Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

Milford school wins robotics challenge

Published

on

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

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.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Community

Drought risk as reservoirs drop in North Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion

Published

on

Cardigan, Crymych, Llanfyrnach and Nevern among communities at risk of water restrictions if dry weather continues

WELSH WATER has declared a ‘Developing Drought’ in parts of North Pembrokeshire and Mid and South Ceredigion, as reservoir levels in the Teifi catchment fall significantly below seasonal expectations.

The warning affects around 32,000 properties across the water supply network fed by the Teifi Pools reservoirs and the River Teifi at Llechryd. Communities in North Pembrokeshire including Crymych, Llanfyrnach and Nevern are among those potentially facing summer water restrictions if conditions do not improve.

The supply area also includes towns in Ceredigion such as Llanon, Llangwyryfon, and Cwm Ystwyth, as well as parts of North Carmarthenshire, including Farmers, Pencader, and Hermon.

Welsh Water confirmed that the Teifi Pools—located high in the Cambrian Mountains—have received just 37% of their expected rainfall between March and May. The surrounding peatland, which usually helps store and slowly release water, is retaining more than it should, with little recent rain to replenish the system.

Reservoir levels are now 31% lower than this time last year. While there is no immediate risk to water supplies, the water company says hosepipe bans could follow if the situation worsens.

Marc Davies, Director of Water Services, said: “We are giving our customers early warning by moving to ‘Developing Drought’ status for Mid and South Ceredigion, which includes parts of North Pembrokeshire.

“We’re not telling people not to use water—just to use what they need, without waste. If we don’t get significant rainfall soon, temporary restrictions may be necessary.”

Welsh Water is currently fixing around 700 leaks a week and says that transferring water from other parts of Wales is not practical due to the geography and cost.

No other region in Wales is currently under a drought status. If restrictions are introduced, Welsh Water will contact customers directly and provide a postcode checker online.

Local residents can find water-saving tips and updates at dwrcymru.com.

Continue Reading

Community

Two Pembrokeshire woodlands join National Forest for Wales

Published

on

Llys y Fran and Coed Uno recognised for their green innovation and community benefit

TWO Pembrokeshire woodland sites have been selected to join the growing National Forest for Wales, as part of a major expansion announced by the Welsh Government this week.

Llys y Fran and Coed Uno are among ten new sites added to the scheme, which now covers over 4,000 hectares and includes 70 woodlands across Wales. The announcement was made on Thursday (June 12) by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who is also responsible for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.

The new sites bring an additional 389 hectares of woodland into the National Forest network. Coed Uno, in particular, is a first for Wales – it is the country’s first agroforestry site to be recognised as part of the forest initiative. The woodland is part of the Hwb Dysgu’r Tir project, which teaches visitors how to integrate tree planting with traditional agricultural practices.

Llys y Fran, already well-known to many Pembrokeshire residents as a popular reservoir and recreational area, will now benefit from enhanced conservation efforts and access funding under the National Forest framework.

Mr Irranca-Davies praised the diversity and quality of the new additions. He said: “It’s wonderful to see the continued expansion of the National Forest for Wales and to welcome this next group of woodlands to the network. These sites are helping to deliver environmental benefits, create green jobs, and support local wellbeing.”

The National Forest programme not only focuses on reforestation and biodiversity, but also supports local health boards through green prescription schemes, provides education and skills training, and encourages community involvement in woodland management.

The latest expansion round includes woodlands in Carmarthenshire, Powys, Gwynedd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Ceredigion, Flintshire and Gwent. In total, the National Forest for Wales aims to connect woodlands across the country and improve access to nature for all communities.

The Welsh Government is encouraging more landowners, community groups and local authorities to put forward suitable sites for future inclusion.

For Pembrokeshire, the recognition of Llys y Fran and Coed Uno signals further investment in the region’s natural environment, with the potential to boost tourism, education and sustainability.

Continue Reading

Community

Vet urges ‘thunderstorm parties’ to help anxious pets in Wales this week

Published

on

With storms looming, expert shares five tips to calm frightened animals

WITH a three-day thunderstorm warning in place for Wales, vets are urging pet owners to take proactive steps to ease the distress experienced by their furry companions.

Loud claps of thunder, sudden flashes of lightning and even pressure changes in the air can trigger extreme anxiety in pets. According to a recent survey, 42% of owners say their animals suffer from weather-related stress.

Veterinary surgeon and medical writer Lily Richards (BSc Hons BVSc MRCVS) has teamed up with TrustedHousesitters to offer practical advice on how to care for pets during periods of unsettled weather.

She explains: “Pets are incredibly sensitive to changes in the environment. They don’t just hear the thunder – they feel it, and they often know a storm is coming long before we do.”

Among the most surprising recommendations is to throw a ‘thunderstorm party’.

“Distraction is key,” says Richards. “Close the curtains, play some music, and have an energetic game of tug or fetch. It might sound silly, but it really works for my own Collie, who forgets the storm is even happening.”

A study by TrustedHousesitters found that background noise helps to ease pet anxiety, with 34% of owners using music or television. However, 43% said their pet’s favourite toy is the most effective calming tool.

Five tips to keep pets calm in a storm

1. Be prepared
Check the weather forecast daily. Don’t take dogs for walks if a storm is likely. Keep cats indoors and bring small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs inside. Secure your garden and house to prevent any escape attempts from frightened animals.

2. Create a safe space
Prepare a quiet, dark den with blankets, favourite toys, and a puzzle feeder. Drawing the curtains helps reduce lightning flashes that can add to the fear.

3. Respect their space
While some pets seek cuddles, others prefer solitude. “Don’t force affection on an anxious animal,” Richards advises. “Let them pace or hide if that’s how they cope.”

4. Use natural remedies
Try calming options like lavender oil, anxiety diffusers, ‘thundershirts’ (snug-fitting garments), or pet-safe ear wraps. These mimic the comfort of being swaddled and may help release endorphins.

5. Distract with treats
A third of pet owners say treats reduce anxiety. You can adjust feeding times to coincide with stormy weather. Some owners also report success using CBD-infused snacks for highly nervous dogs.

Angela Laws, Community Manager at TrustedHousesitters and a seasoned pet sitter, said: “Watching a pet in distress is heartbreaking. But we can help – and we must. Whether you’re a pet parent or a sitter, knowing how to manage anxiety during a storm can make all the difference.”

About TrustedHousesitters

Founded in Brighton in 2010, TrustedHousesitters is the world’s largest pet-sitting community, connecting owners and sitters across 140 countries. With over 240,000 members, the platform enables pet lovers to exchange care for accommodation, offering peace of mind for owners and unforgettable experiences for sitters.

For more information, visit: www.TrustedHousesitters.com

Continue Reading

Business5 hours ago

Milford Haven Port: Hospitality income overtakes biggest energy terminal

Tourism and hospitality generate more than any single energy customer, marking a historic economic shift for the UK’s leading energy...

News1 day ago

West Wales activists join international march to Gaza border

Campaigners walk 30 miles through the Sinai desert to demand humanitarian access to Gaza ACTIVISTS from West Wales are among...

News2 days ago

Pentagon review puts Pembrokeshire radar project in doubt

A DEEP space radar facility planned for the former RAF Brawdy base in Pembrokeshire could be scrapped or delayed as...

News2 days ago

Spending Review slammed as rail funding ‘falls short’ for Wales

Tories accuse Labour of rewriting history, Lib Dems say Wales ‘gets the scraps’, and unions urge caution LABOUR’S headline £445...

News3 days ago

Pembroke Road closed after serious crash near school

PEMBROKE ROAD in Pembroke was completely closed this afternoon (Tuesday, June 10) following a serious road traffic collision near Ysgol...

News3 days ago

Milford Haven function centre outdoor dining area refused

A RETROSPECTIVE scheme for an outside dining area on a listed building in the most prominent street in Milford Haven’s...

News4 days ago

Farage pledges coal revival and steelworks comeback for Wales

Reform leader eyes Senedd victory as critics blast ‘fantasy economics’ NIGEL FARAGE visited Port Talbot on Monday (June 10), promising...

News5 days ago

Are the traditional parties in Wales underestimating Reform UK?

By-election wins, surging polls and a reshaped Senedd system fuel Reform’s rapid rise REFORM UK is no longer a fringe...

Health5 days ago

Dentists warn Welsh reforms could ‘destroy NHS dentistry’

BDA survey reveals mass exodus risk as 64% of Welsh dentists say they may go fully private A MAJOR new...

Community6 days ago

Crowds turn out in force to celebrate Milford Haven’s 235th birthday

Street party atmosphere takes over Charles Street with music, mayors, and community fun CHARLES STREET in Milford Haven was packed...

Popular This Week