29/08/2026
About three years ago I wrote something about Pembrokeshire to my children and why, over 30 years ago, I chose to come home and raise my children here.
Today I saw the Western Telegraph asking: Is Pembrokeshire the best place to bring up a family?
For me, the answer will always be yes.
But today that answer feels particularly poignant.
Last night, our Pembrokeshire family lost one of its own, a cheeky, funny and genuinely lovely soul. A very close friend of my son Ed, a friend to so many of my friends’ children, and someone I had many conversations with myself.
Today there are parents, children and friends across our community hurting because someone who was part of their lives is suddenly no longer here.
And strangely, it made me think again about what I wrote all those years ago.
I grew up all over Britain because my dad was in the RAF. I lived in some beautiful places, but Pembrokeshire was the first place that ever really felt like home.
Ironically, I couldn't wait to leave at 16, apparently RJs wasn't enough to keep me here 😂, even though I super excited about the reunion night. when I discovered I was pregnant with Ed, I knew exactly where I wanted to come back to raise him.
It remains one of the best decisions I ever made.
I raised my three children here, and they grew up surrounded not simply by friends, but by friends who became family.
That is Pembrokeshire to me.
We joke that there are barely two degrees of separation between any of us. Have a proper conversation with someone and it won't take long before you discover the person, family, school, village or story that connects you.
Sometimes that closeness can be complicated. But on days like today, you understand just how precious it is.
Because these children grow up together. Their parents know one another. Their friendships cross families and generations. We celebrate their milestones together, remember their younger selves and, terribly, sometimes we have to hold one another through unimaginable loss.
So yes, I still believe Pembrokeshire is an incredible place to bring up a family.
Not simply because of the beaches, the coast, the countryside or everything our children have on their doorstep.
Because of the people.
Because here, friends really do become family.
And today, one very much loved Pembrokeshire family is grieving.
Sending all our love to his family and to every one of our children and friends who loved him. ❤️
Some things about Pembrokeshire should never change. This is one of them. ###
What do you think?
