Community

County mourns the loss of a beloved surgeon and philanthropist

Published

2 years ago

March 31, 2024

THE LOCAL community and beyond came together yesterday, on March 23 to bid farewell to Mr. Athula Withanage, a distinguished Clinical Director and Lead Clinician in General & Vascular Surgery at Withybush Hospital, whose journey ended on the 1st of March 2024.

The funeral service, held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium in Narbeth, was both a somber and a celebratory reflection of his remarkable life and contributions.

Born in Gonagalapura, Sri Lanka, Mr. Withanage’s illustrious career in medicine was marked by his compassionate care, surgical expertise, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of surgeons. His approach to medicine and surgery was not just about healing the body but also about nurturing the spirit of his patients and colleagues alike.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Withanage was a man of profound creativity, making significant strides in both literature and theatre. As an accomplished writer and actor, he shared his talents generously, enriching the cultural fabric of his community.

Mr. Withanage’s legacy is carried forward by his family, including his wife Nelum, his children Triona, Shane, and Dylan, his son-in-law Rajindra, daughter-in-law Sumudu, and his beloved grandchildren Kian, Liam, Shian, Riyon, Roshan, and Resan.

His role as a devoted family man stood at the core of his being, mirroring the love and dedication he showed in every aspect of his life.

The procession on Saturday began from his residence in Prendergast Haverfordwest at 11:25 am, making a symbolic final drive past the Withybush General Hospital, acknowledging his 31 years of selfless service before reaching the crematorium.

This gesture reflected the deep connection between Mr. Withanage and the institution he served with distinction.

The service was not only a local event but also a global one, with the funeral live-streamed to accommodate those who could not attend in person, including international viewers, notably from Sri Lanka.

This digital bridge allowed for a global gathering of those touched by Mr. Withanage’s life and work, emphasising the wide-reaching impact of his kindness and professional excellence.

Following the service, the gathering at Hotel Plas Hyfryd in Narbeth offered a space for reflections and shared memories, reinforcing the community’s solidarity and shared loss.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Withybush General Hospital, a testament to Mr. Withanage’s enduring commitment to healthcare and the wellbeing of others.

These contributions will support the hospital in continuing to provide care that reflects the standards he set throughout his career.

As we reflect on Mr. Withanage’s life, we are reminded of the indelible mark he leaves on both the medical and broader communities. His legacy of compassion, dedication, and boundless achievement will continue to inspire and influence many.

Mr. Withanage’s life was a beacon of what it means to serve others with love and excellence, and he will be deeply missed.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

28 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Community

Choir to sing at ten bandstands in one day for Alzheimer’s charity

Published

37 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Côr Meibion De Cymru will begin its South Wales challenge at Milford Haven before finishing in Cardiff

A WELSH male voice choir will sing at ten bandstands in one day as part of an ambitious charity challenge across South Wales.

Côr Meibion De Cymru, the South Wales Male Choir, will begin its Ten Bandstands Challenge at The Rath in Milford Haven at 7:00am on Sunday, May 31.

The choir will then travel east, performing short concerts at Tenby, Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Llandeilo, Neath, Barry Island, Penarth and Newport before finishing at Victoria Park in Cardiff at around 8:00pm.

The event is being held in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, with organisers aiming to raise £5,000.

The choir says the challenge is intended to create a “red wave of singing” across South Wales, while celebrating the Welsh male voice choir tradition and showing that it remains a powerful part of Welsh cultural life.

The full schedule is:

Milford Haven, The Rath: 7:00am to 7:20am
Tenby, Castle Hill: 8:25am to 8:45am
Carmarthen, Carmarthen Park: 9:55am to 10:15am
Kidwelly, Parc Y Bocs: 11:00am to 11:20am
Llandeilo, Penlan Park: 12:30pm to 1:00pm
Neath, Victoria Gardens: 2:00pm to 2:20pm
Barry Island, Friars Road: 3:55pm to 4:20pm
Penarth, Windsor Gardens: 5:10pm to 5:30pm
Newport, Belle Vue Park: 6:35pm to 6:55pm
Cardiff, Victoria Park: 7:50pm to 8:10pm

Organisers say timings may vary slightly depending on traffic on the day.

The challenge is being promoted as a celebration of music, community and Welsh identity, while raising money for a cause that affects families across Wales.

More information and donations are available through the choir’s JustGiving campaign.

Community

Police issue A477 crash appeal after five taken to hospital

Published

3 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIVE people were taken to hospital, three with serious injuries, following a collision on the A477 between Llanteg and Red Roses on Sunday (May 24).

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 5:00pm and involved a grey Honda Civic i-VTEC and a white Kia Soul 2.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested and remains in police custody.

Officers are appealing for anyone who was driving on the A477 at around the time of the collision, or who may have dash-cam footage of either vehicle before the crash, to come forward.

Police said visitors to Pembrokeshire who may not know the area should check their route in case they were travelling along the A477 at the relevant time.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference: 326 of May 24.