Community

Pupils learn from the master

Published

10 years ago

October 7, 2016

Eye on the ball: Paul Thorburn offers expert advice as Harry Anson practices his kicking technique

BROAD HAVEN SCHOOL’S rugby team had a day to remember recently thanks to a prize winning raffle ticket.

The budding rugby stars were given a kicking masterclass by Welsh rugby legend Paul Thorburn, after the prize was donated to the school.

The winning ticket was won by the school’s Chair of Governors, Phil Rees, in a recent draw.

Mr Thorburn, a former Welsh rugby captain, most famously known as the record holder for kicking the longest penalty kick in international rugby, addressed the school assembly before the coaching session, as part of the school’s ‘food and fitness enrichment week’.

His appearance capped a week of special activities that included golf, gymnastics, dance and circus act coaches attending to give taster sessions, together with chefs from local hostelries providing cooking demonstrations and healthy eating advice.

“He was a perfect gentleman and totally engaging,” said Headteacher Gareth Lewis, who counts Thorburn as one of his sporting heroes.

“Our pupils are too young to remember him in action but once they saw the film of his monstrous 70 yard kick against Scotland back in 1985, they were awestruck.

“Not only did he talk about his rugby career, he also spoke about what it takes to become an international rugby star and the sacrifices you have to make, the dedication that is required and the eating habits you have to adopt.

“It was an inspirational visit during an inspirational week of work.”

Following the assembly, Mr Thorburn gave the kicking clinic with the players all eager to impress one of the game’s greatest exponents of the art.

“All of the pupils benefitted from his enthusiasm and expertise and I’m sure they will have improved their kicking skills as a result.” added Mr Lewis.

“Who knows, this school has already produced one British Lion in Peter Morgan, maybe the visit by Paul Thorburn will have inspired one more.”

Community

Family safe after major house fire in Letterston, community told

Published

9 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Memorial hall opened to help those affected after blaze in Station Road area

A FAMILY escaped without injury after a major house fire in the Station Road area of Letterston, according to local residents.

The blaze prompted a major emergency response on Wednesday (Apr 15), with fire engines seen at the scene and the road closed while crews tackled the incident.

People posting in the Letterston community group said the family was safe, although one kitten was sadly lost in the fire.

One resident wrote: “They lost a kitten, but the family were ok. Nothing worse than a fire. There were 4 fire engines here at one time.”

Others described hearing multiple sirens and seeing smoke rising from the area, with one local woman saying her partner could see the fire engines from nearby fields.

As news of the fire spread, the local community quickly rallied round. The memorial hall was opened for anyone affected, while residents offered practical help and support to the family.

Messages posted online described the loss of the home as heartbreaking, with one resident writing that while the house had gone, the family were “alive and well to make more new memories”.

The Herald has approached the emergency services for official confirmation on the cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage.

Community

Police investigate reports of door-to-door salespeople in Milford Haven and Johnston

Published

12 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Residents urged to stay alert as officers carry out patrols and work to establish whether the callers are legitimate

MILFORD HAVEN and Neyland Police said they are aware of concerns raised by residents following reports of door-to-door salespeople operating in the Milford Haven and Johnston area.

Local officers, together with neighbourhood policing and prevention teams, are working to establish the legitimacy of those involved and will be carrying out patrols while enquiries continue.

In the meantime, members of the public are being advised to familiarise themselves with crime prevention advice relating to unwanted visitors, which is available on the force’s website.

Anyone with information that could assist enquiries is asked to get in touch online, by email at [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

In an emergency, always dial 999.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting its website.

Community

Big plant sale set to bloom in Narberth

Published

14 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family-friendly spring event will bring together local growers, craftspeople, food and live entertainment

GREEN fingers and creative talents will come together in Narberth next month as West Wales’ popular Big Plant Sale returns for 2026.

The event will take place at Narberth CP School on Saturday, May 2, offering visitors the chance to browse a wide range of plants, locally made crafts and eco-friendly products.

Organised with support from SPAN Arts, the annual sale has become one of the first major plant events of the season in the area, attracting gardeners of all ages and experience levels.

Stallholders are expected to offer everything from windowsill succulents and young seedlings to unusual and specialist plants, giving visitors plenty of choice as they prepare their homes and gardens for spring and summer.

Alongside the plants, there will also be a craft fair featuring handmade and environmentally conscious products, including soaps, textiles and wooden items made by local producers.

Organisers say the event is designed to be more than just a market, with locally produced food, live music and entertainment helping to create a lively and welcoming atmosphere for families and visitors of all ages.

SPAN Arts is also inviting local growers, nurseries, craftspeople and makers to get involved, particularly those working with sustainable and eco-friendly products.

The Big Plant Sale will run from 10:00am until 3:00pm at Narberth CP School, Jesse Road, Narberth, SA67 7FE. Visitors are asked to make a suggested £2 donation on entry.

Anyone interested in booking a stall can contact [email protected].

SPAN Arts, which is based in Narberth, has spent 30 years supporting arts and community projects across Pembrokeshire. The charity runs a broad programme of music, theatre, comedy and wellbeing activities, with a focus on reducing rural isolation and improving access to the arts.

For more information about the event, contact SPAN Arts on 01834 869323 or email [email protected].