News
New half term dates to ‘save parents cash’
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL will write to the Welsh Education Minister to ask him to explore possible half-term changes. The Notice of Motion was put forward by Cllr Tessa Hodgson and was discussed at Monday’s Cabinet Meeting. Her original Motion asked the Council to undertake a feasibility study into moving half-term holidays so that they do not coincide with other authorities but Council Leader Jamie Adams said they were not in a position to make such changes.
Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “My notice of motion seeks to find ways of alleviating the problem that families have trying to find an affordable break during school holidays. “My notice of motion seeks to extend the window of opportunity for families by staggering half term holidays. This will allow parents and those who work in education a small window of opportunity to take advantage of the lower prices offered by travel companies.
“Having read the report I have realised that the setting of term dates has been taken out of control of the authority and I would like to put forward this amendment: That this authority write to the Welsh Education Minister asking him to look at more innovative ways of setting school holiday dates, keeping at the forefront of his mind hardworking families, teachers and support staff”.
Cllr Sue Perkins said: “I do understand the issues of all parents when it can become very expensive to take holidays in specific halfterms but I am more than happy for that to take to place”. Council Leader Jamie Adams added: “There has been a very consistent approach with regards to taking holidays in term time and therefore there is a far greater expectation placed on parents to ensure that their children are available at school time.
Director for Children and Schools, Kate Evans-Hughes also said: “There is merit in writing, there are considerable letters going to the minister about this and I suspect there will be a review of the situation”.
News
Teenage girl dies after medical emergency at Welsh rugby club
A TEENGAGE girl has tragically died following a medical emergency at Amman United Rugby Football Club in Ammanford on Friday evening (Nov 15).
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene, where the teenager became unwell. She was taken to hospital but, despite advanced medical efforts, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.” The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.
The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance, stating that emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:55pm.
A spokesperson said: “We sent an emergency ambulance, supported by a Community First Responder and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Advanced critical care was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, with support from the Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.”
As a mark of respect, Amman United Rugby Football Club postponed all games over the weekend. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the club said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the club will be closed, and all games are postponed, out of respect.”
News
Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death
MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described as relentless online bullying. The inquest, held today, heard how Megan had attended a school meeting about a trip to France earlier that evening and appeared in good spirits.
Later that night, her parents left for Cardiff with her four youngest siblings while the four older siblings stayed at home. At 9:59pm, Megan’s brother called their parents, unable to find her in the house. His father told him to continue searching, and Megan was discovered in a locked upstairs bathroom. Despite the efforts of her family, paramedics, and hospital staff, Megan could not be saved.
A statement from her family described Megan as an intelligent, kind, and vibrant teenager. “She had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone,” the statement read. “She bought love and laughter into our home and was always full of energy. Her friends adored her, and she always stood up for what she believed in.”
The inquest was told Megan was a talented artist and hockey player who had been looking forward to attending a Justin Bieber concert. She was deeply loved by her family, who said she “poured so much love into everything and everyone around her.”
Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld, has previously spoken openly about the struggles her daughter faced in silence.
Nicola admitted she hadn’t recognised the signs of Megan’s distress at the time, including disrupted sleep and a secretive attachment to her phone.
In the years following Megan’s death, Nicola has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and the dangers of social media bullying. She founded the Megan’s Starr Foundation, which provides free professional counseling and peer support to vulnerable young people in Pembrokeshire.
Nicola reflected: “I see things now that I didn’t understand back then. I thought mental health struggles were always visible, but I was wrong. Megan was the life and soul of the house, and I never imagined the pain she was in.”
Through campaigns like “Step into January,” Nicola has turned her grief into action, creating a legacy for Megan that focuses on kindness and support for others.
The inquest continues.
News
Teen’s tragic death linked to online bullying
MEGAN EVANS, 14, a talented and kind-hearted teenager from Milford Haven, was found dead at home on February 7, 2017, following what her family believes were bullying messages on social media, an inquest has heard.
Described as intelligent, capable, and full of energy, Megan was a passionate artist, county hockey player, and beloved by her six siblings and parents.
On the night of her death, she had been in good spirits after attending a school meeting about a trip to France.
Later, she was tragically discovered in a locked bathroom at home.
Her family remembered Megan as brave, thoughtful, and endlessly loving, someone who brought joy and positivity to everyone she met. They vowed to honor her memory by promoting kindness and love.
The inquest continues.
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tomos
February 24, 2015 at 6:27 pm
poor tessa she doesn’t have a clue does she? Possibly if wales had different times for holidays to England then possibly due to lower demand holidays would be cheaper but will parents want the week before christmas or easter for their hols or when will Pembrokeshire students have Summer? October because if you check holiday prices Sepember is also very expensive?
SM1968
February 25, 2015 at 7:58 am
So Thomas Cook are going to lower holiday prices just because Pembs CC has shifted the half term date by a couple of weeks, another clueless idea by the Council. The school dates work as they are, leave it alone!
Ingrid
March 4, 2015 at 8:56 am
I think this is a step in the right direction – February 2014 I holidayed in a place similar to centre parks – England\’s half term had been week earlier so demand for the week I wanted was less and consequently price was cheaper. We weren\’t overcrowded in pool, and no queues on our visit to Alton towers also.My desire to take my children out of school for a holiday though is not merely driven by price it is about availability – I work in a small team where in order to continue to provide a service there is a strict limit for numbers of staff off at any one time. From jan 2015 through to march 2016 I have only been able to secure one weeks leave which coi-incides with school holidays- I do not believe I should be penalised for wanting the family holiday experience. Bring back the ability to have up to 10 days off so long as it does not clash with exams etc