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Hunt is on for best landscaped garden

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The hunt is on: Melinda Messenger wants to find the best landscaping job in Pembrokeshire

The hunt is on: Melinda Messenger wants to find the best landscaping job in Pembrokeshire

TV PRESENTER Melinda Messenger is fronting a campaign to find the best landscaping job in Pembrokeshire.

Local timber & builders merchants Travis Perkins are launching High 5, a campaign that celebrates the very best in professional landscaping in Britain.

ThebestentryfromPembrokeshire, as judged by a panel of experts, will be in with a chance of being awarded Best Landscape Job in Wales.

The best of the best in Scotland, Wales, Northern, Central and Southern England will form the Travis Perkins High 5. Each winner will receive a weekend away for two and a personal High 5 from Channel 5 Cowboy Builders presenter Melinda at a celebratory lunch at Kensington Roof Gardens in September 2015.

Melinda Messenger explains: “Over the years, I’ve had brilliant experiences of tradesmen working with me. Yet there are so many cowboy tradesmen out there! I’m working with Travis Perkins on the High 5 project to find the people who are getting it right and show everyone just how valuable the landscape gardener is in making Britain a green and pleasant land. A goodlandscapegardenercantransform even the smallest space into something interesting. Someone who can utilise the space imaginatively and really listen to what their client needs, is what we’re looking for. We’re looking for examples of great landscaping work. It could be the creation of an all-weather seating area, structure added to a bland landscape, a lawn that gives Wembley a run for its money or simply a driveway packed with personality using inventive paving. I’ll be looking for innovation, creativity and imagination from the entries – a space that I’d want to go into. In addition, there will have to be a mix of textures and materials that work well together, it should be a low maintenance garden, but done brilliantly.”

Lucy Miller of Travis Perkins added: “The trade has been badly hit by the recession, but there is an overwhelming sense of optimism right now and property owners are starting to invest in their homes once more. A good landscape gardener treats the garden like an outside room, putting together a comprehensive spec that uses high quality trade products to create an interesting space that meets the clients’ needs.”

Nominations must come from the client by Monday August 17,, but landscapers can encourage an entry by handing out a nomination card that can be collected from their local Travis Perkins branch but entries can also be submitted online at www. travisperkins.co.uk/competitions.

Lucy Miller of Travis Perkins adds: “From great gardens to amazing landscaped public spaces, Britain’s landscapers are at the top of their game. We hear all about the amazing work they’re doing in our local branches every day, so we wanted to properly recognise the best landscaping in Britain. And what better way than to be nominated by the people you’ve done the work for? It’s the ultimate seal of approval on a job well done. It’s all about giving the tradesman a ‘High 5’ for a job well done.”

The competition is only open to Travis Perkins account holders.

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Community

RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions

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RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.

Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.

Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Engaging young minds

The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.

Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”

Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”

Building a sustainable future

Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”

RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.

Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation

RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.

As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.

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Community

New Men’s Shed opens at Milford Haven Station

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TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) has announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed at Milford Haven Station, transforming one of its stations into a valuable community hub.

Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people come together to make, repair, and repurpose items while supporting local projects. These grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in tackling social isolation and fostering a sense of community.

Research shows that Sheds offer significant health benefits, with 96% of members—known as Shedders—reporting a reduction in loneliness after joining. While traditionally associated with older men, Men’s Sheds are inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Many involve women, and some operate exclusively for women.

The new Milford Haven Men’s Shed will provide a space for the community to connect, share skills, and form friendships. Shedders will have the freedom to decide how best to use the space to meet their needs.

Emma Collins, Station Manager for Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that we are able to accommodate the Men’s Shed within the station and support this invaluable community group and the work they do.”

The Milford Haven Men’s Shed committee expressed gratitude to TfW for enabling the project, calling it a safe and welcoming space for older members of the community to build friendships and support well-being.

A spokesperson for the Shed said: “We hope to give back to the community some of the help we have received from TfW. We would also like to thank the National Lottery for the funding that made this project possible.”

They added: “Whether it’s crafting, working on projects, or simply dropping in for a cuppa and a chat, the Men’s Shed is here for the people of the town. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”

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Community

Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).

The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.

Shaping the future together

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”

The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.

A data-driven approach

The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.

Get involved

Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.

For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].

About MAWWFRS

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.

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