News

Ambitious plans for joint Working Men’s Club and Seafarer’s Centre

Published

8 years ago

August 10, 2017

A vast improvement: Working men’s club following renovation works

A MILFORD HAVEN businessman says that he felt it was his ‘duty’ to do something with an abandoned building, which he says has been deteriorating for decades.

Thomas Sinclair, the editor of The Pembrokeshire Herald, and long-time resident of Hamilton Terrace, says he now has taken on the responsibility of putting the near-by Grade II listed building back into use for the benefit of the community, after being left to fall into a dilapidated state for nearly quarter of a century.

Work has already started on the former Milford Haven Working Men’s Club by way of repairing windows and the roof, as well as tidying up the outside of the building.

Speaking confidently about his ambitious plans for the property, Mr Sinclair said: “The plan is to re-open the club but this time into a dual use role. We would like to open the club for both the original and new members of the club, but also provide a new and modern facility for visiting seafarers to the town following the closure of their centre in Robert Street.

“I am already in discussions with the organisation looking to re-open a seafarer’s centre in the town and there is a clear expression of interest for a nominal rent. In addition, many of the former members seem quite excited about the club re-opening, some saying they were not happy about the way that it was closed in the first place.”

Determined: Thomas Sinclair says he wants the building back in use

He added: “The property, situated on Victoria Road, was no longer financially viable by the 1990s and closed much to the frustration and protest of the former members I am told. After the club was disbanded the building did not have a legal owner so could not be sold.

“Due to this it has fallen into disrepair. The theft of the lead off the roof, probably some twenty years ago, has caused severe damage to the building. The estimated repair bill to replace rotten joists, floors and roof beams, as well as other works, is estimated to be over £150,000.”

It is hoped that the new facility will be open for community use one year from now.

History: The building contains thousands of old documents and receipts

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

7 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.