Community

Mucky Maths helps schoolchildren travel back in time

Published

12 years ago

January 23, 2014

CHILDREN from Prendergast School are the first in Pembrokeshire to use Mucky Maths to learn about life in the Iron Age in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The 60 pupils visited Castell Henllys Iron Age Fort recently to try out the new education session offered by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Mucky Maths uses the power of numbers to teach children about life in the Iron Age 2,000 years ago.

The youngsters took measurements of the site and looked for shapes in the landscape. They also calculated how long simple everyday tasks might have taken their Celtic ancestors and compared this with their lives today.

National Park Discovery Ranger Gayle Lister explained:

“The children had already visited Castell Henllys for a historical session, travelling back through time to meet people who once lived in the Iron Age Fort.

“This innovative new session challenges the children to use and apply their mathematical knowledge and skills to make sense of history. It is a very powerful tool and helps the children to find some concrete way to measure the past.”

“It was an absolutely fantastic day,” said class teacher Emma Jenkins, adding: “The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

Castell Henllys site manager Rhonwen Owen is delighted that Mucky Maths offers a new perspective on this ancient site.

“Schools are familiar with our award-winning historical programme, but this new session enables students to learn about the past in a different way. It is the cross-curricular aspect of this session that is appealing.”

But perhaps the best measure of success is to talk to the children. “You said we were going to do maths all day”, said one young learner, “but all we have done is have fun.”

The Park Authority’s Discovery Rangers designed Mucky Maths to work in locations throughout the National Park, from castles and hill forts to woodland and beaches. The session helps children to put their mathematical skills into a real life context and to use data to form and justify opinions.

The session, along with its sister session, Words in Wellies, with a focus on literacy, is available now for schools to book via the Park Authority’s Discovery Team on 01646 624856.

Community

Tenby lifeboats launched to two separate kayak incidents

Published

11 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RNLI crews were called to Pendine and Amroth within minutes of each other on a busy Sunday afternoon

BOTH of Tenby’s lifeboats were launched on Sunday afternoon following separate reports involving kayakers along the Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire coastline.

The all-weather lifeboat was requested shortly before 4.30pm on July 12 after RNLI lifeguards at Pendine raised concerns about a kayaker who had left the beach earlier in the afternoon but had not returned.

The kayak could no longer be seen from the shore, prompting Tenby’s volunteer crew to launch and make their way towards the area.

As the lifeboat arrived, the Coastguard received a call from the kayaker confirming they were safe and well at Morfa Bychan beach and did not require assistance.

The crew was stood down from the search but was immediately redirected to assist Tenby’s inshore lifeboat with a second incident off Amroth.

The inshore lifeboat had been launched after a member of the public dialled 999 and reported seeing a kayaker who appeared to be waving between Amroth and Monkstone.

A local fishing vessel, which had heard the Coastguard broadcast asking nearby boats to look out for the kayak, located the man before the lifeboats arrived.

The inshore lifeboat was soon alongside, where the kayaker confirmed he had been fishing and was not in difficulty.

Both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats were then stood down and returned safely to Tenby.

Community

Discover Wales’ past this summer with Cadw’s family events

Published

18 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

FAMILIES across Wales can look forward to a summer packed with adventure, as Cadw unveils its exciting programme of family-friendly events set within the nation’s most iconic castles, abbeys and ancient landmarks.

Taking place throughout the school holidays, the events programme invites visitors to step into the past through immersive experiences, interactive workshops and hands-on activities designed to bring Welsh history to life for all ages.

Dr Kate Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw, said: “Summer is the perfect time for families to step outside and explore Wales’ incredible heritage, and our events programme makes those visits even more memorable.

“Whether it’s stepping into the shoes of medieval characters, discovering ancient traditions or simply spending time together in remarkable settings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with free child entry for adult members, it’s a fantastic way to make lasting memories over the school holidays.”

With over 70 Cadw events scheduled across Wales in July and August, highlights from this summer’s programme in West Wales include:

Historic Echoes (Laugharne Castle)

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, 11:00-16:00

Step into the early 15th century at Laugharne Castle to discover how castles were attacked and defended, handle replica weapons and armour, and learn about medieval medicine through a series of expert demonstrations.

Hysterical History (Kidwelly Castle)

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, 11:00-16:00

Take part in an interactive experience at Kidwelly Castle, where visitors can explore the skills, training and traditions of medieval knighthood through engaging, hands-on activities with Sir Roland De Preaux.

Children’s Activity Day (Strata Florida Abbey)

Thursday 13 August, 10:00-12:00. Online pre-booking is essential.

Spend the day at Strata Florida Abbey, where young historians can explore the medieval abbey’s past through hands-on archaeology experiences and learn about the lives of the Cistercian monks and the surrounding landscape.

Historia Normannis (Laugharne Castle)

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, 11:00-16:00

Witness the spectacle of knights’ tournaments at Laugharne Castle to watch combat displays and see justice delivered at the Shire Court. Alongside the action, enjoy humorous performances that bring key moments in history to life in an entertaining and accessible way.

Living History Weekend (Laugharne Castle)

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, 11:00-16:00

Experience medieval village life at Laugharne Castle with a weekend of living history. Visitors can see dramatic demonstrations of Civil War armour and weaponry, with live cannon and musket firing.

In addition to these events, Cadw is offering a series of guided tours throughout the summer to give visitors a chance to delve deeper into the details of each location. In West Wales this includes: Castell Oxwich, and Castell Cilgerran. Pre-booking via the Cadw website for these events is required.

For those looking to make the most of their visits this summer and beyond, a Cadw membership offers free entry to all events and unlimited access to over 130 historic places across Wales. Children go free with adult memberships, making it a great value option for families. As a bonus, members receive a Cadw handbook, free audio guides at selected sites and two Heritage in Wales Magazines each year.

Find out more and book tickets at https://cadw.gov.wales

Community

Letterston Fun Week raises more than £2,500 in memory of Mabli

Published

18 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LETTERSTON came together for a packed week of entertainment, sport and community spirit, raising more than £2,500 in memory of local girl Mabli.

Letterston Fun Week featured a treasure hunt, bingo, pool, junior football, men’s and ladies’ darts, a quiz night and children’s disco, before concluding with a hugely successful Fun Day.

Organiser Tim Evans thanked the volunteers, performers, sponsors and residents who helped make the week possible, describing the support received at every event as “incredible”.

The Fun Day began with a chicken wing challenge, won by Shaun McVey of Letterston, before young singers Arthur, Mila, Etta and Nancie from Ysgol Ger y Llan took to the stage alongside Cassidy from Tonna.

They were followed by dancers from the Lowri Jones School of Dance, who performed in front of a packed field.

Live music came from Chrissy D and Steve Bartram, while children were entertained by Crazy Clayton.

As the evening continued, the Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club Choir delivered what organisers described as an outstanding performance.

Local band Roccanna then took to the stage, led by Letterston’s own Tristan Mansell, before headline act Forever Elton brought the celebrations to a close with a tribute to the music of Elton John.

Tim said: “This year has been a challenging one to organise, with plenty of obstacles along the way, but seeing the whole week come together so successfully made every bit of hard work worthwhile.

“To every volunteer who helped set up, sold raffle tickets and programmes, marshalled events, cleared away afterwards or simply stepped in wherever needed, I honestly could not be prouder.

“You worked your socks off to give Letterston an event to be proud of, and I cannot thank you enough.”

More than £2,500 has already been raised, with organisers expecting the final total to increase as the remaining proceeds are counted.

Fun Week is held each year in memory of Mabli, whose life continues to be celebrated by the Letterston community.

Paying tribute, Tim added: “Rob, Gwen and all the family, it is a privilege for us to organise this event each year and create a day where Mabli’s life can be celebrated by the whole community.

“We send you all our love and look forward to doing it all again next year.”

Organisers thanked everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, performed, sponsored or supported the events.

Letterston Fun Day will return on Saturday, July 17, 2027.