A RECORD number of young musicians from across Pembrokeshire took part in this year’s Valero Primary Music Festival, with nearly 600 pupils showcasing their talents.

The event, organised by Pembrokeshire Music Service, was held at Ysgol Caer Elen on Saturday (March 14), drawing a large and enthusiastic audience.

The festival’s overall winner was Hafan y Môr pupil Carys Meiring, who impressed judges with a standout trombone performance of Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off. She had earlier secured victory in the open brass class.

Young talent shines

The afternoon Spotlight concert opened with an energetic performance from the county’s Second Steps ensembles, bringing together young players from across Pembrokeshire.

Winners from the day’s open classes also took to the stage, highlighting the depth of musical talent across local schools.

Osian Kite, of Roch CP School, won the open woodwind class with a performance of Sentimental Serenade on alto saxophone.

Cadi Marshall-Jones, from Ysgol Bro Preseli, claimed the open piano and harp title with Over the Sea to Skye, while Roch CP School cellist Mari Broomfield won the open strings category with Vamoose.

In percussion, Ysgol Caer Elen’s Aled Hooper secured first place in the open class with a drum kit performance of Are You Gonna Go My Way.

The open ensemble prize went to Tavernspite pupils Finn Hickman and Evelyn James, whose piano duet of Handel’s Passacaglia impressed both judges and audience.

Building confidence through music

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service, Philippa Roberts said the festival continues to play a vital role in developing young performers.

She said: “Pembrokeshire Music Service is proud to deliver the Valero Music Festival, offering an exciting opportunity to nearly 600 young performers from across the county.

“Providing children with the chance to perform, shine, and receive supportive feedback from professional musicians is incredibly powerful and helps build lasting confidence.

“In line with the Music Plan for Wales, we remain committed to creating meaningful musical experiences for children throughout Pembrokeshire. Our sincere thanks go to Valero for their fantastic support.”

The festival forms part of a wider effort to promote music education across Wales, encouraging participation and nurturing the next generation of performers.

Photo caption:

Talented performers: Overall winner Carys Meiring is pictured with fellow category winners and organisers (Pic: Pembrokeshire Music Service).

NEARLY £1 million has been secured to strengthen marine biosecurity across the Milford Haven Waterway in a major new environmental initiative.

The Aberdaugleddau Biosecurity Community Development (ABCD) project has been awarded £959,180 from the Nature Networks Fund, delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government. The three-year scheme aims to combat the growing threat of invasive non-native species and protect one of Wales’ most important marine ecosystems.

The project will introduce a coordinated, waterway-wide approach, combining new infrastructure with training, monitoring and public awareness campaigns.

Washdown facilities key focus

A central part of the scheme will see new vessel washdown facilities installed at boatyards around the waterway. These are designed to prevent biofouling – the build-up of organisms on hulls – which is a major pathway for invasive species entering and spreading in local waters.

By capturing and safely managing waste from thousands of vessel cleanings, the project aims to significantly reduce the risk of harmful species re-entering the marine environment.

Boatyard staff will also receive specialist training, while water users will be given targeted guidance alongside bilingual materials promoting the “Check Clean Dry” campaign.

Cutting-edge monitoring

The initiative will also utilise advanced monitoring techniques, including environmental DNA (eDNA), allowing experts to detect invasive species earlier and respond more effectively.

The work supports the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Biosecurity Action Plan and builds on previous studies carried out by environmental consultants.

Leaders welcome funding

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be leading this important partnership project alongside some great partner organisations.

“The Milford Haven Waterway is central to our communities, economy and natural heritage, and invasive non-native species pose a growing threat to its ecological health.

“This funding allows us and our partners to put sector-leading biosecurity measures in place, supporting local businesses while safeguarding the marine environment for the long term.”

Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer, added: “This project tackles one of the top five drivers of global biodiversity loss.

“Reducing the introduction and spread of invasive species requires collective action, and this collaborative, waterway-wide approach is exactly what is needed.”

Wide partnership involved

The ABCD project will run from April 2026 to March 2029 and involves a broad partnership including the Port of Milford Haven, Dale Sailing, Rudders Boatyard, East Llanion Marine, Lawrenny Yacht Station and Mainstay Marine Solutions.

It will also work closely with Natural Resources Wales, the RYA’s Green Blue programme, the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat and local water users.

The scheme is expected to leave a lasting legacy through improved infrastructure, increased awareness and stronger collaboration in tackling marine invasive species.

Photo caption: New washdown facilities will be installed at boatyards across the Milford Haven Waterway (Pic: Rudder’s Boatyard).

A GROUP of former colleagues from a Welsh steelworks are celebrating after scooping £1 million in the EuroMillions draw — a win that has brought them back together after years apart.

The 15-strong syndicate, made up of ex-finance staff at Tata Steel, landed the prize in the draw on Friday (Feb 27) after matching the Millionaire Maker code.

What began as a light-hearted workplace tradition has turned into a life-changing windfall — and a long-overdue reunion.

The group, dubbed the “Tata Steel Syndicate”, first started playing during long shifts in the finance department, pooling £5 each whenever the jackpot climbed above £100 million.

Even after leaving the company, members kept the tradition alive — staying in touch through emails, the occasional pint, and the hope that one day their numbers would come in.

That moment finally arrived when syndicate leader Paul Davy, aged 61, spotted the winning code.

He said: “I couldn’t believe it — a message just popped up on the app.

“I was checking Saturday’s draw when I saw the notification. I thought it must be an error, but then I saw the Millionaire Maker code. I was in complete shock.”

Paul, who has managed the syndicate for seven years, said he always treated the lottery as “a bit like donating to charity — with the chance of winning as a bonus”.

Now, the win is set to fund a host of dreams across the group, from clearing mortgages to once-in-a-lifetime holidays.

For Paul, that includes another cruise — despite initial nerves on his first.

He said: “My partner didn’t like the idea of boats at first, but we absolutely loved it. So another cruise is definitely on the cards — maybe the Mediterranean this time.”

While some members have stayed in touch over the years, the full group has not met up in person for a long time.

“This win has given us the perfect excuse to celebrate together properly,” Paul added.

Among those sharing in the prize are Gill Furlong, Christine Davies, Sally Wise, Julie Lambert, Allan Evans, Ian Howells and Raja Prasad.

The syndicate members — many of whom still live locally — are now planning how to spend their share, with priorities including home improvements, new cars, and helping family and friends.

The ticket was played via The National Lottery app, with the group winning through the EuroMillions Millionaire Maker draw.