News

Captain Evans remembered with new blue plaque

Published

6 years ago

October 23, 2019

SATURDAY (Oct 19) saw the unveiling of a blue plaque on the village green in Wolfscastle to remember Captain William Davies Evans, who was born at Musland Farm in the Parish of St Dogwells on January 27, 1790.

Captain Evans became famous as a chess expert, inventor and sailor. After the family moved to Milford Haven, he became fascinated by the sea and ships and in 1804 went to sea to fight for king and country and rose to the rank of captain.

He invented the internationally recognised system of tri coloured lights for shipping in order to make sailing at night less dangerous.

Whilst aboard ships he passed the time by playing chess, and invented the move now known as the Evans Gambit. In 1825, Evans played a game of chess against a high-ranking chess player, Alexander Macdonnell, and Evans won using the ‘Evans Gambit. The move is now recognised and used across the whole world of chess.

The blue plaque is affixed to a stone located on the green, next to the school in Wolfscastle. The stone was brought to Wolfscastle by Paul Evans of Musland Farm, where Captain Evans was born.

The ceremony was attended by members of Fishguard Sea Cadets, Mr Chris Martin, Chair of the Board of Directors of Milford Haven Port Authority and a number of members of the Welsh Chess Association, which had contributed toward the cost of the day. PLANED were also involved in contributing towards the costs.

A spokesman on behalf of the Chess association said: “The Welsh Chess Union and the Dyfed Chess Association are delighted that it has been possible to honour Captain Evans, probably Wales’ most distinguished chess player ever, in this way. We are hugely grateful to all those involved in the organisation of this event in Wolf’s Castle and in particular to its driving force, the Reverend Geoffrey Eynon.”

The plaque was unveiled by descendants of the Captain, who had travelled from Falmouth, Bristol and Folkstone for the prestigious event.

The children from Ysgol Casblaidd entertained the audience present and the audience sang the hymn favoured by sailors ‘Eternal Father Strong to Save’.

After the ceremony, a presentation was held by reverend Richard Davies of Little Newcastle at Penybont Chapel Vestry of the history of Captain Evans`s life and marine career, and Mr Howard Williams of the Welsh Chess Association spoke of the history of the ‘Evans Gambit’.

Members of Captain Evans’ family said: “As a family we played a small part in the proceedings which were so full of character and distinctiveness.

“We were overjoyed to see how the village school nurtures a sense of heritage in their pupils. The wider community’s generosity of spirit was overwhelming and even the weather complimented the ceremony. Not to mention the superb organisation.

“It would be fair to say we felt quite overwhelmed by the support from the community for the recognition and the event. It was great to have Captain Evans recognised in his home village and we can’t thank everyone enough for their efforts to make the day a success. The blue plaque is an enduring tribute. We received such a warm welcome in Wolfscastle on Saturday, and it was a profound experience. The chance not only to value Captain Evans legacy, but also to understand where it all started for him as a youngster on a Pembrokeshire farm.”

Cllr Barrie Griffiths, Chairman of Wolfscastle Community Council gave a vote of thanks to all had been involved in making the day a memorable one for all who were involved.

Reverend Geoffrey Eynon, who presided the proceedings throughout the day, said “It has been a wonderful experience from the time I read about William Davies Evans, visiting his grave in Ostend, in Belgium, seeking out his descendants and being instrumental in organising today’s event.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

13 seconds ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY Coombes, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes used an Xbox device without informing police within three days of its use, which he was prohibited from doing under a sexual harm prevention order made at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated a guilty plea at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court record states that bail was refused on the grounds that he was considered likely to offend, with magistrates citing the nature and seriousness of the offence, along with his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

8 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.