Annual memorial service at Milford Haven Cemetery to remember those who never returned home

A MEMORIAL service will be held at Milford Haven Cemetery to honour local fishermen who lost their lives at sea on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Organised by Milford Haven Town Council, the annual gathering gives families, friends and residents the opportunity to come together in quiet reflection and remembrance of those who made their living on the water but never returned home.

The service will start at 11am and will be officiated by Rev Dr Adrian Furse SSC.

Milford Haven has long been shaped by its fishing and maritime industries, with generations of local families connected to the sea. While the harbour has provided work and prosperity, it has also brought tragedy, with storms and accidents claiming lives over the years.

The service will include prayers, readings and the laying of wreaths, creating a moment for the community to pause and acknowledge the sacrifices made by fishermen past and present.

Town councillors say the event is always a moving occasion and are encouraging anyone with links to the fishing community, as well as members of the wider public, to attend and show their support.

The aim, they say, is to ensure those who were lost are never forgotten and that their contribution to the town’s heritage continues to be recognised.

Residents wishing to attend or find out more can contact Milford Haven Town Council on 01646 692505 or visit www.milfordhaven-tc.gov.wales.

Traffic-free Wiseman’s Bridge event invites walkers, joggers and dog owners to donate food for James Criddle Foundation

A COMMUNITY charity run supporting families in need across south Pembrokeshire will take place next month.

Saundersfoot Runners are hosting their annual Food Bank Run on Sunday, February 15, starting at 10:00am from the Wiseman’s Bridge Inn.

The event is open to everyone, whether running, jogging or walking, and follows a traffic-free route suitable for all ages. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads. Organisers say the route will take no longer than an hour, with hot drinks available at the inn afterwards.

Entry is free, with participants encouraged to bring a bag of food donations for the Tenby-based food bank run by the James Criddle Foundation.

From small club run to national movement

The Food Bank Run began as a simple idea from runner Sarah Don, who organised a collection event with her club in Fareham to support their local food bank. After seeing the impact, the initiative grew.

Following delays during the pandemic, the project expanded nationally in 2023 when Sarah invited running groups across the UK – and beyond – to host their own local events.

Saundersfoot Runners answered the call and have supported the Tenby charity every year since.

The Foundation operates its food bank from the Tenby AFC clubhouse at The Clickets.

Rachael Criddle, one of the charity’s founders, said: “The Food Bank Run has been a huge support to the Foundation. We are grateful to everyone who takes part, to Saundersfoot Runners for organising such an uplifting and positive event, and to Wiseman’s Bridge Inn for generously allowing us to use their premises.”

Donations needed

Organisers are asking participants to bring essential food and household items, including:

Dried goods such as pasta and rice
Tinned beans, soup, meat, fish, fruit and vegetables
Tinned pies and sausages
Cook-in sauces
Toiletries including toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel

A full list is available on the Saundersfoot Runners events page.

Anyone wishing to take part can simply turn up on the morning.

Organisers say the aim is simple: “Come along, get moving and help stock the shelves for local families.”

Cover image: Last year’s event (Pic: Herald)

Longest-serving town councillor remembered as tireless champion for her community

TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of former mayor and long-serving town councillor Pamela George, a familiar and much-loved figure in Pembroke Dock public life.

Cllr George, believed to be the town’s longest-serving member of Pembroke Dock Town Council, died on Saturday (Feb 1).

Over decades of service, she became known for her commitment to local causes and her hands-on approach to helping residents, with colleagues describing her as a dedicated public servant who always put the town first.

She served as mayor on nine separate occasions, most recently during the 2022/23 civic year, and was regularly seen supporting community events, fundraisers and local organisations across the town.

In a statement, the Town Council said it was “with great sadness” that members learned of her passing.

A spokesperson added: “Pam was very passionate in her role as councillor and mayor and she will be sorely missed. She gave so much of her time to Pembroke Dock and to the people who live here.”

A book of condolence has been opened to allow residents to pay their respects.

Local representatives from across Pembrokeshire also shared their memories.

Samuel Kurtz MS described the news as “incredibly sad”, offering condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. He said she was always generous with her time and knowledge of the town.

The Pennar Community Hall committee called her “a true stalwart of the community”, recalling her regular presence at fundraising events and her unwavering support for local initiatives.

Fellow councillors said she was known for her positivity and encouragement, as well as her deep pride in Pembroke Dock. One described her as a “great mentor and friend” and “a wonderful ambassador for the town”, while others remembered her constant smile and dedication to residents.

Current mayor Michele Wiggins said the town would feel her loss keenly.

“She was a wonderful champion for Pembroke Dock,” she said. “Her positivity, commitment and loyalty to the town have been like no other. She will be greatly missed.”

Cllr George’s long record of service leaves what many say is a lasting legacy in the community she worked so hard to support.