News

Boy took his own life after failure to refer him for psychiatric support

Published

7 years ago

February 19, 2019

THE INQUEST into the death of 14 year-old Derek Brundrett, who was found hanged at Pembroke School in December 2013, has found that there were individual failings in efforts to get psychiatric support for the teenage boy – who then went on to take his own life.

Derek had seven different social workers and record keeping by social services was in a “shocking state of affairs” leading up to his death.

Returning a narrative verdict, the Assistant Coroner, Paul Bennett, said: “That Derek Brundrett took his own life and intended to do so in circumstances where, despite efforts to refer him for psychiatric support there was a failure to do so.”

Although no systemic failures were found, the Assistant Coroner ruled that there was a failure to refer by a social worker, a failure by a GP to provide extra information when referrals in 2012 and 2013 were declined, and a further failure to provide the relevant information on the appropriate referral form of a Looked After Child.

Derek’s death was in the context that he had been returned to foster care and was concerned about a return to the Pupil Referral Unit.

Derek’s actions were not considered to be a cry for help but rather a deliberate attempt at self-harm, the Coroner’s report stated.

The inquest had previously heard there were numerous failed attempts to refer him to mental health services.

A social services referral plan was not completed by Derek’s social worker because “she believed him to be happy”.

The inquest also heard Derek’s GP had made “routine” referrals for mental health treatment in 2012 and 2013.

Angela Lodwick, head of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for the Hywel Dda University Health Board, said they had to “prioritise children with severe mental health disorders”.

She added requests for more information about Derek’s condition went unanswered.

But she told the inquest that, at the time, CAMHS was not proactive in seeking more information.

Ms Lodwick said CAMHS would have probably “taken him on referral and made an assessment” if they had known about Derek’s risk-taking behaviour and talk of suicide in 2013, such as when he climbed onto the school roof.

She told the inquest the system had been inadequate and “the position was that everyone sat on their hands waiting” but CAMHS has since made improvements.

A spokesman for the Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The death of a child is a profound loss and all the professionals involved in this tragedy feel great sympathy for Derek and his family and friends. We would like to repeat our sincere condolences to them at this time.

“Derek’s loss is deeply felt by those individuals who had formed close and caring relationships with him.

“We would like to thank the Coroner for his thorough investigation and consideration of the case.

“We will, of course, reflect upon all of the issues that have been raised during the Inquest, and consider what lessons can be learned with a view to continuing to ensure the safeguarding and well-being of all children and young persons served by Pembrokeshire County Council.”

Business

Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery celebrates opening of second shop in Narberth

Published

13 minutes ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A LOCAL pet treat business has celebrated a major milestone after opening its second shop on Narberth High Street.

The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery welcomed customers through the doors of its new Narberth store on Saturday, marking the latest stage in the growth of the independent business founded by Ali and Kelly.

Despite the hot weather, the opening attracted a strong turnout, with customers visiting to explore the bakery’s range of nutritious and colourful treats for dogs, cats and other much-loved pets.

The new premises joins the company’s established Haverfordwest store, allowing the team to serve customers from two Pembrokeshire town centres.

Ali and Kelly said the opening had been the result of years of hard work, determination and belief in their business.

They said: “What started as a big dream is now a reality, and seeing everyone flock through the doors on Saturday, despite the heat, has been one of our proudest moments to date.

“We are still pinching ourselves, to be honest, and it probably won’t sink in for a while yet.”

The pair also thanked residents and neighbouring businesses for the warm welcome they had received since arriving in Narberth.

They added: “The response and support from our friends, followers, customers and visitors has been absolutely incredible.

“Thank you doesn’t seem to cut it, but thank you all so very much. We are a little overwhelmed.”

The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery specialises in fun and nutritious handmade treats, with products available for a range of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, birds and small pets.

The owners said they were now looking forward to building on the success of the opening weekend and continuing to serve customers in both Narberth and Haverfordwest.

The new shop adds another independent name to Narberth’s busy High Street, which is widely known for its mix of locally owned shops, cafés and specialist businesses.

Picture caption: Ali and Kelly outside the new Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery shop on Narberth High Street.

News

Sea Sunday service at St Davids honours those with lives shaped by the sea

Published

32 minutes ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SEAFARERS, lifeboat crews and all those whose lives and livelihoods depend upon the sea were remembered during a special service at St Davids Cathedral on Sunday (July 12).

The annual Sea Sunday service, known in Welsh as Sul y Môr, brought worshippers and representatives of the wider community together to recognise the contribution made by seafarers and to pray for their safety and wellbeing.

The service was held at 11am and sung by St Davids Cathedral Choir, with the sermon delivered by the Revd Dr Jonathon Wright, Priest-in-Charge within the Greater Dewisland Ministry Area.

Among those attending were the Bishop of St Davids, the Rt Revd Dorrien Davies, the Dean of St Davids, the Very Revd Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, Deputy Lieutenant Roger Smith and the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Andrew Phillips.

Sea Sunday is marked by churches and maritime communities around the world each July. It provides an opportunity to remember the people who work at sea, often spending long periods away from their homes and families while facing isolation, dangerous conditions and unpredictable weather.

It also recognises the vital role played by those working in merchant shipping, fishing, rescue services and ports.

The Mission to Seafarers has chosen “Harbours of Hope: The Church Alongside Seafarers” as its theme for Sea Sunday 2026, highlighting the practical and pastoral support offered to crews in ports around the world.

More than 90 per cent of the goods used in everyday life are transported by sea, making the work of seafarers essential to communities and economies across the globe.

That connection has particular meaning in Pembrokeshire, where the sea remains central to the county’s identity.

The coastline supports commercial shipping, fishing, tourism and watersports, while RNLI volunteers and other emergency services regularly respond when people get into difficulty around the coast.

St Davids RNLI had encouraged members of the community to attend Sunday’s Cathedral service, which offered a moment to give thanks for all those who work on or beside the water.

Bishop joins the dancing

Following the service, the occasion took a more light-hearted turn when Bishop Dorrien and Canon Sheridan joined visiting members of Whitchurch Morris outside the Cathedral.

The Diocese of St Davids jokingly described the moment as “dance-bombing”, as the Bishop and Canon enthusiastically waved handkerchiefs and attempted the traditional steps alongside the dancers.

A video of the performance quickly attracted a warm response online.

Margaret Nock commented: “Not all bishops would do that! Da iawn.”

Helen McDermott added: “Fantastic! Aren’t we a lucky Diocese.”

Others praised the Bishop’s dancing, while several people said they wished they had been at the Cathedral to see the performance.

Whitchurch Morris were visiting Pembrokeshire as part of a planned weekend of traditional dancing with Wessex Morris Men and Treacle Eater Clog.

Their appearance provided a colourful conclusion to a service which combined prayer, music and reflection with a celebration of the communities whose lives remain closely connected to the sea.

WATCH Bishop Dorrien and Canon Sheridan join the Morris dancers in the video below.

Business

Iconic Tenby music shop Dales opens new branch in Carmarthen

Published

39 minutes ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ONE of west Wales’ most recognisable independent music retailers has expanded into Carmarthen with the opening of a brand-new Dales Music Store.

The family-run business, which first opened in Tenby in 1947, has become a favourite destination for generations of music lovers, known for its extensive range of vinyl records, musical instruments, guitars, music accessories and merchandise.

Now, after almost 80 years in business, Dales has opened a second branch on Blue Street in Carmarthen, bringing its distinctive yellow-and-blue branding and passion for music to the county town.

The new store offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned vinyl, guitars, musical instruments, equipment, accessories, gifts and official band merchandise, catering for everyone from experienced musicians to collectors and casual music fans.

The expansion represents a significant milestone for the long-established business, which has evolved from its roots as a piano retailer into one of Wales’ best-known independent music stores while remaining family owned.

Owners say they are excited to welcome customers through the doors of the new Carmarthen branch and hope it will become a hub for the local music community, offering the same friendly service and specialist knowledge that has made the Tenby store a trusted name for decades.

The arrival of Dales also provides a welcome boost to Carmarthen’s independent retail scene, giving shoppers another reason to visit the town centre and supporting the area’s growing reputation as a destination for independent businesses.

Photo caption: The Dales team outside the new Carmarthen store on Blue Street, marking the opening of the iconic Tenby music retailer’s second branch.