News
Crown Court for man who allegedly set fire to his own council house
A HAVERFORDWEST man is scheduled to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, December 4, charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered, two counts of common assault against an emergency worker, and affray.
It is alleged that Robert Ward, 56, of Jury Lane, set fire to his own council house following a dispute regarding his forced relocation to an alternative property.
According to the ambulance service, he sustained injuries during the incident, resulting in burns that required treatment at Morriston Hospital. He was transported there by air ambulance.
The severity of the fire, and its location near to a primary school necessitated the response of crews from four fire stations.
Luckily the school day had just finished when the fire started.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed on Tuesday (November 21) that Robert Ward has been charged.
A police spokesperson stated, “He appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 2, and was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court on December 4.”
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson reported: “We received a call at 4:23 PM on Saturday, October 21, regarding a fire at a property on Jury Lane in Haverfordwest. We dispatched two emergency ambulances to the scene, supported by the Cymru High Acuity Response Unit and two operations managers. Advanced critical care was provided by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service in a Wales Air Ambulance helicopter. One individual was transported by road to Morriston Hospital.”
A spokesperson for the Fire Brigade added: “At 4:18 PM on Saturday, October 21, crews from Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Narberth, and Carmarthen were called to an incident on Jury Lane, Haverfordwest. The teams responded to a fire in a two-storey, end-of-terrace domestic property measuring approximately 8m x 8m. Six breathing apparatus sets, two hose reel jets, one safety jet were used to extinguish the fire, and one positive pressure ventilation fan to ventilate the property. Dyfed-Powys Police were also in attendance. The Fire and Rescue Service crews departed the scene at 1:30 AM on Sunday, October 22.”
Entertainment
Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery
A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.
Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.
Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.
The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.
A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.
The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.
The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.
Community
Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland
FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.
The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.
Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.
“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”
Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.
The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.
Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.

Vintage tour: Jo Richards and Alun Mason with tractors at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port (Pic: Martin Cavaney).
Community
Volunteers praised as Rath paddling pool gets summer makeover
Questions raised over new netting as community pitches in to prepare popular spot
VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their efforts to get Milford Haven’s Rath paddling pool ready for summer – but a new addition has sparked debate among locals.
A group of residents, including Caroline Jones, Derek Abbott, Jordy, Tina Hawkins and Isla, were pictured this week installing colourful netting along the fence surrounding the pool.
The work forms part of ongoing efforts by the community to clean, maintain and improve the popular splash area ahead of the warmer months.
Caroline explained the netting had a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.
She said: “It’s partly to try and prevent some of the grass cuttings getting into the pool but also to brighten the area up.”

Others suggested it could also help reduce the amount of litter blowing into the water – an issue that has been raised in previous summers.
The efforts were widely welcomed online, with many residents thanking those involved for giving up their time.
One commenter wrote: “A bit of praise for these volunteers who give our little ones a bit of enjoyment at the paddling pool. Well done all.”
Another added: “Well done and thank you everyone.”
Some questioned the need for the netting, with one resident saying: “I don’t understand the netting around the pool. It looked lovely as it was.”
The Rath paddling pool is a well-used facility during the summer months, particularly by families with young children, and relies heavily on volunteer support to keep it clean and operational.
Local groups, including TipTop Wheelies, are understood to be involved in helping prepare the site for the season.
Despite mixed views on the netting, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for those working behind the scenes to keep the facility open.
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