MRS. W. M. JONES

(WINNIE SEARLE)

As previously reported, the death occurred peacefully on Saturday, May 30, at Pencoed Residential Home, Wooden, Saundersfoot, of Mrs. Winifred May (Winnie Searle) Jones, formerly of Williams Court, Narberth.

Aged 101, she was the dear mother of Linda and the late Christine, loving Nanny of Robert and Liz, Roxanna, Carlos, Shantay and Andres, great-gran of Lance, Steffanie and Michael Joseph and cherished mother-in-law of Les and Rob.

Born in Romford, Essex, on June 8, 1907, she was the first child of John and Roxanna Hambly. The family moved around a little, living on the outskirts of London for quite a few years and eventually settling down in Palmer's Green. In 1919, when Winnie was only 12 years of age, tragedy struck, when her mother died at the age of 32 as a result of contracting Spanish flu. Whilst looking after the family as she was the oldest child, Win attended a secretarial school for six months and then started work as a shorthand typist.

After getting married and have her own children, Christine and Linda, the family moved to 'Red Post' in Launchells, Cornwall, where they learnt how to run a smallholding, and she also ran a small tea room.

In the late '50s, she moved with her husband Leslie to Launcells, Saundersfoot, which was just around the corner from Pencoed. She then started working for Audrey Bull Antiques.

Her love of antiques inspired her to start her own antiques business in Narberth. She moved to Narberth to live and became very involved in the life of Narberth town.

Winnie produced many a pantomime at the Queen's Hall, was a founder member of Bloomfield Community Centre, a town councillor, a member of the Chamber of Trade, involved with the Royal British Legion, and the Narberth Museum and also the Queen's Hall. Her enthusiasm for swimming and the Over 55's Swimming Club must not be forgotten which she kept up until the end. A week before her 100th birthday she took a trip to Stackpole Leisure Centre for a swim in the pool. By now she was known to all as Nanny.

At 91 years of age she made a cross-stitch sampler and the words were: "you don't stop doing things because you are old; you get old because you stop doing things." And how true those words were so far as Win was concerned.

At the age of 99 and six months, she became a resident at Pencoed Nursing Home and the care she received there from Sue Mason and her staff was second to none.

The funeral took place on Monday, June 8, on what would have been her 102nd birthday, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. The service was led by the Rev. Elwyn John, assisted by the Rev. Linda Edwards and Clr. Wynne Evans.

The family left to mourn were: Linda White (daughter) - unfortunately she could not attend as she lives in the United States of America; Robert and Liz Burns (grandson and granddaughter-in-law); Roxanna (granddaughter); Carlos and Shantay and Andres (grandchildren in America); Lance Steffanie and Michael Joseph, (great-grandchildren); Les Morgan (son-in-law); Martin and Wendy Lynes, Richard and Robert Lynes, Maggie Brogan (nephews and niece); Rob and Joyce Burns.

The bearers were Johnnie Bull, Jos Griffiths, Wynne Evans and Robert Burns.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu to Paul Sartori, c/o Ken Davies and Sons, Blaenwern, Clynderwen, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs. J. H. Williams

Tenby

As reported in our previous issue, the death occurred recently of Mrs. Jean Helen Williams, of Powys, 6 Clement Terrace, Tenby.

Aged 79, she passed away on June 22. She was predeceased by her husband, David Colwyn Williams, who died in 1976.

The funeral took place on Friday, July 3, on what would have been her 80th birthday.

The service took place at St. Mary's Church, Tenby, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth. Rev. Andrew Davies presided, with Bishop Dewi Bridges assisting.

Principal mourners were her fiance Hugh, daughter and son-in-law Cathryn and Chris, grandson and girlfriend Owen and Sophie, granddaughter and boyfriend Ruth and Jacek.

Unable to attend were her sister and brother-in-law, Olive and Pat Wallice.

There was a large representation from Tenby Inner Wheel of which Jean was their longest serving member of over 50 years.

Jean enjoyed reading and travel and enjoyed many happy holidays abroad with friends, family, and latterly, her fiance Hugh.

There were family flowers only, which included an oasis spray from her fiance Hugh and her daughter and son-in-law, Cathryn and Chris, a spray of red carnations from her grandson Owen and girlfriend Sophie, and an open cross arrangement from her granddaughter Ruth and boyfriend Jacek.

Jean's father was the vicar of St. Giles, the Parish Church of Wrexham. Jean and Hugh visited it on Easter Sunday, the weekend after she had been diagnosed. On entering the church, she was recognised by someone she had not seen for 50 years. She was made very welcome and the visit helped her come to terms with her illness.

Some of Jean's earliest memories were of playing in the vicarage gardens with her brother and sister, and visiting bookshops with her father, while her mother shopped. From him she developed her love of reading and was a voracious reader throughout her life. It was certainly a common recurrence for Hugh to find her in bed, light on, fast asleep, but with an open book clasped in her hand.

Sadly her father died when she was quite young and times were hard. This was possibly why, when she was comfortably off, she enjoyed nothing more than a shopping trip.

Jean went to Aberystwyth University and there she met Colwyn, her future husband. They came down to Tenby because Colwyn's brother was ill and Colwyn was doing his work in order to keep Griff's job open. Sadly Griff did not recover and Colwyn took on Griff's job permanently and so they settled here.

To help the finances, Jean got her first job at Greenhill. Then Cathryn came along and for a while Jean gave up teaching. Shortly after Cathy was born, Colwyn bought 6 Clement Terrace at an auction without even telling Jean, even though it used up all their combined savings!

Having the space enabled Jean's mum to move in with them and with a baby sitter on hand, Jean went back to teaching. Her love of French inspired generations of students, some of whom stayed in touch with her.

Her organisational skills saw her promoted to Head of Languages, and she made friendships that lasted the rest of her life, including 'Scottie' (Sheila Hughes), at the time an inexperienced teacher whom Jean and Colwyn 'adopted', Enid Dawson, Mary Williams, of course, Sheila John, Joyce Lewis and Val Paley, to mention a few.

She was asked to apply for the post of Deputy Head and, though reluctant, did so and was successful. One of her roles was to act as pastoral head, particularly for the girls, and many students had cause to thank her for her support at difficult times in their lives. Others would not have been so grateful once they found 'Jeanie' was on the case!

Besides books and shopping, Jean loved to travel and enjoyed many holidays abroad. She often used to say that it was the holidays you remember most in your life.

Tragedy struck when Colwyn died while Cathy was in her first year at university, having followed in Jean's footsteps to Aberystwyth. After getting over the shock, Jean carved out a life for herself, living with her mum and supported by her circle of friends. She enjoyed entertaining and had a very generous spirit. As one of her good deeds she used to look after Ivor and Hugh when they came down to visit their mother, and they became good friends.

When Hugh's wife died, friendship blossomed into love and for the last two and a bit years of her life, Jean and Hugh were almost inseparable. They looked after each other and enjoyed several holidays abroad.

During her final illness, Hugh nursed her devotedly and it was a great comfort to the family to know that he was always there for her.

Jean's life was like a good book. It had triumphs, tragedies, two love stories. It was a life lived to the full by this interested, interesting and very strong woman. It was a life that touched and helped many people.

Donations in lieu of flowers are to be equally divided between Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Support Care and St. Giles Church, Wrexham.

Funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.

Mr. C. Evans

Kilgetty

The death occurred peacefully, but unexpectedly, at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, on Wednesday, July 1, of Mr. Colwyn Evans, aged 87, of 4 Cotswold Gardens, Kilgetty, and formerly of Glen View and Bramble Hill.

Beloved husband of Wyn, he was dearly loved dad of Doris and Meryl, together with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The funeral service took place on Thursday, July 9, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

There were immediate family flowers only. At the request of the family, who are carrying out Colwyn's wishes, there will be no donations or flowers, as he had personally designated various charities prior to his passing.

Funeral arrangements were conducted by E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside.

MR. f. j. g. bird

TENBY

The funeral of Mr. Frederick Joseph Golding Bird (affectionately known as John), of Tenby, was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Wednesday, July 1.

The funeral was followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at Saundersfoot Methodist Church.

Both services were conducted by Pastor Peter Morgan.

Born in 1920 in Hinckley, Leicestershire, John was the elder son of Lt. Colonel and Mrs. F. G. Bird.

He was educated at Stockport Grammar School.

In July 1939, he and his brother Tony joined the Territorial Signals, and in 1941, both were commissioned in the Sherwood Foresters, his brother later joining the RAF.

John's military service took him to Burma, where he served with the Chindits, and ended in May 1946.

He returned to work with Barclays Bank, serving the bank for 40 years in the Greater Manchester region, finally being responsible for a sub-branch.

He was reared in the Liberal tradition, and stood as a candidate whilst in the army overseas just after World Ward II. He served in many offices in Hazel Grove constituency and during his retirement in Pembrokeshire, including as agent for Mr. Patrick Jones in 1987.

He enjoyed sea fishing and served as treasurer of Tenby Angling Club for about 20 years. On one occasion, he fished for Wales in an international match, and also helped run a course on fishing for pupils at Greenhill School, Tenby.

He became a member of the Methodist Church and married his wife, Muir, in 1968. They retired to Tenby in 1977 and he accompanied her when she led services in Pembrokeshire, and found great comfort in the Healing Fellowship.

It can truly be said of him that he never made adverse comments about anyone.

He was predeceased by his brother, Tony, who gained the DFC and Bar before being killed in action in 1944.

He will be sadly missed by his many friends.

The chief mourners at the services were his wife, Muir, his second-cousins Mike Warden and Sally Metcalfe, their spouses Jan and Peter, and Muir's niece Lisa and children Jemma and Tommy, John's godson. John's god-daughter, Jane Harrison, was also present.

The funeral arrangements were thoughtfully and caringly carried out by Mr. Stewart Treharne, of Messrs. E. C. Thomas and Son, 'Archways', Green Plains, Stepaside.

It is suggested that any kind donations in lieu of flowers benefit the Army Benevolent Fund or RNLI, and be sent c/o the funeral directors.

Mr. J. M. Lewis

Pembroke

The funeral took place recently of Mr. Jeffrey Morton Lewis, of 2 Bishops Lane, Pembroke. He was 68.

Mr. Lewis passed away on June 22 at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest.

A native of Pembroke Dock, he served his apprenticeship with Hancocks Shipbuilding Co, then worked for Firth Cleveland Extrusions, Amoco Refinery, Milford Haven and finally, prior to his retirement in 2004, he was a workshop foreman at Total Refinery, Milford Haven.

His main interests were rugby, gardening, walking and photography.

He leaves to mourn: Miriam Lewis (wife); Alistair Lewis (son); Fleur Lewis (daughter-in-law); Melanie Hicks (daughter); Robert Hicks (son-in-law); Samara Hicks, Joy Lewis, Hamish Lewis and Iori Hicks (grandchildren); Bernard Lewis (brother); Jean Lewis (sister-in-law); Delroy Lewis (brother); Eve Lewis (sister-in-law); May Porteous (sister); Ken Porteous (brother-in-law); John Gettings (brother-in-law), together with many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on June 30. The Venerable Graham Davies officiated.

Bearers were Philip Palmer, Steve Davies, Morgan Allen, Bryan Hicks, Mark Hicks and Neil Ralph.

Principal mourners were; Miriam Lewis; Alistair and Fleur Lewis; Melanie and Robert Hicks; Samara Hicks; Joy Lewis; May and Ken Porteous; Bernard and Jean Lewis; Delroy and Eve Lewis; John Gettings (brother-in-law); Ann Arthur (sister-in-law); Ruth Cole (sister-in-law).

Donations in lieu of flowers for the British Heart Foundation may be sent c/o Mr. G. Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock.

Funeral arrangements were carried out by E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside.

Mrs. P. J. Crisp

Manorbier

As reported in our last issue, the death occurred peacefully on Wednesday, July 1, at her home, Willowyck, Manorbier, of Mrs. Patricia Joyce Crisp. She was aged 82.

Affectionately known to all as Pat, she is survived by her husband Ken, son and daughter-in-law Dick and Caroline, daughter and son-in-law Sally and Colin, and granddaughters Gabriella and Phillippa.

A celebration service for Mrs. Crisp's life will be held on Monday, July 13, at St. James Church, Manorbier, at 2 pm. The family ask for smart casual dress to be worn.

Family flowers only, but donations in lieu may be made for Cancer Research UK or St. James Church Restoration Fund, c/o Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, who are carrying out the arrangements.

Mr. G. Relleen

Pembroke

The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, on Sunday, July 5, of Mr. George Relleen, aged 76, of 3 Heron's Reach, Pembroke.

Beloved husband of Josie, he was also dearly loved dad of Susan and father-in-law to Alan, as well as treasured grampy to Aaron and great-grandad to Joshua and Connor.

The funeral service will take place on Monday, July 13, at St. Michael's Church, Pembroke, at 2 pm, prior to interment at St. Michael's Cemetery.

Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if so desired, for the Paul Sartori Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support (local branch) and Ward 10, Withybush Hospital, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, who are conducting the funeral arrangements.

Mrs. D. E. Cope

Tenby

The death occurred peacefully on Thursday, July 2, at Park House Court Nursing Home, Tenby, of Mrs. Dorothy Elsie Cope. She was aged 93.

Born in 1916 in Huntington, Staffordshire, she lived in Sutton Coldfield from 1938- 2005, then moved to Park House in June 2005 after a prolonged illness in Good Hope Hospital.

She is survived by her daughter Diane, grandchildren Mark, Max and Caroline and great-grandchildren, Oscar, Fiona, George, Emily and Macsen.

The funeral service took place yesterday (Thursday) at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

There were family flowers only, donations if desired payable to Cancer Research UK, c/o funeral directors, Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.

MR. R. FLETCHER

TENBY

The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, on Monday, of Mr. Robert Fletcher, of Park Place, Tenby.

Aged 83, he is survived by his wife Audrey.

The funeral will take place on Tuesday, with a service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 2.30 pm.

There will be family flowers only.

Further enquiries may be made to John Roberts and Son, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, who are carrying out the funeral arrangements.

Dom Robert O'Brien

Retired abbot

of Caldey

The death occurred on Wednesday, July 8, at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, of Dom Robert O'Brien, Abbot of Caldey between 1984 and 1996.

Aged 76, he passed away after a short illness.

The funeral takes place on Tuesday, July 14, with a service at Caldey Abbey Church at 11.30 am. There will be a special boat leaving Tenby at 9.30 am for anyone who wishes to attend the service.