Neyland praised for whole-school effort delivering holiday enrichment

NEYLAND COMMUNITY SCHOOL has won a Welsh Government award for its work on the Food and Fun School Holiday Enrichment Programme, which kept children active, engaged and well-fed throughout the summer.

The Food and Fun 10-year celebratory awards were held on November 6 to recognise the outstanding contributions of schools, health boards, collaborations and individuals who have helped deliver the scheme to families across Wales.

Food and Fun provides free healthy meals, informal education and a range of activities for children and young people during school holidays, aiming to support wellbeing and tackle holiday hunger.

Neyland Community School secured the Working Together Award, presented by Sharon Davies, Chief Officer for Education at the WLGA. The judging panel described Neyland as a “shining example” of what can be achieved through a whole-school approach, with staff across all stages working together toward a shared vision to support and uplift pupils.

Participation in the programme has grown significantly over the last three years, with parents and carers responding with strong enthusiasm for the continuity, care and enrichment offered.

Headteacher Clare Hewitt said the impact has been “real, lasting and deeply appreciated.”

“In our first year, we welcomed 40 pupils. This rose to 60 in our second year and, this summer, we were proud to be delivering the scheme to 80 pupils — including children from our newly established Learning Resource Centre,” she said.

“This growth speaks volumes about the programme’s popularity and the trust our community places in it.

“Preparation begins well in advance of the summer holidays. Our dedicated team plans a varied schedule of activities promoting healthy lifestyles, physical wellbeing, social interaction and, of course, fun. Staff give up part of their own break to ensure pupils continue to receive high-quality support.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved. The expansion to include the LRC and the continued support of our wider community all highlight the strength of this provision.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, also congratulated the school.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and teamwork at Neyland Community School,” he said. “The programme not only tackles holiday hunger but enriches the lives of children and families across Pembrokeshire. Initiatives such as this show the power of collaboration, and I am proud to see Neyland leading the way.”

Seven Pembrokeshire primary schools currently take part in the Food and Fun programme, each reporting significant benefits to the wellbeing of pupils.

Caption:

Proud moment: Neyland Community School picked up an award for its Food and Fun programme.

PEMBROKESHIRE is set for a wintry spell this week, with the Met Office issuing a yellow warning for snow and ice covering the whole of Wales from 12:00pm on Wednesday until midnight on Thursday.

Cold air moving south on strong northerly winds is expected to bring frequent showers across the west, with some turning to sleet and snow as they push inland. Higher parts of the county — particularly the Preseli Hills and areas above 200 metres — are expected to see the most significant snowfall.

According to the Met Office, some places at lower levels may see only brief flurries, but where showers persist 2–5cm of snow could settle, with up to 10cm possible in a few upland spots. Icy stretches are likely overnight as temperatures dip below freezing.

Gusty winds and occasional hail are also possible, which may make conditions challenging on exposed routes such as the A487, A478, and minor roads around the Preselis, Haverfordwest, Maenclochog and Crymych.

Travel disruption expected

Transport services could be affected, with delays to bus routes and longer journey times on untreated roads. Drivers are being urged to plan ahead, allow extra time and check for local closures.

There is also a risk of slips and falls on untreated pavements, particularly during the morning school run and evening commute. Power cuts are considered unlikely but remain a possibility in more rural parts of the county.

Safety advice

Motorists are encouraged to carry warm clothing, food, water and a phone charger in case of disruption, and to ensure their vehicle is fully prepared for winter conditions.

For those heading out on foot, main road pavements are likely to be less slippery than side streets. Cyclists are advised to stick to primary routes where treatment is more likely.

Residents are also reminded that weather warnings may change at short notice, and the Met Office advises keeping up to date with the latest local forecast.

A GOODWICK hair salon is celebrating after scooping three major honours at a national ceremony in London.

Michelle Summers Davies, owner of MD Hair in Goodwick, Pembrokeshire, was named winner of Best Colour Salon, Best Boutique Salon, and Best Customer Service at the Salon Awards – an annual event recognising excellence and innovation across the UK hairdressing industry.

The awards are judged regionally by experienced industry professionals, with entries assessed on technical ability, creativity, client care and the overall salon experience.

Michelle’s salon impressed judges with its high standards, customer focus and consistent delivery of high-quality results.

Speaking after the ceremony, she said: “I am over the moon to receive these awards as they reflect years of passion, hard work, and dedication from our entire team. It’s a true celebration of our craft, our creativity, and our community. Thank you to our clients for supporting us every step of the way – we will continue delivering outstanding experiences for our clients.”

The Goodwick stylist is also a finalist for Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards, which take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane next week.

Michelle has worked in the industry for more than thirty-five years and has been part of the Matrix UKI artistic team for nineteen years, contributing to national campaigns and salon education across the UK. She has also worked on the hair teams for the National Television Awards and The X Factor.