Community

School is in a class of its own!

Published

12 years ago

July 31, 2014

A SOUTH Pembrokeshire primary school organised a special graduation ceremony last week. For graduating with flying colours at Pembroke Dock Community Primary School were participants in a unique community education programme. The celebration, held on July 8, marked the end of a successful eightweek Families and Schools Together (FAST) programme with Save the Children. Twenty three local families graduated in the UN endorsed project that works to promote and develop positive relations between schools, families and local communities. The eight-week programme, which encourages parents and children to perform everyday tasks together, was open to families with children aged three to five and sponsored by Morrisons. And, as well as taking part in group activities, families were also introduced to other families in their community. Michele Thomas, Head teacher at Pembroke Dock Community Primary School, said that the programme had been a fantastic opportunity for staff, children and parents. “There are obvious benefits which include an improved self-esteem for pupils, a stronger community spirit and a general sense of achievement for all,” she said. “The impact of the programme for our families has been enormous and we are immensely proud of what they have achieved. “The pupils’ confidence has improved greatly and new friendships have developed with parents and community partners. “Our graduation ceremony was a chance to celebrate and congratulate everyone involved on their hard work and achievements.” At Tuesday’s graduation each family involved was awarded a certificate by Head teacher Michele Thomas and also presented with a free pass to the Blue Lagoon at Bluestone by Debbie Rainbow, Director of Human Resources and Mike Slack, Blue Lagoon Manager. Councillor Sue Perkins, Cabinet Member for Education said the success of the project could be measured not only†on the beaming faces of the FAST Family members as they received their awards, but also on the faces of the friends and family members who had come to support them. “We’re delighted at the level of commitment and coordination shown by everyone involved,” she said. James White, Head of Performance and Community for Children and Schools at PCC said national and international evidence showed that improving parents’ involvement in their children’s learning had huge benefits for children and their schools. “I congratulate the FAST families and look forward to working with other schools on the project over the coming year,” he said. Supported by the charity Save the Children, 31 schools in Wales have benefitted from the Families and Schools Together (FAST) initiative since 2011 with more local schools due to deliver the project this autumn. Mary Powell-Chandler, Head of Save the Children in Wales said the programme had made a huge difference to the families that took part. “It brings together the key elements in determining a child’s success; their school, their family, and the community. FAST ensures that children are given the support they need to thrive.” For further information about the Families and Schools Together project www.savethechildren.org.uk/fast Save the Children Cymru on 07827 663629 or l.eckley@savethechildren. org.uk

Community

Pembroke Fair praised as well-organised community event

Published

34 minutes ago

May 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HORSES, STALLS AND FAMILY CROWDS RETURN TO MONKTON

FAMILIES, horse owners and visitors turned out in force for Pembroke Fair on Saturday (May 23), with many praising the event as one of the best organised in recent years.

Held at the Community Centre Field in Monkton, the annual fair brought together horse owners, traders and local families for a traditional day centred around horses, ponies, stalls and socialising.

Coloured cobs, heavy horses, ponies and horse-drawn traps attracted attention throughout the day, with many visitors gathering around the field to watch the animals being shown and led around the site.

A variety of stalls selling everything from clothing and ornaments to tack and second-hand goods helped create a lively market atmosphere, while food vendors kept visitors fed throughout the day.

Despite overcast conditions at times, the event remained busy, with many attendees staying for several hours to enjoy the traditional fair atmosphere.

Community members later took to social media to praise the smooth running of the event, with several publicly thanking organiser Charlie Price for his efforts in bringing the fair together.

Comments described the day as “well organised” and praised the welcoming atmosphere, with many saying it was encouraging to see a long-standing local tradition continuing to thrive.

The fair once again brought together members of the travelling community, local residents and horse enthusiasts from across west Wales.

A horse drive was also due to take place on Sunday (May 24), continuing the weekend’s celebrations.

Photo captions:

Traditional gathering: Horses, ponies, horse-drawn carts and market stalls drew crowds to Pembroke Fair in Monkton on Saturday (Pic: Herald).

Business

New facilities at Haverfordwest Target Shooting Club agreed

Published

1 day ago

May 23, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL by a Pembrokeshire shooting club for more disability-friendly facilities has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Haverfordwest Target Shooting Club, through agent Andrew Sutton Architecture, sought permission for an extension to existing target shooting club building at The Firing Range, Withybush Road, Haverfordwest to improve accessibility and internal facilities, together with associated landscaping works.

A supporting statement said: “The club’s own published history states it was founded in 1968, moved from the Drill Hall to the old wartime airfield butts at Withybush by the early 1970s, and had developed facilities over time, including the clubhouse by 1999. The established leisure/community use has existed on the site for a number of years and the proposal does not seek to intensify the core activity beyond that already authorised/established.”

It added: “The primary objective of the scheme is to improve inclusive access to the club’s facilities for disabled users and those with reduced mobility. The internal arrangement will provide adequate entrance and lobby space, clear accessible routes and appropriately designed sanitary accommodation, including an accessible wetroom/shower and separate WC.”

It also said accessible parking and surfacing designed to provide a firm, even, slip-resistant route from parking to the principal entrance.

It added: “The Equality Act 2010 places duties on service providers to make reasonable adjustments so that people with additional access needs are not placed at a substantial disadvantage.

“The proposal is therefore a positive enhancement to a community/leisure facility and supports wider policy objectives for inclusive environments.”

It went on to say: “The club operates within a highly controlled environment, and the proposed works will maintain and enhance safety and security measures.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

Community

RNLI urges beachgoers to stay safe as warm weather hits Wales

Published

2 days ago

May 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Lifesaving charity warns of cold water shock risk despite rising temperatures

THE RNLI is urging people planning trips to the coast over the Bank Holiday weekend to choose lifeguarded beaches and follow essential water safety advice as warm weather draws crowds to the seaside.

With temperatures expected to rise across Wales, the lifesaving charity has warned that, although conditions may appear ideal, the sea remains dangerously cold and poses a serious risk of cold water shock.

The RNLI says the safest place to swim is between the red and yellow flags at lifeguarded beaches.

In Pembrokeshire, RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol at Whitesands, Newgale Central and Tenby South Beach throughout the May half-term, operating daily between 10:00am and 6:00pm.

Other lifeguarded beaches across Wales include Langland, Caswell, Aberavon, Pembrey, Three Cliffs and Port Eynon in Swansea; Barry Island, Coney Beach, Trecco Bay and Rest Bay in Bridgend; Llangrannog and Borth in Ceredigion; and Rhyl and Prestatyn in Denbighshire.

The RNLI is encouraging anyone unable to visit a lifeguarded beach to check local conditions before setting off, including tide times, weather forecasts and any safety signage.

Chris Cousins, the RNLI’s Regional Water Safety Lead, said: “There will likely be a huge number of people visiting the coast this weekend and we want everyone to remember Float to Live advice, which could save lives.

“Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to gasp, panic and try to swim or thrash about.

“We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to breathe normally, and move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if needed.”

He added that practising floating in a supervised setting, such as a swimming pool, could help prepare people in case they find themselves in difficulty.

‘Phone, Float, Throw’

The RNLI is also reminding the public to remember the “Phone, Float, Throw” guidance if they see someone struggling in the water.

People are advised to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard, encourage the casualty to float on their back, and throw something buoyant to them, such as a life ring.

The charity recently relaunched its “Float to Live” campaign, citing new research suggesting younger adults, particularly Generation Z, may underestimate the dangers posed by the coast.

According to the RNLI, there were 193 accidental drowning deaths in the UK in 2024, with men accounting for 84 per cent of fatalities. Men aged between 20 and 29 represented the highest risk group.

The RNLI’s beach lifeguard service is marking its 25th anniversary this year.

For more information on staying safe at the coast, visit the RNLI’s Float to Live campaign.