News

Future of learning centre uncertain

Published

9 years ago

July 9, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Packed: Council officers explain the way forward for the learning centres

COUNCIL officers have said they will continue to consult with members of the public on proposed changes to the Learning Pembrokeshire service.

A public consultation meeting was held at the Fishguard Community Learning Centre on Monday afternoon (Jun 22).

Many people who use the centre packed out the lecture room as they voiced their concerns to council officers.

County Councillors Pat Davies, Myles Pepper and Keith Lewis were also amongst the crowd along with a few town councillors.

The council’s Lifelong learning co-ordinator Chris Birch gave a presentation to those in the room about the cuts the council is facing and ways forward.

One of the main concerns that were raised was about finances as a number had asked for a detailed breakdown of how much it costs to run the centre.

Some among the audience were concerned that the council did not have a plan going forward for the learning centres.

Chris Birch told those present: “We want to deliver a service that is value for money and that is something we have always endeavoured to do. The last year has been one of the most difficult in terms of funding. We want to take everything on board. This is a public survey of everything that is happening.”

Anne Garside said: “We were told these centres would be closed by Easter, it has taken till June to have a consultation and we are supposed to have a plan by September. This is an inadequate amount of time for us and if this centre were to close it would have a devastating socio-economic impact on our community. We understand the situation but don’t discount the views of the user-base. We want to work with you and we want time to evaluate and look at the financial figures. Each centre should be evaluated on a case by case basis and every centre is in a different situation. This is a relatively new purpose built building in good shape and in a central location. We question why there is a proposal to close this one when the one in Haverfordwest is falling apart, the one in Tenby is so large and in Pembroke Dock there is a plan which involves the school. I would ask that you give us at least another 1-2 years. There is no long-range planning and this is one of the great weaknesses. To assess the impact, we need more than the year to evaluate this. To get a plan by September is ridiculous.”

The council’s Head of Performance and Community James White responded: “We have had four meetings now and one thing that is clear is that the potential solutions will not be the same in each area. We have to say and recognise that there are constraints to how we can long-term plan. The Welsh Government does not know what its block grant will be. We do not know that long in advance.”

He was then asked if he thought there would be an adult education service running by 2020. James White replied: “There will be some; it would be alarmist to say that there will be no service by 2020.”

James White added that he would be willing to meet with anyone who wished to do so.

Another member of the audience was concerned about where courses would be held if the centre closed and added: “This centre is eminently suitable.”

James White said: “The courses can take place in a variety of different places and we can use a lot of different venues.”

One user added: “We come here to socialise. The quality of life for older people will diminish if this centre is closed. It is places like this that can combat that.”

The meeting closed with the comment: “We want to make an arrangement with you to meet so we can provide some concrete solutions in order to do what this meeting is about which is to keep this centre open.”

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

11 mins ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

17 mins ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

1 hour ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.