Community

Rowan taking on ultimate climbing challenge

Published

10 years ago

December 29, 2015

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Dream Team: Rowan and friends fundraise in Birmingham

18-YEAR-OLD Rowan Staden- Coats from Pembrokeshire is to undergo the challenge of a lifetime in 2016 by climbing the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation. Currently a first year student at the University of Birmingham, in September 2016 Rowan will be travelling to Tanzania with a group of 27 students from the University, to undertake a 6-day trek to the summit to raise money for this worthy cause. Having lived in the village of Treffgarne for her whole life, Rowan has always been and will continue to be an active part of the local community.

She is a member of Keyston YFC, with whom she has helped to raise money for local charities including PATCH and Paul Sartori. She has used her musical talents to perform in charity concerts, both as a vocal soloist and part of small ensembles and larger choirs raising money for various local and national charities. She has been well-prepared for her challenge as during her school years, she completed the bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh awards which as well as including tough physical activity, also meant that she spent a considerable number of hours volunteering in her local primary school, working with the children there.

In summer 2013, Rowan spent two weeks volunteering in rural Malawi with the Fisherman’s Rest Charity, helping to build schools and teaching English. Meningitis Research Foundation is an excellent charity to which Rowan has a strong personal link. The charity is close to her heart, as when she was a toddler, she lost a friend to the disease overnight. More recently, a very c l o s e friend is thought to have contracted viral meningitis, which meant that she could not attend school for two years, meaning she missed out on completing her A-Levels. For such a bright, hardworking and enthusiastic pupil, this was very upsetting.

Thankfully, she has now recovered from the episode and is attempting to resume her studies. However, this is not the case for a lot of people who are permanently affected by the disease. The charity carries out research projects all over the world and in the UK into both Meningitis (bacterial, viral and fungal) and Septicaemia. Their current research projects include experimentation with new vaccines, which in future years will help to combat the disease, but they also work very closely with people who have already been affected, and raising awareness in order to prevent the spread.

Recently, Meningitis Research Foundation were responsible for attaining a free vaccination for the ACWY strain of the disease for all first year university students – only since starting university did Rowan realise just how important this is, as students are the second highest risk demographic category, following babies, to contract the disease. Symptoms can be very similar to that of hangovers, meaning lots of students may dismiss the symptoms, which could prove fatal. Many people are very unaware of many of the symptoms and effects of the disease, and the charity does great work to try and raise a w a r e n e s s . It provides lots of s u p p o r t f o r families and victims already affected, and has rehabilitation programmes in order to help them to re-establish normality to their lives.

The fundraising target is £2990, which the charity will be spending on a variety of projects, including the genome research library and rehabilitation programmes. The trek up Kilimanjaro itself will take place over the course of 6 days, in early September 2016 and the group should reach the summit on day 4, at a height of 5,895m (19,336 ft.) they will be at the highest point in Africa. This will be a hugely challenging experience, and will take lots of commitment to physical training, as it will be Rowan’s first experience of high altitude, as well as overcoming mental and emotional obstacles and of course the fundraising challenge. Throughout the course of the year the intrepid teenager will be organising multiple fundraising events, both in Pembrokeshire and in Birmingham, but will also be taking part in other activities such as the Birmingham 10k run and the Tenby Boxing Day Swim in order to reach the personal target of £2990. If you would like to donate to Rowan’s challenge and help the fight against meningitis then you can do so by going to the fundraising page: https://carnivalrag.everydayhero. c o m / u k / r o w a n – c l i m b s – kilimanjaro-2016 For more information on events or to contact Rowan you can get in touch via her email address:rowanstadencoats@gmail. com

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.

Further information is available on The National Lottery Community Fund website.

Community

Former Neyland police officer Louis Knight dies aged 83

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Tributes pour in for former Neyland officer remembered as a “true gentleman” and “local legend”

A FORMER Neyland police officer remembered as a “true gentleman” and “local legend” has died at the age of 83, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Pembrokeshire.

Louis Knight, of Neyland Hill, Neyland, passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 5).

Mr Knight, who served as a police officer in the area for many years, was a familiar and respected figure in Neyland and beyond. In the hours following the announcement of his death, hundreds of messages flooded social media, painting a picture of a man whose impact stretched far beyond his time in uniform.

Many described him simply as “one of the best,” while others called him “a proper local legend” and “a tremendous police officer.”

One resident wrote: “A face and name I will never forget from my youth.”

Another said: “He was a tremendous police officer… a kick up the backside and a word was enough. It stayed with you.”

Others remembered his warmth and humour away from policing.

“He always had a story to tell on the way home in the taxi,” one tribute read, while another added: “Every time you asked him how he was, the answer was always ‘bloody marvellous.’”

Many spoke of his kindness and the time he gave to people.

“Louis was one of the most kindest gentlemen around. Always made time to chat,” one message said.

Another added: “Neyland won’t be the same again.”

While some reflected fondly on a different era of policing, what came through most strongly was the respect Mr Knight earned within his community — something repeatedly highlighted in tributes from those who knew him as children, neighbours, and later as adults.

Mr Knight was the beloved husband of the late Angela, devoted father of Andrew and Alison, and adored father-in-law of Frank. He was also a loving grandfather to Michelle and Laura, and a cherished brother of Jennifer, Charles and Richard.

His family said he was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday (Apr 1) at 11:30am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Louis, if desired, are for Ward 8 at Withybush Hospital and may be sent directly to the ward at SA61 2PZ.

All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven (01646 693180).

Photo caption:

PC Louis Knight pictured during a Royal Visit, engaging with local children — a familiar sight in Neyland for many years (Pic: Supplied).