Nurse Joan Phillips

Haverfordwest

THE large assembly of mourners at the funeral at Parc Gwyn on December 13 of Nurse Joan Phillips, bore powerful testimony to the respect, esteem and affection she had earned during over 40 years exemplary service as a District Nurse.

Nurse Phillips who died aged 88 on November 30 brought several generations of babies into the world and was revered by the families for her expertise and cheerful manner.

Born in 1928 in the same house where she lived for most of her life, she attended Taskers School for Girls. She trained in London’s iconic Guys Hospital, took further qualification in midwifery in Cardiff and Health Visiting in Brighton before attaining the pinnacle of her career as a Queen’s Nurse.

Returning to Pembrokeshire she became a dedicated nurse, travelling around the area in her little Austin A30 car. Very hard working she was on call 24 hours a day with a rest day only once a fortnight. Her patient, jolly nature put all her patients instantly at ease and gave them confidence in her obvious ability.

Joan showed great love and devotion to her family, nursing her father through terminal cancer and accompanying her mother on camping holidays throughout the UK. She referred to her older sibling, David, as “ my wonderful brother” and enjoyed spending time in Nolton with extended family.

Joan, like her mother was a wonderful cook and for many years a keen competitor at local produce shows including The Pembrokeshire County Show where more often than not she was the worthy winner.

Nurse Joan, as she was known produced beautiful crochet work and enjoyed singing and also performing monologues particularly the hilarious Pam Ayres poems - swapping hats to depict different characters.

In retirement she joined the Towns Women’s Guild, Bridge Club and Bowls Club.

A cruel stroke 14 years ago affected her mobility but she made great friends of the Pembrokeshire Carers whose dedication she greatly appreciated. She enjoyed her twice weekly visits to Prendergast House and valued ‘Meals on Wheels’ and the help of her neighbours in City Road. This support and love allowed her to stay in her own home- as she wished, for many years. Special mention must go to neighbour Gary Evans for his help over the years and to her cousin Shirley Williams.

Joan moved to Blaenmarlais Residential Home for a brief period before she died.

For many years she had been a committed member of St. Martin’s Church, Haverfordwest and the funeral service was officiated by the curate, Father Alun Evans, who in a fitting eulogy said he had been privileged to get to know this “wonderful, warmhearted, unassuming lady”.

The principal mourners were David and Myfanwy Phillips, brother and sisterin- law and many cousins too numerous to mention.

The ashes were placed in her parent’s grave in City Road cemetery.

The funeral arrangements were carried out with dignity and care by Robin Folland, whom Joan delivered into the world over 50 years ago almost to the day and it was a well known fact she wanted him to deliver her out - and he did!

Mr P Davies

Manorbier

MR Peter Davies passed away at Withybush Hospital on December 1.

Mr Davies was aged 88. He lived at West Hill, Manorbier, and was the beloved husband of the late Myra, and a much loved and dearly missed father of Terry, Lorrain, and Barry and their families.

A dairy farmer and country man Peter was a keen supporter of Pembroke Museum and Carew Control Tower.

A service of celebration and thanksgiving took place at Manorbier Church (St James) on December 13 followed by interment in the churchyard.

Mr D K Hughes

Johnston

MR Donald Keith Hughes passed away peacefully on December 11 at the family home of Red Roofs, Pope Hill, Johnston with his wife and son at his bedside.

Donald’s funeral service took place at the United Reformed Church, Tiers Cross and was officiated by the Rev Martin Spain and the Rev Martin Evans and interment at Tiers Cross Cemetery.

Donald was a character and leaves a massive gap in his family and friends lives but whom have many fantastic memories to remember.

He loved his rugby and played for Llangwm in his younger days.

Farming was his life and he was never happier than when he was out in the field with his animals and growing Christmas trees.

He was always happy and just loved life with a great sense of humour. Those that knew him would know how much he enjoyed a get together with friends.

The bearers were David Morgan, Johnathan Morgan, Brian Griffiths and David Cecil.

The principal mourners were Christine (wife) and David (son); Bernice and Leonard Rees (sister and brotherin- law); Martin (nephew) and John (nephew).

There were family flowers only and donations in lieu c/o Maxine Ford, Dementia Society, Unit 4, Temeraire House, Milford Haven SA73 3BW.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Glyn Thomas and Son, of Freystrop.