The funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Sandra ‘Sandy’ Church, of Saundersfoot, took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Monday, September 18.

Her son Richard carried out her wishes and Mr. Mike Ashbridge, a humanist celebrant, of Narberth, held a very caring and thoughtful humanist ceremony on her behalf.

Sandy suffered many losses in her life; none more so than the death of her son Georgie Badham, aged 11 years, who had lived with his grandparents Mona and George Badham in Greencroft, The Strand in Saundersfoot. Along with this and a very long period of illnesses, debilitating rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, her faith had reached its end.

Sandy was born on October 21, 1947, in White Gables, Churchton, Saundersfoot.

She was predeceased by her father George, aged 55, her mother Mona, aged 77, her brother Lionel ‘Bonzo’, her son Georgie and her daughter that died at birth; a family that forever held a special place in her heart.

She had resided at Sunny Brook, Brookland Place, Saundersfoot, for more than 38 years with her husband Barry and son Richard. Previous to this, they lived at Brookside, Westfield Road, Saundersfoot.

From an early age, Sandy took to all sports like a duck to water, some more so than others.

Sandy’s first passion was playing hockey for Pembrokeshire ‘firsts’, Tenby Ladies and was first reserve for Saundersfoot men; she played in quite a few of their games, but they would never let her share a shower with them! She was picked to play for the Welsh team, unfortunately she couldn’t afford to play in the Welsh games as there was no sponsorship; you had to pay for everything yourself. She didn’t have any money to spare and neither did her parents. Still that’s life, and it certainly didn’t affect her love of the sport, even being knocked out several times, split lips, being generally battered and bruised, playing in very cold weather throughout the years did nothing to deter her.

A little later in life, badminton became her latest craze and voluntarily taught the local village children, such was her passion for the sport.

Her greatest compliment was a game played with the Welsh coach at the time who said that her net play was ‘incredible’! Possibly playing for Wales if she had started earlier.

Sandy played for Pembrokeshire firsts and received ‘county colours’ and becoming runner-up in the ladies singles, runner-up in the mixed doubles, with Mark Wood, and winner in the ladies doubles, with Lil Gully.

She won an award for ‘contribution to badminton’ in Pembrokeshire; this meant a lot to her and all just one year before developing her severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Many years later, coming to terms with her illness and still keen for adventure, her determination shone through like once before. She departed on a round the world trip at 65; taking in places such as Singapore, visiting friends in Australia and New Zealand, an East to West coast train ride across the USA, all with limited very walking. She worked out every detail for each leg of the journey ensuring necessary medication and assistance was on hand at every stage. Sandy completed her dream trip and in her journal entitled it ‘The story no one wanted to hear!’

Recently, she wanted to do more ‘Ski-ing - spending the kids inheritance.’ She wasn’t joking about this; she recently sat and passed her driving test for a bigger electric wheelchair, mounting a four inch kerb without any hesitation she drove at it, full pelt, five miles an hour. “Up we go,” she said.

Sandy was a lady that showed grit, determination and a wicked sense of humour her whole life.

Her son Richard, daughter-in-law Joanne and her two grandsons Josh and Joel whom she adored more than anything survive Sandy. Her sister Shirley Philips and family, her sister-in-law Josephine and nephews Mark, Steven and Christopher and their families.

Other special people in her life were her best friends Phyllis Sillick, Ann Flux - a lifelong friend and much missed Annette Hurton who had emigrated to Australia, but spent a few contented and memorable weeks together during her adventure.

Richard, Joanne, Josh and Joel would like to thank all the family and close friends that took the time to help celebrate her life in the way she had planned. Exchanging happy stories and memories of Sandy, while enjoying a party in her honour, in the Sports and Social Club Saundersfoot.

They would like to extend their wishes of praise to W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons, funeral directors, for all their help; Simon and his brothers showed us great support and comfort in this difficult time.

Sandy was a very caring and generous person. The family chose a charity to reflect this and all donations received are to PATCH - Pembrokeshire Action to Combat Hardship, c/o Joanne Church, Sherwell, the Ridgeway, Saundersfoot, SA69 9LN.

MRS. L. THOMAS

PEMBROKE DOCK

As previously reported, the death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, on Tuesday, August 1, of well known local driving instructor, Mrs. Laura Thomas, of Pembroke Dock.

Aged 97, Laura passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, after a short period of pneumonia. Laura left detailed instructions regarding her funeral arrangements and she wished the service to be a celebration of her ‘long, happy and life well lived’.

Laura was born in Llanteg in 1919. Mrs. Thomas, as she became known, following passing her test (first time) at the age of 19, in 1939, began teaching driving. In the following 78 years, she taught many hundreds of South Pembrokeshire people to drive, including in many cases up to four generations of the same family. Renowned for her ‘first time’ pass rate, and teaching people in their own cars, she was a formidable lady who helped to make the roads safer for all.

Following a visit to relatives in America, she also set up a womens-only swim club, helping them to learn to swim and find confidence in themselves. She was a long-time member of Soroptimist International, and for many years was treasurer of her local church, St. Patrick’s; she also started and ran a Sunday Club there for local youngsters.

After a life-time of helping others, she passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.

Family left to mourn are: Joan (daughter), Neville (son-in-law), Mike (grandson), Deanna (partner), Sharon (granddaughter), Jeremy (grandson-in-law) and numerous great-grandchildren, all of whom she absolutely adored.

Family and friends said goodbye to Laura on August 18 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. The service was beautifully conducted by Rev. Mike Brotherton, whom Laura first met many years ago, when he was curate in Pembroke Dock.

Laura’s favourite music was played at the service. Sharon, her granddaughter, welcomed her Nan into the crematorium by playing ‘Amazing Grace’ as an unaccompanied flute solo and during the service her great-grandson, Fred, played an unaccompanied trumpet solo ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot’.

At the end of the service, a friend and past pupil, Sarah Benbow, sang ‘I Did It My Way’. Family friend Christine Lloyd played the organ.

Laura was a truly remarkable lady who touched the lives of so many and will always be remembered.

Donations in memory, if so desired, may be made for Wales Air Ambulance, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, who conducted the funeral arrangements.

MRS. J. E. JENKINS

READING

(formerly of Pembroke)

As previously reported, the death occurred peacefully at her son’s home in Upper Bucklebury, Reading, on Wednesday, August 30, of Mrs. Joyce Elizabeth Jenkins, affectionately known as Betty, aged 90 years, formerly of Bengal Villas, Pembroke.

A native of Pembroke, Joyce was a loving wife to Tom, who predeceased her in November 1996, and was dedicated to her children and grandsons.

Her main interests were her family, home and gardening. She was also a parishioner and helper at St. Michaels Church, Pembroke.

Family left to mourn are: Margaret Jenkins (daughter), John and Colin Jenkins (sons), Norma and Heather (daughters-in-law), Rhys and Owen (grandsons).

The funeral took place on Thursday, September 14, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth,

Officiating was Rev. Martin Cox, while the bearers were Stewart and Daniel Treharne, Mark Parsell and Dorian Evans.

Donations in lieu of flowers, if so desired, may be made for Blooodwise and Pembrokeshire Blind Society, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, who conducted the funeral arrangements.

Mr. David Thomas

TENBY

The death occurred peacefully at Tenby Cottage Ward, Park House, on Thursday, September 14, of Mr. David Thomas, he was aged 83 and lived in Leachway, Tenby.

David will be sadly missed by his wife Audrey, children Gary, Colwyn and Sam; grandchildren Hannah, Luke, Seth and Holly and great granddaughter Nia-Mai.

The funeral service takes place today (Friday, September 22) at St. Mary’s Church, Tenby, at 11 am and will be followed by interment at Tenby New Cemetery.

There will be family flowers only with donations payable to Dementia UK, c/o Funeral Directors Messrs W. & M. J. Rossiter & Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB.

Mrs. Mary Moncrieff

Robeston Wathen

The death occurred peacefully at Lincoln County Hospital of Mrs. Mary Moncrieff, she was aged 76.

Mary was predeceased only six weeks ago by her husband Michael and will be sadly missed by all the family.

The funeral service takes place on Tuesday, September 26 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 11.30 am.

Family flowers only with donations if desired made payable to either Pembrokeshire Cancer Support or Paul Sartori Foundation, c/o Funeral Directors Messrs W. & M. J. Rossiter & Sons Ltd. Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR.

Mrs. Linda Joan Firth

PENTLEPOIR

The death occurred peacefully at Morriston Hospital on Saturday, September 9, of Mrs. Linda Firth, she was aged 68 and lived in Millfields Close, Pentlepoir.

Linda was predeceased by her son Alistair, but is survived by her husband Mike, son and daughter-in-law Greg and Lisa, daughter-in-law Alison; grandchildren Ella and Dylan, mother Elsie, sister Judith, sister and brother-in-law Annette and Ken and niece and nephews.

The funeral takes place on Monday, September 25 at St. Mary’s Church, Tenby, at 2 pm and followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 3.15 pm. Flowers or donations payable to British Heart Foundation can be sent to Funeral Directors Messrs W. & M. J. Rossiter & Sons Ltd. The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB. Tel: 01834 843160.

Mr. Alan ‘Oiny’ Beynon

JAMESTON

The death occurred peacefully at Tenby Cottage Ward, Park House, Tenby on Sunday, September 10 of Mr. Alan Beynon, known to all as ‘Oiny’, he was aged 74 and lived in Jameston.

Alan is survived by his wife Liz, daughter Emmaline and son-in-law Gus, son Karl and daughter-in-law Kath; son Alan; grandchildren Liah, Chelsea, Tayla, Riley, Zac, Jacob and Macey; great grandchildren Callum, Evie, Indy and Isla and brother Gwyn and sister-in-law Betty.

The funeral service takes place on Friday, September 29 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 1.45 pm, there will be family flowers only, donations if desired, can be made payable to Tenby Animal Rescue Centre or Greenacres Animal Rescue, c/o Funeral Directors W. & M. J. Rossiter & Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB, or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR.

MRS. E. MANDOJA

PENALLY

(Formerly of Tenby and Ely, Cardiff)

The death occurred suddenly after a short stay at Withybush Hospital on Thursday, September 14, of Mrs. Ethel Mandoja, aged 85 years, of Penally, formerly of Tenby and Ely, Cardiff.

Predeceased by her husband Ulo, and daughter Susan, she will be sadly missed by daughter Lynne, son-in-law John, and much loved grandsons and great grandson Neil, Andrew and Liam. Ethel will also be missed by her nephew Tony, niece Pat and their families, John’s sister Christine and her family, and by Neil’s wife Rosalind and Andrew’s partner Sarah.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, September 28 at St. Johns United Reformed Church, Tenby, at 12.30 pm followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 1.45 pm. There will be family flowers only with donations if so desired for Wales Air Ambulance, c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH, who are conducting the funeral arrangements.

MRS. B. INSKIP

SAUNDERSFOOT

The death occurred peacefully at Park House Court Nursing Home, Tenby on Saturday, September 16, of Mrs. Betty Inskip, aged 89 years, of Broadfield, Saundersfoot, formerly of Llanfallteg.

Betty will be sadly missed by her family and many friends.

The funeral service will take place on Monday, October 9 at Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg at 11 am. There will be family flowers only.

The funeral arrangements are being conducted by E.C. Thomas & Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH. Tel: 01834 831876.

MR. D.H. THOMAS

KILGETTY

The death occurred peacefully after a short illness at Withybush Hospital on Sunday, September 10, of Mr. David Hugh Thomas, affectionately known as ‘Dai’, aged 88 years, of Oakfield Drive, Kilgetty.

Devoted husband of Eileen. Dearly loved father of Des and Gerald and father-in-law of Angela and Jo. Loving Granfa of Craig, Josh, and Emma also step grandad of Chris and Ryan.

The funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 30 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 10.45 am. There will be family flowers only with donations if so desired for Pembrokeshire Cancer Support, c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, who are conducting the funeral arrangements. Tel: 01834 831876.

MR. C. R. JOY

TENBY

The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on Sunday, September 10, of Mr. Colin Richard Joy, affectionately known as Colin, aged 82 years, of Paxton Court, Tenby, formerly of Narberth.

Devoted husband of Margaret.

Colin will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, September 27 at Deer Park Baptist Church, Tenby, at 12.15 pm, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 1.45 pm.

There will be family flowers only with donations, if so desired, for British Heart Foundation, c/o E.C. Thomas & Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH, who are conducting the funeral arrangements. Tel: 01834 831876.

MR. R. F. WALLIS

TENBY

The death occurred peacefully at Tameside Hospital, Greater Manchester, on Sunday, September 10, of Mr. Randall Frederick Wallis, aged 90 years, of Upper Hill Park, Tenby.

Devoted husband of the late Jean. Dearly loved Dad of Russell and Annie, Ash and Paula, Lyndon and Marianne. Treasured Grandad and Great Grandad. Much loved Brother-in-law and Uncle.

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, September 26 at St. Mary’s Church, Tenby, at 12 noon followed by interment at Tenby New Cemetery. There will be flowers.

Funeral arrangements are being conducted by E.C. Thomas & Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH. Tel: 01834 831876.

Mrs. A. Evans

PENALLY

The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Monday, September 11, of Mrs. Ann Evans, aged 83 years, of Penally Court Farm, Penally.

Dearly loved Wife of the late Lloyd. Devoted Mother to Carl and Janina, Christopher and Karen, Michael and Julie, Paddy and Anna. Cherished Nanny and Great-Nanny and a much loved Sister.

The funeral has been arranged to take place on Monday, September 25 at St. Nicholas and St. Teilo Church, Penally, at 11 am and will be followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 12.15 pm. There will be family flowers only with donations, if so desired, for ‘Riding for the Disabled Association’, c/o E. C. Thomas & Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH, who are conducting the funeral arrangements. Tel: 01834 831876.

MRS. M. M. HARVEY

SAUNDERSFOOT

The death occurred peacefully at Harbour and Lighthouse Ward, Park House Court, Tenby, on Sunday, September 17, of Mrs. Myra Margaret Harvey, aged 69 years, of Vineyard Vale, Valley Road, Saundersfoot.

Myra will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, October 3 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 1 pm.

There will be family flowers only with donations if so desired for RNLI (Tenby), c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH, who are conducting the funeral arrangements.