News

New mum says Withybush Midwife Led Unit is five star

Published

10 years ago

December 4, 2015

A Pembrokeshire mum whose twin girls died after being born at 24 weeks has praised the midwives at Withybush Hospital MLU (Midwife Led Unit) for the safe delivery of her little boy.

Keeley Rose, aged 30 from St David’s, gave birth to Tyler four weeks ago, with a little help from community midwives Elspeth Thompson and Julie York.

Born at 38 weeks, Tyler is a bouncing, fit and healthy baby boy and Keeley managed to bring him into the world with the support of her partner Fraser, the midwives, a birthing pool and a little gas and air.

It was a highly emotional birth as in March 2013 Keeley and Fraser lost their twin girls Isla and Harper, who were born prematurely. Isla died at Withybush Hospital shortly after birth and Harper three days later at Singleton Hospital.

“It was a massive shock,” said Keeley. “I’d been having back pains in the day and then had an enormous pain. I rang an ambulance and tried my best not to push but I could feel the babies coming. There was no explanation other than sometimes twins come too early. It’s still obviously painful, but they are part of our lives and we want to remember and talk about them.”

Keeley, who works as a healthcare assistant in the MLU at Withybush Hospital, was under consultant led care for most of her pregnancy with Tyler due to her previous early labour. But she was able to transfer back to midwife led care when she reached full term with her single pregnancy.

“I had to keep an open mind because of my history, but I knew, if at all possible, I wanted to have as natural a birth as possible without needles or drugs and different people prodding me.

“I attended antenatal yoga and learnt about perinatal massage and I took the attitude that it was mind over matter and I wanted to avoid epidurals and drugs.

“Thankfully I was able to have the option of birthing at the MLU once I had reached 37 weeks and because it was a single baby not twins.”

Keeley went into labour at almost 38 weeks. “I came into the MLU and tried to stay as active as possible. It was lush – five star – really comfortable and the midwives were great. Elspeth was really reassuring and made me feel safe and in control. Frazer was allowed to get into the birthing pool with me and having his support meant I didn’t feel alone.”

Tyler was born in the morning but it didn’t stop the couple and midwives celebrating with a glass of bubbly orange to celebrate his birth. And once the family were ready, they were discharged and Tyler was able to spend his first night in the world in his own home.

“The whole experience was wonderful,” said Keeley. “A fresh, happy memory, which we will treasure.

“I would really like to share my experience with others to encourage women to consider birthing in the MLU if they can. I’ve worked in the unit so I’ve seen the wonderful care provided from both perspectives. I would advise other mums-to-be not to be frightened but to speak to their midwife and visit the unit to make an informed decision.

“I would also advise fathers to get involved too. I took for granted a lot of information as I work within the service, but I made a special effort to ensure that Fraser was part of the pregnancy and birth so he came along to appointments and classes all along the way. By doing this, Dads can become an active part of the birth.”

Keeley is now enjoying time with Tyler at home. “Some days I feel like I don’t leave the sofa but it’s all worth it,” she said.

Business

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

Published

11 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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.

Community

Saundersfoot lights up for Christmas as crowds gather to see Santa

Published

12 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAUNDERSFOOT’S Christmas lights were officially switched on Christmas lights were officially switched on yesterday evening (Friday, 5 December), with hundreds turning out in wet and windy conditions to welcome Santa, enjoy live music and celebrate the start of the village’s festive season.

The annual event began with performances from local singers and community choirs, who brought warmth to the cold evening with carols outside businesses in the heart of the village. Singers dressed in bright pink hats drew a large crowd as they performed under the twinkling canopy of lights.

The parade followed shortly after, led by a tractor decorated with illuminated antlers and towing Santa in his sleigh. Elves in festive costumes accompanied the convoy along the high street, waving to families who lined the pavements despite the rain.

Santa was joined by popular mascots including the RNLI lifeboat crewman, a giant crab character, and a familiar rugby mascot, stopping for photos with excited children throughout the evening. Many queued to meet Father Christmas at a glowing, bauble-shaped light installation — one of the most popular photo spots of the night.

As the countdown reached zero, the village’s towering Christmas tree burst into light, followed by the illuminated “Welcome to Saundersfoot” sign that frames the entrance to the village centre. Cheers rang out as the decorations lit up the night sky, marking the official start of Saundersfoot’s Christmas period.

Local businesses remained open late, and Harbwr Bar & Kitchen provided a bright backdrop as families gathered to watch Santa depart on his sleigh.

Despite the conditions, organisers said the turnout was “fantastic” and thanked volunteers, the Saundersfoot community groups, and emergency services for helping the evening run smoothly.

Photos: Gareth Davies/Herald

Community

Christmas cheer as Young at Heart group fills Pembroke Town Hall

Published

12 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE Town Hall was packed on Friday afternoon (Dec 5) as the Pembroke Young at Heart group held its annual Christmas service and dinner.

The well-attended event brought together members from across the community for an afternoon of music, food and festive celebration.

A freshly prepared Christmas meal was served, with organisers giving special thanks to Dai Powell, who cooked the dinner, and to the team of volunteers who helped run the event. The helpers included Liz, Ann, Anne, Kaylee, Jayne, Dennis, Jo, Gareth, Jenny, Rob, Mo, Heidi and Will.

Pembroke Town Council said the afternoon would not have been possible without the support of its volunteers, who ensured the hall was decorated, guests were welcomed, and everyone left in the Christmas spirit.

The event forms part of the council’s programme of activities for older residents during the festive season.