News

Conference highlights importance of playing

Published

7 years ago

March 17, 2017

‘If I Were a Child’: Tenby primary school perform at conference

FROM THE GREAT outdoors to Lego therapy, the importance of children playing was the subject of a conference held at Folly Farm last week (March 10).

Titled ‘Play Matters to Me’, the conference, which was attended by Children’s Commissioner for Wales Professor Sally Holland, saw pupils from several Pembrokeshire primary schools perform dramatic and musical pieces, deliver speeches and participate in a range of activities.

When it came to stage performances, Tenby P rimary S chool undoubtedly stole the show with their rendition of ‘If I Were a Child’ – a remake of Beyonce’s ‘If I Were a Boy’.

The conference also brought together numerous presentations by local organisations which enable children to explore the great outdoors, take up sports and build confidence through therapeutic and team-building exercises.

A prominent theme, the idea of playing outdoors and amongst nature began with a presentation by National Park Discovery Ranger, Tom Moses.

During his talk, Tom highlighted the abundance of outdoor opportunities that Pembrokeshire offers, from historical learning sites like Castell Henllys to sprawling beaches and woodland – all of which can earn children the Park’s John Muir Award.

Following on from this was a talk by a member of FIVE – an organisation centred on delivering five–week programmes to groups of five children aged 7–11.

During the programme, children learn about map reading, bush craft, tree planting, climbing, conversation and more.

In working alongside the National Park and the National Trust, those who take part also receive a John Muir Award at the end of the programme.

Perhaps most interesting of all was a presentation by Kiri Howell on ‘Pembrokeshire’s first purely outdoor nature play group’, Nature School in Llawhaden.

Situated in a five–acre woodland which includes a stream and grassland, Nature School includes a fire pit, traditional oven and composting toilet.

Seasonal fruit and vegetables are also grown on site and children can cook with local, organic and vegetarian food sources.

With reference to ‘environmental literacy’ and ‘positive risk taking’, Kiri said: “We cannot expect children to care for the environment if they have not been provided experiences in it.”

She added: “Not all classrooms have four walls.”

Aside from outdoor play, another prominent theme was sporting activities, with a highlight certainly being 11–year–old Libi Phillips’ inspiring speech on ‘inclusive play’.

Having been diagnosed with cerebral palsy from a young age, Libi took to the stage in her wheelchair and spoke of how ‘play is a right for all children’.

Now one of the youngest members of the Ospreys youth wheelchair rugby squad, Libi left audience members in awe of her incredible sporting achievements.

Fishguard resident Danni O’Conner and Cllr Pat Davies also told the audience of plans to build an all–inclusive play park and a new skate park in Fishguard.

This was not the only mention of Pembrokeshire skate parks. The conference also featured a talk by Barry John of VC Gallery who spoke of an art project organised in conjunction with Haverfordwest Skate Park Association, Drug Aid and Dyfed–Powys Police.

Dubbed ‘Havercolourwest’, Barry showed audience members a video production which demonstrated how the project had engaged with young people through art and photography, providing them with a ‘method to portray themselves positively’.

The project produced over 200 pieces of art, and also identified a need for toilet facilities at the skate park.

Another fascinating topic, the conference also saw Owain Roach talk about Lego therapy for children with disabilities.

Working in groups of three, children are assigned the role of a builder, engineer or supplier and work together to create various structures.

Centred on eight–week programmes, Owain and his colleague are currently working with Neyland School but are eager to partner with other schools in Pembrokeshire.

The conference received a closing speech from Mayor of Tenby, Cllr Laurence Blackhall who thanked all those who gave presentations and performances and ‘reminded us how important play is’.

Business

Networking Success Celebrated at Pembrokeshire Four Seasons Business Lunch

Published

12 mins ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

13 mins ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

20 mins ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.”