News
Cabinet member’s mistake misleads

Miatakes: Sue Perkins
AN ERROR in information provided to Cabinet member Sue Perkins, the IPPG’s spokesperson on education, meant that she inadvertently misled councillors at a key meeting that discussed the Council’s plans for education in Pembrokeshire.
The mistake appears to have arisen because information given to Cllr Perkins was either incomplete or framed in such a way as to support what officers have been claiming about the poor performance of schools for which they have had responsibility for years.
At March’s council meeting, Cllr Perkins told councillors that the full suite of science course was not offered at Tasker-Milward School. The so-called ‘triple science’ option was not available at GCSE, she said.
The Herald understands that the error appears to have originated within the Children and Education Department, and is based upon that department’s own request that Tasker- Milward cut costs and stop providing the option.
An examination of data in the Council’s possession reveals that not only is triple science available at the Haverfordwest school, but also that results in the triple-science GCSE course are of the highest possible standard and have markedly improved over the last full academic year for which results are available.
The current situation is that, through further judicious timetabling, the Headteacher and staff of TM are not only able to offer Double Science to all pupils but also Triple Science to those keen to pursue that option.
The results below speak for themselves in highlighting the success of Triple Science at TM.
Results last year for A*-C (29 pupils) were:
Physics 100%
Chemistry 100%
Biology 97%
In 2013 (for 19 pupils)
Physics 74%
Chemistry 84%
Biology 79%
Approximately 30 pupils are about to take their Triple GCSEs, with another 30 studying in Y10 (and approximately the same number in Y9 showing interest for the next academic year).
Sue Perkins also told councillors, mistakenly, that: “Triple science had been offered at Tasker-Milward, but the numbers of learners that came forward was small, with many learners deemed not suitable based on their current Key Stage 3.”
The council has claimed that the statistics upon which it has based its consultation are correct.
News
Flood alert issued for Pembrokeshire coast
Residents urged to prepare as flooding possible between St Dogmaels and Amroth
A FLOOD alert has been issued for the Pembrokeshire coast by Natural Resources Wales.
The alert covers the coastline between St Dogmaels, Cardigan and Amroth, where flooding is possible.
Residents are being urged to be prepared, check flood plans, and make sure family members, pets, vehicles, livestock and important belongings can be moved to safety if needed.
Natural Resources Wales is also advising people to keep mobile phones charged, know how to turn off electricity, gas and water supplies, and prepare a small emergency bag with essential items including medication, chargers, warm clothing, baby and pet supplies, sanitary items and insurance documents.
People are warned not to drive or walk through floodwater. Just 30cm of water can carry a car away, while 15cm can knock a person off their feet.
For more information, visit the Natural Resources Wales flood warning service or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188, using quick dial number 503013.
Entertainment
Tony Christie brings farewell show to Torch Theatre
LEGENDARY singer Tony Christie is coming to Milford Haven as part of his Great Farewell tour.
The veteran performer, best known for hits including Is This the Way to Amarillo and I Did What I Did for Maria, will appear at the Torch Theatre on Thursday, June 25, at 7:30pm.
Christie, born Anthony Fitzgerald in Yorkshire in 1943, began performing as a teenager and went on to enjoy a career spanning more than six decades.
His breakthrough came after signing with MCA Records in 1969, with the 1970s bringing huge success and more than 10 million record sales.
He later enjoyed renewed fame when Peter Kay helped introduce Amarillo to a new generation, making the song one of the best-known British pop hits of the modern era.
The Great Farewell show will celebrate Christie’s long career, taking in his classic hits and the songs that made him one of Britain’s most enduring entertainers.
A limited number of VIP packages are available, including the best seats, access to Tony’s sound check from 4:15pm to 5:00pm, a meet-and-greet with Tony and his wife Sue, and a goody bag containing a personally dedicated signed CD and 10×8 photograph.
Tickets cost £30, with VIP tickets priced at £80.
Bookings can be made at torchtheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01646 695267.
News
NHS leaders welcome First Minister’s pledge on joined-up health approach
NHS LEADERS in Wales have welcomed the new First Minister’s commitment to taking a whole-government approach to improving health and wellbeing.
The Welsh NHS Confederation said the focus on prevention, public health and care closer to home was a “strong and positive starting point” for the new Senedd term.
Darren Hughes, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, said ministers working together across government would be essential because many of the factors affecting people’s health sit outside the NHS.
He said: “We welcome the First Minister’s focus on a whole-government approach to improving health and wellbeing in Wales.
“The recognition that ministers must work together across government is a strong and positive starting point for this new Senedd term, reflecting the wider factors that shape people’s health and the need for joined-up action to improve it.”
Mr Hughes said the emphasis on prevention, public health and shifting more care into primary and community services was vital to helping people get support earlier, improving care and easing pressure on hospitals.
But he warned that the ambitions must now be supported by clear priorities, realistic plans and honest communication with the public about what can be delivered and when.
He added: “Over the next four years, building trust and strong relationships with NHS leaders will be essential.
“NHS leaders in Wales stand ready to work with the Welsh Government and partners across public services to turn this whole-government ambition into real improvements in health and wellbeing.”
The Welsh NHS Confederation represents all organisations making up the NHS in Wales, including the seven local health boards, three NHS trusts and two special health authorities.
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anonymous
June 18, 2015 at 7:01 pm
is Clr Perkins looking for scapegoats because the IPPG have been found out about education?
Anwen
June 19, 2015 at 11:26 am
Hairdresser in charge of education!!’
tomos
June 21, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Anwen wrote:
Nothing wrong in being a hairdresser, what she should be ashamed about is her links to the IPiGs
tomos
June 21, 2015 at 3:13 pm
PS Miatakes ? very funny!