Education

Young musicians delight at Valero Secondary Schools’ Music festival

Published

7 months ago

November 28, 2024

MORE than 400 secondary age musicians took part in a variety of individual and ensemble competitions at the Pembrokeshire Valero Secondary Schools’ Music Festival held at Ysgol Caer Elen.

Musicians from the County’s Secondary Schools, Pembrokeshire College and further afield took part at the event on November 16th.

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service Philippa Roberts said: “Heartfelt congratulations to all the pupils who participated in the festival. It has been truly inspiring to see students enthusiastically sharing their musical talents in a supportive and encouraging environment.”

Mared Phillips from Ysgol Bro Preseli, was announced as overall winner of this year’s festival.

Earlier in the day Mared had sung ‘Le Colibri’ by Ernest Chausson. She was also the winner of the Open Woodwind competition, performing the Second movement of Saint-Saens oboe sonata.

The Open String competition winner was cellist Seren Barrett from Greenhill. She performed ‘Tarantella’ by WH Squire.

Open Jazz was won by pianist Iestyn Barellie, also from Greenhill. He performed ‘Sturdy build’ by Christopher Norton. Another double winner, Iestyn also won the Open Guitar competition, performing ‘Sir Duke’ by Stevie Wonder.

Libby Phillips of Haverfordwest High VC School was the winner of the Open percussion class, performing ‘Toccata’ by David Glynne.

Trombonist Ianto Evans of Ysgol Bro Gwaun won the Open Brass competition, playing ‘Thoughts of Love’ by Arthur Prior.

The Open Piano competition was won by Loti Makepeace of Ysgol Bro Preseli. She performed ‘Jingo’ by Christopher Norton.

The Open Vocal Ensemble class winners were a vocal trio from Haverfordwest High VC School – Mia Burnett, Honey Johnston and Briana Havard – who performed ‘Close to you’ by Burt Bacharach.

A piano and harp duo from Jenifer Rees and Eliza Bradbury, Pembrokeshire College, won the open Ensemble category. They performed ‘Preseli Skies’ by Monica Stadler.

The final performers of the afternoon were the Haverfordwest High VC expressive arts band, who performed ‘I’m still standing’ by Elton John. They were winners of the Rock and Pop ensemble competition.

The invited professional adjudicators – Timothy Angel, vocal; Matthew Jenkins, ensemble; Catherine Hare, woodwind; Robin Hackett, brass; Karin Jenkins, strings; Bethan Harkin, piano/harp and jazz; Ben Richards, instrumental; Philip Davies, percussion and rock and pop – were greatly impressed with the high standard and strength of schools’ music on show from across the County.

***Mared Phillips from Ysgol Bro Preseli, was announced as overall winner of this year’s festival***

Timothy Angel, vocal adjudicator, expressed his admiration for the day: “The wealth of musical talent within Pembrokeshire Music Service is evident to see and made my job both very rewarding and difficult.”

The results of the competitions held during the day were as follows:

WOODWIND

Grade 3 flute

1st – Imogen Holloway, YPD

2nd – Ruby Bunston, YBG

3^rd – Saphire Cook, MHS

HC – Angharad Chin & Caitlyn Sanders-Swales, MHS

Grade 3 clarinet & sax

1^st – Holly Smith, HHVC

2^nd – Katherine Jones, Henry Tudor

3^rd – Jed Cox, Greenhill

HC – Felicity Betteridge, MHS; Sasha Aulehla-Atkin, Caer Elen

Grade 4 woodwind

1^st – Catrin Jones, Caer Elen

2^nd – Erin Dando, MHS

3^rd – Mali Jones-Hughes, HHVC

Grade 5 woodwind

1^st – Ela-Gwennon Jones, Bro Preseli

2^nd – Tom Pounder, MHS

3^rd – Emily Dickinson, Greenhill

Grade 6 woodwind

1^st – Eryn Howlett, MHS

2^nd – Teri Aulehla-Atkin, HHVC

3^rd – Eva Rees, MHS

Open Woodwind

1^st – Mared Phillips, Bro Preseli

2^nd – Libby Phillips, HHVC

3^rd – Gemma Armstrong, Bro Preseli & Harry Armstrong, Pembrokeshire College

BRASS

Grade 3 Brass

1^st – Eliza Wood, Greenhill

2^nd – Tristan George, HHVC

3^rd – Logan Rowe-Davies, HHVC

Grade 4 brass

1^st – Eilidh Frazer, Greenhill

2^nd – Teilo Corp, Bro Preseli

3^rd – Bronwen Corp, Bro Preseli

HC – Luca Talbot-English, YBG

Grade 5 Brass

1^st – Harry Thomas, YPD

2^nd – Owain Williams, HHVC

3^rd – Idris Leeming-Hicks, Caer Elen & Cornelia Harries, Bro Preseli

Grade 6 Brass

1^st – Eliza Wood, Greenhill

2^nd – Archie Noyce, Greenhill

3^rd – Jaap Harries, Bro Preseli

HC – Gwilym Jones, Bro Preseli

Open Brass

1^st – Ianto Evans, YBG

2^nd – Marilla Evans, Bro Preseli

3^rd – Carys Rycroft, Bro Preseli

HC – Ifan Evans, Bro Preseli & Morgan Price, Pembrokeshire College

STRINGS

Grade 3 strings

1^st – Sybilla Couzens

2^nd – Chloe Jenkins-Sims, Bro Preseli

3^rd – Benny Brett, HHVC

HC – Nel Freeman, Henry Tudor & Lily Kingaby, YBG

Grade 4 strings

1^st – Eloise Barry, HHVC

2^nd – Janelle Cabral, HHVC & Brooke Paterson, YBG

3^rd – Rosie Basford-Leslie, HHVC

HC – Izaac Frazer, Greenhill & Eira Kaill-Franks, YPD

Grade 5 strings

1^st – Ruby Rapi, Bro Preseli

2^nd – Nina Powell & Elena Gould

3^rd – Cosmo Karenin, HHVC

HC – Claudia Couzens, Redhill

Grade 6 strings

1^st – Annabel John, YPD

2^nd – Gwenna Kennerley, HHVC

Open strings

1^st – Seren Barrett, Greenhill

2^nd – Mia Burnett, HHVC

3^rd – Maria Cabral, HHVC

HC – Tom Bridger, YPD, Esyllt Corp, Bro Preseli & Sebastian Semaani, YPD

PIANO & HARP

Grade 3 & 4 piano & harp

1^st – Hywel Davies, Bro Preseli

2^nd – Dev Saini, Bro Preseli & Eva Corr, Redhill

3^rd – Elizabeth Evans, HHVC

HC – Toby Slowgrove

Grade 5 piano & harp

1^st – Ruby Kleinjans

2^nd – Roberta Gale, YPD & Elena Gould

3^rd – Amber O’Connor, Bro Preseli & Mischa Orford

Grade 6 piano & harp

1^st – Tom Bridger, YPD

2^nd – Toby Hounsell, Henry Tudor

3^rd – Siddha Saini, Bro Preseli

HC – Gabriel Blackwell & Nikita Vajrala

Open piano & harp

1^st – Loti Makepeace, Bro Preseli

2^nd – Cosmo Karenin, HHVC

3^rd – Ianto Evans, YBG & Sebastian Semaani, YPD

HC – Iestyn Barrellie, Greenhill

PERCUSSION

Drum kit grade 3-6

1^st – Poppy Delaney, HHVC

2^nd – Teilo Kite, YPD

3^rd – Regan Phillips, MHS

HC – Haydon Straviniders, MHS

Overall Open percussion

Libby Phillips, xylophone, HHVC

Open tuned percussion

1^st Libby Phillips, HHVC

Open drum kit

1^st – Osian Ridgway, Henry Tudor

2^nd – Libby Phillips, HHVC

3^rd – Ryan Block, Bro Preseli

HC – Sam Berry, YBG & Will Rowe, HHVC

JAZZ

Jazz grade 3-5

1^st – Matthew Picton, MHS

Open Jazz

1^st – Iestyn Barrellie, Greenhill

2^nd – Matthew Shaw, Greenhill

3^rd – Harry Armstrong, MHS

HC – Tom Pounder, MHS

GUITAR

Open guitar

1^st – Iestyn Barrellie, Greenhill

2^nd – George Penney, MHS

3^rd – Willis Riley, Greenhill

HC – Lewis Murray, YBG, Steffan James, Caer Elen & Leo Argent, Henry Tudor

VOCALS

Musical Theatre & classical vocals years 7-9

1^st – Pixie Coast, HHVC

2^nd – Toby Armstrong, Bro Preseli

3^rd – Hollie Draper, YPD

HC – Ruby Sunderland, HHVC & Benny Brett, HHVC

Pop vocals years 7-9

1^st – Sophia Jones, Henry Tudor

2^nd – Brodie Chalmers, HHVC

3^rd – Izzy Roberts, MHS & Caitlyn Sanders-Swales, MHS

HC – Martha Bhari, Henry Tudor

Musical Theatre & classical vocals years 10-13

1^st – Sara Gwilliam, HHVC

2^nd – Lily Davies, HHVC

3^rd – Saoirse Whitehead, HHVC

HC – Esyllt Corp, Bro Preseli & Arianna Lister, Caer Elen

Pop vocals years 10-13

1^st – Beca Phillips, Greenhill

2^nd – Maisie Tennick, Caer Elen

3^rd – Lacey Mattsen, HHVC

HC – Gwenna Kennerley, HHVC & Mia Young, Greenhill

Open vocals

1^st – Mared Phillips, Bro Preseli

2^nd – Corey Hooper-Rees, HHVC

3^rd – Micah Bealby, Pembrokeshire College

HC – Ruby Panesar, HHVC & Nyah McKee, HHVC

ENSEMBLES

Instrumental ensembles grade 5-

1^st – Roberta Gale, YPD & Eva Corr, Redhill – piano duet

2^nd – Gemma Armstrong, Ollie Towe & Anna Dafydd – Bro Preseli flute trio

3^rd – Toby Hounsell & Isla Hounsell – Henry Tudor piano duet

Open instrumental ensemble

1^st – Pembrokeshire College harp & piano duet

2^nd – HHVC flute ensemble

3^rd – HHVC String quartet

Open vocal ensemble

1^st – HHVC vocal trio

2^nd – Pembrokeshire College vocal ensemble

3^rd – Haverfordwest High Six

Open rock and pop ensemble

1^st – HHVC Expressive arts band

2^nd – YBG folk band

3^rd – The Monarchs, MHS

HC – Caer Elen “Band 2” & MHS Rock Band

Photos: 1. Overall winner Mared Phillips, Ysgol Bro Preseli 2. Open solo class winners l-r Mared Phillips, Loti Makepeace, Ianto Evans, Seren Barrett, Iestyn Barrellie, Libby Phillips with Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service Philippa Roberts, Stephen Thornton of Valero, Miranda Morgan, Music coordinator. 3. Winners of the open ensemble classes – harp & piano duo, HHVC Expressive Arts Band, HHVC vocal trio).

Education

Pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi visit Parliament for a day of learning and engagement

Published

17 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A GROUP of pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St Davids travelled to London on Thursday (June 12) for a special visit to the Houses of Parliament, where they were hosted by their local MP, Henry Tufnell.

The visit included a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster and a chance to see the House of Commons and House of Lords in action. The group arrived around 2:30pm and took part in educational workshops before enjoying a lively question-and-answer session with Mr Tufnell.

The pupils, smartly dressed in school uniform and wearing orange visitor passes, posed for a group photo in one of Parliament’s ornate committee rooms before engaging in discussions about democracy, Pembrokeshire, and the role of MPs. Mr Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said he was impressed with the thoughtful and challenging questions posed by the students.

Writing on social media, Mr Tufnell said: “Brilliant to have Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi School in Parliament today! Before a tour of the Palace we did a quiz and a Q&A about Pembrokeshire, Parliament and my role as an MP – some excellent questions!”

The trip was organised and led by Mrs R Owen, Head of Languages, Literacy and Communication at the school, alongside Mr J Owen (Literacy HLTA) and school governor Mrs B Thomas-Price. The day involved a very early start, with pupils departing the Dewi campus at 6:00am, and returning shortly after midnight.

Headteacher Rachael Thomas described the opportunity as “fantastic” and thanked parents for their quick response to the late notice trip. Pupils were expected to model the school’s values throughout the visit, and brought packed lunches and books or headphones for the long coach journey

This inspiring visit offered a memorable real-world learning experience for the pupils and a chance to deepen their understanding of politics and public service.

Education

Cutting edge: Marcus to represent Team GB in Paris

Published

1 day ago

June 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire College tutor selected for global hairdressing championships

PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE hairdressing tutor Marcus Smith has been selected to represent Team GB at the prestigious OMC Hairworld Championships in Paris this September.

Marcus will compete in the Creative Colour and Style category, showcasing his artistry and technical expertise at one of the most highly regarded events in the international hair, beauty, and nail industry.

The OMC Hairworld – World Championship, organised by the Organisation Mondiale Coiffure (OMC), brings together competitors from more than 50 countries, each demonstrating innovation, precision, and flair. Marcus was personally invited to try out for Team GB and has since earned his place among the UK’s top hairdressing professionals.

The competition category will require Marcus to complete a bold, creative hairstyle on a mannequin head in just 35 minutes. Preparation is vital. This August, Marcus will travel to the Goldwell Academy in London to complete the colouring stage in advance—part of the strategic approach required for success in the fast-paced event.

Speaking ahead of the competition, Marcus said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent the UK on such a prestigious platform. It’s an honour to be part of Team GB, and I hope my journey inspires our learners to dream big, work hard, and believe in their potential. Competitions like this go beyond personal milestones—they show our students that hairdressing is a global, dynamic career with endless possibilities.”

Alongside his teaching duties, Marcus dedicates time each month to travel and refine his competition technique. His dedication serves as both inspiration and a powerful learning model for his students, reinforcing the college’s commitment to delivering industry-leading training.

Pembrokeshire College is backing Marcus every step of the way, including support with competition entry fees. A spokesperson said the college was “incredibly proud” to see one of its own selected for such an international honour.

Founded in 1946 in Lyon, France, Organisation Mondiale Coiffure is the world’s leading authority in the hair, beauty and nail sector. OMC’s annual championships provide a global platform for professionals to gain recognition, compete at the highest level, and benefit from international training and networking opportunities.

Pembrokeshire College wishes Marcus the best of luck as he prepares to represent both the college and the country on the world stage.

Picture: Marcus Smith

Education

Parents in Ceredigion blindsided by school transport changes

Published

4 days ago

June 9, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Council policy restricting bus access sparks rural backlash

PARENTS across Ceredigion say they have been left “blindsided” by a sudden change to school transport rules which restrict free bus travel to only the nearest secondary school — even when another school is just marginally further away.

The new interpretation of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 means children who live more than three miles from school are eligible for free transport — but only if that school is deemed the nearest ‘suitable’ one.

The policy is being applied strictly, with families reporting that even a difference of half a mile between two schools is being used to deny access to school buses — despite places being offered and bus services already running past children’s homes.

Campaigners say the change, introduced without public consultation, has already forced some children to switch schools or make long and impractical journeys. A new grassroots group, Let Us Travel – Ceredigion, is calling on the council to pause enforcement and review the policy.

Miesha Evans, whose son was due to attend Ysgol Aberteifi, said: “There’s a school bus that passes our house every morning with empty seats. My son has a place at the school, but now the council says he can’t get on it — because another school is half a mile closer on paper. It’s nonsense, and families like mine feel ignored.”

A parent from Beulah added: “We applied in good faith after attending open days and reading the bus timetables. Now we’re being told our daughter can’t even travel with her own sibling.”

Other parents have highlighted cases where public buses are not a viable option due to cost, timing, or safety concerns. One campaigner said: “There’s a public bus from the town two miles away, but it leaves very early and doesn’t return until after 5:00pm. That’s not suitable for an 11-year-old girl — especially in winter.”

Children already attending schools they’ve settled into — sometimes after transition days or friendship-building events — are now being asked to move to different schools based solely on distance.

Ceredigion County Council has yet to release a formal public statement on the matter. However, it is understood the authority is enforcing the policy to ensure legal compliance with the Learner Travel Measure, which requires councils to provide transport only to the nearest suitable school, not necessarily the school of parental choice.

A council spokesperson previously told The Herald on a related matter: “We are obliged to apply national guidelines fairly and consistently to all families. Discretionary arrangements are reviewed on a case-by-case basis where exceptional circumstances apply.”

The Learner Travel Measure does include exceptions — such as where routes are unsafe, or where a child has special educational needs or a disability. But campaigners argue these exceptions are not being applied flexibly enough in rural areas with poor public transport links.

The campaign group is calling on the council to:

Pause enforcement for pupils already offered a place
Consider family links, such as siblings already attending
Reintroduce discretion where no realistic alternative transport exists

Local MP Ben Lake, Senedd Member Elin Jones, and several county councillors have been contacted by parents and are being urged to raise the issue urgently.

A petition and Facebook campaign have gained momentum, with over 500 signatures in the first week.

Until this year, the council routinely allowed access to school buses that passed through adjacent villages — even if they weren’t serving the absolute nearest school. Buses will continue to carry older pupils under existing arrangements, but new Year 7 students in the same households may be barred from using them.

Under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, parents have the right to express a preference for which school their child attends. However, that does not guarantee free transport if the school chosen is not the nearest one judged suitable by the council.