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Lisa’s a life saving hero!

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life saverA LEISURE centre employee who saved the life of a football player has been named an Unsung Hero by Pembrokeshire County Council.Fishguard Leisure Centre Duty Officer Lisa Starkey was nominated by – among others –the father of the young man she saved.

In January this year Lisa was working at the leisure centre when 32-year-old Nicky Badland collapsed with a suspected heart attack, while training on a nearby pitch with Fishguard Sports AFC.

Lisa ran on to the pitch and immediately performed CPR until an ambulance arrived.

“Her presence of mind and cool head under a tense situation undoubtedly saved our son,” said Geoffrey Badland.

“Although Lifeguards have intensive training in CPR techniques, few have to use their skills in a real life situation. We will always be indebted to Lisa.”

Lisa was presented with a framed certificate at County Hall this week by Ian Westley, Director of Transportation, Housing and Environment.

Now in its 10th year, the Unsung Hero Award is presented to an individual council employee, who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment in the delivery of first class customer service.

Members of the public as well as council employees are able to put forward nominations for the award.Just missing on the top prize were three runners up, who were all Highly Commended.

They included social services transport driver, Wyndham Arnold; Haverfordwest Leisure Centre employee, Nicola Cunningham and County Hall car park attendant, John Hughes.

Wyndham Arnold was nominated by a customer at Wintern Day Centre in Fishguard, who said he went above and beyond the call of duty in his work taking his customers to appointments, to collect their pensions or to the bank and shops.

“He makes sure everyone is safely in our homes, he will cheer us up when we are feeling down, nothing is too much for him to do to help- us in so many ways,” the customer said.

Nicola Cunningham was nominated by a Leisure Centre user, who praised her dedication and enthusiasm which had seen the children of Haverfordwest benefit from all the activities she was involved in.

“In addition to the weekly swimming lessons that Nicola is involved in, she has also singlehandedly created and continually improved the leisure centre rookie life saving club. From there not being any children’s life saving provision two years ago, Nicola is now the driving force in attracting in excess of 90 children to the weekly sessions.”County Hall car park attendant John Hughes received several nominations, praising his people skills and professional and courteous manner.

“It is an unenviable job as he often has to incur the misplaced wrath of a frustrated driver hoping to slip undetected into the car park for an unauthorised visit,” said one nominee.

“In my experience when this occurs John calls on his considerable people skills and invariably reacts in a calm and dignified manner, thus defusing potentially awkward situations.”

 

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Education

Sam Kurtz quizzed by primary school pupils about how was is governed

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PUPILS at St Oswald’s VA Primary School welcomed a visit from local Senedd member Samuel Kurtz on Monday (Feb 2), as children put questions to him about how Wales is governed.

Years five and six pupils took part in an interactive session where the Senedd Cymru member explained the role of the Welsh Parliament, how laws are made, and how elected representatives support local residents.

He outlined what a Member of the Senedd does day-to-day, how decisions affecting communities are taken, and why taking part in democracy is important.

The pupils were then given the chance to quiz him directly, raising questions about politics, local issues and how young people can make their voices heard. Staff said the children showed strong interest and came well prepared.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Kurtz said: “It was a real pleasure to visit St Oswald’s and see such enthusiasm and curiosity from the pupils.

“Understanding how democracy works and how decisions are made is important, and it is encouraging to see young people taking an interest in how their community and country are run.

“I was particularly impressed by the quality of the questions, which showed they had clearly done their research.”

Teachers described the visit as a valuable opportunity to bring lessons about citizenship and Welsh democracy to life.

The school visit forms part of Mr Kurtz’s ongoing programme of meeting with schools, community groups and residents across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.

 

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Crime

Police confirm teacher was stabbed at school as teenager appears in court

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15-year-old charged with Section 18 GBH with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises

POLICE have confirmed that the teacher injured during Thursday’s lockdown at Milford Haven Comprehensive School suffered stab wounds, as a 15-year-old boy appears in court today (Saturday, Feb 7).

Dyfed-Powys Police said the teenager has been charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises. He has been remanded in custody and is due before Swansea Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Emergency services were called to the school at around 3:20pm on Thursday (Feb 5) following reports that a member of staff had been assaulted by a pupil. The school was placed into immediate lockdown and police said all learners later returned home unharmed.

The injured teacher has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering with support.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Briggs said: “We are continuing to support the victim whilst they recover from this traumatic event. Following detailed enquiries by specialist officers, injuries initially assessed and described as non-stab injuries have now been confirmed as stab wounds.

“A statement at an early stage of the investigation was based on preliminary information available at the time.

“There will continue to be a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days to provide further reassurance. Officers will be working closely with local secondary schools to offer support over the coming week.”

In a joint update issued by the local authority and the school, deputy headteacher Daryl John thanked staff and the small number of pupils who remained on site, saying they acted “with professionalism” and were “calm throughout”. He added that the school community was grateful for the “rapid and effective response” of the emergency services and sent best wishes to the injured colleague for a “full and speedy recovery”.

Pembrokeshire County Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey confirmed the school will reopen on Monday, with additional support available for pupils and staff affected by the incident. He said lockdown procedures are routinely rehearsed so that, in rare cases where they are needed, everyone knows what to do.

The school was closed to pupils on Friday, with the town noticeably quieter than usual as children stayed home.

Police enquiries are continuing and further updates are expected following the court hearing.

 

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News

Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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