Community

PRU pupils win green awards

Published

11 years ago

October 22, 2013

STUDENTS at Pembrokeshire County Council’s Pupil Referral Unit in Neyland have been learning to care for the environment.
Twelve pupils aged between 12 and 14 successfully completed John Muir Awards over the summer term.
Launched in 1997 by the John Muir Trust, the award scheme aims to promote an awareness and concern for the environment among young people.
Under the scheme youngsters are encouraged to discover and explore wild places and learn how to conserve and take responsibility for it.
To achieve their certificates, the PRU pupils spent at least five days outside over a 12-week period.
The youngsters spent two days geocaching (an outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS devices) in Stepaside and Canaston Woods.
They also spent another three days working alongside Tom Moses, the Discovery Ranger for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, learning outdoor skills such as foraging for food, identifying trees, pond dipping, fire craft and building shelters.
The outoor experience culminated in a week’s camping at Starman’s Hall at Freshwater West, where the youngsters were able to put their newly acquired skills into practice.
The pupils were presented with their certificates at a special presentation earlier this month.
Eleven received their Discovery Award, while Alan Morris also received his Explorer Certificate.
“It has given me skills to use in the future and it has made me realise what I want to do in my future life,” he said. “It made me want to do my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.”
Fellow pupil Brandon Sture said it had been an “amazing experience.
“I tried new things that I wouldn’t have tried before and because of it I became really good at it,” he said.
Staff who worked with the pupils – Claire Sommerville, Vicky Phillips and Matt Reay – also gained their Conserver Awards.
Vicky Phillips said outdoor learning was a very useful tool for pupils.
“We live in a beautiful part of the world that unfortunately many youngsters don’t get to appreciate because of modern day technology,” she said.
“By completing the Award, our pupils have not only gained a qualification, they have learned vital skills that they can use throughout their lives.”

Community

Grieving family’s aim to protect young drivers in memory of daughter

Published

2 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.

Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.

Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.

Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.

Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.

“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”

For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]

Community

Storm Éowyn upgraded to ‘danger to life’ amber warning for Wales

Published

4 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service backs Register My Appliance Week

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is supporting Register My Appliance Week (January 20–26) to help households stay informed about appliance safety and product recalls.

Millions of UK households are unaware of critical safety updates for their appliances, with over 40 million large appliances still unregistered. From brand-new purchases to second-hand machines, registering appliances ensures owners are alerted to any safety issues, extending their safe usage.

In the past year, MAWWFRS responded to 163 incidents involving white goods. Home Fire Safety Manager Wayne Thomas said:

“We all value how appliances have transformed our lives, but it’s essential to register them. Doing so is quick, free, and ensures you’re informed if a safety repair is needed. Just a few minutes spent registering can help you enjoy your appliances safely.”

The Register My Appliance portal, run by AMDEA, connects users with over 70 leading brands and accepts registrations for both new and older appliances.