Community

Anchor re-dedicated to mark 30 years of US–Haverfordwest ties

Published

5 months ago

January 27, 2026

Service honours shared history, service and friendship on the Quayside

A SYMBOL of Haverfordwest’s wartime and Cold War connections with the United States was formally re-dedicated on Tuesday (Jan 27), marking 30 years since the anchor was first presented to the town by the US Naval Facility at Brawdy.

The re-dedication service was hosted by Haverfordwest Town Council and brought together civic leaders, veterans, serving personnel and members of the public to honour service, remember history and celebrate enduring friendship between the UK and the US.

The Mayor welcomed guests including the Mayor’s Chaplain, the Reverend Heather Cale, along with civic dignitaries His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Dyfed, Patricia Mawuli Porter, and the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Ann Jones. Also present were fellow councillors, invited guests and veterans, including James Phillips, Colonel (RN) and Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales, David Griggs, Lieutenant Commander (RN) and former Royal Navy Liaison Officer at the facility, and Squadron Leader David Warneford (RN), former Commanding Officer of RAF Brawdy.

Representatives from the 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare) at Brawdy and the Royal British Legion attended, alongside members of Pembrokeshire County Council, the town mayors of Neyland, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, the Joint Presidents of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society/County Show and local historian Mark Muller.

Family links to the original ceremony in 1996 were also recognised. Jonathan, the son of the late Mayor Councillor D Twigg—who was Mayor of Haverfordwest when the anchor was first presented—attended with his mother. Apologies were noted from former Town Clerk Mrs Pat Lewis, who had been in post at the time of the original presentation.

The service opened with reflection and prayer from the Mayor’s Chaplain before Dr Simon Hancock, Armed Forces Champion at Pembrokeshire County Council and Haverfordwest Museum Curate, set out the historical context of the US Naval Facility at Brawdy, its relationship with the local community and the significance of the anchor’s presentation in 1996.

Town councillor Randell Thomas-Turner offered a personal reflection, recalling that his father had been stationed at the US facility and speaking of the human connections forged during the American presence at Brawdy and the lasting bonds between service families and local communities.

Veteran Squadron Leader David Warneford followed with reflections on shared service and alliance, and on the continuing relationship between the US and the UK. The Mayor then spoke of the anchor as a permanent part of the town’s heritage and the importance of international partnership, before the formal act of re-dedication was led jointly by the Mayor and Mr Warneford.

Music included Sousa’s Hands Across the Sea, underscoring the theme of transatlantic friendship. The service concluded with a blessing and closing remarks, with thanks extended to speakers, organisers and attendees.

With Storm Chandra moving in at the start of the ceremony at 12.30pm, proceedings were held upstairs at the Town Council offices, allowing guests to look out towards the Quayside anchor from a distance. As the rain eased by the close of the service, attendees joined the Mayor, Sheriff and councillors at the anchor site itself, where a newly painted anchor and new interpretation sign—installed by Town Council staff—were unveiled.

A live recording of the re-dedication service has been shared in two parts on the Pure West Radio Facebook page, with thanks given to Alex at Pure West Radio, council staff, speakers and the Reverend Heather Cale for their support in making the event possible.

Community

Armed Forces Day exhibition opens at VC Gallery’s new Riverside home

Published

54 minutes ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A UNIQUE exhibition bringing together military history, art and veterans’ stories will open to the public in Haverfordwest as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations later this month.

The VC Gallery will host a special open day at its new Riverside Gallery on Saturday, June 27, inviting the community to explore an exhibition featuring works from the Imperial War Museum alongside historic wartime artefacts, trench art and pieces connected to celebrated Welsh artist Augustus John.

The event will also showcase contemporary artwork created by Armed Forces veterans who served in conflicts including Korea, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Organisers say the exhibition highlights not only military history and remembrance, but also the role creativity can play in supporting mental health, wellbeing and recovery.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet members of the VC Gallery team and learn more about an ambitious new project aimed at supporting veterans, families and the wider community.

The exhibition combines nationally significant historical works with personal stories of service and resilience, offering a rare opportunity to view military history through the eyes of those who experienced it.

Families are particularly welcome, with guided family art tours available by advance booking.

The event begins at 10:00am and takes place at the VC Riverside Gallery in Haverfordwest.

Anyone wishing to reserve a place on a guided family tour should email [email protected].

The VC Gallery said it is looking forward to welcoming visitors as it commemorates Armed Forces Day while celebrating the power of art, heritage and community to bring people together.

Community

Government hails rural 4G boost as Tenby signal concerns continue

Published

19 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MINISTERS have hailed the rollout of dozens of 4G mast upgrades across rural Wales, but recent concerns in Tenby show mobile coverage remains a live issue in Pembrokeshire.

The UK Government says a further 11 mast upgrades have been switched on in Wales this year through the Shared Rural Network, bringing the Welsh total to 55.

The scheme is aimed at improving mobile coverage in hard-to-reach rural areas, helping residents, businesses and visitors stay connected and access help more quickly in an emergency.

Areas benefiting from the latest upgrades include Nant Gwynant in Snowdonia, Capel y Ffin near Abergavenny, Manafon near Welshpool, and several locations across Powys.

Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said the programme was helping bring “every part of the UK into the digital age”, while Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said reliable coverage was vital for rural communities and economic growth.

However, the announcement comes amid continuing concern about mobile phone coverage in Tenby, where residents and businesses have raised concerns about poor signal and mast-related issues.

Although the latest UK Government upgrades focus mainly on remote rural areas, the problems reported in Tenby highlight that connectivity remains a pressing issue in Pembrokeshire, particularly in coastal communities which see huge seasonal increases in visitor numbers.

Reliable mobile coverage is increasingly seen as essential for tourism businesses, delivery drivers, emergency services, residents and visitors who rely on phones for payments, bookings, navigation and safety.

The Shared Rural Network is a partnership between the UK Government and mobile network operators. Across Great Britain, more than 140 publicly funded 4G masts have now been activated.

The programme is due to continue until January 2027.

Community

Police officer hailed hero after midnight sea rescue in Milford Haven

Published

20 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PC swam 100 metres offshore to save distressed woman heard calling for help in darkness

A DYFED-POWYS POLICE officer has been praised for his bravery after entering the sea at midnight to rescue a distressed woman heard calling for help off the coast of Milford Haven.

PC Spencer Rourke swam around 100 metres offshore in darkness after locating the woman in the water off Milford beach during the early hours of Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Police were first alerted at 12:31am after a distressed woman on Hamilton Terrace called emergency services and said she intended to enter the sea. Described as highly emotional and panicked, her call prompted an immediate police response.

Officers searched the area but were initially unable to find her. A further update from the control room suggested she had moved towards Foam beach, prompting officers to widen their search.

PC Rourke, alongside PS Anthony, parked at the rear of Foam and began checking the area on foot. In the stillness of the early morning, the officers heard a faint sound coming from the slipway.

As they moved closer, they heard a woman shouting from out at sea.

Using torchlight, the officers eventually spotted her around 100 metres from shore, clearly in distress.

Without hesitation, PC Rourke removed his police kit, grabbed a lifesaving float and entered the water.

As he swam towards her, the woman attempted to move further away, but he caught up with her and managed to take hold. Despite difficult conditions and the woman’s distress, he remained with her and guided her safely back towards shore.

Fellow officers waiting at the water’s edge helped bring both to safety.

The woman survived thanks to what colleagues described as PC Rourke’s “swift, selfless and decisive actions.”

Above and beyond

PS Anthony later praised his colleague, saying there was little doubt that PC Rourke had saved the woman’s life.

He described the officer’s actions as “far above and beyond what would be expected” and praised his judgement, courage and willingness to place himself at considerable personal risk to protect a vulnerable member of the public.

Chief Constable Ifan Charles said: “I am immensely proud of PC Rourke, whose actions on 24 May 2025 exemplify the very best of policing.

“Without hesitation he entered the sea to rescue a woman in distress, saving her life. His courage, selflessness and decisive action under extreme circumstances are truly commendable and bring great credit to the service.”

Dyfed-Powys Police Federation Branch Chair Delme Rees also praised the officer, noting the dangers of the water in Milford Haven.

He said: “PC Rourke absolutely deserves the recognition and admiration for his life-saving actions on 24 May 2025.

“The waters in that area are extremely dangerous as it’s a tidal estuary and a busy shipping lane. You have oil tankers moving through the water and the Pembroke Dock to Rosslare ferry route nearby.

“PC Rourke was the right officer at the right time because he had the physical ability to do what was needed, but it still took a bold and selfless decision to commit to entering the water that night.”

Pic caption:

Hero officer: PC Spencer Rourke swam into the sea at Milford Haven to rescue a distressed woman in the early hours of May 24 (Pic: Police Mutual).