Mrs G C Hitchings

Formerly of Pembroke

MRS Gwawr Cadwaladr Hitchings died peacefully at Brooklands Nursing Home, Saundersfoot, on October 17, aged 79 years.

Gwawr was the only child of the Reverend W and Mrs Cadwaladr Williams. Her father was minister at Henllan Amgoed Congregational Chapel, Whitland, for 35 years until his death in 1965.

Gwawr was the widow of the late Norman Gwilym Hitchings, whom she married in 1963, they lived in Gwyther Street, Pembroke Dock, and then Croft Court in Pembroke.

The funeral service was held on October 30 at Calvary Church, Haverfordwest, followed by interment at Henllan Amgoed Chapel.

Gwawr will be sadly missed by her nieces and nephews, Rosemary Ransome, Pamela Darlington, Malcolm and Frank Cawley and their families, as well as by her many friends.

Donations in lieu of flowers were made for the Calvary Church Building Fund, c/o E C Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mrs B B Mathias

Letterston

A VERY large gathering of family and friends attended the funeral of wellknown businesswoman Mrs B.B.Mathias, “Beryl”, on November 18 at Saron Baptist Chapel in Letterston. She died peacefully at home on November 10 at the age of 94.

The service was officiated by Rev. Geoff Eynon.

Beryl was the last survivor of the Francis family of 11 children, born in Maesyblodau, Letterston. Her sister, Doreen, sadly passed away only three days before, at her home in California.

Beryl was predeceased by her husband, Tommy ,in 1967. After his death, Beryl took over the refrigeration business, which went from strength to strength. Due to her determination and customer care it became one of the largest distributors of Lec fridges in the country, with sole distribution rights in three counties. The business was so successful due to the warmth and care Beryl gave to all her customers.

Everybody, far and wide, knew of B B Mathias and also knew that they could phone anytime and get a friendly, positive response.

She continued to run the business until her fall in January of this year.

The family left to mourn are Alfred and Glynis Mathias (son and daughter-in-law); Helena (Babs) and Clive Johnson (daughter and sonin- law); Nicky, Tina, Tammy, Amy and Sadie (granddaughters); Jayde, Anya, Mason, Kalisha, Riley, Jake and Luca (great-grandchildren), plus numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and their families.

Unable to attend, due to illness, sister-in-law Hilda.

The bearers were Clive Johnson (son-in-law), Jamie Thomas (grandson-in-law), Alex Cocking and Dom Sinnott (granddaughters’ partners).

There were immediate family flowers only with donations to the Paul Sartori Foundation, which can be sent to funeral directors Paul Jenkins and Sons, Feidr Castell, Fishguard SA65 9BB.

 

Dr R T J Allen

Kilgetty

DR ROY Thomas John Allen passed away at his home in Carmarthen Road, Kilgetty, on November 12. He was 78.

He was born in Plaistow, East London and worked as a GP in Derbyshire and then moved to Whitland, where he practised for more than 25 years before retiring to Kilgetty 15 years ago.

The founder of the Youth Cricket section of Whitland Cricket Club, he was involved with youth cricket in Kilgetty.

A keen pianist who also loved singing with the Quay Notes Choir and the Male Voice Choir in Whitland, He played bowls at Whitland, Heatherton and Pembroke Dock, he was a lifelong supporter of West Ham Football Club, and he was a former director of the Haverfordwest branch of the Samaritans.

Roy was an active member of the church, previously at St Brynach’s in Llanboidy, and more recently at St Mary’s, Begelly, where he played the organ, was a member of the church gardening team and was verger for a time.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Mrs Brenda Allen (wife); Mark and Susie, Stephen and Esther (sons and daughtersin- law); Chris and Lyn (son and partner); George and Sylvia (half-brother); Annabelle, Nicholas, Holly, Liam, Edward and Charlie (grandpa); Nina and her husband Mick Booth, David and his wife Nicky Busby (uncle); Jess, Kim, Dom and Leanne (great-uncle); Phoebe (greatgreat- uncle).

The funeral took place on Tuesday, November 19, at St Mary’s Church, Begelly, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Both services were officiated by the Rev Canon Sarah Geach and assisted by the Rev Canon Jeffrey Gainer, they were also both attended by the Rev Robin Webley (retired) and the Rev Tricia Campion.

The bearers were Mr Mick Booth, Mr Glyn Noakes, Mr David Busby, Mr Liam Allen and Mr Stephen Allen.

There were family flowers only with donations to the Paul Sartori Foundation c/o E C Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mr H Lovering

Pembroke Dock

St Mary’s Church Pembroke was filled to capacity on November 7 for the funeral service of Harry Lovering, of Cross Park, Pembroke Dock, who passed away peacefully at home on October 23 aged 86.

Harry was born in Wattstown in the Rhondda Valley, and following his education he joined Davies Steel as an apprentice toolmaker. At 18 he was called to do his National Service and joined the Welsh Guards, where he served for two and a half years in the UK and Germany.

In April 1948 he was demobbed and returned to work at Davies Steel, moving with them when they relocated to Pembroke Dock. It was while working at Davies Steel that Harry met Sheila James, and they married in November 1951. They soon became a family with the arrival of their two daughters, Jan and Karolyn.

Harry worked hard to provide for and enrich his family’s life, often picking potatoes or cutting grass at weekends, making the most of every opportunity to earn some extra cash.

Upon the closure of the factory Harry moved to work at Firth Cleveland for a number of years until he joined the Texaco oil refinery as a maintenance craftsman.

Harry progressed to become a maintenance charge hand at the refinery and was a fantastic mentor to many younger craftsmen joining the team or completing apprenticeships.

In his later years at the refinery Harry took up the post of safety officer, and was always well respected for his knowledge, commitment and professionalism.

Harry retired in 1992, and prior to his retirement he had been making plans to initiate the formation of a Retirees Association; consequently the association was formed and Harry became a founder member and chairman of the committee for over 17 years. Harry threw himself enthusiastically into organising many happy social occasions and events.

He and Sheila enjoyed this part of their social calendar enormously and made many treasured friends.

Although very much a family man, Harry also became a member of the Friends of South Pembrokeshire Hospital, holding the office of chairman for many years.

The Friends raised substantial amounts of money for the hospital by holding innumerable fundraising events.

Harry was also an active member of the Welsh Guards Association, taking part in various leisure and official activities. These included HRH garden parties.

Harry’s involvement in fundraising and support of the Welsh Guards committee became even more important to him with the formation of the Help for Heroes charity.

It is in honour of his longterm allegiance to the Welsh Guards that we have chosen to nominate the Help for Heroes charity to benefit from any donations in lieu of flowers in memory of Harry. If desired, these can be sent to Neil Roberts, of John Roberts and Son, Funeral Directors.

His retirement gave Harry the opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren, Kara, Craig, Nikki and Matthew. He and Sheila would regularly do the school run, attend the concerts and sports days and be there offering support and encouragement. They were always very proud of their children’s and grandchildren’s achievements.

Harry loved his garden and greenhouse, where he would spend many happy hours. He also loved reading and doing crosswords, and took a great interest in current affairs, both locally and nationally.

He was born in the Rhondda and very proud to be a Welshman, and Pembroke Dock had been Harry’s home for nearly 65 years. He was a well-respected, sociable and popular member of the local community, a true gentleman, a considerate person who went out of his way to honour any commitment that he made to anyone. He made many friends both inside and outside work, he was always quick to tell a joke and he found it very easy to strike up a conversation, everyone who met him will remember a personal story or joke that they have shared with him. Harry will be sadly missed by his family, and also by his wide circle of friends, who thought so highly of him.

Canon Roger Jones officiated at St Mary’s Church, and at the service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium. The bearers were Ian Ross, Matthew Ross, Tony Ward, Fred Lewis, Bobby Mills and Roy Drummond.

A tribute was read by Harry’s grandson, Matthew Ross, and the eulogy was given by Canon Roger Jones.

Principal mourners were Jan and Peter, Karolyn and Ian (daughters and sons-inlaw); Craig (grandson); Kara and Neil (granddaughter and fiancé); Matthew (grandson); Nikki and Neil (granddaughter and partner); Doreen Lewis (sister); Elaine James (sister-in-law); Anita and Nev Williams (niece and husband); Diane and Gareth Bowden (niece and husband); Jackie Lepoittevin and James (niece and great- nephew) together with many other family members.

Unable to attend were Tony James (brother-in-law) Sonia Smithson (sister-in- law); Nina and Joe McPhail, (niece and husband); Mike and Marion Smithson (nephew and wife); Marjorie and Georges Lepoittevin (sister-in-law and brother-in-law); Simon and Kate James (nephew and wife).

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for the Heart Foundation and Help for Heroes, which can be sent to Neil Roberts of John Roberts and Son, Funeral Directors, Pembroke Dock.