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St Davids adventure company calls for #SaveOutdoorEd support

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ST DAVIDS-BASEED outdoor education company TYF is urging people to support the #SaveOutdoorEd campaign, which aims to get the government to take action to save the outdoor education sector during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The campaign has led to a number of petitions and calls from MPs for the government to address the damage being done to the outdoor education sector by Covid-19, as well as the lost opportunities for people to get outdoors, boost their mental and physical health, learn about the natural world and gain skills and confidence.

Supporters of #SaveOutdoorEd are calling for a clear roadmap for resuming school trips, along with financial support for the sector, where Covid-19 restrictions have endangered livelihoods.

Some progress is being made. A new all-party parliamentary group for Outdoor Learning was recently formed, led by Aberconwy MP Robin Millar and Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, who recently urged the government to review its ban on residential trips.

TYF was founded in 1986 and was the first company to introduce coasteering as a commercial activity. It welcomes around 40 schools each season – approximately 200 children a week, and employs over 30 people each year, including seasonal instructors and year-round staff in its office and its St Davids shop.

Its activities are not only about boosting physical and mental fitness: the company also has a strong environmental focus and builds education about the environment and the natural world into its activities. Its high adrenaline activities are preceded by a “mindful minute” in which participants tune into their surroundings.

In 2014 TYF became one of the first certified B Corps in the UK in recognition of its social and environmental performance. The company is also ocean literate and carbon literate, meaning it promotes an understanding of the oceans and our influence on them, and an awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities, working to motivate people to reduce emissions.

Bonnie Middleton, marketing manager, TYF, says the loss of outdoor education during 2020 has had multiple effects.

“We are not only concerned about protecting jobs in the sector; we’re also aware of the lost opportunities to raise awareness of environmental issues at a time when the climate is in crisis,” she said. “We cannot miss another opportunity to engage the younger generation with nature as this could have a detrimental effect on their commitment to making positive changes in their lives. On top of that, people have lost valuable opportunities to boost their resilience, optimism and mental health through time spent outdoors. Outdoor activities have been shown to have multiple benefits, including lowering blood pressure, boosting self-esteem and relieving stress and anxiety. People need these now more than ever, and we’re eager to be able to welcome people back and resume our activities in a safe and supportive environment.”

With this in mind, TYF has revised its procedures to ensure all equipment is disinfected between uses, and that social distancing it built into its travel arrangements and activities.

“We’re confident we can keep people safe on our trips,” said Bonnie. “We now hope people will get behind the #SaveOutdoorEd campaign and urge the government to review its rules about overnight trips and to take action to protect jobs in outdoor education. Outdoor education staff and the activities they provide have a hugely positive impact on people and the environment, and we want that to continue.”

Anyone wanting to support the campaign can sign the petition urging a revision of Department for Education guidance at: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/330559

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Trains resume between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock as works end

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TRAIN services resumed this morning (Thursday 28 March) after ten days of essential round-the-clock work to upgrade track and drainage between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock.

The railway was closed from Monday 18 March to Wednesday 27 March to allow Network Rail teams to replace more than 200 metres of track and 300 tonnes of ballast (track stones) between Pembroke station and Pembroke Dock.

Work to improve the drainage between Narbeth and Kilgetty stations was also completed at the same time.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “This essential work in Pembrokeshire demonstrates our commitment to improving the reliability of the service we provide to passengers along our route.

“We know that replacing the track can be disruptive and very noisy, so I would like to thank the residents of Pembroke for their patience while our team carried out this crucial work.”

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales said: “We’re pleased that our colleagues in Network Rail have completed this essential work and that Transport for Wales rail services resumed today.

“We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while this work has progressed and look forward to welcoming passengers back in time for the Easter weekend.”

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Ocky White Travel marks 60th anniversary with luxury cruise giveaway

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IN a grand gesture commemorating six decades of unparalleled service in the travel industry, Pembrokeshire’s venerated independent travel agency, Ocky White Travel, has announced an extraordinary giveaway—a luxury cruise for two, in partnership with Pure West Radio.

Established 60 years ago, Ocky White Travel has become a staple in the lives of Pembrokeshire residents, offering dream holidays and contributing significantly to the local economy. Despite the fluctuating fortunes of neighbouring businesses and the often harsh realities of the travel sector, Ocky White Travel has stood firm, a testament to its resilience and commitment to customer satisfaction.

This resilience was further demonstrated when, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic—a period that saw many in the industry falter—Ocky White Travel not only survived but thrived by expanding its operations to include Sam Smith Travel in Cowbridge. This expansion has allowed the agency to extend its exceptional service to a broader audience across South Wales.

Celebrating this milestone, Ocky White Travel has engaged in a comprehensive multi-media campaign, underscored by its official sponsorship of the PWR Daytime Show. A central highlight of this celebration is a tiered competition, offering participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a luxury Nordic cruise for two. The competition, which has garnered thousands of entries since its launch on 21st February, underscores the agency’s dedication to rewarding its loyal clientele.

Mark White, Owner and Managing Director of Ocky White Travel, expressed immense pride in reaching this significant milestone. He emphasised the agency’s unique position in the hearts of many families across generations, attributing this success to the personalised service and deep understanding of client needs that have become the hallmark of Ocky White Travel.

Echoing this sentiment, Toby Ellis of Pure West Radio highlighted the positive impact of the partnership on local residents. He praised Ocky White Travel for its hands-on approach and the invaluable advice provided by its seasoned staff. The giveaway, featuring a 7-night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, stands as the most significant prize offered by the radio station, symbolising a “holiday of a lifetime.”

Entries for this historic giveaway will remain open until 31st March, with the lucky winners to be announced on Pure West Radio’s Daytime Show. This event not only celebrates Ocky White Travel’s 60 years of service but also its enduring commitment to creating unforgettable holiday experiences for its customers.

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Business

Pembrokeshire pub director fined for accounting offences

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AT Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, Kathleen Waters, the Director of the Jeffreyston-based pub business KDW Inns Limited, has been found guilty of multiple accounting offences. The 60-year-old from The Jeffreyston Inn, Jeffreyston, was previously fined in June for failing to submit the required accounts to Companies House.

On March 21, Waters faced three separate offences related to accounting malpractices following her previous conviction. The court heard that she failed to deliver essential documents for KDW Inns Limited’s accounts for the period ending August 31, 2021. Additionally, Waters was accused of not submitting the financial statements for the year ending August 31, 2022, a requirement for all companies operating within the UK.

The charges did not stop there. Waters was also found guilty of failing to deliver a confirmation statement within 14 days after a review period, an essential requirement for maintaining the legal status of a business in the UK.

Pleading guilty to all charges, Waters was fined a total of £775. Furthermore, she has been ordered to pay a £310 surcharge along with £75 in court costs. This case highlights the legal responsibilities of company directors in maintaining accurate and timely financial records, a cornerstone of corporate governance and transparency.

The conviction of Waters serves as a reminder to all business owners and directors of the importance of adhering to financial regulations and statutory requirements.

  • The Pembrokeshire Herald remains committed to bringing its readers up-to-date reports on significant legal proceedings affecting the local business community.
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