A SOUTH Pembrokeshire school devastated by fire more than two years ago is expected to cost some £2.6m to reinstate, with hopes it will be open by April 2026, councillors heard.

Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and its adjoining schoolhouse was severely damaged by a fire on October 11, 2022, which broke out in the school roof space.

Pupils and staff were successfully evacuated with no injuries, and a ‘school from school’ was set up in Jameston Village Hall, after a brief period of sanctuary at the nearby Buttyland caravan site.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s insurers have previously said the fire was accidentally started while ‘hot works’ were being carried out by contractors to renew an adjacent flat roof, but, as has previously been stressed, no liability has been accepted to date.

Councillors have previously heard the majority of costs were likely to be met from the council’s insurers, with the caveat of the unknown issue of liability and its effect on a £200,000 insurance excess.

They have also been told that, if liability was found or accepted, the council would “pursue for the full maximum claim of the costs associated with the fire”.

In a question submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council to its December full council meeting, local councillor Cllr Phil Kidney asked: “Manorbier School was subject to a serious fire in October 2022, so serious that the school premises has not been used since.

“At Schools O&S on February 6, 2023, Manorbier school was discussed, and Councillor Stoddart queried the possibility of the contractor insurance covering the cost of the rebuild, to which the cabinet member advised, legal discussions were ongoing.

“At full council on October 12, 2023, Councillor Aled Thomas asked: ‘had the Authority been successful in recouping any of the £200,000 insurance excess that PCC had to bear.’

“At the same meeting I asked a question requesting an update on the rebuild of Manorbier School and was informed by the Cabinet Member that it would be included as part of a business case for further consideration by Cabinet.

“Over two years have now lapsed, since the fire and considerable disruption it has caused to the school and community, therefore could full council be provided with a full update with regards to the insurance claim in respect of the school fire and some timelines for the rebuild?”

Answering Cllr Kidney’s question at the December meeting, Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said final negotiations with the insurers to achieve the most equitable settlement were ongoing, but it was “likely the insurance settlement will fall far short of the cost of renewing the school”.

He told members it was estimated the cost would be just over £2.604m, with hopes the works would take place from June 2025, with completion by April 2026.

On the insurance excess, he said: “We will join our insurers in any and every action they instigate against the contractors.”

Responding, Cllr Kidney said he had taken part in a recent positive meeting with Chief Executive Will Bramble, adding: “It’s over two years, hopefully we’re moving in the right direction, it’s good to get some clarity on time for the head, the teachers, the parents and pupils.”

A CHRISTMAS initiative by Milford Haven School has brought festive cheer to hundreds of children across Pembrokeshire. The Tags on the Tree project, which supports PATCH’s annual Toy Appeal, successfully expanded this year to multiple new locations.

In early November, a special Christmas tree was decorated with tags featuring anonymised details of children referred to PATCH, a charity supporting families in need. Staff and community members were invited to choose a tag, buy a gift, and return it to the tree in time for Christmas delivery.

Thanks to the overwhelming response, over 250 presents were donated this year, more than doubling last year’s total. New locations, including Milford Haven Library, Neyland Library, and Pembroke Leisure Centre, joined the effort, extending the project’s reach far beyond Milford Haven School.

Mrs Wilcox, Head of Defender House at Milford Haven School, said: “I am extremely proud that PATCH is our Defender House charity and that we get to support the amazing work they do. I am very grateful for the continued support of all of the staff at Milford Haven School that make this project possible, and this year I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to our extra venues for joining forces with us to more than double our donations.”

Milford Haven Round Table also contributed, purchasing gifts for 15 tags from the school’s tree. The initiative demonstrates the power of community spirit in helping families during the festive season.

“This is evidence that together we can make a real difference to local families and the Christmas they experience,” added Mrs Wilcox.

PATCH’s Toy Appeal ensures that children affected by deprivation receive gifts to brighten their Christmas morning, and Milford Haven School’s project is a shining example of generosity in action.

Nadolig Llawen!

A GROUP of young people have enjoyed a memorable and transformative journey to New Zealand, Led by Plan International.

The group from Ysgol Greenhill, Tenby, supported by Youth Workers from Pembrokeshire Youth Service, went on the extraordinary educational and cultural adventure as part of their We Know, Our Journey Youth project.

The project was fully funded by Taith, a Welsh Government initiative which aims to create life-changing opportunities to learn, study and volunteer all over the world.
The trip aimed to broaden horizons, foster personal growth, and deepen understanding of gender-based violence and its global impact.

The group were invited as recognition of their hard work and dedication to addressing gender-based violence within their community.

During their two-week journey, the group immersed themselves in the stunning landscapes and rich culture, including visits to Auckland, Rotarua, Waitomo, Taupo and Hamilton.

The group spent time in Auckland, where they embarked on a bus tour, exploring the city’s vibrant culture, stunning harbour, and diverse neighbourhoods. They also ventured to the Waitomo Glow-worm Caves, and learned about the local Māori culture.

In Rotorua, the group experienced the thrill of the Skyline Luge and Gondola, offering panoramic views of the city. They participated in a traditional Māori culture evening, learning the rich history and customs of the Mitai Māori people.

The group also spent time at Blue Light camps, engaging in outdoor activities and team-building exercises. Blue light works in partnership with the police to deliver a range of youth programmes and activities, to reduce the incidence of young people becoming an offender or victim of crime, and encourage better relations in the community.

At Lake Taupo, they enjoyed a boat cruise, admiring the stunning scenery and ancient Māori rock carvings.

The group visited Hamilton Zoo and explored the stunning Huka Falls, a picturesque waterfall.
Throughout their journey, the group participated in meetings with organisations working to address gender-based violence.

The groups heard what organisations were doing and also had the opportunity to present what they are doing in Wales.

One such organisation was LeVa, where they experienced a warm Somali welcome and immersed themselves in Somali culture. The day was inspirational, insightful and filled with emotion.

The group also had the opportunity to spend a day with New Zealand Rugby, learning about their initiatives to promote gender equity and positive social change within the sport and the broader community.

The group also met with Dear Em whom are a strong, driven group providing safe spaces for women and girls to have a voice in New Zealand.

The group has formed a new collective, “Our Voice Our Journey,” and plans to continue their work on gender-based violence back in Wales.

The experience has empowered these young people to become leaders in their community, advocating for gender equality and working towards a brighter future for all.

One member of the group, said: “Going to New Zealand helped me get a more positive mind-set, by seeing how other organisations across the world also wanted to prevent violence, it made me realise we are all in it together.