CANOLFAN ELFED Inclusion Centre in Carmarthen recently welcomed Samuel Kurtz Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire for a visit to showcase the incredible work being done to support children with additional learning needs.

During the visit, Mr Kurtz met with staff, students, and members of the Rotary Club District 1150 who are working in partnership with the centre to develop their vision for an inclusive outdoor play area.

The centre, which provides specialist support for children with a wide range of additional needs from the three counties of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, is seeking funding of £275,000 from the community to transform its outdoor space into a fully accessible and stimulating environment over a three-year project plan. The planned development aims to create a safe and engaging area that will promote physical activity, social interaction, and sensory play for all students.

Speaking after the visit, Samuel Kurtz MS praised the dedication of the staff and the positive impact of the centre on the children and their families. “It was a privilege to visit Canolfan Elfed and see first-hand the incredible work being done to support young people with additional learning needs. An inclusive outdoor play area would be a fantastic asset for the school, providing children with the opportunity to develop key skills in a fun and supportive environment.

He added, I fully support their efforts to secure the necessary funding and will do what I can to help. For anyone in a position to consider helping – even by contributing a small amount to this project, it means being part of something very special that will make a long-lasting impact on the children who attend the centre for generations to come.” 

During the visit, Canolfan Elfed’s leadership team Mrs Thomas, and Mr Cooke, School Business Manager at Queen Elizabeth High School where the centre is located, highlighted the importance of the project, emphasising how outdoor play is essential for children’s physical and mental wellbeing. They are now appealing for financial support from local businesses and community fundraising initiatives to bring their vision to life.

Mary Adams, Immediate Past District Governor 1150 Rotary Southern Wales, who attended the meeting said, “ I am delighted that Samuel has visited to see the pressing need for a new outdoor space for the students. The Rotary Club is pleased to be working in partnership on this project as it aligns with our core values of inclusivity, equality and excellence in education and we hope to be able to help with match funding donations .”

Mrs Thomas, Canolfan Elfed’s Inclusion Manager said, “We are incredibly grateful to Samuel Kurtz MS for taking the time to visit us and listen to our plans. An inclusive outdoor play area would make a real difference to our pupils, ensuring that every child, regardless of their needs, can enjoy outdoor play in a meaningful way. As we are located within the school, we are not able to access any specialist funding schemes combined with constraints on local authority education budgets mean we have to look to the community to support us. We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the Rotary Club on our fundraising project Ymlaen.

The school is encouraging anyone who wishes to support their fundraising efforts to get in touch. For more information or to contribute, please visit their JustGiving page Canolfan Elfed Sensory Play Area – or visit www.qehs.carms.sch.uk/ymlaen/.

A NATIONAL tractor road run will take to the roads of north Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion this summer, covering 39 miles of scenic countryside.

The Welsh National Tractor Road Run will set off from Awenfryn Farm, Glanrhyd, near Moylgrove, on Saturday, June 15, taking participants on a picturesque route through Ceibwr Bay and the coastline before heading inland.

After covering 24 miles, the convoy will stop for a midday refreshment break near Cwmgwaun, before continuing along the Preseli mountain road and returning to Awenfryn Farm.

The event is being organised by the North Pembrokeshire Road Run team, with funds raised supporting the Welsh Air Ambulance, Crymych First Responders, and Cardigan First Responders.

Dai Rees, from Cilgerran, and his team of organisers are hoping for a strong turnout after last year’s event was held in Llanwrtyd Wells due to difficulties in securing an organising team in Ceredigion.

Ticket prices set to rise from March 30

FIRST BUS has announced fare increases for services across Wales, set to take effect from Sunday, March 30.

Among the changes:

• A day ticket will increase by £1 for adults and 70p for children/mytravelpass holders (16–21-year-olds).
• Return fares will rise by 16p to 30p for adults using Tap On, Tap Off and 10p to 20p for children/mytravelpass holders when buying from the driver.
• Three-day and five-day tickets will go up by £2.50 and £1.80 for adults, and £1.70 and £1.20 for children/mytravelpass holders when purchased from the driver.
• Weekly tickets will increase by £1.50 for adults and 90p for children/mytravelpass holders.
• Other multi-day tickets, including monthly passes bought via the website and mobile app, will also see price increases.

Despite the fare hikes, First Bus says single fares will remain frozen, with adult tickets staying at £3 and child/mytravelpass tickets capped at £2 when bought on the bus.

Rob Pymm, Commercial Director for First Bus Cymru, said: “Our fare changes come as we continue investing in services. Last autumn, we restored some routes, added extra journeys, and extended services across south Wales.

“Like many businesses, we face rising costs, but we have worked hard to keep increases to a minimum to ensure bus travel remains the cheapest and most sustainable form of transport.

“A year ago, we introduced Tap On Tap Off technology across all our services, which has been hugely popular, making bus travel simpler and ensuring passengers get the best value for every journey.”

The company says that while some return fares in Pembrokeshire will rise, bus travel in the county will remain among the cheapest in south Wales.