Community
Questions raised over Haverfordwest mosque-linked education centre
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A call was made for the “vexatious” and “hearsay” question to be withdrawn by Cllr Joshua Beynon, but was unsuccessful, the question being answered by Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey on behalf of the Cabinet member.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
Milford Haven School pupil praised after stepping in during real-life emergency
A YEAR 11 pupil at Milford Haven School has been praised after putting his first aid training into action to help an injured member of the public following an accident.
Aryan, who is currently working towards lifesaving qualifications, including first aid training, found himself faced with a real emergency when a woman suffered a head injury after a fall.
Rather than panic, the teenager stepped in immediately and calmly took control of the situation.
According to Milford Haven School, Aryan used a first aid kit to treat the injury, helped make the woman comfortable, and provided clear aftercare advice while remaining calm and compassionate throughout the incident.
School staff said his actions demonstrated maturity, confidence and professionalism beyond his years.
Applying first aid in a genuine emergency can be far more challenging than practising in a classroom setting, but Aryan rose to the occasion and put his training into practice when it mattered most.
Milford Haven School said it was “incredibly proud” of the Year 11 pupil, describing him as “a fantastic example of courage, responsibility and care for others.”
The school added that Aryan’s response showed the importance of young people learning practical lifesaving skills and highlighted the positive impact they can have within the community.
Da iawn, Aryan — a credit to Milford Haven School and the wider community.
Photo caption: Helping hand: Year 11 pupil Aryan has been praised after using his first aid training to help an injured member of the public following a fall (Pic: Milford Haven School).
Community
Charity champion praised for years of quiet community work
Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give highlighted at Haverfordwest River Festival
A LONG-RUNNING Pembrokeshire charity that has quietly helped thousands of people over more than a decade was given recognition during the Haverfordwest River Festival.
County councillor Thomas Tudor met with charity founder Amanda Absalom-Lowe during Saturday’s (June 13) event at the Riverside Shopping Centre, praising the work of Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give.
Cllr Tudor said it was “lovely to catch up” with Amanda, describing the organisation as a charity that does “amazing work in our community.”
Founded in 2009, Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give has spent more than 13 years helping vulnerable people across Pembrokeshire and beyond by combining environmental recycling projects with practical community support.
The charity, based in Haverfordwest, helps redistribute surplus food, unwanted household items, clothing and essential goods to people struggling financially, homeless people, hospitals, charities and community groups.
Its work also includes providing “Rainbow Emergency Packs” for patients unexpectedly admitted to hospital, Christmas toy donations for children, emergency household support for families affected by fires or hardship, and aid for animal rescue centres.
The group says it has helped divert tonnes of waste from landfill through its recycling initiatives, encouraging residents to donate items rather than throw them away.
Amanda Absalom-Lowe, founder and chairperson of the charity, has received a string of honours for her work over the years, including the Radio Pembrokeshire Local Hero Green Award, the Haverfordwest Town Council Award of Merit, and the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services Volunteer of the Year Award.
In 2020, she was also recognised nationally after being named in the BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour Power List, celebrating inspirational women making a difference.
The charity has supported numerous causes including Patch Charity, Wales Air Ambulance, Paul Sartori Foundation, Blood Bikes, Greenacres Rescue, Bristol Children’s Hospital, children’s wards across Wales and homeless support initiatives.
Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give operates from Kiln Road in Haverfordwest and relies heavily on donations and community support.
The charity’s message remains simple: “Recycle4Charity — don’t throw it away, donate it.”
Community support: Amanda Absalom-Lowe with County Councillor Thomas Tudor at the Haverfordwest River Festival (Pic: Supplied).
Community
River festival brings crowds to Haverfordwest
A CELEBRATION of the River Cleddau brought crowds into Haverfordwest on Saturday (June 13) as the town’s River Festival returned for a second year.
The event, centred around HaverHub and stretching along the quay towards the Bristol Trader, attracted families, visitors and local residents for a packed day of riverside activities.
Organised by The Cleddau Project, the festival showcased the beauty, wildlife and heritage of the Cleddau, with visitors enjoying canoe trips on the river, live music, demonstrations, art exhibitions, science activities and a wide range of community stalls.

County Councillor for Castle Ward, Thomas Tudor, attended the event and said it was “great” to see so many people visiting the County Town of Pembrokeshire.
He thanked organisers, volunteers and supporters for helping make the day such a success.
The sunny weather helped draw large crowds to the riverside, with many gathering along the embankment to watch activities on the water, including canoeing and boat displays. Free canoe trips proved particularly popular, giving people a chance to experience the Western Cleddau from a different perspective.
Community groups and charities were also out in force, sharing information about river conservation, marine wildlife, recycling and local environmental projects. Exhibitions highlighted the importance of protecting Pembrokeshire’s waterways, while stalls offered local produce, crafts and refreshments throughout the day.

A specially crafted coracle — a traditional small boat linked to Welsh river heritage — was also on display, helping visitors learn more about historic life on the river and Pembrokeshire’s maritime traditions.
Crowds lined the riverside near the Riverside Shopping Centre as the festival atmosphere continued into the afternoon, with families taking advantage of the warm weather to relax beside the water.
The festival was supported by a number of organisations including Haverfordwest Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, HaverHub, Riverside Shopping Centre and Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give.
Organisers say the event is aimed at reconnecting people with the river that helped shape Haverfordwest, while celebrating the Cleddau as one of Pembrokeshire’s greatest natural assets.


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