A tribute to Malcolm Hughes

As a Tenby Exile, I have just heard about the recent death of Malcolm Hughes, and thought I’d like to share a few thoughts about Malcolm.

As a boy, I was aware of Malcolm. He was a few years older than me, but I saw him occasionally in his parents’ newsagents, and also with his mother on the way to the Avenue Centre. Having said that, I never spoke to him. In those days, people who were as different as Malcolm lived their lives generally separated from the mainstream.

I joined the Cubs, and when old enough, moved up to Scouts. As a young Scout, I went to the annual camp, and managed to get my sleeping bag in a prime position by the door flap of one of the patrol tents. I was not pleased when one of the leaders came in, and told me to ‘budge up’ to allow a new Scout to take that spot. I looked out, and was amazed to see Mr. and Mrs. Hughes with ‘Mally.’

It was a brave decision by all concerned, including the Scout leaders Bernard Allen and Paddy Curry. Nobody could predict how that would work out. As it was, it worked well. There was some horseplay and things said, but Malcolm took it all in his stride. We found that whilst we couldn’t communicate with him in the same way as each other, it was clear that he understood much of what went on, had a good sense of humour, and whilst he couldn’t express it like most of us, had a sensitive side.

Malcolm stayed in the Scouts for many years, becoming a leader. Whilst he wasn’t a traditional Scout leader, he knew when to join in and have fun, and when being solemn was more appropriate. In fact, one ‘game’ played by some of us was to try to get Malcolm to laugh at the wrong time. He would be clearly trying to keep it in, but eventually a laugh would splutter out.

Being in the Scouts was clearly good for Malcolm, as he was essentially quite an outgoing character, and this gave him the opportunity to interact with a variety of people. Having said that, this wasn’t all one-way traffic. Malcolm earned the respect of generations of Tenby Sea Scouts, and with that, the respect of the people of Tenby. His parents had reason to be immensely proud of their son.

By including Malcolm in the way they did, Tenby Sea Scouts caused generations of youngsters to gain an understanding of people who are different. It is human nature to be afraid of the unknown. By spending time with Malcolm, he ceased to be an unknown quantity, and any fear we may have had dissipated. As a result, we all gained an enhanced understanding of disability, which will have improved us in our lives. That is quite a legacy. Thank you, and rest in peace Malcolm.

– Alan Hooper, formerly Somerville, Warren Street, Tenby, now of Worthing, West Sussex.

Mr. M. J. Gillard

Pembroke

Mr. Michael John Gillard, affectionately known as Mike, of Whitehall Avenue, Pembroke, aged 77, passed away at home on March 23.

A native of Reading, Berkshire, Mike worked his apprenticeship at Early Power Station; he moved on several years later. His work always included welding and he went on to specialising work consisting of medical joints and cameras.

Mike then worked for Donald Campbell (who was one of the firm’s directors) on his boat, The Bluebird. On moving to Wales in 1970, he started work at Pembroke Power Station. Mike took early retirement from there after 20 years, then enjoyed five years of driving the bus for the ITEC Unit run by Pembrokeshire County Council.

His main interests were Pembroke Dock Bowling Club, family, many hours gardening and fishing.

Family left to mourn: Doris (wife), Richard (son), Claire (daughter), Paul (son-in-law), Liam, Matthew, Michael and Jacob (grandsons).

The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on April 5. Rev. Huw George officiated.

Bearers were Richard Gillard, Paul Richards, Graham Beasley and Brian Thompson.

Donations for Pembrokeshire Renal Unit, Withybush Hospital, and Pembrokeshire Parkinson’s Group may be sent c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, 21 Main Street, Pembroke.

OBITUARY NOTICES

Mrs. Pauline Barnikel

Mrs. Pauline Barnikel passed away peacefully on Friday, April 20, in Morriston Hospital, after a short illness.

She’s a sadly missed mum to daughter Sara and Neil, Son Guy and Chris, gran to Simon, Jamie, Aaron, Adam, Robin and James, great nan to Mara, Daniel, Sebastian and sister-in-law to Shelah.

There will be a celebration of her life on Thursday, May 31 at the Bowling Club, Tenby, at 2 pm to 4 pm. All her friends are welcome.

No flowers please, donations to the RNLI or Salvation Army, collections will be made at the Bowling Club or can be sent c/o Funeral Directors Messrs W. & M. J. Rossiter & Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB.

Mrs. Audrie Elvina Lewis

Pembroke Dock

The death occurred peacefully in hospital whilst in Stafford of Mrs. Audrie Lewis, of Harbour Way, Pembroke Dock. She was 87.

Audrie will be fondly remembered by many people from The Pembroke-shire Cancer Support Group Shop in Pembroke Dock.

The funeral will take place on Tuesday, May 1 with a service at St. John’s Church, Pembroke Dock, at 11 am. Following the service, the family would like as many friends and family that are able to, to join them for refreshments at The Martello Club, Pembroke Dock.

All further enquiries may be made to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

Mrs. Carole Thomas

Pembroke

The death occurred peacefully at her home on Thursday, April 12, of Mrs. Carole Thomas, of Main Street, Pembroke. She was 83.

The funeral will take place on Friday, April 27 with a service at Lamphey Parish Church at 11 am, followed by interment at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Pembroke. Family flowers only please but if desired, donations in lieu for The British Heart Foundation and Talbenny Church may be sent to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, tel. 01646 683115,  who are carrying out the arrangements.

Mrs. Joan Greenslade

Hundleton

The death occurred peacefully at Apley Lodge on Monday, April 16, of Mrs. Joan Greenslade, of The Green, Hundleton. She was 93.

The funeral will take place on Thursday, April 26 with a service at St. David’s Church, Hundleton, at 2 pm, followed by interment in the Churchyard.

Family flowers only please. All further enquiries may be made to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

Mrs. Nanette Edwards

Monkton

The death occurred suddenly but peacefully at West Wales General Hospital on Thursday, April 12, of Mrs. Nanette Edwards, of Monkton, Pembroke. She was 77.

Nan will be greatly missed by husband Fred and all her loving family and many friends.

The funeral will take place on Friday, April 27 with a service at Monkton Priory Church, at 2 pm, followed by interment at Monkton Cemetery. Flowers will be welcome and may be brought to the Church or sent to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

Mrs. Anita Rich

St. Florence

The death occurred peacefully at Park House Court Nursing Home, Tenby on Thursday, April 19, of Anita Rich, aged 85. Predeceased by her husband Paul Rich.

Much loved mother of Stephen, Fiona, Iain and their families. Anita will be sadly missed by her many friends.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, May 3, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 1 pm.

There will be refreshments afterwards at her family home ‘The Burgage’ St. Florence. Everyone will be welcome and the family would love to see those unable to attend the Crematorium service.

There will be family flowers only with donations, if so desired, for The Samaritans, c/o E.C. Thomas & Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH (01834 831876), and 21 Main Street, Pembroke, SA71 4JS (01646 682680), who are conducting the funeral arrangements.

Muriel Griffiths

Tenby

Muriel Griffiths, of St. Mary’s Street,  Tenby (originally Grantham, Lincs), died suddenly at Withybush Hospital on Wednesday, April 18.  She was 93 and was preceded by her husband of 68 years, Don Griffiths MBE, of Tenby.

Muriel, who will be sadly missed by her family and friends is survived by her three children, David, Judith and Lynda, along with her daughter and son-in-law Penny and Tim, as well as her six grandchildren, Jason, Helen, Ceri, Carrie-Ann, Sam and Amy, her five great grandchildren, Tyler, Jac, Megan, Mia, Emma and her great, great granddaughter Esmé.

Muriel met Don in Skegness whilst he was on leave from the RAF and love blossomed immediately. They married in 1946, and lived briefly in London before they returned to Tenby to make their home and raise their children.  Muriel ran a successful B&B business in Picton Road, Tenby,  for a number of years, before retiring with Don to care for her mother-in-law and spend more time with her family.

The funeral service will take place on Monday, April 30, at 2.45 pm, at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, with cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth, at 4 pm.

Donations in lieu of flowers to Wales Air Ambulance (Registered charity number: 1083645) will be gratefully received by the funeral organisers, W. & M. J. Rossiter & Sons, The Old Rectory, The Norton, SA70 8AB.

Mrs. Jean Richards

Tenby

The death occurred peacefully at her home on Wednesday, April 18, of Mrs. Jean Richards, she was aged 84.

Jean was predeceased by her husband Josh, but survived by daughter and son-in-law Glenda and Peter, son and daughter-in-law Mark and Sarah, son and daughter-in-law Paul and Debbie; her grandchildren and great grandchildren, sister-in-law Shirley and nieces, nephews and all the family.

The funeral service takes place on Thursday, May 3 at St. Mary’s Church, Tenby, at 11 am and will be followed by a service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 12.15 pm.

There will be family flowers only with donations in memory of Jean made payable to Paul Sartori Foundation, c/o Funeral Directors Messrs W. & M. J. Rossiter & Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB, or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR, who are conducting the funeral arrangements.

Mrs. Nicole Jayne Ferguson

St. Florence

The death occurred at her home in St. Florence, after an illness bravely borne, on Tuesday, April 24, of Nicole Ferguson, aged 48.

Nicole is pre-deceased by her Father Ian and is survived by her husband Nathan, daughter Isabella, Mother Carla, brother Danny and family and Holly the dog.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 9 with a Requiem Mass at Holyrood and St. Teilo’s Catholic Church, Tenby, at

10 am, followed by a private cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

There will be family flowers only, donations if desired, can be made payable to ‘The Paul Sartori Foundation’, c/o Funeral Directors W. & M. J. Rossiter & Sons, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB, or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR.

Adey Pauline Gordon

Neath

Formerly of St. David’s Close, Tenby

Sadly but peacefully on Tuesday, April 24, Pauline of Neath (formerly of St. David’s Close Tenby, Wolverhampton, Burry Port and Bishopston).

Loving wife of the late Gordon, much loved mother to Nigel, Karen and Phillip, mother-in-law to Ishbel, David and Margaret.

Devoted grandmother to Anna, Kirstin, Michael, Laura, Lucy, Gaby, Paul and Stuart and great grandmother to Jake, Ava, Logan, Blake, Sophia, Mya and Zac, cherished sister to Lawrence, sister-in-law to Ann, Alan and the late Llinos.

Funeral Service at Margam Crematorium on Thursday, May 3, at 2 pm.

Family flowers only please but donations in lieu if desired to The Alzheimer’s Society (cheques only), c/o Les Davies, Independent Funeral Directors, Main Road, Cadoxton, Neath, SA10 8AP. Tel: 01639 642945, or to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/gabyjones93

Mrs. Jayne Thomas

(Née Flynn)

Tenby

The death occurred peacefully at her home Coed y Glyn, Narberth Road, Tenby, on Wednesday, April 18, of Mrs. Jayne Thomas, she was aged 52.

Predeceased by husband Roger, Jayne is survived by her children Trystan (16), Iolo and Heulwen (14) and all her family and many friends.

The funeral service takes place on Monday, April 30, 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 in memory of Jayne made payable to either Autism Unit, Pembroke School, or Cancer Research UK, or Crossroads, c/o Funeral Directors Messrs W. & M. J. Rossiter & Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, tel: 01834 843160, or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, tel: 01834 861300.

Mr. Anthony Michael Jukes

Moreton

The death occurred suddenly but peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Friday, April 6, of Mr. Anthony ‘Tony’ Jukes, of Moreton, Saundersfoot. He was 74.

The funeral will take place on Friday, May 4 with a service to celebrate his life at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 11.30 am. No flowers please.

All further enquiries may be made to John Roberts & Son, Funeral Directors, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN,  tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.