Community

Much loved trolley returns to the ward

Published

10 years ago

August 19, 2016

(L-R): Simon Rickard (Service Manager, RVS) with volunteers Mary Ducker, Sue Lewis, Val Callaghan, Ann Thomas, Wendy Davies, Jean Hill and Brenda Saunders

HYWEL DDA University Health Board, Royal Voluntary Service and Compass Medirest Retail have worked in partnership to reintroduce Withybush Hospital’s much-loved trolley service.

Over the past several weeks, the three partners have worked closely to set up a new ward trolley service for the Haverfordwest hospital, which provides confectionery, newspapers and other items which enhance provision for patients, visitors and staff.

Lisa Gostling, Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, said: “We know how much it means to our patients to see the volunteers on their rounds in the hospital, and are really pleased to have them back on the wards, enhancing our patients’ experience.”

Jason Smith, Royal Voluntary Service Operations Manager for Dyfed-Powys, added: “We’re delighted to have been able to work with the Health Board and restart our volunteer-led trolley service, in partnership with Compass. It’s great that we’re back on the wards providing a valuable and supportive service to those that need it the most, something that Royal Voluntary Service has done for many years.

“Anyone looking to volunteer for Royal Voluntary Service either in the community, or hospital services, please call 01646 699 108 and speak to one of the team or go to www. royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.”

Volunteer Brenda Saunders commented: “We get greeted very well on the wards by both patients and nurses who are all thrilled the trolley service is up and running. We always ensure no patients are left out. It is lovely to see patients’ faces light up when the trolley is on their ward.”

The volunteers can be found on wards on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am until 11.30am; new volunteers would be welcomed, to enable the service to operate from Monday to Friday.

Simon Brown, Compass Medirest Retail, added: ‘‘It’s great to have the trolley service back in operation at Withybush; it’s something we have wanted from the offset at Compass but unfortunately it took a little longer than expected to source a trolley.”

“We’ve worked closely with Hywel Dda University Health Board and Royal Voluntary Service to get this service up and running as quickly as possible. At Compass, it is our objective to provide and deliver great services for the patients, staff and visitors at each of our hospitals. It’s fantastic to see the trolley service back at Withybush – thanks to all involved for making this happen.”

“The trolley service will be making a donation each month to a local hospital charity.”

Community

River festival returns to Haverfordwest this weekend

Published

5 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CELEBRATION of the Cleddau will take place in Haverfordwest this weekend as the town’s River Festival returns for a second year.

The event will be held on Saturday (June 13), from 10:00am until late, centred on HaverHub and stretching along the quay towards the Bristol Trader.

Organised by The Cleddau Project, the family-friendly festival will include guided walks, demonstrations, art, science activities, live music, market stalls, free canoe trips and a boat race.

The event aims to celebrate the beauty, wildlife and heritage of the Cleddau, while encouraging more people to make use of the river and riverside area.

Organisers said the weather is looking promising and have invited families to “come on down” and enjoy the day.

Groups involved include West Wales Rivers Trust, Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Paddle West and Pembrokeshire Marine Wildlife.

Community

Mayors and community leaders join Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations

Published

18 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town’s civic leaders praised as event highlights community spirit

A HOST of civic dignitaries and community representatives joined residents for this year’s Milford Haven Founders Day, helping to mark the town’s annual celebration of its heritage and community spirit.

The event, held on Saturday, welcomed mayors and representatives from towns across Pembrokeshire, alongside police officers, clergy and local business leaders.

Milford Haven Founders Day organisers thanked guests for attending and supporting the occasion, describing their presence as helping to make the day “even more special”.

Among those attending were the Mayor of Milford Haven, Mark Woodward, accompanied by Mayoress Evija Upeniece Woodward; the Mayor of Haverfordwest, Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner, accompanied by Mayoress and Sheriff Councillor Dani Thomas-Turner; the Mayor of Pembroke, Jonathan Grimes; the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Councillor Tony Wilcox; and the Mayor of Neyland, Councillor Peter Hay, accompanied by Mayoress Mitzy Hay.

The event also welcomed local Police Community Support Officers from Milford Haven and Neyland Police, Reverend Dr Adrian Furse of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, Milford Haven Business Circle chairman Byron Thomas Jenkins, and treasurer Amanda Dyson.

Organisers said the strong turnout from civic leaders reflected the importance of Founders Day as a celebration of Milford Haven’s identity and local pride.

A spokesperson for Milford Haven Founders Day said: “Your presence and support helped make the day a memorable celebration of our town, its history and its community spirit. We are truly grateful that you took the time to join us and share in the festivities.”

Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes later praised the event, commenting: “Thank you for the kind invitation – it was a wonderful event!”

Photo caption:

Civic guests: Mayors, community representatives and local officers gather during Milford Haven Founders Day celebrations (Pic: Captured Soul Photography).

Community

Community rallies to protect AJ Store after break-in

Published

18 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New security gate installed thanks to generosity of Pill and Milford Haven residents

MILFORD HAEVN residents have rallied around the owner of AJ Store in Pill Lane after a recent break-in, helping fund new security measures to protect the independent business.

Just days after an appeal was launched to support the shop following another break-in, donations from local people helped pay for a new security gate, now installed at the front of the store.

The owner, who took over the business around nine months ago, had faced costly repairs and mounting concerns over security after the latest incident.

The fundraiser, launched with the owner’s permission, asked for help towards repairs and measures to safeguard the future of the business.

In an emotional message posted online, AJ Local thanked the community for its support.

The shop said: “I would like to thank everyone who have been so generous with your donations to the GoFundMe and have enabled us to have this amazing security gate made and fitted by an excellent local business, KGM Welding.

“A big thank you to Kyle Morris, I’m very, very grateful to you and all of the people of Pill and Milford community.”

Community spirit

The rapid response to the appeal has been praised as an example of Milford Haven residents coming together to support a valued local business during a difficult time.

Independent convenience stores often face significant financial pressures following break-ins, with repair costs, insurance increases and additional security expenses placing strain on small traders.

The Herald previously reported on concerns about shop crime in Milford Haven, with businesses in areas including Pill Lane and Charles Street affected by robberies and break-ins in recent years.

Protected:

The new security gate installed at AJ Store in Pill Lane following community donations (Pic: AJ Local).