Elizabeth Birt

The Western Telegraph presents two recent death notices: Peter Gwynne Watkin Griffiths, who died peacefully on July 24 aged 98, and Gwilym John Morgan of Haverfordwest, who died at The Meadows Care Home on August 3, 2026, aged 83. The notices include family details and invite readers to view the full tributes or send messages of condolence.

Huw Evans Auctioneers raised £12,600 through an auction and raffle at the Llandeilo mart for Glangwili Hospital’s Chemotherapy Day Unit. The funds will support improvements to the unit’s environment and patient care, with hospital staff and Hywel Dda Health Charities thanking the auctioneer and community supporters.

The Western Telegraph presents seven recent death notices and funeral announcements from Pembrokeshire and surrounding areas, commemorating Haydn Evans, Sheila Kathleen Girdler, Shirley Ann Arlow, Doris Feetham, Maureen Thomas, Mary Woolford and Eric Ivor James Down. The notices include brief details about their deaths, families and places of residence, with links to full tributes and options for readers to leave condolences.

Eighteen-year-old Newcastle Emlyn rally driver Henri Cynwyl finished third in class and 20th overall at the Minafon Garage/Terraclean Gareth Hall Memorial Rally in Trawsfynydd, partnered by co-driver Dilwyn John. The pair stayed in the top three across all 12 stages despite a caliper problem costing several seconds. Cynwyl remains the leading under-25 driver in the Welsh Association of Motor Club Championship, with three rallies left, and plans to compete in Rali Ceredigion with John. He credited his sponsors and W1 Motorsport service team, while two sponsors, Andrew Davies and Dylan Davies, retired because of suspension failure.

Pinnacle Workforce Training Ltd is offering free first aid awareness talks to community groups across Pembrokeshire and West Wales. Led by health and social care professional Andrew James-Deakin, the sessions cover CPR, defibrillator use, choking, stroke and heart attack recognition, burns, falls, seizures and anaphylaxis. Groups within 20 miles of Llanelli can attend without charge, while those farther away are asked to cover travel expenses.

Narberth’s Serendipity Ladies’ Choir is celebrating its 10th anniversary by performing in care homes across Pembrokeshire, including venues in Jeffreyston, Narberth and Wooden. The choir also plans a visit to Kensington Court and recently completed a three-day tour with male voice choirs in Ludlow, Shrewsbury and Tenby. Chairwoman Sandra Weigel praised the group’s decade of singing and community-building under musical director Juliet Rossiter.

Pembrokeshire actress and playwright Nia Brooks is taking her debut comedy Pews At Ten to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe after it won a Fringe Gold Award and received multiple five-star reviews. Inspired by Brooks’s upbringing in St Davids and experiences as a cathedral chorister, the play follows three gossip-loving Welsh matriarchs and a bumbling Englishman preparing for a mysterious guest. Originally developed as a student project, it has since been staged in London, Fishguard and at other theatre festivals, building momentum for its Edinburgh run.

Ken Wright, a 78-year-old Welsh referee, has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest-serving referee. He is beginning his 63rd season and has officiated more than 5,000 matches since first registering with the West Wales Football Association in 1964. Wright has worked at major stadiums and on Swansea City fixtures, and colleagues praised his remarkable longevity, fitness and contribution to local football. He plans to continue refereeing until his health prevents him from doing so.

Denise Jenkins, a 55-year-old advanced nurse practitioner from Cwmavon, died after a Ural Sahara motorcycle with sidecar left the A4059 in the Brecon Beacons on April 5, 2025. An inquest heard that control of the vehicle was compromised before it crossed into the opposite lane and left the road. Jenkins suffered fatal head and spinal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Coroner Patricia Morgan concluded that she died as a result of a road traffic collision, while the inquest did not establish which family member was driving.

The Western Telegraph reports four recent death notices from the Pembrokeshire area: John Powell, a former Swansea Sound weather broadcaster; Royston John Griffiths of Pembroke; Jean Rosemary Jaques of Cresselly; and Lindsey Howell of Dinas Cross. Readers are directed to the full online notices and condolence pages.

The Western Telegraph presents eight recent death notices and funeral announcements for people connected with Haverfordwest and wider Pembrokeshire. The notices commemorate Phyllis Joan Whelton, Margaret Williams, Violet Eliza Jane Morgan, Grace Edwina Mary Sturdy, Betty Irene James, Margaret Elizabeth Tribe, Margaret Elizabeth Watkins and Kathleen Ruth Collins, including details of their families, ages, places of residence and deaths. Several died in local hospitals or care facilities, and readers are directed to the full online notices to leave condolences.

Haverfordwest weightlifters Charlotte Whalley and Chloe Hood represented Wales at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Whalley finished eighth in the women's 63kg category with an 186kg total, including a personal-best 104kg clean and jerk. Hood placed ninth in the 69kg event with a 190kg total, completing five of six lifts despite recovering from a dislocated knee. Weightlifting Wales praised both athletes' professionalism, determination and continued progression.

Folly Farm in Kilgetty has welcomed four Barbary macaques from Blair Drummond Safari Park as part of a European breeding programme coordinated through the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. The newcomers—Fia, Gigi, Harper and Annalee—are being integrated with resident macaques Leila and Vivian, with initial vocalising and chasing described as normal behaviour while the troop establishes its social order. Folly Farm has upgraded the enclosure and is using the exhibit to raise awareness of the species’ endangered status, threats from deforestation and the illegal pet trade, and conservation efforts supported by the park.

Ascona Group has had its logo placed on a Wales Air Ambulance helicopter in recognition of its fundraising partnership with the charity. The Pembrokeshire-based forecourt operator has pledged to raise £1 million and has already collected £450,000, including more than £300,000 through a Pennies-enabled donation scheme that the company matches. CEO Darren Briggs, whose commitment was strengthened after an employee received assistance from the air ambulance, plans to raise a further £5,000 through a 100-kilometre Sahara trek.

Tenby Golf Club’s captain’s day raised more than £1,000 for charity, including over £600 from a raffle organized by Cathy Griffiths of The DPJ Foundation. Captain Brian Jones thanked participants and staff, noting favorable weather, excellent course conditions and close competition among 24 teams. Ben Childs, David Blackmore, Huw Day and Anna Sutcliffe won the event, while additional prizes recognized runners-up and winners of the nearest-the-pin and longest-drive challenges.

A three-bedroom detached house near Cilgerran is being marketed for £525,000. Set on 1.2 acres, the property includes character features, a sun room, three double bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, solar panels with Tesla battery storage, and landscaped gardens with a pond. The grounds also contain a garden room, barbecue area and a large steel-frame outbuilding with two bays, electric roller doors and power sockets. Additional features include an electric vehicle charger, CCTV connection and a private gated gravel-drive entrance.

The Nantwen Summer Concert, the finale of the Music at Nantwen classical music project, is nearly sold out. The concert will take place on August 14 at 7:30 p.m. in rural North Pembrokeshire, featuring works by Edmund Finnis, Dilys Elwyn Edwards, Vaughan Williams and Mozart, performed by violinists Haim Choi and David Lopez, violists Patricia Reinoso and Kasia Ziminska, and cellist Daniel Davies. The date was changed to avoid a clash with the National Eisteddfod, and a small number of tickets remain available through the Nantwen website.

A price comparison identifies the cheapest petrol and diesel available around Pembrokeshire based on information from PetrolPrices.com. Tesco in Milford Haven has the lowest listed unleaded price at 147.9p per litre and the lowest diesel price at 166.9p, while other low-cost options include Gulf, Texaco, Valero, Asda, Essar and Morrisons stations. Prices were accurate at the time of writing and may change.

Haverfordwest weightlifter Chloe Hood is set to make her Commonwealth Games debut for Wales in the women's 69kg category in Glasgow. The 25-year-old holds Welsh records in the snatch, clean and jerk and combined total, with best lifts totaling 191kg. A former Welsh champion and youth international, Hood has built a decade-long career that includes junior medals, national records and a 2016 Sport Personality of the Year award. She hopes to add a Commonwealth Games medal to her achievements.

Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire has launched the “Every Summer Sorted” competition, offering one UK family a holiday each year for seven consecutive years. The campaign is based on research showing that many UK parents feel stressed by the six-week school holiday and pressured to plan expensive or elaborate activities. Bluestone is promoting simpler outdoor experiences through its summer programme, including activities at the resort and visits to nearby Welsh beaches. The competition is open through the resort’s Facebook and Instagram channels until August 9.

The Narberth Eisteddfod Fundraising Committee has raised £8,000 through community events, donations, volunteering and sales of Eisteddfod T-shirts. Narberth Town Council contributed £2,000, while committee chair Glinys Meredydd thanked the local community and organizers for their support. A final opportunity to purchase or win the locally produced Eisteddfod Garreg Las 2026 T-shirts will be available at Narberth Carnival Field on July 25, 2026.

The all-female Irish traditional band Mná will perform at St Jerome’s Church in Llangwm on July 30, joined by Charlie Wheatley on guitar and Nat Philipps on saxophone. The group blends Irish, English and French tunes with dance traditions and contemporary folk influences. Tickets cost £14.50, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The Western Telegraph presents five recent death notices and funeral announcements for people connected with Pembrokeshire and nearby areas: Philip “Josh” Josiah George, Elizabeth “Liz” Edwards, Patricia “Pat” Neville Lawrence, Anthea Betsy Kemp and David Mathias James. The notices provide details about their deaths, ages, families and local connections, with links to the full tributes and information on submitting condolences or placing a notice.

More than 160 runners participated in the inaugural Llys-y-Frân 10km at Llys-y-Frân Country Park in Pembrokeshire. Organized by the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust in partnership with AspireX Events and Run the Trails, the scenic race passed through woodlands, trails and the reservoir and welcomed runners of all abilities. Local businesses and volunteers supported the event, which organizers hope will become an annual fixture encouraging people to enjoy Pembrokeshire’s landscapes.

Nearly 300 Year 4 pupils from six Pembrokeshire schools took part in educational boat trips along the Milford Haven Waterway, learning about water safety, marine wildlife and the environment. A separate initiative gave more than 200 Year 8 pupils from Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock similar experiences, including information about careers linked to the waterway. The programmes were delivered by the Port of Milford Haven in partnership with Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools, with the port reporting a £426,000 investment in community activity during 2025.

More than 70 girls from Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi attended a sports morning at Fishguard Leisure Centre organized by Sport Pembrokeshire and sponsored by Valero. Participants tried activities including football, rugby, hockey, taekwondo, tennis, sailing, table tennis, rowing, bowls and gym-based fitness, with the event intended to encourage greater participation in sport. Local clubs, schools, businesses and young ambassadors supported the activities and refreshments.

Transport for Wales has added rail and bus services to help visitors reach the National Eisteddfod at Llantwd from August 1 to 8. Extra trains to and from Fishguard Harbour will connect with the hourly TrawsCymru T5 route, while the poppit fflecsi on-demand service and a free Cymru Coaches shuttle from Carmarthen station will provide additional access. Organizers are encouraging visitors to use public transport because parking at Carmarthen station will be limited.

Ten murals celebrating the Welsh language were installed across Pembrokeshire as part of Menter Iaith Sir Benfro’s preparations for the National Eisteddfod. Created by graffiti artist Lloyd the Graffiti, each mural reflects its local community. A second initiative, Gerddi Gleision, introduced poetry‑themed planters developed with S4C gardener Adam yn yr Ardd and contributions from local poets and businesses. Both projects aimed to strengthen community ties, support local suppliers and create lasting cultural displays for residents and visitors.

Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir will mark its 130th anniversary with a concert at St Davids Cathedral on July 25, featuring guest performances by soprano Jessica Robinson and tenor Rhodri Prys Jones. The programme, curated by musical director Sarah Sharpe, will include a mix of classic and contemporary choral works, with the event beginning at 7pm.

Imperial Hotel in Tenby will extend its Tenby Rocks events into a four‑day August Bank Holiday celebration featuring music, DJ sets, community activities and live entertainment overlooking the coastline. The programme includes a ticketed Friday night event with DJ Mammoth, Saturday afternoon music with Pure West Radio, a community‑focused Sunday evening and a relaxed reggae‑themed Monday. Organisers expect strong attendance from residents and visitors across Pembrokeshire.

Hundreds of attendees joined the Neyland Carnival on July 11, featuring themed floats such as Back to the 80s, Movie Mash, School of Rock and the Telly Tubby entries. Judges commended the participants, spectators and especially the carnival committee for their extensive preparation and fundraising. Additional highlighted floats included Pirates of the Caribbean, little gallons and Irish Dancers.

Llangwmlitfest returns to Pembrokeshire from August 7 to 9, 2026, featuring talks, live music and events focused on themes including slow travel, Russian history and inclusive storytelling. Festival director Michael Pugh will discuss his book recounting his long-distance horse trek, while a biography of Princess Vera Gedroits by Miranda Seymour will be highlighted. The programme includes a writing workshop for people with disabilities, community events, musical performances and opportunities to view and purchase local art.

More than £800 of puzzles, games and lifelike companion pet toys were purchased for dementia patients in Bronglais and Withybush hospitals using donations to Hywel Dda Health Charities. Staff said the items help with comfort, memory, identity and conversation, providing therapeutic support beyond standard NHS services. Community donations enable the charity to enhance care across the region.

Team Brady extended its lead in the UIM E1 World Championship after finishing second at the Monaco round, with Sam Coleman and Emma Kimiläinen securing the team’s fourth consecutive podium. Despite a slow start to the weekend, improved performance in qualifying and group races positioned the team well for the finals, where Coleman sealed second place overall. Both drivers emphasized the team’s adaptability and ongoing focus as the championship heads next to Angola.

Nearly 150 pupils from Milford Haven area schools performed in the Symphony of Schools concert at the Torch Theatre, showcasing a range of musical styles in bands and choirs. School and theatre leaders praised the event for highlighting young musical talent, collaborative effort and strong community ties.

Tenby Sailing Club marked its 90th anniversary with a cruise around Caldey Island involving around 100 members. The event was organised by Gill Rogers and overseen by Commodore Marc Shepherd. Junior sailor Isabelle Nuttall continued her strong season with two race wins at the West Wales Dragon Series and is preparing for the Tera World Championships in Germany. Additional club races saw Dan and Matt win both events in Osprey 1380, and preparations are underway for the Firefly National Championships in August.

The Port of Milford Haven will hold its Annual Stakeholder Meeting on July 30 at Milford Waterfront, offering updates on projects, achievements and future plans. The event includes a Q&A session and post‑meeting gathering, with registration and advance questions available through the port’s website.

New data from the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit shows cancer accounted for more than a quarter of all deaths in Wales in 2025, totaling 9,053. Although the number of cancer deaths slightly declined compared with 2024 and pre‑pandemic years, experts caution it is too early to determine long‑term trends. Significant inequalities persist, with cancer mortality rates 54 percent higher in the most deprived areas. Nearly 60 percent of deaths occurred in those aged 75 and older, reflecting Wales’ aging population. Lung, bowel, prostate, and breast cancers comprised 44 percent of all cancer deaths. Health officials emphasize the need for prevention, early diagnosis, and equitable access to screening and vaccination programs.

Fresh funding from The National Lottery Community Fund will enable Cilrath Acre in Narberth to expand its community growing work, including youth engagement and Welsh‑language activities. The project, linked to Pembrokeshire Foodbank, has supported more than 100 volunteers and supplied large quantities of produce to residents in need. Organisers highlight the wellbeing benefits for participants and plan to develop new programmes while continuing regular volunteer sessions.

A selection of archival photographs from the early 1900s to the 1980s highlights how Haverfordwest has changed, featuring historic shops, landmarks and local scenes contributed by members of a community nostalgia group.

A raffle held during Tenby Golf Club’s Presidents’ Golf Open Day raised £1,600 for Wales Air Ambulance, contributing to a total of £5,500 donated by the club to date. Twelve South Wales golf clubs provided four-ball vouchers as prizes, valued at more than £3,000. Wales Air Ambulance representatives thanked the club, noting the service must raise £13 million annually to operate its helicopters and rapid response vehicles. The charity, working with EMRTS to deliver hospital‑level emergency care, has completed more than 57,000 missions and is preparing to mark its 25th anniversary in 2026.

A free waterfront screening of Finding Nemo at Mackerel Quay will launch the Torch Theatre’s 2026 Sunset Cinema season in Milford Haven, supported by Milford Waterfront and the Port of Milford Haven. Organisers highlight the event as a family-friendly start to the summer holidays, followed by an evening showing of Back to the Future. Attendees are encouraged to bring seating, with food vendors available and all tickets, including free ones, requiring advance booking.

Recent death notices from Haverfordwest and surrounding areas highlight the passing of nine individuals, each remembered with brief tributes noting their families, places of residence and where they passed away. The notices invite readers to view full tributes online and offer condolences through dedicated memorial pages.

Dr Bev, the drag persona of Rob Keetch, will close the entertainment on the Barn Stage at the Pembrokeshire Pride Festival on September 19 at Dewslake Farm. Organizers emphasize the event’s role in fostering visibility, community connection, and support for LGBTQ+ people amid rising hostility. Fresh from performing at São Paulo Pride, Dr Bev will offer photo opportunities to raise funds for local community work. Pembrokeshire Pride leaders highlight the festival’s welcoming environment and the symbolic contrast between global Pride celebrations and the rural setting. Tickets go on sale July 24.

Lynne McCutcheon received the British Empire Medal for more than two decades of voluntary work supporting disadvantaged children in Nepal and India through the charity New Futures Nepal. At a ceremony in Haverfordwest, she expressed gratitude to trustees, partner charities, donors and volunteers. Officials including Lord-Lieutenant Sara Edwards commended her commitment to improving opportunities for vulnerable young people.

Preparations are underway for Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, the annual Welsh-language cultural festival taking place in Pembrokeshire from August 1 to 8. The event will feature performances, talks, demonstrations, and artistic showcases, with participation from communities across south Ceredigion and west Carmarthenshire. This year marks the 850th anniversary of the first Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle. Local enthusiasm has been boosted by Small World Theatre’s touring giant puppet of founder Lord Rhys.

A new weekly drop‑in advice clinic operated by Paul Sartori Hospice at Home has opened at Withybush Hospital, offering patients, families and carers face‑to‑face guidance without appointments. The service was established after Claire Archibald MS advocated for improved collaboration between the charity and Hywel Dda University Health Board, which provided space for the clinic. The initiative aims to make palliative‑care support more accessible across Pembrokeshire and is open to individuals with a wide range of life‑limiting conditions, not limited to cancer.

Way Out West First Aid Training in Pembroke Dock was named Best Compliance Training Provider at the UK Business Awards for its practical, accessible first aid and CPR programs. Founder Tracy Law, drawing on decades of experience, emphasises empowering people to act effectively in emergencies. The company offers a wide range of accredited courses, flexible scheduling and community-focused training, with plans to open new facilities. Its approach aims to improve emergency response confidence amid low cardiac arrest survival rates in Wales.

Ysgol Glannau Gwaun in Fishguard received the Gold Active Travel Award at the Senedd for its extensive cycling and scooting initiatives. Investment in bicycles and scooters now enables all pupils to participate in regular training, with older students mentoring younger ones. The school collaborates with several community organisations for funding and support, has developed a community scooter trail, and runs additional active travel schemes including a walking bus. A celebratory event featured BMX workshops and demonstrations, highlighting the school’s commitment to expanding its active travel programmes.

A community‑owned pub in Crymych will host a free two‑day festival featuring local musicians, food and drink, with donations supporting the MND Charity. The event includes multiple live performances across Friday and Saturday, along with outdoor bars and street food. The Crymych Arms, refurbished after being purchased through a community share initiative, now also serves as the Crymych Football Club clubhouse.

The Tenby and County Trust awarded grants to five young people for activities including sport and music, with recipient Seren Barrett performing at a Tenby Male Choir concert. The trust has distributed £27,500 to Pembrokeshire youths and will open its next round of funding in September for applicants under 21.

Robin Wood and Ben Wood claimed the Redwing Class National Championship title at the Looe-hosted competition, which featured four races in varying wind conditions. Tenby Sailing Club also held a successful dinghy race involving 11 crews, where Ben Dancer finished first and Robin Wood placed second. Additional results were recorded in the annual passage race from Hobbs Point to Tenby across two divisions, highlighting strong participation and competitive performances.

Pembrokeshire County Council has opened a public consultation on proposed council tax premium changes for second homes and long‑term empty properties for the 2027–28 financial year. Feedback will inform future policy and decisions on how revenue may support community priorities. The consultation runs until August 10, 2026, with a final council decision scheduled for October 15, 2026, and potential changes taking effect from April 1, 2027.