News

Haverfordwest: New book reveals town centre’s past glory

Published

7 years ago

May 29, 2019

FUNDING from Pembrokeshire County Council has enabled a book on the history of Haverfordwest shops to be published.

The book by local historian Pat Swales Barker – herself a well known shopkeeper – has been supported by a grant from the Council’s Haverfordwest Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) along with backing from the town’s Civic Society and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Said Pat: “I’ve been working on the book for some years and as one of the town’s shopkeepers, I’m pleased our family has had an investment in this aspect of the town’s history. It was the shops which made Haverfordwest a county town to be proud of.

“There was an immense variety of shops, small and large, family businesses, independents and chain stores all with their own stories.

“Sadly the last twenty years or so have seen a steep decline in the quality and size of the town’s shopping centre as more businesses have located outside the town.

“The book was an opportunity to record something of the fascinating history and tune into the nostalgia there is for what it used to be and I am grateful for the support from the local organisations.”

County Councillor Thomas Tudor, Chairman of Haverfordwest THI, said his group was pleased to be able to support the book.

He explained: “It is Important to recognise and record our proud past as we work to provide a successful future for Haverfordwest.

“With the completion of the new Glan-yr-afon / Riverside facility and, more recently, the Castle Link walkway together with the planned significant investment in future work, I am positive and optimistic for the future of Haverfordwest.

“It is all an integral part of the Haverfordwest Master Plan which aims to boost the footfall and economic activity of the town centre both day and night.”

‘The Shops of Haverfordwest’ by Patricia Swales Barker is available from Victoria Bookshop and other local outlets and from the author (tel: 01437 766107) price £7.99.

Pictured at the top of this article: Author Pat Swales Barker with Haverfordwest THI Chairman, County Councillor Thomas Tudor, and the new book.

News

Pendine cliff fall victim recovering after major emergency response

Published

25 minutes ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 22-YEAR-OLD man who suffered serious injuries after falling from cliffs overlooking Pendine Beach is recovering well following emergency surgery.

The man was visiting Pendine with friends on a weekend break when the incident happened on Saturday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the scene after he fell from a cliff edge above the beach, sustaining significant chest, facial and pelvic injuries.

A major multi-agency response was launched involving the Welsh Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard, Dyfed-Powys Police and the Wales Air Ambulance. Personnel from Pendine Community Council also assisted at the scene.

After receiving emergency treatment, the casualty was airlifted to Cardiff for specialist hospital care, where he underwent surgery.

An update released with the consent of the injured man and his family confirmed that he is now recovering well.

The young man, his family and friends have expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in the rescue effort, treatment and ongoing care.

Special thanks were paid to local resident Michaela Dance, an Emergency Nurse Practitioner, who was first on the scene and provided immediate assistance before emergency crews arrived.

The family said they were extremely thankful for the professionalism, skill and compassion shown by all emergency service personnel and those who helped during the incident.

Despite the seriousness of the injuries sustained, the outcome has been positive, with family and friends acknowledging that the situation could have been far worse.

Pictured are the injured man’s friends with Michaela Dance, presenting her with a gift as a token of their appreciation for the assistance she provided following the incident.

News

Hakin motorist banned after driving 14 times over drug limit

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A HAKIN motorist has been banned from driving for three years after being caught behind the wheel with cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.

Mark Briskham, 53, of Waterloo Square, Wellington Road, Hakin, was stopped by police on January 5 as he drove a Ford Kuga along Steynton Road, near Milford Haven.

Blood tests carried out at the police station showed he had 800mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.

He also had 64mcg of cocaine in his system. The legal limit is 10mcg.

Briskham pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for three years, taking into account a previous drug-drive conviction from 2020.

He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.cr

Crime

Begelly man remanded over alleged May Day assault

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged May Day assault against a woman in Begelly.

Tomas Baker, 34, of Ty Dee, New Road, Begelly, is accused of assaulting the woman, causing actual bodily harm, at an undisclosed location in Begelly on May 1.

Baker appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week by video link from Swansea Prison.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His trial will take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on June 22.