News

Trench system to educate children

Published

11 years ago

November 27, 2013

A TRENCH system to educate children through experiencing what it is like to step into the frontline of the First World War has opened in Pendine.

It has been built in a relatively small area but the ‘Back to the Front Experience’ trenches are designed to have maximum impact, to show children what the brave soldiers went through nearly 100 years ago.

The team at Morfa Bay Adventure wants to give children, who will never meet a veteran from the Great War, an idea of the sacrifices of so many brave men on the front line.

The site was officially opened last Friday (November 15) by 93-year-old Second World War veteran Morris Baker who is part of the Pendine branch of the Royal British Legion.

Owner Andy Edwards said: “I’m really pleased with the trenches. We want to give children an experience, something to hit home what the people who fought and died in the First World War went through.

“I was proud to have the Royal British Legion there and pleased that Morris, a war veteran himself, officially opened the trenches.”

The trenches, built with the help of a £13,000 tourism grant, include latrines, wash facilities, funk holes (where soldiers rested in trench walls), an officer’s dug out, fire steps and a sapper trench leading to a forward observation area in no man’s land.

There is also the entrance to a tunnel which is being dug out to help illustrate another element of frontline life.

Scattered through them is memorabilia from the time and replica grenades, guns and artillery.

Builder Matthew Hughes, who also worked on Laugharne’s Tin Shed Museum, said they had tried to make the trenches as authentic as possible.

“There is a sound system built in with speakers behind the trench shorings so when they are on the walls are rumbling, adding to the atmosphere of the trenches.”

Charles Griffiths, a First World War historian who helped advise the project — and built the replica grenades and trench rats among other props — said he hoped the trenches would help to teach young people from across Wales.

“Educating young people about the First World War is extremely important,” he said.

“These trenches are a great way of doing that. They are not exact but they are good to illustrate what life was like.”

As we approach the 100-year anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, Andy and his team at Morfa Bay Adventure hope to welcome children from across the country to help them experience a little bit of life on the front.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

4 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!