Community

Milford school wins robotics challenge

Published

9 years ago

July 26, 2016

Milford Haven Junior School pupils: Winning first prize with their robot ‘Fandango’

PUPILS from Pembrokeshire have been learning how to build and program robots as part of a new educational project based in the Milford Haven Waterway this month, with Milford Haven Junior School pupils winning first prize.

The Port of Milford Haven teamed up with Dark Sky Wales and the Dragon LNG Darwin Experience to host the Waterway Robotics Challenge.

The event included five local schools, culminating within a grand finale at the Port’s headquarters.

The Year Six pupils were set the challenge of constructing a robot from a selection of specialist Lego kits . They then had to use coding to program the robots to navigate through a 3D model of the Waterway. Julia Szubb, Alex Cook, Gethin Picton and Jamie Bowles from Milford Haven Junior School won the competition with their robot ‘Fandango’.

Allan Trow from Dark Sky Wales said:

“I’d like to thank the Port of Milford Haven for the forward thinking shown in supporting this event. It has given around 150 pupils the opportunity to experience robotics and coding in a real world scenario, in line with the Welsh Government’s Digital Competency Framework. The participating students enjoyed the experience and now have a greater appreciation for the work the Port of Milford Haven does.”

Commenting on how the project went, Anna Malloy, PR and Communications Manager at the Port of Milford Haven, said:

“We’re really pleased with the success of the Waterway Robotics Challenge. The pupils really embraced the challenge and made every effort to complete it to the best of their ability. Working with Allan from Dark Sky Wales and the staff from Darwin has enabled us to engage in an innovative, hands-on way with local children. As well as stimulating interest in programming we hope we’ve inspired some of them to consider a career in the Port industry.”

Deputy Harbourmaster Steve Hardcastle awarded the winning team with a WH Smith voucher each, £500 in vouchers for IT equipment for their school and invited them to visit the Port’s new simulator suite which will be unveiled later this year. The simulator will be the first of its kind in the UK, enabling pilots and marine staff, internal and external, to carry out specialised training locally.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

6 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)