News
Councillor apologises to Standards Committee
COUNTY COUNCILLOR Thomas Tudor has apologised to the Standards Committee for voting on a matter concerning Haverfordwest secondary education despite only being given a dispensation to speak.
The Standards Committee met on Thursday, February 11, and also decided to grant Cllr Tudor the right to speak and vote on the matter for the next year.
Cllr Tudor is a parent governor of Sir Thomas Picton School and also has a close association with someone working at Pembrokeshire College and therefore has to declare a personal and prejudicial interest.
A complaint was made by Cllr Myles Pepper and Council Leader Jamie Adams after he voted at an extraordinary meeting of council on April 14, 2015.
An ombudsman’s investigation into the complaint found that no action needed to be taken against Cllr Tudor but recommended that he apologised to the Standards Committee for disregarding their decision.
Cllr Tom Tudor said: “I apologise to you the standards committee, and only you members of the standards committee, however I did it in my desperation to represent the views of my electorate and get their views heard and voted for.
Mr David Morgan thanked Cllr Tudor for his words and said they accepted his apology.
Cllr Tudor continued: “Never before have I seen such a huge amount of interest in one subject alone in all the years I have served as the county councillor for the Castle Ward. With that in mind it is highly imperative that we as county councillors listen to the needs of the people and take on board their concerns, we have a duty of care to at least do that.
“This is why I am seeking dispensation from you the standards committee to speak and vote on this important matter as an elected member who is also a parent governor of Sir Thomas Picton School.
“The proposals to have a centralised 6th form on the site of Pembrokeshire College to serve the Northern part of Pembrokeshire is one that certainly does not have the support of the Governing Bodies of Sir Thomas Picton, and Takers school.
“With the governing bodies of Sir Thomas Picton school, of which I am a Parent Governor, and the Governing Body of Taskers having over 200 years’ experience collectively is something that must be taken into account and the views of those Governing bodies should be respected and represented within the chambers of Pembrokeshire county Council by the elected members of Haverfordwest community.
“The Governing bodies of both schools strongly believe that the proposed new amalgamated school in Haverfordwest should also have the provision of providing a 6th form, in that we provide a choice to the pupils, the same way we have afforded the pupils in the South of the county a choice.
“Crymych, Tenby, Milford Haven, Pembroke are given a choice of having a 6th form, Haverfordwest, St Davids and Fishguard are not given a choice, that simply is not acceptable, unjust and simply completely unfair. Hence the reason why I am seeking dispensation to speak and vote.
“We all want the best for our children and young people and we should invest more time and research into this matter before we move forward with full elected member input in terms of voting and speaking within the chamber.
“Please in no way let there be any misunderstanding with my view of Pembrokeshire College, it is a good educational establishment serving the people of Pembrokeshire well since its creation. But a 6th form centre is best placed on the site of the proposed new school for Haverfordwest.
“We are talking about the education of the young people of Pembrokeshire, therefore all councillors have an interest in that, so do we all have a prejudicial interest, I would say yes, therefore we all should have full voting and speaking rights.”
Cllr Stan Hudson said: “Having argued previously for Haverfordwest members to speak and vote because as Tom as already mentioned he is representing a large number of parents in Haverfordwest and this is a county wide issue that I think it is important that Haverfordwest members are allowed to speak and vote.”
It was approved to give Cllr Tudor dispensation to speak and vote for the following year.
Business
Networking Success Celebrated at Pembrokeshire Four Seasons Business Lunch
WEST Wales businesses recently came together for the Spring Pembrokeshire Four Seasons Business Lunch to connect with others in the region and hear a talk from the Director of the National Botanic Gardens of Wales, Dr Lucy Sutherland.
Hosted by JCP Solicitors, Ashmole & Co, Thomas Carroll, and Development Bank of Wales, the busy networking event took place at Tenby Golf Club and provided an opportunity to meet with local businesspeople and leaders in the area.
The talk from Dr Sutherland gave insight into the strategy behind the Botanic Garden of Wales’s success, outlining how the attraction adapts and evolves to bring together sciences, arts, and design in a way to connect and inspire communities.
Georgina Walters, Director and Head of Commercial Property (West Wales) at JCP Solicitors, said: “We were delighted to welcome over 50 attendees to the Spring Pembrokeshire Four Seasons Business Lunch, as it provided an excellent opportunity to meet with others and strengthen connections in Pembrokeshire.
“These events are so valuable for making local connections and taking inspiration from how other businesses or organisations are rising to emerging challenges. It was thought-provoking to hear how the National Botanic Garden of Wales is adapting to ever-changing visitor expectations and policy developments, and we hope attendees found these insights helpful for their own future planning.
“Our lunch events are always popular with local organisations, and so we encourage those interested to sign up as soon as possible. Our next event will be our Summer Lunch and we look forward to meeting more people there.”
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Community
Port of Milford Haven renews partnership with Milford Youth Matters
THE Port of Milford Haven has strengthened its commitment to supporting the development of young people via a renewed partnership agreement with Milford Youth Matters. The two organisations have been working in collaboration for over five years to improve skills, aspirations, confidence levels and positive experiences for young people in Milford Haven. The new three-year agreement will enable Milford Youth Matters to deliver Friday night youth provision at a new venue based in Haven’s Head Business Park.
The partnership between the Port and Milford Youth Matters has resulted in hugely successful youth projects including the award-winning Under the Bridge project, WAVE – a water-safety initiative – and Winter Warmers, which provided young people with free meals and a warm space to socialise in a safe environment. All projects are supporting young people to achieve their full potential with many learning new skills, gaining qualifications and taking up volunteering activities. They have also led to a decreased anti-social behaviour in the area.
The new premises at Haven’s Head will allow Milford Youth Matters to expand their current offering and focus more on their academy work, which includes upskilling young people.
Dayle Gibby, Co-Ordinator at Milford Youth Matters said: “Its fantastic that the Port of Milford Haven shares our vision in providing ongoing opportunities for young people in our community. By working together we are able to align our resources to ensure that young people are provided with experiences that will enhance their future potential, whether that be employability, volunteering or to become active members of our town. Our ongoing and enhanced partnership looks to ensure the maximum impact is achieved with long lasting benefits for our future generations.”
Lauren Williams, PR & Communications Officer added: “We’re lucky to have organisations like Milford Youth Matters on our doorstep, offering young people creative outlets and skills opportunities. Our partnership over the past 5 years has gone from strength to strength and we are delighted to be able to increase our support over the coming years.”
Charity
New Quay RNLI stalwart volunteer receives award from High Sheriff of Dyfed
RECENTLY, a long-standing member of New Quay RNLI, Tim Richards received an award from the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Professor Medwin Hughes for valuable services to the community.
The High Sheriff Awards are a mark of distinction and recognition given to volunteers, groups and public servants based in Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire who are making a significant contribution to society through enhancing safety and cohesion in our communities.
Stalwart volunteer of New Quay RNLI from shore crew to fundraising, Tim has been part of the crew for over 16 years and has held many positions from shore crew to Chair of New Quay RNLI Fundraising Group including working overseas but always returning to New Quay RNLI.
Tim, aged 74, said, “I was truly honoured to receive my services to the community award from The High Sheriff of Dyfed, Professor Hughes. I’ve been part of New Quay RNLI for over 16 years and encourage anyone to take part. It’s a great institution to be involved with. I’ve always had strong connections to the sea being a keen kayaker and boatman and I’ll continue to support New Quay RNLI as being a volunteer and saving lives at sea is deeply rooted in me.”
Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager added, “We would also like to congratulate Tim for his well-deserved award and thank him for all his hard work over the years with the New Quay RNLI crew and with the New Quay RNLI fundraising group. It’s volunteers like Tim who are an integral part of the organisation and ensure the RNLI can continue to save lives at sea.”
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