Education
Tenby student’s unique coffee business helping to improve sustainability
A SWANSEA UNIVERSITY student is providing customers with a sustainable coffee experience thanks to his growing business venture.
Luke Green, 20, a second year student with the School of Management, founded GoGo Coffee in February where he serves coffee from the back of his low carbon emitting Smart Car.
The coffee machines are battery operated from the boot of his car, while he uses locally sourced coffee and bio-disposable cups.
Having already purchased the car himself, his vision and ethos came to fruition as part of an entrepreneurship module on his course.
He also secured £2,200 worth of funding from GoCompare, which offers out a share of a pot of funding to various businesses. This investment enabled Luke to pay for vehicle insurance, stock and a secure storage unit.
“I love that I’m able to work on my passion of running my own business alongside my studies,” said Luke, who hails from Tenby.
“Independent learning is a big part of my course which it’s a mature way of studying as it’s down to you to put the work in and make sure your time is well spent.”
“I use locally sourced organic coffee which means I’m helping to support other local businesses, as well as the fact that the drinks are served in bio-disposable cups. I also offer a discount to customers who come to me with a reusable cup.”
“Setting up my own business as part of my degree was a big commitment, but it is great to know that I already have that in place when I graduate.”
However, Luke admits that it wasn’t always coffee that he had in mind when he first thought about setting up his business.
“While I was at Pembrokeshire College, I had an idea to run candyfloss and ice cream carts from a bike,” he said.
“But when I passed my driving test I explored other options which would enable me to travel further and serve a larger audience. This is when GoGo Coffee was established.
“Being able to drive to various places and serve coffee has really helped get my business off the ground.
“In the future I hope to have franchises running GoGo Coffee businesses across the UK.”
If you want to sample Luke’s coffee then you can catch him at Swansea University’s Bay Campus, as well as at Uplands market and in the Quadrant Centre from 24-30 June.
Education
Second Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament celebrates youth and skill
THE SECOND Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament drew participants from 21 schools across the region, culminating in a day of intense competition and camaraderie.
The tournament, reported by Vicky Brown, saw young chess enthusiasts gather for a day marked by strategic gameplay and exceptional talent. Henry Burton from Redhill emerged victorious, claiming the top spot in a closely contested field. The duo of Steffan Hughes and Huw Holliday, also from Redhill, followed closely in second place, while Osian Griffiths (Ysgol Caer Elen), Bryn Williams (Milford Haven Community School), and Iolo Hughes (Redhill) shared the third place, showcasing the depth of talent present among the participants.
In recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, Carys Callan from Redhill was honoured with the ‘David Pinch Award’, embodying the spirit of fair play and respect that marked the tournament. A special mention was given to Tyler Davison-Hall from Johnston CP School for participating in the Game of the Tournament, further highlighting the event’s competitive yet friendly atmosphere.
The tournament benefitted significantly from the expertise of Ian Eustis from the Welsh Chess Union, who served as Arbiter, ensuring the smooth running of the games. The event was also supported by Martin Jones and Scott Hammett, who took on the roles of stewards, and the Friends of Redhill (FOR), who managed the refreshments, contributing to the day’s success.
The local chess community, including participants and spectators, expressed their appreciation for the organisational efforts that made the event possible. For those interested in furthering their chess skills, the Pembrokeshire Chess Club extends an invitation to meet on Tuesday evenings in Steynton. Martin Jones, contactable at 07884384131, is available for further details regarding membership and participation.
Looking ahead, Redhill is poised to host its next chess tournament on Saturday, 8th June, promising another opportunity for young chess players to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game. The success of this event not only highlights the thriving chess scene in Pembrokeshire but also sets the stage for future tournaments that continue to inspire and engage the youth in the noble game of chess.
Education
Don’t miss out on help with school essentials
88% of those eligible have claimed their free School Essentials grant to help with costs like school uniform, shoes, bags, sports kit and equipment. Have you claimed yours?
Children of families on lower incomes who receive certain benefits, those seeking asylum and children in care can claim £125 per year to help with school costs. Because of the extra cost families might face when their children start secondary school, £200 is available for eligible pupils going into year 7. It could also mean extra funding for your school.
There’s still time to check eligibility and apply for this year’s funding now before applications close on 31 May.
You can apply every year for each of your children. Pupils from all kinds of education settings are eligible as long as they are aged 5-16. This applies to pupils in all schools and settings, including special schools and pupil referral units.
Headteacher of Ysgol Gymunedol Trimsaran, Steffan Jones, explained how the grant helps pupils at his school: “You want every child to be treated the same, and you want every child to have the same experiences. These grants do help, so that all children can get involved and enjoy their time at school, not just those who can afford it.”
The grant can be used to pay for:
- school uniform, including coats and shoes.
- school activities, like learning a musical instrument, sports kit and equipment for after school activities.
- classroom essentials, like pens, pencils and bags.
Even if your child already receives a Free School Meal, you still need to check eligibility to access the School Essentials Grant and extra funding for your school. To find out more about the Schools Essentials Grant and to check eligibility, visit Get help with school costs | GOV.WALES
Charity
Bags of Books returns to Milford Haven and surrounding areas this Easter
THE INFAMOUS Bags of Books is set to return to Milford Haven and surrounding areas over the Easter holidays.
Milford Haven School who launched the project with Milford Youth Matters over 3 years ago are continuing in their bid to improve literacy skills and encourage a love of reading for pleasure by giving away over 700 books.
Thanks to funding from the South Hook LNG Community grant they have purchased books for young people of all ages and reading abilities and will be hanging them on the fences of the schools in their catchment area.
The community are invited to come and choose a book from the following locations over the Easter holidays:
- Neyland Community Primary School – Monday 25th March
- Johnston Community Primary School – Tuesday 26th March
- Coastlands Primary School – Wednesday 27th March
- Gelliswick Primary School – Tuesday 2nd April
- Milford Haven Community Primary – Wednesday 3rd April
- St Francis Community Primary – Wednesday 3rd April
Milford Haven Secondary School will also hang over 150 books on their fence after the Easter Holidays on Wednesday 10th April for those in our community who cannot attend the other locations.
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