News

Six-times Haverfordwest mayor steps down from town council

Published

2 years ago

July 18, 2023

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A SIX-TIMES mayor of Haverfordwest has resigned after nearly 20 years on the town council.

Alan Buckfield, who is currently on an extended visit to friends and family in Australia, said: “I decided last November that May would be a good time to leave the council.

“I would have completed my sixth term as mayor over a few months short of 20 years’ service to the town. I mentioned this decision to the clerk and several other close friends on the council.

“I informed council of my decision at the March meeting but said that I would leave after three outstanding items had been resolved.

“I stated that whatever happened I would definitely leave no later than December, the month I joined Haverfordwest Town Council in 2003.”

He finished: “With other family and health commitments it will be November before I can guarantee attending a meeting, so I thought it best to retire now.”

Scenes of pandemonium, including three councillors resigning and Cllr Buckfield – as mayor – being called a disgrace to the town, broke out during the March town council election of the mayor for the forthcoming year.

Councillor Jill Owens, a decorated former police sergeant who was once forced to resign after falling for an armed robber, replaced Cllr Buckfield as mayor at that meeting.

Cllr Owens, had previously served as deputy mayor, a role traditionally seen as leading to becoming mayor the following year.

Despite there been no argument about Cllr Owens’ fitness for the role, the March meeting of the town council contained an agenda item considering applications for the 2023-24 mayor, with both Cllr Owens and Cllr Rhys Evans listed.

After an at-times heated meeting Cllr Owens became mayor for the ’23-’24 year.

The town council is to hold elections for two vacancies on its Castle ward, with a closing date for nominations of July 21, details for any applicants may be found on the town council website.

The town council also has a casual vacancy to represent its Priory ward, with a closing date of August 1, and similar vacancy for its Garth ward.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

10 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

10 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

10 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.