Community

Milford Haven Royal Marines Cadets ‘could close in months’ without more volunteers

Published

2 years ago

February 15, 2024

THE MILFORD HAVEN Royal Marines Cadets Detachment says it is facing significant challenges due to a shortage of adult volunteers.

If more are not found within six months, the detachment will have to close, The Pembrokeshire Herald understands.

Established over eleven years ago, the detachment has been a beacon of excellence, consistently achieving high standards in the Sea Cadets community, demonstrated by its attainment of the Burgee award, a mark of distinction for scoring over 70% in annual inspections.

The unit’s success is attributed to the dedication and hard work of its volunteers and cadets, a testament to the community’s spirit and commitment to youth development. However, the recent departure of several adult volunteers has put a strain on the detachment’s ability to deliver its renowned Royal Marines Cadets training and experiences, raising concerns about its future.

The temporary Detachment Commander, Lt (SCC) Chris Harvey-Jones RNR, has been commended for his remarkable efforts in maintaining the detachment’s operations under these challenging circumstances. His leadership has seen an increase in cadet numbers from four to eleven, a clear indication of the detachment’s vital role in the community and the positive impact on the lives of young people.

Despite these efforts, the detachment is at a critical juncture, with a desperate need for new adult volunteers to step forward. The Royal Marines Cadets emphasise that no prior military experience is required to volunteer, as all necessary training is provided. The focus is on finding individuals with enthusiasm and a keen interest in supporting youth development.

The call for volunteers comes at a time when the detachment has been given a notice of improvement by the South West Area Office, requiring evidence of progress in volunteer recruitment within the next three to six months to remain compliant with operational standards.

Lt (SCC) Aled Davies MNI RNR, the Commanding Officer of Training Ship HARRIER, has expressed his steadfast resolve to overcome these challenges. He urges the community to support the detachment’s recruitment efforts by sharing information and considering volunteering. The aim is to ensure the detachment can continue to offer young people in Milford Haven invaluable opportunities for growth and development.

The Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets play a crucial role in shaping the futures of young individuals, providing them with skills, discipline, and experiences that offer a head start in life. The current appeal for volunteers is not only a call for assistance but an invitation to be part of a rewarding journey that impacts the lives of young people and the wider community.

For those interested in volunteering or learning more about how they can support the Milford Haven Royal Marines Cadets Detachment, please contact the unit directly. Your contribution can make a significant difference in continuing the legacy of this esteemed detachment and ensuring it remains a vibrant part of the Milford Haven community.

(Image: File)

Community

Family safe after major house fire in Letterston, community told

Published

3 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Memorial hall opened to help those affected after blaze in Station Road area

A FAMILY escaped without injury after a major house fire in the Station Road area of Letterston, according to local residents.

The blaze prompted a major emergency response on Wednesday (Apr 15), with fire engines seen at the scene and the road closed while crews tackled the incident.

People posting in the Letterston community group said the family was safe, although one kitten was sadly lost in the fire.

One resident wrote: “They lost a kitten, but the family were ok. Nothing worse than a fire. There were 4 fire engines here at one time.”

Others described hearing multiple sirens and seeing smoke rising from the area, with one local woman saying her partner could see the fire engines from nearby fields.

As news of the fire spread, the local community quickly rallied round. The memorial hall was opened for anyone affected, while residents offered practical help and support to the family.

Messages posted online described the loss of the home as heartbreaking, with one resident writing that while the house had gone, the family were “alive and well to make more new memories”.

The Herald has approached the emergency services for official confirmation on the cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage.

Community

Police investigate reports of door-to-door salespeople in Milford Haven and Johnston

Published

6 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Residents urged to stay alert as officers carry out patrols and work to establish whether the callers are legitimate

MILFORD HAVEN and Neyland Police said they are aware of concerns raised by residents following reports of door-to-door salespeople operating in the Milford Haven and Johnston area.

Local officers, together with neighbourhood policing and prevention teams, are working to establish the legitimacy of those involved and will be carrying out patrols while enquiries continue.

In the meantime, members of the public are being advised to familiarise themselves with crime prevention advice relating to unwanted visitors, which is available on the force’s website.

Anyone with information that could assist enquiries is asked to get in touch online, by email at [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

In an emergency, always dial 999.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting its website.

Community

Big plant sale set to bloom in Narberth

Published

9 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family-friendly spring event will bring together local growers, craftspeople, food and live entertainment

GREEN fingers and creative talents will come together in Narberth next month as West Wales’ popular Big Plant Sale returns for 2026.

The event will take place at Narberth CP School on Saturday, May 2, offering visitors the chance to browse a wide range of plants, locally made crafts and eco-friendly products.

Organised with support from SPAN Arts, the annual sale has become one of the first major plant events of the season in the area, attracting gardeners of all ages and experience levels.

Stallholders are expected to offer everything from windowsill succulents and young seedlings to unusual and specialist plants, giving visitors plenty of choice as they prepare their homes and gardens for spring and summer.

Alongside the plants, there will also be a craft fair featuring handmade and environmentally conscious products, including soaps, textiles and wooden items made by local producers.

Organisers say the event is designed to be more than just a market, with locally produced food, live music and entertainment helping to create a lively and welcoming atmosphere for families and visitors of all ages.

SPAN Arts is also inviting local growers, nurseries, craftspeople and makers to get involved, particularly those working with sustainable and eco-friendly products.

The Big Plant Sale will run from 10:00am until 3:00pm at Narberth CP School, Jesse Road, Narberth, SA67 7FE. Visitors are asked to make a suggested £2 donation on entry.

Anyone interested in booking a stall can contact [email protected].

SPAN Arts, which is based in Narberth, has spent 30 years supporting arts and community projects across Pembrokeshire. The charity runs a broad programme of music, theatre, comedy and wellbeing activities, with a focus on reducing rural isolation and improving access to the arts.

For more information about the event, contact SPAN Arts on 01834 869323 or email [email protected].