News
Milford Haven: End of era as one of town’s favourite bars closes
REGULAR customers who have frequented one of Milford Haven’s favourite watering holes over the last decade gathered on New Year’s Day (Jan 1) for a musical entertainment extravaganza to celebrate the last day that their favourite bar was open.
Charlie’s Bar on the Docks has closed its doors for the very last time.
The popular venue has been a regular stop for fisherman, tradesmen and the youth of the town for ten years and will be sadly missed by many.
Drinkers were treated to a night of musical entertainment headed by The Honeyheads and The Pennysows – two bands whose members were regular customers at Charlie’s.
The bands played emotional last sets as a large crowd of punters drank the bar dry for the very last time.
Revellers posed for a final group photograph outside the bar and the lead singers of the bands took to the microphone to wish landlord Charles Mathias and his girlfriend Vicky Cooper the very best in the future.
Such was the popularity of the bar that some customers frequented the premises nearly every night of the week, including many Herald staff. Most notably graphic designer Luke Sinclair, younger brother of The Editor. The talk of the town is what on Earth will young Sinclair do now on his evenings and weekends?
The bar has closed because business owners Janet and Rob Mathias, Charlie’s parents, have decided to concentrate on their luxury bed and breakfast business at Monk Haven Manor, St Ishmaels.
The bar has also seen an increase in rent from this month which would make it less financially viable. Charlie Mathias, speaking to the Herald, said: “I have enjoyed running this bar for ten years, that’s a long time, it is now time to do something different.
“A big thank you to all of my customers over the years.”
Business
Global green hydrogen pioneers choose Milford Haven as new HQ
HAUSH LTD, a leading green energy and technology company specialising in green hydrogen, has announced Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters. The move marks a significant step toward making the area a global powerhouse for green hydrogen production and innovation.
Pioneering green hydrogen solutions
Haush Ltd aims to be the first company of its kind to provide green hydrogen solutions for decarbonising land, sea, and air transportation, as well as exporting fuel to Europe. The company’s new headquarters will be established at Fleet Surgeons House, where work is set to begin immediately. The project will create local jobs and includes plans for an education centre to promote skills development in the community.
The Welsh Government is backing Haush through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR). This initiative focuses on fast-tracking hydrogen production and refuelling services for onshore and offshore fleets, including the design of a permanent hydrogen refuelling solution for the Port of Milford Haven.
High-profile visit to Milford Haven
Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans toured the new site on Thursday (Dec 12). She was accompanied by Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne, Chief Technology Officer Joanna Oliver, Chief Operating Officer Adam Hill, and Chief Financial Officer Peter Kristensen.
Rebecca Evans said: “Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK head office.
“The company’s ambitious growth plans align with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy. This investment will benefit both our climate and economy, generating quality, skilled jobs.
“Haush has committed to training local residents to the highest standards and expanding their educational initiatives to benefit the wider community.”
Driving green innovation
Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne expressed excitement about the project:
“Haush is delighted to make this announcement and move forward with this groundbreaking green hydrogen production project. We look forward to working closely with the Welsh Government to maximise training and educational opportunities for the local community, equipping a future workforce with valuable, transferable skills.”
Chief Technology Officer Joanna Oliver emphasi sed the company’s innovative approach:
“Haush is operating at the forefront of green hydrogen technology and aims to play a significant role in advancing the local green energy transition.”
A brighter, greener future
Haush’s decision to base its UK headquarters in Milford Haven underscores the town’s growing importance as a hub for renewable energy innovation. With strong support from the Welsh Government and a focus on local job creation, the project promises to boost the regional economy and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
(Photos by Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Excitement builds for the Art Afoot launch event
A FANTASTIC new accessible art trail connecting Fishguard and Goodwick is officially launching this Sunday (Dec 15). The Art Afoot / Celf ar Droed project brings together exciting new artworks, sculptures, and digital creations, seamlessly blending them with existing arts and heritage features.
Event details
- Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024
- Time: 2:00pm
- Meeting Point: Ocean Lab, Goodwick
- Conclusion: 3:30pm at Ffwrn with refreshments
The launch features a guided walk along the trail where visitors can explore new installations, including Gideon’s seahorse, creative wayfinders, and augmented reality sculptures. This family-friendly event is open to everyone and provides a chance to meet the artists and creators behind the project.
What’s new?
- Fresh public art pieces, including sculptures and AR creations.
- Enhanced trail routes connecting the twin towns of Fishguard and Goodwick.
- Promotion and printed maps supported by Pembrokeshire County Council and Visit Pembrokeshire.
Maps will soon be available at Ocean Lab and Fishguard Town Hall, helping visitors navigate the trails and discover these innovative works of art.
This event promises an afternoon of creativity, community, and connection. Don’t miss this unique celebration of art and heritage.
For more information, visit www.artafoot.co.uk.
See you there!
News
Jail for man with wilful and persistent failure to comply with probation
A MILFORD HAVEN man has been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison after admitting to breaching a restraining order and failing to comply with a community order.
Liam Roberts, 32, of Marble Hall Road, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Dec 12). The court heard that Roberts failed to attend probation office appointments on November 4 and November 8, breaching a community order imposed by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on August 21, 2024.
The order related to an offence on August 11, 2024, when Roberts came within 100 metres of a prohibited address in Hakin. This incident violated a restraining order issued in 2021 by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
Magistrates revoked the community order, citing Roberts’ “wilful and persistent failure to comply with probation,” and sentenced him to 16 weeks in prison.
In addition to the custodial sentence, Roberts was ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £60 in court costs, totaling £214. A collection order was made, with payment due by February 20, 2025.
This case underscores the serious consequences of breaching court orders and failing to engage with rehabilitation programmes.
-
Sport3 days ago
Referee Marty Jones shares thoughts on the season
-
News3 days ago
Extensive historical child sexual abuse and institutional failings at Caldey Abbey
-
News6 days ago
Storm Darragh leaves its mark on West Wales as major incident declared
-
Community6 days ago
Clean up starts after storm causes chaos across Pembrokeshire
-
Business4 days ago
£1 billion boost to Welsh Economy as ultrafast broadband reaches 1 million
-
News8 hours ago
Thai mother’s harrowing 999 call: “I felt like a robot, I felt twisted, I killed my son”
-
News4 days ago
Mother warned she is ‘one step closer to custody’ after mirrored assault on partner
-
Charity4 days ago
Guide dogs campaign highlights access challenges during festive season