News

Historian and author dies

Published

12 years ago

January 31, 2014

A WELL-KNOWN local historian and author Roscoe Howells, of Amroth, has passed away at the age of 94.

Roscoe started his working life as a dairy farmer, but made a career as a prolific and passionate writer, with the Pembrokeshire countryside and landscape at the heart of his books, newspaper and magazine articles.

Roscoe’s work has its roots in the community and countryside around Saundersfoot, Tenby and Amroth, and he became the first member in Wales of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists.

His most recent book, There ‘Tis Then was a rural miscellany compiled from his writings, and named after the trademark phrase that he would use to finish his articles.

Roscoe’s mother died when he was three weeks old and his father remarried and he was brought up during the depression. He witnessed the harshness of the depression with Bonville’s Court Colliery closing down, leaving families in utter poverty.

Roscoe was a former pupil of Christ College Brecon as well as vice-president and former chairman of the Pembrokeshire Historical Society, of which he was a founder member. He was also a founder member and chairman of the old Pembrokeshire Records Society.

His many books include Woodreef From Amroth to Utah. Pembrokeshire’s Islands, Old Saundersfoot: From Monkstone To Marros, Crickdam , and Roseanna, and he also wrote numerous articles on farming and agriculture in Wales.

Roscoe was outwardly emotional when relating some of his many stories. One could feel his passion for writing, the people and countryside of west Wales. Roscoe also had an exceptional memory.

Mr Howells died on Monday of last week at Park House Court Nursing Home, Tenby, where he had been a resident for over 12 months. His funeral took place on Thursday when a service at St Bride’s Catholic Church, Saundersfoot was followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

2 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.

News

Welsh Secretary holds first call with new First Minister

Published

2 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Jo Stevens and Rhun ap Iorwerth discuss poverty, public services, clean energy, steelmaking and economic growth

WELSH Secretary Jo Stevens has held her first call with Wales’ new First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth following the recent Senedd election.

The call took place today, Monday (May 18), with Ms Stevens congratulating Mr ap Iorwerth on Plaid Cymru’s election results and his appointment as First Minister.

The Welsh Secretary said it was important for the UK and Welsh Governments to work constructively together on shared priorities.

Those issues include the cost of living, poverty, public services, economic growth and the delivery of clean energy infrastructure in Wales.

Ms Stevens also raised the importance of collaboration on Welsh steelmaking and the transition at Port Talbot, as well as growth funds, defence and national security.

The conversation follows a call last week between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the new First Minister, during which Mr Starmer also congratulated him on his appointment.

The Prime Minister has offered to meet Mr ap Iorwerth in person in June to discuss shared issues and priorities.