Community
First electric mobile post office tested in Pembrokeshire
THE FIRST full-electric Post Office vehicle has been successfully trialled in the UK, and it has all happened in Pembrokeshire.
The pioneering effort is being led by Pembroke Postmaster, Mark Wilson, who, along with his team, has been serving 11 rural communities in Pembrokeshire with a new electric Mobile Post Office.
Replacing the traditional diesel vehicle, this new electric model has demonstrated its capability over the past several weeks, navigating the hilly terrain of the region without issue. The environmentally friendly vehicle can travel over 100 miles on a single charge, comfortably exceeding the longest 60-mile route covered by the Pembroke Mobile Post Office. This ample range alleviates any concerns about “range anxiety” and eliminates the need for mid-route recharging, as the vehicle is conveniently charged overnight.
Mark Wilson highlighted the positive reception from the community, stating, “Our electric Mobile Post Office is turning heads with its distinctive signage. People are used to the typical Post Office red vehicles, but the design on this vehicle emphasises its environmental benefits. It’s exciting to have the first of these in the UK. Customers have praised our new vehicle for being less polluting and visually appealing.”
The new electric vehicle maintains the same height as its predecessor but offers a slightly wider build, which has proven manageable on country lanes. Its interior design provides better layout and increased space, allowing for more retail offerings and greater storage capacity for parcels, accommodating the rising trend of home shopping returns and online sales.
Wilson added, “Colleagues working on the Mobile are pleased with its road handling and the smoother driving experience thanks to the automatic transmission.”
The Mobile Post Office has long been a vital service for maintaining Post Office access in smaller, rural communities. It offers a full range of Post Office services, including mail, pre-ordered foreign currencies, banking for all major high street banks, bill payments, and vehicle tax.
The 11 communities currently served by the electric Mobile Post Office include:
- Cosheston
- Milton
- Carew
- St Florence
- Broadmoor
- Lawrenny
- Angle
- Herbrandston
- St Ishmaels
- Marloes
- Dale.
Nigel Parry, owner of the Post Office National Outreach Model, which includes Mobile Post Offices, underscored the environmental and economic benefits of these electric vehicles. “We know the green credentials of these vehicles; they are better for the environment as there are no emissions polluting communities. These vehicles are also cheaper to run and maintain.”
Parry emphasised the importance of real-world testing to ensure the vehicles’ fitness for purpose. “We want to see how they perform in real-life conditions. Hilly terrain, cold weather, traffic jams, and the age and condition of the battery all affect the vehicle’s range, so it’s crucial to ensure there is spare capacity to serve outlying communities throughout the year.”
An additional advantage of electric vehicles is their quicker maintenance turnaround, reducing downtime compared to the biannual servicing required for diesel vehicles.
Following this successful trial in Pembrokeshire, another electric Mobile Post Office will be introduced in East Anglia next month, with a third location yet to be determined. This rollout aims to further test the suitability and cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles for rural locations. Currently, there are 67 diesel Mobile Post Offices operating across Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
This move marks a significant milestone in the Post Office’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, ensuring that even the most remote communities can benefit from modern, eco-friendly services.
Community
Special RNLI concert for choir member Dorothy’s 90th Birthday
A SPECIAL concert was held in Pembrokeshire to honour a long-serving member of the Neyland Ladies Choir, Dorothy Beckett, on the occasion of her 90th birthday.
The event took place at St Mary’s Church, Hakin, where Ms Beckett, who has been a dedicated member of the choir for many years, was celebrated for her longstanding commitment to both the choir and her 74 years of fundraising efforts for the RNLI.
The concert drew a large crowd, with Ms Beckett’s family and members of the Angle Lifeboat RNLI among those in attendance. The church was filled to capacity, and all proceeds from the event were donated to the RNLI, a cause close to Ms Beckett’s heart.
Choir president Simon Hancock welcomed attendees and spoke warmly about Ms Beckett’s popularity, not only within the choir but also throughout the local community. During the evening, she was presented with a birthday cake, adding a personal touch to the celebration.
In addition to performances by the Neyland Ladies Choir, the Milford Haven Junior Town Band provided musical entertainment. The band performed a variety of pieces, much to the delight of the audience, and received enthusiastic applause. Solo performances from young talents Mali, Ella-Mae, and Olivia were highlights, while Faith and Nia offered support from the main band.
A former member of the Hakin Point RNLI group, Jan Mathias, paid tribute to Ms Beckett, thanking her for over 50 years of dedication and support to the charity. Representatives of the Angle Lifeboat RNLI, dressed in full uniform, presented Ms Beckett with a long service medal and flowers in recognition of her remarkable contribution.
The choir’s repertoire for the evening included a range of much-loved pieces, with a special performance of ‘Christopher Robin is Saying His Prayers’, in which Ms Beckett reprised a solo part, once again moving the audience with her heartfelt rendition.
A presentation entitled “This is Your Choir Life” was delivered by Noreen Hadfield, offering a touching reflection on Ms Beckett’s 30 years with the choir. Sheila Griffiths curated a slideshow of photographs, showcasing memorable moments and amusing stories from various choir tours and events over the years.
The evening concluded with a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ led by the choir, with Ms Beckett’s son, Adrian, expressing heartfelt thanks to both the choir and the Junior Band for providing such a wonderful beginning to his mother’s birthday celebrations.
The concert was a fitting tribute to Ms Beckett, whose commitment to her community, both through music and charity, continues to inspire.
Community
Milford Haven Town Council’s remembrance events in November
MILFORD HAVEN is set to honour the fallen with a series of events in connection with the annual Remembrance period this November.
Organised by Milford Haven Town Council, the events will include several services and moments of reflection to commemorate those who served and sacrificed during conflicts.
The remembrance events will begin on Sunday, 3rd November 2024, with a Dedication Service at the Memorial Gardens. The service will commence at 10:30am, with the main ceremony at 11:00am. Crosses will be placed in a special area in front of the First World War Memorial Plaque following the service.
The Annual Remembrance Day Service will take place on Sunday, 10th November 2024, at 11:00am at the Cenotaph on Hamilton Terrace. A parade will assemble at the Town Hall at 10:30am, stepping off at 10:45am, before proceeding to the Cenotaph for the service.
On Monday, 11th November 2024, members of the Royal British Legion will lead a two-minute silence at 11:00am to mark the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month. The gathering will take place outside Milford News/Best One on Charles Street, with participants assembling at 10:45am.
These solemn events provide an opportunity for the community of Milford Haven to come together in remembrance and respect for those who have given their lives in service.
Community
Milford Haven gears up for Halloween extravaganza to benefit charity
IN a bid to raise funds for Prostate Cymru and the community’s access defibrillator fund, the Milford Haven Business Circle is hosting a Halloween Market and a Medium & Music Night this October 31st, promising an array of activities for all ages.
The Halloween Market will kick off at the Pill Social Centre from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Attendees can look forward to a variety of stalls showcasing local crafts, delightful treats, and unique gifts, perfect for the festive season.
As dusk falls, the focus shifts to the Milford Haven RFC, where the Medium & Music Night will commence at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available for £5 per person and can be purchased online or at the door. The evening will feature Nathan Roberts, a gifted medium who will offer spiritual insights, and Chris Didcote, whose musical prowess is set to provide an enchanting backdrop.
Jaimie Gurney, Secretary of the Milford Haven Business Circle and a local photographer, expressed the importance of the events: “All proceeds will aid vital medical research and ensure our community is equipped to handle medical emergencies. We are counting on the generous support of local media, businesses, and individuals to help promote these worthy causes.”
The community is encouraged to support by sharing event posters, spreading the word, and participating in what promises to be a memorable day for a noble cause.
Halloween Market
- Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Pill Social Centre, Milford Haven
The Halloween Market will feature a delightful array of festive goods and activities for the whole family. All stalls will be local, offering a diverse range of products including handmade crafts, delicious treats, and unique gifts.
Medium & Music Night
- Time: 6:30 PM onwards
- Location: Milford Haven RFC
- Ticket Price: £5 per person (available to book at HERE or at the door)
-
Crime7 days ago
Judge foresees prison sentence for Milford Haven builder
-
News5 days ago
Council to be quizzed about school pupils in Pembrokeshire being fed insect protein
-
News4 days ago
Milford man accused of ‘violently raping’ two 16-year-old girls
-
Entertainment4 days ago
New drama series ‘Cleddau’ premieres tonight on S4C
-
Crime19 hours ago
18-year-old arrested for rape in Pembroke
-
Crime4 days ago
Professional fighter avoids jail following assault in pub car park
-
News7 days ago
The results are in: Nick Neumann is Pembrokeshire’s newest councillor
-
Crime2 days ago
Jury due to retire in the case of Nathan John, accused of raping two 16-year-old girls