News

Job losses inevitable at military bases

Published

11 years ago

August 1, 2014

REDUNDANCIES seem inevitable at three of the county’s military bases. The Herald has been informed that Penally, Castlemartin and Manorbier ranges face a threat of job losses. Emma Hemmings, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, spoke with The Herald: “We recently launched an enhanced voluntary redundancy offer to all employees to support an organisational change programme within our business. The uptake of voluntary redundancies means that compulsory job losses will be minimal or nil across the three Pembrokeshire ranges. “While the consultation process is on-going we cannot comment further, but we do appreciate that this will be an anxious time for many and will continue to work closely with unions and staff representatives to ensure our employees are kept informed, are treated in the fairest possible way and that any disruption is minimised.” This will come as grim news to those with a vested interest in a military presence in the county and will only add to the anxiety caused by the announcement last year that the Cawdor Barracks Army Base at Brawdy will be closed within five years. The move was treated with disappointment by newly appointed Welsh Secretary, MP Stephen Crabb and Pembrokeshire County Council’s leader, Jamie Adams, who had said: “We estimate that around 250 Cawdor Barracks personnel and their families are based in Pembrokeshire at any one time. We can ill afford to lose them and the money they spend which helps boost the local economy”. Former Defence Secretary Philip Hammond made the announcement that the army base at Brawdy would be closed and its electronic warfare specialists will be moved to St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan. Mr Hammond had said the facilities for the 14th Signal Regiment were no longer “fit for purpose” and that the base may be returned to agricultural land. He said members of the service were reluctant to bring their families to live in a “remote” location.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

8 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

8 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

8 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.