Community

Young people shine at this year’s Pembrokeshire Spotlight Awards

Published

2 years ago

November 27, 2023

THE THIRD Pembrokeshire Spotlight Awards celebrating children and young people who achieve exceptional things and make a real difference was held recently.
The Awards – a collaboration between Education, Social Services and The Children and Young People’s Rights Office – took place on 17th November at the Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College and celebrated the achievements of Pembrokeshire’s young people.

A huge well done to the young people from Milford Haven Youth Council who were involved in the whole process, from conception, to planning, to being involved on the night of the awards.
This was truly an event ‘For Young People, By Young People.’
Thanks also to BAM Nuttall for sponsoring this year’s awards. Unfortunately, they were unable to attend the event but have said it had been a pleasure to have been part of the awards and that they would like pass on their appreciation to all.

Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Thomas Tudor said: “It was an honour to be presenting the awards, with friends and colleagues, for the 2023 Spotlight Awards at Pembrokeshire College.
“The awards celebrates children and young people who achieve exceptional things and make a real difference in society. I presented the Fundraising Award, given to a young person who has demonstrated commitment and has gone that extra mile to raise money for a great cause, and congratulations to Esme

Morgan the winner and to Sophie Howell and Caiden Meacham the shortlisted candidates.”
The award ceremony was followed by refreshments and entertainment including a surf simulator, inflatable assault course, magician, photo booth as well as candyfloss and popcorn in the foyer of the college.

The event saw some amazing achievements noted and celebrated and the winners and runners up are as follows:

Most inspiring story: Thomas O’Leary (winner), Casey Arnold and Joe Zugasti (runners up)
Making a difference in the community: Lily Ramsey (winner), Futureworks Jobs Growth Wales+ Milford Centre and Milford Haven Youth Centre After School Club (runners up)
Achieving positive change: Greenhill School SAT (Social Action Team) (winner), Danna Sleman, Elisha Newton, Jesse Ormond + Judah Brookes and Michaela Hodgson (runners up)
Young Leader / Peer Mentoring Award: Leon John (winner), Helin Mohammed and Haverfordwest Period Dignity Project (runners up)
Music Award: Eliza Bradbury (winner), Erin Morgan (runner up)
Sport Award: Bleddyn Gibbs (winner), South Pembs Sharks U14’s Girls Rugby Hub and Imogen Scourfield (runners up)
Education Award: Toby Haynes (winner), Bethan Walters (runner up)
Eco Champion Award: Megan Absalom-Lowe (winner), Thrift Project (runner up)
Voice Award: Riley Barn (winner), Pembrokeshire Youth Assembly (runner up)
Arts Award: Amy Miles (winner), William Screen and Let Your Voice Be Seen and Heard Art Project (runner up)
Fundraising Award: Esme Morgan (winner), Sophie Howell and Caiden Meacham (runners up)
The final award of the night was the special ‘Spotlight Award’, given to a single young person for a particularly important contribution or achievement. For 2023 this award was given to Leon John.
There was a special mention to John Russell and Darian Smith for their achievements.

Also, at the end of the ceremony, those in attendance paused to remember a sadly departed young person.

Special thanks also go to those who attended the event to present the young people with the awards as well as to those who took the time to nominate a young person / group; Charlie Royal, Josh and the rest of the team at Pembrokeshire College for hosting this event; Nadine Farmer, Bethany Roberts, Nicky Edwards and Angie Moore for their assistance in organising this event and to the young people from Milford Haven Youth Council for their hard work.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 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

4 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

4 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.