News

Fly in the ointment for Tasker’s plans

Published

10 years ago

January 29, 2015

by Jon Coles

WITH his Pembrokeshire Alliance colleague excluded from the meeting by reason of declaring a prejudicial interest in the matters under discussion, Councillor Bob Kilmister it was who raised Tasker Milward’s status.

Few comments, if any comments, had been made about the Haverfordwest school before Cllr Kilmister brought it right to the forefront of attention.
Reading from a letter from Price & Sons Solicitors, who act for the trustees of the Tasker Milward and Picton charities, Cllr Kilmister suggested that despite the platitudes rained down on Ysgol Dewi Sant and the plaudits handed to Jamie Adams for the wisdom of his amendment to the proposal under discussion, there were issues involving at least one other school that merited consideration.
The letter from Price & Sons reminded councillors, in pretty direct language, that Tasker-Milward was both a school under voluntary control and that the land upon which it is situated in to a large extent owned by charities. The Council may want to build on the site, but permission has to be sought from the Trustees and such permission – if it was forthcoming – was subject to approval by the Charities Commission.
Councillor Kilmister’s intervention on this point did not gain an immediate response; acting Head of Legal Services Claire Incledon did, however, respond before the meeting moved to a vote some time later.
The Council, she declared, was under no obligation to consult with the charities before the matter went out to consultation. She claimed there was no statutory obligation on the authority to do so. However, on this point Ms Incledon was wrong. The Code governing reorganizations categorically states: “Whether any trust deed relating to the school allows for the change of category proposed. If there is any doubt, or if a variation in the trust deed is clearly necessary, proposers (i.e. the Council) should make early contact with the Charity Commission.”
Ms Incledon decided to wing it and sort it out later. Whether this will cause problems at a later stage remains to be seen.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

5 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

12 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

13 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.