Community

Questions raised over Haverfordwest mosque-linked education centre

Published

2 months ago

October 13, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

NO PUPILS have been placed in a new education centre and no council funding has been transferred, Pembrokeshire councillors heard.

A question submitted to the October 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council by Councillor John Cole asked: “With the opening of a new educational school at Haverfordwest Mosque, can the Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language [Cllr Guy Woodham] reply to the following?

“How many children who attended mainstream schools, children due to have returned or started at a mainstream school in September now attend the Peace school, as it is known?

“How has the funding of these children, if they have transferred to the Peace school, impacted mainstream schools due to any former pupils not now attending, or were due to attend, and has those pupils funding attending the Peace school, transferred to their place of education with them?

“From a question put by myself to the headteacher of the Peace school I was told that the school would not be following the national curriculum. As the school is not following the national curriculum, is the Peace school out of the jurisdiction of Ofsted and the educational department of the council?”

A call was made for the “vexatious” and “hearsay” question to be withdrawn by Cllr Joshua Beynon, but was unsuccessful, the question being answered by Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey on behalf of the Cabinet member.

Cllr Harvey said the actual name of the learning centre was Cherry Grove Learning Centre, based at the former Cherry Grove council office building, rather than ‘Peace school’.

He told Cllr Cole no children had been placed at the centre by the council, and no funding had been transferred.

He told members independent private schools were not required to follow the national curriculum, instead following independent schools standards guidelines, but stressed, as far as the council was aware, it was not currently registered as an independent school.

Cllr Harvey suggested Cllr Cole “pop along” to the learning centre if he had any further questions about it.

Cherry Grove Learning Centre, a learning environment for children and young people aged three to 18, officially opened its doors last month.

At the time of the launch, its principal, Saj Madni, said: “Cherry Grove offers a personalised, child-centred approach to learning.

“With small group teaching, bespoke education plans, and a focus on academic achievement, wellbeing and leadership, the centre supports learners from a wide range of backgrounds – including those who are ambitious, anxious, neurodivergent, previously home-educated, or simply looking for a fresh start.”

Cllr Cole also submitted a notice of motion at the October 9 meeting, again with an unsuccessful request for it not to be heard by Cllr Beynon.

The notice said: “I call on the council to review the use of halal products in all council-controlled organisations and in facilities supported financially by the council, such as educational establishments, canteens, restaurants, and healthcare facilities.

“Research and reports have highlighted concerns regarding animal welfare in some methods of ritual slaughter, including non-stun slaughter, where animals may experience distress before loss of consciousness. Even with reversible stunning, questions remain about the welfare implications during slaughter.”

That notice of motion will be considered by Cabinet at a later date.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

2 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

22 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).