News

Faster shipping turnarounds shuts Seafarers’ Centre

Published

11 years ago

February 18, 2015

LAST WEEK The Herald reported that the Milford Haven International Seafarers’ Centre have made the heart-breaking to close its doors.

At a meeting, this newspaper reported, the trustees decided to enter into a consultation period of around six to nine months. The closure of the centre will result in the loss of eight jobs.

The Seafarers’ centre provides a chapel and rest and recreation facilities for visiting seamen who might have been away from home for a considerable period of time. The centre also provides basic amenities for seafarers’ use.

The Herald has now received details of the reason behind the closure.

By way of an official statement the Apostleship of the Sea told The Herald: “Following consultation between trustee charities, Apostleship of the Sea, The Mission to Seafarers and Sailors’ Society, the difficult decision has been reached to close the Milford Haven International Seafarers’ Centre. The trustee charities are grateful to the staff and volunteers of the centre for the many years service they have given to the centre.”

The shock statement also explained that in recent years have seen turnaround times rapidly increase, with seafarers often spending only 6-24 hours in port rather than several days. As a result, said the charity, it was found that “an increasing amount of support is being given in Port, with declining numbers of visiting seafarers accessing the Centre.”

This new approach will also ensure that the organisations’ charitable aims are being met and that the right support is being offered to seafarers with a focus on where the need is greatest.

The Apostleship of the Sea said that over the coming months, the charities will work with local committee members and partners to identify alternative service provision in the Milford Haven port areas to ensure effective provision of seafarer welfare services. The Seafarers’ Centre will not close until alternative provision and appropriate facilities have been identified.

The statement concluded that the Apostleship of the Sea, The Mission to Seafarers and Sailors’ Society are committed to supporting seafarers in the UK and overseas. The Apostleship of the Sea and The Mission to Seafarers’ chaplaincy services will continue to serve seafarers visiting the port of Milford Haven.

Pembrokeshire-based Captain Glyn Garland, National Director of AoS, said: “The Apostleship of the Sea remains committed to the provision of welfare services to seafarers visiting Milford Haven through our port chaplain Fr. Paul Osunyikanmi and his team of welfare officers. Fr. Paul and I will work with local supporters and partners to ensure that seafarers continue to receive all the support they need.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

51 minutes 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

1 hour 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

1 hour 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.