News

Couple clock up 101 years volunteering

Published

12 years ago

June 4, 2014

THE BRITISH RED CROSS is marking national Volunteers’ Week, which runs from June 1 to 7, by thanking the hundreds of people who give their time and skills to the charity. This includes Pat and Roy Thomas, a married couple from St Davids, who between them have been volunteering with the charity for over 100 years. Roy joined the Red Cross in 1957 as a first aid volunteer and later became a trainer and assessor of first aid competencies and Pat joined in 1970, the year they were married, as a first aid volunteer and later as an assistant cadet officer. Over the years, the couple have spent countless hours providing first aid cover at many events across Wales and the UK. They are also part of emergency response team in Pembrokeshire. Pat and Roy have also worked alongside the Welsh Ambulance Service to set up a Community First Responder scheme in St Davids. The couple are on call to respond to emergency calls in their local area, providing crucial first aid before the ambulance arrives. Pat explains: “Both Roy and I are retired and have lots of first aid experience, so when we get a text come through – no matter what time – we are ready to help. We have dealt with lots of different situations and saved two people who were suffering cardiac arrests so the service really is invaluable.” Pat said: “Volunteering at the Red Cross has been a huge part of our life for a very long time. I also help arrange fundraising in the local area for all the fabulous services the Red Cross offers here in Pembrokeshire. I always find the local people incredibly generous. In fact, last month during Red Cross Week collections we raised over £1,000, so thank you to everyone who contributed.” The couple, who have both been awarded MBEs for their services, are also members of the Red Cross Volunteer Council and encourage other members of the community to support the work of the charity. Pat continued: “Volunteering is incredibly rewarding and I would definitely encourage anyone interested in doing something positive in their community to contact us. The training offered by the Red Cross is superb and you learn lots of new skills. You don’t need to give lots of time either; just a couple of hours a week can make a big difference to someone’s life. “Roy and I have enjoyed volunteering immensely. It has become such a huge part of our lives now. I never knew when I retired that I would be so busy.” The Red Cross offers a broad range of volunteering opportunities including health and social care, event first aid, patient transfer and retail. People are encouraged to learn more about the rewards of volunteering by calling the charity to discuss the opportunities. Those who wish to find out more about volunteering can call Cara Evans on 01239 615 945 or e mail [email protected].

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

6 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

6 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.