News

Systemic failings within the fire service led to firefighter’s death

Published

1 year ago

July 23, 2024

THE TRAGIC death of a firefighter during a training exercise almost five years ago has been officially ruled as an accident by an inquest jury.

Josh Gardener, 35, from Milford Haven, suffered a fatal head injury on September 17, 2019, while training with the Mid and West Wales Fire Service on the Cleddau River.

The incident occurred when the vessel carrying Mr Gardener collided with another inflatable craft, leading to a devastating impact that threw him into the water. The collision resulted in a severe head injury described as a “deep chop wound.” Despite immediate rescue efforts by a crew member who jumped into the water, it was evident that Mr Gardener’s injuries were fatal. He was pronounced dead at 11:55 am after the crew arrived at Neyland Yacht Club, where they were met by ambulance and police services.

***Josh Gardener’s funeral in Milford Haven was attended by hundreds. (Pic Herald)***

The inquest, held at County Hall, Haverfordwest and led by acting senior coroner Paul Bennett, opened with a post-mortem examination revealing that Mr Gardener died from a “disruption of the head.” The jury concluded that the incident was accidental after hearing evidence of the circumstances surrounding the training exercise.

Mr Gardener had joined the fire service just a year before his death, fulfilling a lifelong dream of working in emergency services. Previously, he had worked as an offshore wind farm technician. His family, in a heartfelt statement read during the inquest, described him as a “son to be proud of” and a devoted father of two who cared deeply for his family.

***Paying their respects: Fire fighters at St Katherine’s Church, Milford Haven***

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report presented during the inquest highlighted several issues in the preparation and execution of the training exercise. The report pointed out that the exercise had not been adequately planned and that there was a lack of clear leadership and coordination. It was noted that neither vessel was keeping an effective lookout, resulting in a failure to maintain awareness of the boats’ relative positions and movements.

A crucial finding of the MAIB report was that the helmsman of one of the vessels had inexplicably undertaken a full circle turn despite the proximity to the other craft. This manoeuvre, against the agreed plan to rendezvous further upstream, led directly to the collision. Additionally, it was revealed that protective headgear was available on both vessels but was not worn by any crew members, as it was considered uncomfortable and obstructive to communication. However, the MAIB report concluded that even if Mr Gardener had been wearing a helmet, it is unlikely it would have prevented his death.

***The rib involved in the accident (Pic: Herald)***

The inquest also disclosed that the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s pre-activity planning requirements were not met, and standard operating procedures were not followed. No individual had been assigned overall responsibility for the activity, and there was no designated person in charge during the exercise.

Following the inquest’s conclusion, the family of Mr Gardener expressed that the verdict provided a sense of closure and acknowledged the ongoing investigations by the Health and Safety Executive and the Marine and Coastguard Agency. They emphasised the significance of the MAIB report, which underscored systemic failings within the fire service.

In a tribute read during the hearing, Mr Gardener was remembered as a “committed and caring family man” who had always aspired to serve in the emergency services. His dedication to his role and his family was profoundly evident.

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas of the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service extended his condolences to Mr Gardener’s family, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy. He assured that the fire service had implemented several new practices and reviewed procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.

“We hope that the conclusion of the inquiry brings some form of closure to the family,” said Mr Thomas. “We have learned from this investigation and are committed to continuous improvement to ensure the safety of our personnel during training exercises.”

The significant amount of time between the tragic accident and the inquest is due to legal wrangling. The Fire & Rescue Service sought a judicial review of the Coroner’s decision, based on seven grounds. This brought to light several pressing issues:

Report Presentation in Inquest: A significant contention revolved around how the MAIB report should be presented before the jury. The Fire & Rescue Service challenged that fairness requires them to question criticisms in the report and to give evidence in response.
Fresh Investigation Consideration: The Fire & Rescue Service claimed the Coroner misapplied the criteria to determine if a fresh investigation was necessary rather than relying on the MAIB report.
Misunderstanding of Applicable Law: The Fire & Rescue Service alleges that the Coroner misunderstood regulatory standards, leading to a flawed perspective on the MAIB’s investigation and report.
Engagement with Submissions: The Fire & Rescue Service believed the Coroner misunderstood its submissions and failed to engage with them adequately in the Ruling. This, they argued, resulted in an incomplete and potentially skewed analysis of their challenge.

Mr Justice Eyre, after a comprehensive review of the presented facts and arguments, dismissed the application brought forth by the Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service in July 2023. The judge’s decision was rooted in procedural rigour, clarity over jurisdictional matters, and understanding the scope and purpose of the inquest.

Community

Crowds line streets as tractor run hailed a festive success

Published

3 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CROWDS lined streets and pavements across Pembrokeshire on Saturday evening (Dec 20) as Clarbeston Road AFC’s illuminated Christmas tractor run was hailed a resounding success.

More than 200 tractors took part in the event, travelling through villages and towns including Newmoat, Maenclochog, Llys-y-frân, Walton East, Clarbeston Road, Wiston, Newbridge, Poyston Cross, Crundale and Haverfordwest, where large crowds gathered to watch the festive convoy pass through.

Families, children and residents wrapped up against the cold to enjoy the sight of tractors decorated with Christmas lights and festive displays, with applause and waves greeting drivers as they made their way through built-up areas and rural roads alike.

The convoy set off from the Clarbeston Road AFC Knock Playing Fields at 5:30pm and concluded at the County Showground in Haverfordwest later in the evening. At the end of the run, refreshments were available and the raffle draw took place at the Park House building, which was open to the public.

Organisers said the turnout from both drivers and spectators exceeded expectations, with the event once again bringing communities together while raising funds for local causes, including The Catrin Vaughan Foundation, In It With Isaac, and Wales Air Ambulance.

Clarbeston Road AFC thanked tractor drivers, volunteers, sponsors and members of the public for their support, as well as residents and road users for their patience while the convoy passed through.

The illuminated tractor run has become a firm fixture in the local festive calendar, with Friday night’s event described by many spectators as one of the best yet.

Community

Charity tractor and car run set to raise funds for Macmillan and Paul Sartori

Published

4 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A CHARITY tractor and car run in memory of Charles Rees is set to take place in Pembrokeshire later this month, with funds raised supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Charles Rees Tractor & Car Run will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, starting and finishing at Dudwell Farm in Camrose.

Participants are being invited to “start their engines” in aid of the two charities, with gates opening at 9:00am and the convoy leaving promptly at 10:30am. Organisers have confirmed that the run will operate with no halfway stops, returning to Dudwell Farm at the end of the route.

The event will begin and finish at Dudwell Farm, Camrose (SA62 6HJ), and is open to tractors and cars. Registration and cash payment will take place on the day, with the price to be confirmed nearer the event.

Additional donations can also be made locally in the run-up to the event at Camrose Country Hardware and Croesgoch Stores.

The run has been organised to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides vital care and assistance to people living with cancer, and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which supports patients and families across Pembrokeshire during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

Organisers say more information will be released closer to the event and are encouraging the local community to support the run, whether by taking part, donating, or lining the route to show support.

The event is expected to attract strong local interest, continuing Pembrokeshire’s tradition of community-led fundraising in support of much-valued charities.

News

Late Griffiths strike caps dramatic Clarby fightback in nine-goal thriller

Published

5 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Herald Sport

CLARBESTON ROAD staged a remarkable comeback to edge out Pennar Robins in a breathless Division One contest that delivered nine goals, wild swings of momentum and a hat-trick that ultimately counted for nothing.

Despite falling behind on three separate occasions, Clarby showed resilience and attacking intent to secure a 5–4 victory, sealed late on by Emyr Griffiths after the hosts had earlier trailed 3–1 in the first half.

For Pennar, the result was a bitter one. Jack Jones struck three times and the Robins led at 1–0, 3–1 and 4–3, but each advantage slipped away as Clarby refused to lie down.

The opening exchanges hinted at little of what was to come. Ben ‘Rocky’ John tested Pennar goalkeeper Ryeley Clark early on, while Tom Davies dragged an effort wide at the other end. The game burst into life after nine minutes when Pennar opened the scoring following a slick team move. Nicholas Willis drove forward down the right, combined neatly with Kieran Smith and Noah Davison, and was tripped inside the box. Jack Jones made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Clarby responded almost immediately. Player-manager Matthew Ellis, keen to atone for conceding the penalty, rose to head home Travis Jones’ corner at the near post just two minutes later.

Pennar regained control midway through the half. Tom Grimwood’s curling corner was met by Jones, who nodded in at the back post, and moments later the same duo combined again as Jones completed his hat-trick, finishing from close range after Grimwood beat his marker and cut the ball back.

Crucially, Clarby struck back before the break. Matthew Bowen delivered an inviting cross from the left and John powered a header past Clark to give the hosts renewed belief heading into half-time.

With the wind at their backs, Clarby came out flying after the restart. John levelled matters by cutting inside and firing low into the corner, before sustained pressure saw Matthew Davies have a goal ruled out for offside and substitute Josh Woods flash a shot across goal.

Against the run of play, Pennar edged back in front on 69 minutes when substitutes combined — Adam Phillips delivering a cross that Conner Phillips met unmarked to head home.

Once again, Clarby refused to fold. Jack Ashman drove forward from the edge of the area and thundered a high finish into the net to make it 4–4, before the decisive moment arrived 12 minutes from time. Griffiths broke through the Pennar back line and showed composure to lift the ball beyond Clark, completing a stunning turnaround.

Clarby managed the closing stages well to see out a vital win ahead of the Christmas break.

Man of the match: Jack Jones
Despite ending on the losing side, Jones’ clinical finishing and constant threat were impossible to ignore. Kieran Smith and Noah Davison were also influential in Pennar’s first-half dominance, while Ben John was central to Clarby’s revival before limping off with a knee issue.

Clarby player-manager Matthew Ellis said: “It’s a huge three points. After nine goals your head’s spinning a bit, but you’ll take it when you’re on the right side of the result. Pennar caused us problems early on, but we really turned it around after the break.”

Pennar manager Craig Butland said: “The second half wasn’t good enough. Individual errors are hurting us and conceding just before half-time changed the momentum. We’ve got to see games out better.”

Clarbeston Road: Rhys Mansell, Matthew Bowen, Greg Brown, Matthew Griffiths, Samuel Hurton, Jack Ashman, Emyr Griffiths, Matthew Davies (capt), Matthew Ellis, Ben John (Jake Wesley 62), Travis Jones. Sub not used: Joseph Jones.

Pennar Robins: Ryeley Clark, Nick Willis (Ryan Walters 80), Alex Wheeler (Adam Phillips 53), Ethan Ball, Bobby Jones (Conner Willis 53), Connor Roberts, Tom Grimwood, Kieran Smith (capt), Noah Davison, Jack Jones, Toby Davies.

Referee: Stefan Jenkins.