January

PARENTS were able to see how their local school compared to others in Wales, when the Welsh Government’s latest schools ‘colour banding’ evaluation was released.

The report showed an improving picture for the county, with 13 primary schools placed in the green category (needing the least support), while only one – Tasker Milward School – remained in the red (needing the most support).

Hakin Community School, Hubberston VC School, Milford Haven Junior School, Meads CP Infant and Nursery School, and St Francis RC School, all maintained yellow band status.

Neyland School moved from amber to yellow this year, with attendance above the county average, and 91.4 per cent of pupils achieving the expected outcome in the Foundation Phase areas of learning.

Milford Haven Secondary School remained in the amber band, with just 43.3 per cent of pupils achieving five GCSEs at A* to C grade, including English, Welsh and maths – the lowest in the county.

PLANS for a £200million renewable energy plant at the former RNAD Blackbridge site in Milford Haven – predicted to create around 450 jobs – went on show to the public.

In addition to creating sustainable energy, energy firm Egnedol said the site would also house facilities to produce prawns, fish, cheese and mushrooms.

A REVOLUTIONARY treatment centre that started life because of a £30 raffle celebrated 30 years of helping people with multiple sclerosis (MS) this month.

The HOPE Centre in Neyland marked three decades of supporting local people with degenerative conditions with events throughout the year, including a gala concert at St David’s Cathedral.

THAT Reminds Me ... author Jeff Dunn handed over £1,730 to the Paul Sartori Foundation in January, raised from sales of his Tony and the Dream Searcher book.

HUBBERSTON was identified as one of 13 areas in Wales that could benefit from a £1 million Big Lottery funding pot.

Thanks to support from Invest Local, locals have set up a a registered charity with the aim of taking over the running of the closure-threatened community centre.

February

TRIBUTES were paid to Milford Haven teenager Morgan Power, who died after the van he was travelling to work in caught fire on the M4 in Swansea on February 12.

His father, Karl, was rescued from the vehicle, but was severely injured.

Around 350 of Morgan’s friends came together on the Rath to release lanterns as a ‘symbol of hope’ for his grieving family, with a spectacular fireworks display marking the occasion.

His funeral, held in March, saw hundreds of people line the streets outside St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, and at a service at Milford Haven School Morgan’s school friends released coloured balloons in his memory.

THIS month marked 20 years since one of the world’s worst oil shipping disasters hit the Pembrokeshire coast.

On the evening of February 15, 1996, the tanker the Sea Empress hit rocks and started to spill 72,000 tonnes of crude oil into the county’s waters.

The incident had devastating effects on local wildlife and threatened the area’s tourism and fishing industries.

Thousands of birds were killed after the tanker was holed below the water line as it entered the Cleddau estuary on its way to Milford Haven, contaminating more than 120 miles of coastline.

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council had to pay compensation to 100 female former employees following a four-year legal challenge.

The equal pay ruling, with a pay-out believed to be around £200,000, came as a result of a campaign led by former care worker Doreen Goldthorpe, from Neyland.

TWO years after it was blocked off and earmarked for new houses, the owners of the Manchester Square Health Centre car park agreed to re-open it to the public.

Assura had sought planning permission to build 10 houses on the site, but health centre patients complained the number of parking spaces had been substantially reduced, resulting in overcrowding and difficult accessing the car park.

March

THE man accused of murdering Haverfordwest mum Natasha Bradbury – made his first court appearance this month.

Wearing a grey tracksuit, 33-year-old mechanical engineer Luke Jones spoke only to confirm his name at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, March 24.

Huw Rees, defending, said Jones – of Haven Drive, Milford Haven - was not yet ready to enter a plea as they were still waiting on information from expert witnesses.

A trial date was set for August.

MORE than 3,000 people signed a petition started by Johnston mum Nina Evans to save the Sandy Bear bereavement service, following fears it would close due to cuts in Welsh Government funding.

Families shared moving accounts of how the “unique and innovative service” – based in Neyland - had helped them and their children deal with grief.

Pembrokeshire County Council, which bought in the service from Hywel Dda health board, stressed a final decision over the service’s future had not been made.

MERGING two Milford Haven primary schools could be the only way to tackle overcrowding, parents were told in March.

With pupil numbers at the Meads School spiralling, parents, governors and staff were asked for ideas on how the school could work with Milford Haven Junior School and St Francis Roman Catholic School to meet increased future demand.

THE Merc celebrated St David's Day with a fresh new look.

The bumper edition, filled with photos, also offered readers the chance to win £100 in shopping vouchers.

A COLOURFUL new all-weather play area was unveiled at the Meads School.

Costing £15,500, it was paid for by the school, fundraising by the parents and friends association, and donations from Valero, Pembroke Power Station, Van Dyk’s hairdressers, and Tesco Milford Haven.

April

THE family of a 24-year-old fishermen, who died after a night out in Milford Haven, thanked the town for its ‘outpouring of love and support’.

Josh Winsper, from Penryn, in Cornwall, was reported missing by his shipmates on April 2, prompting a huge search of the waterway by police divers, the coastguard and the fire service.

FAMILIES were heartbroken by news that the Sandy Bear bereavement service would close its doors in June.

In a joint statement, the health board and Pembrokeshire County Council said children would continue to receive “the same level of bereavement support as other areas in the Hywel Dda patch”, and were “confident no child will be disadvantaged as a result of the changes”.

Hubberston town councillor Rose Gray said she was “devastated” at the decision.

“The reason Sandy Bear was set up is still there, that hasn’t changed, and the issue of unresolved grief putting a strain on the mental health service will happen again,” she said.

“As someone who has had a child access the service I know first-hand the difference it makes."

AMPHIBIOUS assault ship HMS Bulwark was at the centre of a joint military training exercise between British and French forces that lit up the south Pembrokeshire coast.

Codenamed ‘Griffin Strike’, the exercise involved more than 5,000 troops, ten ships, and 21 aircraft.

MILFORD Haven welcomed a new mayor and deputy.

Cllr William Elliott, 28, became the town's youngest mayor, and Cllr Colin Sharp took on the role of deputy.

May

TRIBUTES were paid to 15 year-old Pembroke School pupil Luke Barzewicz-Dower, who died after an incident near to the school.

Described as a much-loved son, grandson and brother, his family said: "Luke had a heart of gold and will be much missed by everyone who loved him.”

Luke's school friends also placed flowers, cards and memories of him in nearby woodland.

His death prompted calls for better emotional support for the county’s young people.

A BRAVE mum’s 6,000-mile ‘walk of love’ around the coast of Great Britain in memory of her little girl saw her trek through Pembrokeshire this month.

Natalia Spencer, 41, raised more than £100,000 for Bristol Children’s Hospital after the death of her five-year-old daughter Elizabeth.

MILFORD Haven Sea and Royal Marines Cadets got back on the road, after raising more than £10,000 to buy a new minibus.

Support for the youth organisation, which provides opportunities for young people aged between 10 and 18, came from local donors and fundraising events, boosted by £5,000 from Milford Haven Town Council.

MAYORAL chains were handed over to Cllr Simon Hancock in May, as he took on the role for the seventh time.

Neyland Town Council also paid tribute to former councillor and father-of-three Dennis Stolliday, who died after a short illness.

A passionate supporter of local sport, Mr Stolliday was active in the community, working with the local primary school, and was on various committees.

Outgoing mayor Cllr Margaret Brace described him as "a good friend" and a "fine, upstanding councillor”.

June

JUNE 2 marked the fifth anniversary of the Chevron refinery disaster, which saw four workers killed at the Rhoscrowther refinery.

The blast occurred in a 730-cubic metre storage tank where maintenance was being carried out, killing Dennis Riley, 52, Robert Broome, 48, and Andrew Jenkins, 33, all from Milford Haven, and 54-year-old fireguard Julie Schmitz (nee Jones), 54, from Pembroke.

Andrew Phillips, known to his friends as Pansy, suffered critical burns after the blast.

To mark the anniversary, Mr Phillips’ daughter-in-law, Milford Haven fitness instructor Millissa Fairbairn took part in the Edin burgh marathon, raising funds for the Wales Air Ambulance – which she credits with saving her father-in-law’s life.

IT WAS the end of an era as Silcox Motor Coach Ltd ceased trading with the loss of 40 jobs.

Edwards Coaches took on the school bus contracts.

A PEMBROKESHIRE football fan who fell asleep during one of Wales’ biggest matches became an internet hit.

Gareth Tansey from Milford Haven became a social media sensation as he snoozed through the first half of the Wales v Slovakia match, not even woken up by Shane Williams’ attempts.

THE Milford Mercury revealed the decision to close the Sandy Bear grief service was taken almost a week before news it was under threat was made public.

Freedom of Information (FOI) requests made by the paper showed Sandy Bear staff were told on March 17 about the decision, which followed a £44,500 cut in funding from Pembrokeshire County Council.

Yet the health board – which delivered the service – and the county council maintained no decision had been taken.

It was not until April 13 that the health board confirmed a closure date of June 2016.

CAR lovers revved into action for this year’s Preseli Bluestone Run.

Almost 200 cars, vans and motorbikes set off on the 55-mile run from Gelliswick Bay in Milford Haven, to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

MILFORD Haven was the plaice to be in June as the town’s second Fish Festival reeled in 4,500 visitors over two days.

July

THE family of a young fisherman who drowned at Milford Haven docks called on the Port of Milford Haven to improve safety in the area.

The Stops at Josh campaign was set up in memory of Josh Winsper, who died after a night out in the town in April.

An inquest held this month concluded that the 24-year-old, who had been out drinking with shipmates until the early hours, died as the result of an accident, after falling into the water while attempting to return to his vessel.

But his family, who travelled from Cornwall for a memorial service on the Rath, said more ladders and better lighting along the dockside could have given Josh a better chance of survival.

THE next step in the Port of Milford Haven’s £70m redevelopment of the waterway was unveiled.

A first glimpse of artwork for ‘Milford Waterfront - where land meets the sea’ was revealed at the Port’s annual public meeting.

Alec Don, the Port’s chief executive, said plans to transform the waterway into a leisure destination would occur in seven phases, starting with developing the north side of marina.

Mr Don said it would be at least three years before serious building work started, but in the meantime local people were being encouraged to help create a buzz by becoming ‘active hosts’ – through promoting and talking about Milford Waterfront.

WALES rugby legend Adam Jones kicked off the fun for Milford Haven’s sports-themed carnival on July 2.

The annual family fun day, organised by the town's Round Table volunteers, attracted thousands of visitors from across the county.

CARNIVAL fever also hit Neyland, Pembroke and Llangwm, with bad weather failing to dampen spirits.

SHOPPERS and visitors to Milford Haven would soon be able to access the internet for free, thanks to a town centre Wi-fi project, it was announced.

The three-year pilot is funded by Pembrokeshire County Council in partnership with chambers of trade, town councils and others.

FOLLOWING a rollercoaster couple of months, the political future of Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb was on the rocks.

The Conservative former secretary of state for work and pensions threw his hat into the ring to become his party’s leader following the Brexit vote and David Cameron’s subsequent resignation.

However, following a report in The Times, married father-of-two Mr Crabb sent ‘sext’ texts to a woman in her twenties.

He then resigned from his cabinet position to focus on his family.

August

TWO people were arrested on suspicion of arson, after a house fire that made a Milford Haven man homeless.

Adam ‘Boz’ Norris lost everything in the fire at Badger’s Rest, Haven's Head, on August 8.

More than £600 was raised by friends and neighbours to help get Adam back on his feet.

FROM Ladies' Day to the Grand Parade, Shetland Ponies to Titan the Robot, there was plenty to see at this year's Pembrokeshire County Show, held between August 16 and 18.

With record entries across livestock, more than 80,000 visitors, and “the best weather in the last 10 years”, this year’s event was bigger and better than ever, organisers said.

THERE was fun in the sun at St Ishmaels carnival, with hundreds turning out for the village celebration.

September

LUKE Jones, from Milford Haven, was sentenced to life in prison for beating his ex-girlfriend Natasha Bradbury to death in her own home in Haverfordwest.

Swansea Crown Court heard Miss Bradbury died after suffering massive internal injuries.

After sentencing Jones to a minimum of 17 years, Judge Keith Thomas said the defendant had “carried out a brutal, sustained and severe attack”.

BRITAIN’S leading antiques and fine arts specialists descended on Pembroke Castle for an episode of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.

The event was hailed a success by Pembroke mayor Dennis Evans and show presented Fiona Bruce.

Programme executive producer, Simon Shaw, said: “Pembroke Castle is the perfect location for Antiques Roadshow. It has a fascinating history and a magical setting on the River Cleddau.”

A PEMBROKE man showed Pembrokeshire beats Yorkshire when it comes to growing juicy tropical fruit.

Nick Kift, 61, grew a pineapple at home in just two years, using nothing more than ordinary fertiliser.

He had seen in the national press that a Yorkshireman grew a pineapple from a single slice in eight years.

He said: “I think it’s perhaps a tad warmer here than Yorkshire, and the conservatory is gets really, really hot.

“It’s Pembrokeshire -1, Yorkshire-0.”

October

THE search for a young man who went missing after a night out at a Pembrokeshire nightclub had a tragic end.

Police officers searching for missing Adam Turner, 23, announced that a body had been found Ferry Woods, near the Cleddau Bridge Innovation Centre.

Police officers assisted by specialist recovery teams from HM Coastguard and Ambulance service have recovered the body.

Police said Mr Turner, from Pembroke Dock, had last been seen leaving the Circles nightclub in Milford Haven at 4.30am on Sunday, October 16.

A MAN who had kept a golden eagle in the kitchen of his Pembroke flat was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years.

An experienced RSPCA inspector described finding the bird living in the filthy flat as “the craziest thing I’ve ever seen”.

Adam Smith, 54, now of Brook Lane, Billesley, Birmingham, was also ordered to pay a £73 fine, a £60 victim surcharge, £200 costs and was given a 12 month community order.

The golden eagle – aged around three to four years – was taken into in specialist care and is said to be doing well.

THE Torch Theatre said it saw no threat from the latest proposals for a new multiplex cinema in Haverfordwest.

Peter Doran, artistic director at the Milford Haven theatre and cinema, responded to Fairacre’s plans to build a five-screen cinema and restaurant complex near the Wilko store in the town centre.

“We don’t see it as a threat as multiplex cinemas offer something completely different to our theatre atmosphere,” he said.

TRIBUTES were paid to a Milford Haven man who brought “laughter, joy and fun” into the lives of all he met.

Frank Stammars passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family.

A proud husband, father and uncle, the 81-year-old was best known for his commitment to the Milford Haven branch of the Royal British Legion.

Almost £1,700 was raised in his memory towards the refurbishment of the memorial chapel at St Katharine and St Peter's Church – a tribute to local men who died in the First World War.

A SERVICE to remember Milford Haven Victoria Cross hero Stokey Lewis took place this month, 100 years after he was awarded the medal for bravery.

November

SIXTY-Nine jobs were lost as administrators were appointed at Pembroke Dock company Main Port Engineering.

Administrator PwC stated it was trying to save parts of the business but 69 people were made redundant, with 88 more jobs at risk of redundancy.

Oil refinery Valero later announced that 83 staff members, working on site as contractors from Main Port Engineering, would have their contracts transferred to Cape Engineering Services Ltd.

This included 12 apprentices who were able to continue their training.

THE widow and mother of two men lost at sea during a tragic fishing accident called for lifejackets to be made compulsory.

The family of Cresselly father and son Gareth and Daniel Willington urged the authorities to make wearing lifejackets on fishing vessels compulsory at an inquest into their deaths.

VALERO announced plans for a massive £100m investment at its Pembroke refinery.

The move was hailed a ‘huge vote of confidence’ in its workforce, as Valero submitted plans for a proposed heat and power cogeneration unit at the Roscrowther refinery.

The 45 megawatt unit will provide power to the refinery and supplement the refinery’s steam demand.

THERE was mounting anger at further cuts to paediatric cover at Withybush hospital.

Hywel Dda University Health Board cut hours at the hospital’s Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit, following recruitment problems.

PEMBROKE was named the most desirable place to live in Wales, and sixth most desirable in the whole of the UK.

The town was given the top title following a survey of 24,000 people by property experts Righmove.

December

A WHITE horse-drawn carriage carried a pink coffin through Milford Haven as the town said a final goodbye to a 12-year-old girl struck down by cancer just weeks before Christmas.

Tia Llewellyn died away on December 9, after her mum Sarah took the difficult decision to end her life support following a brave battle against her illness.

The youngster was suffering from alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma - a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer.

A 'POUND dog' with a difference set tails wagging at Green Acres Animal rescue centre.

The teddy stuffed with £1,600 cash was donated to the charity at Christmas by animal artist Gavin Wright, who previously adopted two dogs from the centre.

Gavin raised the money by drawing and selling portraits of people’s cats and dogs, collecting a £2,000 total, part of which was donated earlier in the year.

Mikey Lawlor, of Green Acres, said the gift was an 'amazing surprise'.

FORMER Pembroke resident Richard Evans, made a huge donation to the Blood Bike service, meaning a brand new motorbike could be bought.

Richard donated £30,000 to the charity which will keep the bike on the road in Pembrokeshire for around five years.

Blood Bike Wales is a group of volunteers helping to transport blood supplies, plasma, breast milk, documents and other items between hospitals out of hours.

THE body of a woman was found in the upper reaches of the Western Cleddau following a major search operation for a passenger missing from the Pembroke Dock-Rosslare Irish ferry Isle of Inishmore.

THE 12.5 acre former shipbreaker's yard at Castle Pill in Milford Haven was sold to a mystery buyer.