John ‘The Candy’ Evenden

Tenby

As reported last week, the death occurred peacefully on January 26, of John ‘The Candy’ Evenden, of High Street, Tenby, at home following a short illness and surrounded by his family. He was 80.

John was born in London in 1936. When war broke out, he was evacuated first with his mother to Henley on Thames, then at the age of six again, this time on his own, to Cliftonville in Kent, his mother staying on near London working in a munitions factory.

His early years spent working on his new guardians household allotment to supplement the family’s diet, gave him his lifelong love of plants and gardening. A few years ago, when he lived in the Old Coastguard House on Castle Hill here in Tenby, he planted the swathes of daffodils that can still be seen each spring.

In 1952, at the age of 16, John joined the merchant navy training school at Gravesend in Kent, and three months later, joined his first ship, the ocean liner The Queen Mary. He spent the next four years travelling the world, both with Cunard and later with the Union Castle line, regularly visiting New York, Cape Town, Australia and many other places..

In 1956, after meeting his future wife Margaret on a trip ashore to Margate, near to where he was brought up, John left the merchant navy and joined the army as a regular. He was exempt from national service as he had already been in the Navy, but joined anyway as he rightly thought that regulars were treated better than national servicemen. He trained as a radar technician, but as soon as he qualified, the army in its infinite wisdom, posted him to an army base with no radar installation.

John then spent the rest of his time in the army playing rugby and tug-of-war, gaining colours for both. Whilst stationed near Telford in Shropshire, he and Margaret married. At around this time, he became friends with an older chap who was a policeman; John liked the idea of joining the police force and his friend advised him to join the London Metropolitan Police because ‘that is where the action is.’

So John joined the Met in 1959 and he and Margaret moved to London where later their children, Paul and Jane, were born. John was in the Met for over 15 years and rose to the rank of detective sergeant. He was usually in the thick of the action as a detective and had for some time the highest arrest record in his division. He had many interesting and hair-raising tales of those times and met some famous (and infamous!) people from show business, politics and both sides of the law. Usually enjoying a drink (or 10) with them at some point.

John considered TV shows like ‘The Sweeney’ to be pretty accurate, although a bit tame compared to real life.

In the early ’70s, John left the Met and, along with several other former police officer friends, moved to Tenby. They all bought various businesses.

John became an enthusiastic bon-viviuer and something of a local character.

John and Margaret ran the Candy restaurant together until Margaret passed away in tragic circumstances in 1992. John carried on running the Candy until his retirement when he spent much of each year in Tenerife where his daughter Jane lived and ran a bar restaurant.

John made many firm friends in Tenerife to add to his great many good friends in Tenby.

More recently, Jane and her family have moved back to the London area and John spent many happy times with them there as well.

John always enjoyed good health and rarely visited the doctor, only coming to the attention of the medical profession for the last couple of months of his life. John had a short illness and had no pain; he had a sharp mind right to the end and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

The funeral service will take place at St. Mary’s Church, Tenby, at 11 am, today (Friday, February 10), and then following on at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 12.15 pm.

There will be family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, made payable to Saint Francis Hospice, c/o funeral directors, Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, who are conducting the funeral arrangements.

Mr. L. J. Hilling

Wooden

As reported previously, the death occurred peacefully at his home, Fair Havens, Wooden, of Lewis James Hilling, on January 14, at the age of 93.

Born at Foxen Holes, Saundersfoot, Lewis was the fourth of 11 children of the late William and Elsie Hilling. He left Saundersfoot Primary School aged 14 to serve in the ironmongery business of Harold Thomas and Sons, of Saundersfoot, later joining the staff of Woolworths in Tenby in 1940. He was ‘called up’ in June 1942 and served four-and-a-half years in the Royal Armoured Corps where, owing to a severe injury playing rugby for his brigade in 1943, all Lewis’s service was spent in Britain.

On his demob, he joined Morris Brothers ironmongers in Tenby as manager for 17 years, before buying Lloyd and Matthews where the family worked together to build a successful and popular business. In 1977, he purchased Manchester House in St. George’s Street which became Hillings from where he retired in 1988.

In 1946, Lewis married his long-term sweetheart, Hettie Williams, at Bethesda Chapel, then made their home at Myrtle Grove, Wooden, where Roland and Gaynor were born. Lewis and Hettie enjoyed many happy years together and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in April 2016.

Lewis’s first love was his family, then his little Methodist Chapel at Moreton, which he attended regularly for 90 years. He was a well-known local preacher and was church secretary for over 40 years, as well as treasurer for 10 years. In 1954, he was elected circuit steward of the South Pembrokeshire Methodist Church and served in that office until 1966.

Lewis joined the Tenby Chamber of Trade in 1965 and became president in 1971, going on to become the first chairman of the newly-formed Chamber of Trade Wales in 1978.

His wise counsel and warm sense of humour also made him a popular chairman and president for many organisations in the local community, including the Rotary Club of Tenby, Liberal Democrats Association and the Pembrokeshire Blind Society.

He joined Tenby Bowling Club in 1965, becoming chairman, then later club president, life member and trustee in honour of service. His love for the game led him to become instrumental in setting up Heatherton Indoor Bowls Club in 1993 where he was chairman for 19 years; a position he enjoyed tremendously, being made a life member in 2006.

Lewis enjoyed a long, full and happy life and was known for his wonderful sense of humour and twinkle in his eye; even a chance meeting would leave you feeling uplifted. He was a devoted family man and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of whom he was very proud. When he wasn’t with his family, he could usually be found either in the garden or playing bowls; two of his great passions.

He was a loving husband, dad, grampa and great-grampa and he will be dearly missed by wife Hettie, Roland and Jenny (son and partner), Gaynor and Steve (daughter and son-in-law), Sarah and Nick, Simon and Kellsey, Tom and Carly (grandchildren and partners), Brian and Penny, Duncan and Audrey (brothers and sisters-in-law), Janet and Whitney (sister and brother-in-law), Kate, Emily and Joe (step-grandchildren) and Morgan, Fletcher and Archie (great-grandchildren), as well as many extended family and friends.

The funeral service took place on Monday, January 23, when a large congregation gathered at Bethesda Chapel to remember and celebrate the life of Lewis. The service was conducted by Rev. Martin Williams, organist was Mrs. Kay Phillips and bearers were Andrew, Barrie, Dale and Peter (nephews).

Donations in lieu of flowers may, if desired, be made to the Paul Sartori Foundation, c/o W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

MR. T. A. BOWEN

TENBY

As reported previously, the death occurred peacefully at Withybush General Hospital, on Monday, January 23, of Mr. Alun Bowen, of 4 Croft Court, Tenby.

Alun was raised in Pontarddulais to a mining family, where his first language was Welsh. Alun played rugby for Pontarddulais and was proud to have had his first senior game at the age of 15.

Alun was also in the local choir in Pontarddulais, before going off for his National Service in the Army. His Army service was cut short by a debilitating illness caught while training in swampy ground on Salisbury Plain, after which he was thinking about moving to Australia/New Zealand, but his illness prevented his acceptance, after which he moved to London to work in the 1950s.

It was while in London Alun met his future wife Christine Robins, who had also moved up to London from Tenby to work and was the sister of Alun’s flatmate Gwyn. They all enjoyed the rugby and social scene around London Welsh RFC.

Alun and Christine moved back to Tenby in 1960, where they were married two years later. They had two sons, Glen and Perry.

Alun worked in administration in local companies and also helped out in family run businesses, following which he and Christine had their own shop business, Vanity Fair, St. George’s Street, Tenby, during the mid-70s.

Alun became a well-known character in Tenby, joining Tenby choir in its early years and going on rugby and racing trips, and group holidays with friends.

In 1978, Alun became a publican when the family purchased the Fountain Head Inn, Pentlepoir, and ran it successfully for many years; a time when Alun made many friends, and the business was affectionately known as the ‘spud pub.’

Alun and Christine went their separate ways in the mid-1980s. Christine sadly passed away in 1989.

Alun started a new life and met his new long-term partner Marion. At this time, he became the steward of the Royal British Legion in Tenby for a short while, before working as a security guard until 1997 when he retired following major heart surgery caused from the ongoing long-term effects of the illness he caught in the Army.

Alun and Marion enjoyed many years together and had many trips away together and touring around the county, with weekend breaks and lunches out.

At this time, Alun was often known as ‘Big Al’ on his many trips around the county and through his enjoyment of pool and Guinness in Tenby and Pembroke. In fact, Alun, with his glasses on the end of his nose, was a bit of ‘shark’ when it came to pool, and he whiled away many happy afternoons in the Con Club and Legion, being the life and soul of the party that he was. He had many favourite watering holes in both towns.

He never lost his love of Welsh rugby or his little bets on the horses, and was a larger than life character who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Alun was predeceased by his wife Christine and his brother Geraint.

The family left to mourn are sons, Glen and Perry, daughter-in-law Sharon and grandchildren, Charis and Talfryn, sister Betty, nephew Tony and niece Marian, and Alun’s long-term partner Marion.

The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on February 3. Officiating at the service was the Rev. John Morgan, while bearers were Ian Thomas, Dai Robins, Gareth Williams and Dai Josey.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made for the Royal British Legion, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel, Funeral Home, Llanteg, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr. W. J. Richards

Tavernspite

Peacefully on Sunday morning, February 5, at home with his family, John, of Springfield, Tavernspite. He was aged 82 years.

Beloved husband of Mary, dear father of Keith, a cherished brother and uncle.

Funeral will be held on Monday, February 13, with a public service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 2.30 pm.

There will be family flowers only. Donations, if so desired, towards Meddygfa Taf Surgery, Whitland, and The Marie Curie Foundation, c/o Ken Davies and Sons, funeral directors, Clunderwen, tel. 01437 563319.

Mr. W. E. Davies

Tenby

The death occurred very suddenly, but peacefully at home, of Mr. William Edwin Davies, affectionately known as Edwin, aged 77, of White Oaks, Narberth Road, Tenby.

Devoted husband of Pat, treasured dad of Melanie and Chris and loving grampie of Bethan and Owen, brother to Margaret and the late Marion and David.

Funeral service takes place on Thursday, February 16, at St. Mary’s Church, Tenby, at 11 am, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth, at 12.15 pm.

There will be family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, made payable to Tenby Scout & Guide Hall Fund, c/o funeral directors, W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, to whom all inquiries should be made.

JOAN MOWLAM

(nee Steele)

Joan Mowlam (nee Steele) passed away peacefully, on January 31, aged 92, after a short illness.

Formerly of Saundersfoot and Streatham, and latterly of Otley, Joan was the beloved wife of the late Jim, loving mother of David, grandmother of Richard and Edward, and great-grandmother of Sian and Jake.

The funeral will take place at St. Issell’s Church, Saundersfoot, at 11 am, on Friday, February 17.

Family flowers only please, but donations in lieu can be made payable to the RNLI, c/o W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.

MISS A. M. EDWARDS

NARBERTH

As reported previously, the death occurred peacefully at home on Monday, January 9, of Miss Audrey Margaret Edwards, aged 89 years, of Parc Roberts, Narberth (formerly the Green)

A native of Narberth, during her working life, Audrey was employed at Barclays Bank until her retirement.

Her main interests were gardening, love of all wildlife and dogs. She was a member of Bethesda Chapel, Narberth, and enjoyed attending the Ladies Fellowship.

Family left to mourn are Enid Griffiths, Angela and Chris James, Pat and Victoria Bateman, Jeremy and Dafydd James, Myrna Morgan, Jonathan, Angela, Chloe and Genna Beynon, Marilyn and Peter Owen, Margaret and Paul Thomas, Anne, John and Roslyn Gibby.

The funeral took place on January 20, when a service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, was followed by interment at Blaenconin Chapel, Llandissilio.

Officiating were the Rev. Chris Rees and Rev. Huw George, while bearers were Jeremy James, Dafydd James, Jonathan Beynon and Midge Thomas.

Donations, if so desired, may be made for the Paul Sartori Foundation and First Responders, Narberth, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

MRS. B. M. GOUGH

PEMBROKE

As previously reported, the death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, on Monday, January 31, of Mrs. Barbara May Gough, aged 85 years, of Tudor House, Main Street, Pembroke.

Beloved wife of the late Reginald, dearly-loved mum to Gareth and Graham, cherished nan and great-nan.

The funeral service will take place at Monkton Priory Church on Tuesday, February 14, at 10.15 am, prior to Cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 11.30 am.

There will be immediate family flowers only, but donations in lieu, if so desired, for Monkton Priory Church, may be sent c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, tel. (01834) 831876.

MR. G. A. ROSSITER

KILGETTY

As reported briefly in our last issue, the death occurred suddenly at home on Tuesday, January 31, of Mr. Gareth Allan Rossiter, aged 63 years, of Oakfield Drive, Kilgetty.

Beloved son of the late Roy and Glenys Rossiter, dearly-loved brother of Ian, Elwyn, Robert and Kelvin, much-loved uncle and great-uncle.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, February 17, at Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, Cold Inn, at 2 pm, followed by interment at the chapel cemetery.

There will be family flowers only, with donations, if so desired, for Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, Cold Inn, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, tel. (01834) 831876, who are conducting the funeral arrangements.

Mr. L. G. Davies

Pembroke

The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Saturday, February 4, following a short illness and surrounded by his family, of Mr. Lyn Davies, of Springfield Terrace, The Green, Pembroke. He was 86.

The funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised, but all enquiries may be made to John Roberts and Son, funeral directors, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.

MRS. E. E. M. PHILLIPS

JAMESTON

As reported previously, the death occurred peacefully at home on Sunday, January 29, of Mrs. Edna Evelyn May Phillips, aged 90 years, of Bush Terrace, Jameston.

Edna will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

The funeral will take place on Monday, February 13, at St. James’ Church, Manorbier, at 10.30 am, prior to interment in the church cemetery.

There will be family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if so desired, for RNLI (Angle), c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, tel. (01834) 831876.

Mr. G. E. Greasley

Manorbier

The death occurred at his home in Manorbier of Mr. Geoffrey Ewart Greasley, on Tuesday, February 7. He was aged 70.

Mr. Greasley is survived by his wife Lorna and daughters Victoria, Emma and Alice.

The funeral service takes place on Wednesday, February 22, at St. James Church, Manorbier, at 2 pm, followed by interment in the churchyard.

There will be family flowers only, donations if desired, can be made payable to either The Paul Sartori Foundation or Macmillan Nurses Trust, c/o funeral directors, W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth.

Mrs. B. L. Barradell

Martletwy

The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Friday, February 3, of Mrs. Betty Lilian Barradell. She was aged 92.

Predeceased by her husband Austin, Betty is survived by Hugh and Melanie (son and daughter-in-law), Mary (daughter), Austin (grandson) and Gladys (sister).

The funeral service takes place on Monday, February 20, at St. Caradog Church, Lawrenny, at 11.45 am, and will be followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 1 pm.

There will be family flowers only, with donations if desired made payable to British Red Cross, c/o funeral directors, Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, or The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.

Mrs. I. M. Griffiths

Tenby

The family of Iris May Griffiths, of Knowling Mead, announce her sad passing on February 7, after many years of ill health, always borne with grace and humour.

They extend their extreme gratitude to all NHS staff involved in her care over the years, particularly the angels on Cleddau Ward at Glangwili Hospital, who in her final weeks treated her with such kindness.

Funeral details to follow, but preliminary date is March 1 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 2.30 pm.

There will be family flowers only, with donations in lieu for Greenacres Animal Rescue.

For further information, please contact Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiters and Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, tel. (01834) 843160.

Mr. W. H. Morgans

Pembroke

As previously reported, the death occurred peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 24, of Mr. William Henry Morgans, aged 88, and known affectionately as Billy, of Main Street, Pembroke.

Billy will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

The funeral service will take place today (Friday, February 10), at St. Mary’s Church, Pembroke, at 12 noon, followed by interment at St. Michaels Cemetery, Pembroke.

There will be flowers with donations, if so desired, for The Paul Sartori Foundation, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, who are conducting the arrangements. Tel. (01834) 831876

Major C. A. Bowles

Tenby

As reported last week, the death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, on Wednesday, January 25, of Major Charles Alfred Bowles. He was aged 95.

Major Bowles was pre-deceased by his wife Margaret, but is survived by his sons Mark, Neil and Marven.

The funeral service takes place today (Friday, February 10), at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 2.30 pm.

There will be family flowers only, donations if desired, can be made payable to RNLI Tenby, c/o funeral directors, W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth.

Mr. F. Handy

Pembroke

The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Sunday, February 5, following a short illness and surrounded by his family, of Mr. Frederic John Edward Handy, of St. Michael’s Road, Pembroke. He was 79.

The funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised, but all enquiries may be made to John Roberts and Son, funeral directors, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, tel. 01646 683115, who are carrying out the arrangements.