is located at 8 Quay Street, Haverfordwest.

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Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

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A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

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