News
Milford Haven: New visitor centre opens at town’s museum
THE NEWLY renovated multi-purpose visitor centre was officially opened at Milford Haven Museum yesterday evening by Cllr Colin Sharp (Mayor of Milford Haven, and Chair of Milford Haven Museum) and chief executive of the Port of Milford Haven, Alec Don. A number of guests attended including Trustees and friends of Milford Haven Museum, the team from the Port of Milford Haven who managed the project, businesses from around Milford Waterfront, and local trades people and contractors who were involved in the project throughout.
The revamped facility means that the existing museum reception area is now a flexible space which can be used for events, and can now offer extra services such as information for tourists, mini golf, bookings for the new Discover Coast and Cleddau boat trips, plus public conveniences. The investment was made by the Port not only to enhance the visitor experience at Milford Waterfront, but to provide the museum with a sustainable source of income.
It truly was a Milford Waterfront event, with catering supplied by Martha’s Vineyard, and the ribbon was kindly donated by In House Crafts.
Clare Stowell, Director of Property and Tourism at the Port of Milford Haven, is delighted with the new visitor centre. She commented “This project was completed within just a couple of months to ensure it was ready for the Easter holidays. I’m really pleased that the museum trustees and volunteers collaborated with us on this venture as it will generate additional funds for the charity and raise their profile.”
She continued “The Port is investing in its tourism offering substantially this year with the introduction of boat trips, a holiday let, the build of four floatel cabins within the marina and a busy calendar of events. Added to this we have recruited a new Tourism Manager, Boat Trip Skipper, Activities and Events Co-ordinator and will shortly be advertising for seasonal staff who will all be working towards attracting more visitors to Milford Waterfront and providing a fantastic experience whilst they’re here.”
Colin Sharp, Museum Chair and Town Mayor, said “The teams at the museum and Milford Waterfront have been working closely together to improve the entrance and introduce a visitor centre. The changes have proven to be amazing and, with an improved mini golf course next to the museum, it shows how two organisations can work together for the benefit of local residents and visitors to Milford Haven. We look forward to future developments”.
Milford Haven Museum is open Easter to October, Monday to Saturday from 10.30am until 4pm.
In the photo: Alec Don and Councillor Colin Sharp cut the ribbon at Milford Haven Museum’s new visitor centre
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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