Community

Independent journeys course praised

Published

11 years ago

May 13, 2015

independentjourney A NEW road safety course has been introduced teaching Year 7 pupils in Pembrokeshire how to be careful when travelling locally by themselves.

The programme – entitled ‘Independent Journeys’ – has been written specifically for local children by Pembrokeshire County Council’s road safety team.

To date, it has been delivered in three secondary schools – Tasker Milward, Sir Thomas Picton, and Pembroke – and it will be run at Milford Haven School in May.

Sally Jones, Child Pedestrian Coordinator, delivers the course. “The aim is to increase awareness and understanding of road safety among children aged 11 and 12,” she said.

“In many cases, these children are starting to make independent journeys for the first time. We look at lots of different scenarios like going to school, into town, or out with friends, and how they can plan a safe journey – whether it’s by bus, car, bike or by foot.”

The children discuss ways to improve their safety like planning their route, knowing their timings, and being aware of where pedestrian crossings are.

They talk about factors which could be helpful, like taking their phone with them, telling people where they are, and wearing suitable gear if visibility is an issue.

Sally said they also discuss potential dangers and risky behaviour like listening to music on headphones, being on the mobile, or playing by the road.

“We also talk about peer pressure – what it is, how someone can facilitate this, how to resist it, and giving children ways to deal with it,” she said.

“It’s about considering all these different factors before they set off on a journey by themselves.”

Lauren Davies, Head of Year 7 at Tasker Milward School, said the course had some very valuable messages for pupils.

“The safety of our pupils travelling to and from school is of paramount importance to us, and we welcomed this opportunity to provide them with some road safety advice specific to their age group,” she said.

“As well as taking on board the advice given, we hope these pupils will also provide role models to younger pupils starting in September.”

Isabel Winstone, a pupil at Tasker Milward, said: “It made us think about the dangers on busy roads and how we need to try and be safe when we’re near them.”

Fellow pupil Amber McFadden added that the course had made them think about many different issues to do with road safety.

“It teaches you a lot about the world around you, and how you need to keep your eyes open and be looking around for anything that might be a problem,” she said.

Cllr Rob Lewis, Cabinet Member for Transportation, said he was pleased that the new course had been introduced. “We have a range of different road safety interventions, including Kerbcraft – which is taught to all primary school children from the age of five – and Crucial Crew, which delivers safety messages to all pupils in Year 6,” he said. “The new ‘Independent Journeys’ programme is an important addition.”

Community

Public invited to Port of Milford Haven annual stakeholder meeting

Published

2 hours ago

July 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MEMBERS of the public are being invited to hear about the Port of Milford Haven’s latest projects, investments and future plans at its annual stakeholder meeting this week.

The event will take place in the Atrium at Sybil House, Milford Waterfront, from 2pm on Thursday, July 30.

Representatives from the Port’s leadership team will provide updates on recent achievements, current investment programmes and planned developments across the Milford Haven Waterway.

A dedicated question-and-answer session will also give residents, businesses and community organisations an opportunity to raise issues and speak directly with Port representatives.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our annual stakeholder meeting is an important opportunity to share progress, discuss our plans for the future and hear directly from the organisations and communities we work with and live in.

“We encourage anyone with an interest in the Port and the wider Milford Haven Waterway to join us for what promises to be an informative and engaging afternoon.”

Following the meeting, attendees will be invited to The Old Rectory Bar and Bistro at Milford Waterfront for coffee, cake and networking between 4pm and 5pm.

Places can be booked through the Port of Milford Haven’s online registration page. Questions can also be submitted in advance as part of the booking process.

Community

Nearly 300 Pembrokeshire pupils explore Milford Haven Waterway

Published

3 hours ago

July 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Boat trips gave primary school children the chance to learn about water safety, marine wildlife and the environment on their doorstep

NEARLY 300 primary school pupils have taken to the water as part of an education programme designed to help young people learn more about the Milford Haven Waterway.

The Port of Milford Haven worked with Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools to provide a series of educational boat trips for Year 4 pupils from schools across the county.

During the trips, children learned about water safety, the local marine environment and the wide variety of wildlife found in and around the Waterway.

Participating schools included Pennar Community School, Cleddau Reach VC School, Golden Grove School in Pembroke, Milford Haven Community Primary School and Monkton Priory Community Primary School.

Emily Jones, engagement executive at the Port of Milford Haven, joined pupils on the trips and said the programme offered children valuable learning experiences outside the classroom.

She said: “It was fantastic to see the children enjoying time on the water while learning new facts about the environment, wildlife and water safety.

“The Port is committed to creating opportunities for young people to access new experiences, develop their knowledge and build confidence around the Waterway.

“This project has been a wonderful way to support those aims while helping pupils connect with the unique environment on their doorstep.”

Bryony Rees, Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools co-ordinator, said the trips had helped bring classroom learning to life.

She said: “It was a pleasure to facilitate the Waterway boat trips with the Port of Milford Haven and local schools, taking learning beyond the classroom and bringing the curriculum to life.

“The engagement and enthusiasm shown by the pupils and teachers highlights the success of these fantastic trips.”

The primary school programme ran alongside a separate community initiative funded by the Port, which enabled more than 200 Year 8 pupils from the Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock areas to experience the Waterway.

As well as spending time on the water, the secondary school pupils heard from local industry professionals about their work, career pathways and the range of employment opportunities connected to the Waterway.

The Port of Milford Haven said it invested £426,000 in community activity during 2025. Its programmes are intended to encourage the safe and enjoyable use of the Waterway, support young people in developing skills and confidence, and contribute to a sustainable and resilient local environment.

Photo caption: Pupils from Cleddau Reach VC School enjoy an educational trip on the Milford Haven Waterway.

Community

Pembrokeshire pupils take the plunge to learn lifesaving water safety skills

Published

4 hours ago

July 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Almost 400 children from eight local primary schools have taken part in practical coastal safety sessions in Dale

ALMOST 400 Pembrokeshire pupils have been taught essential skills that could help save their lives during a programme delivered by Windswept CIC.

Year 5 and Year 6 children from eight primary schools attended sessions in Dale throughout June and July, learning how to stay safe in and around the sea.

The programme, funded by the Port of Milford Haven, taught pupils how to recognise beach warning flags, understand the risks of cold-water shock and use the RNLI’s Float to Live technique.

Children were also shown how to call for help during an emergency and given practical experience of entering and moving through open water safely.

Schools taking part included Mary Immaculate Catholic Primary School, Coastlands Community Primary School, St Francis Catholic Primary School, Milford Haven Community Primary School, Broad Haven Community Primary School, Waldo Williams Primary School, Gelliswick Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School and Cleddau Reach Voluntary Controlled School.

Emily Jones, Stakeholder Engagement Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “These sessions delivered by the Windswept team provide invaluable knowledge and practical skills for young people who live, learn and spend time around our coastline.

“As a Port, we are committed to supporting initiatives that help educate young people about water safety and build their confidence in coastal environments.

“We are delighted that so many schools have engaged with this important programme.”

The sessions formed part of Swim Safe, an accredited educational programme developed by the RNLI and Swim Wales for schools and community groups.

It gives participants practical experience of outdoor water environments while teaching them how to recognise risks and respond during an emergency.

Sarah West, director of Windswept CIC, said: “We believe every child should have the opportunity to enjoy the water safely and with confidence.

“Living in Pembrokeshire, young people grow up surrounded by the coast, so understanding the risks and knowing how to respond in an emergency are skills that could one day save their lives.

“Through Swim Safe, we aim to give children practical experience in the water while building confidence, awareness and respect for the marine environment.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Port of Milford Haven for supporting this programme and helping us reach hundreds of local children with these vital skills.”

The Port of Milford Haven said it invested almost £500,000 in community initiatives during 2025 as part of its commitment to supporting local people and strengthening communities.

Photo caption:

Pembrokeshire primary school pupils took part in water safety sessions delivered by Windswept CIC in Dale.