Tributes paid to Ben Bowles

9:04am Tuesday 2nd September 2008

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Flowers, tributes and photographs mark the spot where a popular and well-loved young man from Hakin, Milford Haven was fatally injured in a collision last week.

Sixteen-year-old Ben Bowles was riding his moped on Sunday, August 23rd on Pope Hill on the A4076 Johnston to Haverfordwest road when the incident involving two mopeds, a milk tanker and a car happened at around 9.55pm.

Ben was transferred from Withybush Hospital to the Heath Hospital, Cardiff where he died on Thursday, August 28th.

Ben’s father, Phillip Bowles paid tribute to his son, the youngest of three boys, saying Ben was a beautiful and genuine young man and they were proud to be his parents.

“He was a bit of a family boy, a mammy and daddy’s boy, he was always with us. He enjoyed going out with this mates once a week or so, and liked go-karting. He loved his motorbike and spent a lot of time repairing it, he had just got it all fixed up.

“Ben was always out to have a laugh and make you smile, he had a quirky sense of humour. You could always rely on him, he was a good kid and he did us proud.

“He was a popular kid, and that’s down to his personality. He was always nice and hated any sort of nastiness, if there was any sort of nastiness going on he would always come home.”

Ben had been working with his father, who had helped him to get an apprenticeship in painting and decorating. Ben had recently spent a few months in London learning the trade with his father and the pair were in the process of starting up their own business in the area.

The headteacher of Milford Haven School, Islwyn Morgan, also paid tribute to Ben, a former pupil at the school.

Mr Morgan said: “Ben was a popular boy in the school and will be much missed.

“He was the youngest of three brothers, who all attended the school, and was well known by pupils and staff. He had recently received his GCSE results and had done well.

“Staff were shocked when they came into school this morning [Monday, September 1st] to hear of his death and held a minute’s silence in the staff room as a mark of respect.

“Our thoughts are with his parents and family.”

There are plans for a tribute night to Ben, organised by the Milford based Evolution Experience, where a number of Ben’s friends worked.

Evolution Experience manager, Thomas Sinclair said: “He was a popular lad and a lot of people in Milford want to do something to remember him by. Ben liked all types of music so we will find out all his favourite bands and make it a personal tribute to him for all his friend and family.

“Four of our key members have been affected and the office has become a sort of focal point for friends to come and console one another. I think keeping them busy at this difficult time will be beneficial for them and we all want to do something for Ben.”

Ben's funeral will take place t 2pm on Wednesday, September 10th at Rehoboth Church in Lower Hill Street, Hakin, followed by interment at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Flowers can be delivered to the funeral directors, Tom Newing and Sons by noon on Wednesday.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact the Roads Policing Unit at Haverfordwest police station on 0845 330 2000.