Mr N. Watts

Simpson Cross

THE funeral took place recently of Norman Watts, who passed away peacefully at home, aged 84, following a long illness which he bore with great courage and dignity.

Norman was born in 1929 at Llanbarlow, Llandeloy. As a youngster he moved to Oxlands, Roch, then the family moved to Cuffern Lodge and after a short while to Roch Castle, where they spent many happy times before settling in Keyston.

On leaving Camrose South School, Norman took an apprenticeship at PWAC, Haverfordwest, training as a mechanic. From there he was called up to carry out his national service in The REME and Medical Corps.

Following national service he worked for a time as a mechanic with Nicholas Garage, Haverfordwest before leaving to work at Fred Rees Garage, Haverfordwest, where he worked as a mechanic and in sales for 38 years, until his retirement in 1994.

Norman’s love of cars took him on many trips to Brands Hatch and Silverstone to watch Formula 1. He also enjoyed watching rugby internationals, gardening and listening to Welsh choirs.

Norman and Mildred were married for 59 years and lived in Camrose for 40 years before moving to Simpson Cross for the past 19 years.

Norman enjoyed being involved with the local community, especially the luncheon club and trips around Wales.

Unfortunately between 2001 and 2007 Norman lost both kidneys to cancer and following this had to endure dialysis for the last six and a half years, which he endured bravely.

There was a very large gathering at the funeral, which was held at Keyston United Reformed Church, followed by interment at Keyston Cemetery on May 29th.

Family left to mourn are his dearly beloved wife Mildred; his daughters Cynthia, Gloria, Sandra and Angela, who will miss him greatly; his grandchildren and partners Emma, James and Lorna, James, Vicky and Paul, who he loved dearly and his greatgrandchildren Mia, Morgan and Ollie, who cherished their Bampi; dear son-in-laws Steve, Bill and Mick; loving brother to Elwyn and Betty; all his sisters-in-law, brothers- in-law, aunty Olive Watts, numerous cousins, and much missed uncle to his nephews and nieces.

The funeral was officiated by Rev Martin Spain and the bearers were Steve Harper, James Harper, James Purcell, Paul Purcell, Roderick Thomas and Andrew Thomas.

The organist was Jean Llewellyn.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu to Haverfordwest Kidney Wales Committee, care of the manager, Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

 

Mrs M. E. Merriman

Reynalton

THE death occurred peacefully at home on April 10, of Mrs Mabel Eugenie Merriman, aged 92, of The Castle, Reynalton.

Beloved wife of the late Wyndham Merriman, Mabel was born on May 18 1921 in Landshipping, and spent her childhood years in Martletwy.

She and Wyndham married in 1947, moved to Reynalton, and went on to have four daughters - Isabel, and triplets Eva, Iona and Claire.

They ran the family farm at The Castle, taking over from Wyndham’s parents. To supplement the farming income Wyndham worked as an agricultural contractor while Mabel, as well as offering bed and breakfast to holidaymakers over the summer seasons, worked firstly as a school lunch supervisor at Loveston School, later becoming the school cook.

Mabel was widowed in 1985, after caring for Wyndham through a long illness. She continued to lead a busy and productive life - she was a member of the Women’s Institute, a full and active member and fundraiser at Reynalton Church where she was also organist for many years, a member of the Mothers’ Union, and volunteered with the WRVS at Withybush Hospital working in the café. She was a keen whist player and seldom missed the weekly Whist Drive at Reynalton village hall, where she enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of the many regulars.

But her greatest pleasure came from her family and home life - she was an accomplished baker, gardener and homemaker.

She had an active mind all her life and was always interested in news, current affairs and politics. She also built up and ran a small Caravan Club site, almost single-handedly until last season, and enjoyed meeting visitors from all parts of the country (many of whom returned annually and became friends).

Mabel continued to lead a full and active life until shortly before last Christmas, when her health began to fade. She had a short stay in hospital in December and, again, at the beginning of April, but was cared for at home by her daughters until her passing.

The funeral took place on April 23 at St. James’ Church, Reynalton and Parc Gwyn, followed by interment at Reynalton Church.

Father Paul Davies officiated with the assistance of Canon Michael Lewis. The bearers were Delme Killa, Michael Lewis, Raymond Lewis, Richard Jones, Hugh James and Martin Griffiths.

The organist was Mabel’s nephew Brian Nicholas.

Family mourners were Isabel Merriman (daughter), Eva and Mohamed Bouazza (daughter and son-in-law), Iona and Mark Rathjen (daughter and son-in-law), Claire, Geoff and Ewan Brett (daughter, son-in-law and grandson), Mrs. Rita Lewis (sister-in-law) Patrick and Valerie Jones, Delme and Rosemary Killa, Brian and Suzanne Nicholas, Eira McKay, Derek Lewis, Marion and Brian Watson, Michael and Dawn Lewis, Martin Lewis, Robert and Elaine Lewis, Raymond and Pam Lewis (nephews and nieces); also a number of great-nephews and nieces.

Unable to attend were Sami Bouazza (grandson), Alec Lewis, Lorna and Alan Critchley, Judith Lewis.

There were family flowers only with donations in Mabel’s memory for St. James’ Church, Reynalton and Paul Sartori Foundation being received by E. C. Thomas & Sons, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth.

 

Mrs F. M. E. Griffiths

Llawhaden

MRS FRANCIS Margaret Eileen Griffiths, of Castle View Rest Home, Llawhaden, died at Withybush Hospital on April 29, aged 92.

A native of Lampeter Velfrey, she was a housewife and her interests were family life, Lampeter Velfrey Church, the Mothers’ Union and WI.

She was pre-deceased by her husband Jack Griffiths, and grandson Roger Smith.

Family left to mourn are Brian and Ann Smith (son and daughter-in-law); Malcolm and Heather Smith (son and daughter-in-law); Hazel and Paul (granddaughter and husband); David and Hannah (grandson and wife); Michaelle and Andrew (granddaughter and partner); Darrel and Mandy (grandson and wife); Ffion, ellein, Megan, Harry, Ryan, Mia, Ffion, Jaidan (greatgrandchildren) plus nephews and nieces, close family friends and neighbours.

The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on May 9, officiated by Chancellor G. Morris. The bearers were Gilbert Williams, Derek Rowan, Byron Williams and Keith Bennet.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for Lampeter Velfrey Church, which can be sent to E. C.

Thomas and son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mrs L. C. Watts

Crundale

MRS Lena Clara Watts passed away peacefully at her home on May 5, aged 91.

She moved to Crundale from Maerdy at a very early age and remained there for the rest of her life. On leaving Taskers School she worked until her marriage in 1944.

From then on she dedicated her life to her home and family.

Her main interests were gardening, cooking, knitting and sewing. She also was an avid reader and a member of the local WI. In retirement she and her husband became members of the over 60s club and joined in all their activities.

They also spent many happy years touring England, Scotland and Wales in their caravan, along with close friends.

Latterly Mrs Watts moved to live with her daughter and son-in-law and much appreciated visits from family and close friends, particularly Joyce, Mervyn, Marion, Joy, Angela and Eric. She liked nothing more than a chat and a cup of tea, catching up on all the local news. She also became a crossword addict, along with a continued interest in reading.

The chief mourners were Freida and Brian (daughter and son-in-law); Dennis and Ruth (son and daughter-inlaw); Valerie and Stephen (sister-in-law and husband); Barbara (sister-in-law); Rosemary (sister-in-law); Sue and Steve (sister-in-law and husband); Robert (grandson).

Those unable to attend were Teresa and Mack (granddaughter and husband).

The funeral was held at St Michael’s Church, Rudbaxton, and Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, and was officiated by Canon G. Gwyther.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for St Michael’s Church, the Paul Sartori Foundation and Crossroads, to Mrs Sutton, Crundale Hall, Chapel Road, Crundale, SA62 4DZ. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

 

Mrs P. Griffiths

Pembroke

THE death of Pat Griffiths, occurred at her home Laburnams, Grove Hill, Pembroke, on May 6. She was 82.

Evacuated from wartime London, Pat grew up in Aberdare, south Wales and attended Aberystwyth University studying agriculture.

Pat worked locally in agriculture at West Orielton Farm, Angle before settling at Rock Farm, Manorbier with her husband Cliff, where they farmed successfully.

Pat went to work at Bush School as a laboratory technician and after her husband Cliff passed away, she went on to establish a holiday cottage business and became county councillor for Manorbier; initially with Dyfed County Council, where she had responsibility for education, and later with Pembrokeshire County Council. Pat was also a community councillor and was chairman of school governors at Greenhill School, Tenby. Pat took great interest in all aspects of her local community and developed a keen interest in dog agility and training.

Pat was a strong, independent woman who delighted in serving her community. Pat enjoyed an active life, forming lifelong friendships from the many social activities, as well as her work, business and local politics.

Family left to mourn are Simon, Sarah and Guy (son, daughter-in-law and grandson); Peter, Sarah and Lloyd (son daughter-in-law and grandson); Beryl (cousin); and she will be missed by her many friends and family.

The funeral at St James’ Church, Manorbier was wellattended by many friends from Pat’s life. The service was officiated by Rev Andrew Davies and a personal tribute was read by her son Peter.The bearers were John Frazer, Philip Kidney, Colin Deller, Philip Mackie, Roger Minchin and Peter Thomas.

Donations for Hearing Dogs for the Deaf may be sent to Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock SA72 6UR.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by E. C.

Thomas and son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth.

 

Mrs J. Nolan

Lamphey

THE death of Mrs Jean Nolan, of the Callans, Lamphey, Pembroke, occurred at Withybush Hospital on May 6, aged 75.

Family left to mourn are: Terry (husband); Sharon, Teresa, Stacey, Jemma, Kellyann, Jamie, Holly and Ashley.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on May 20, officiated by Mike Ashbridge. The bearers were Will, Anton, Nathan, Stacey and Jemma.

Donations for Cancer Research may be sent to E. C.

Thomas and son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.