News

Writing workshops for local schools

Published

8 years ago

October 6, 2016

Tom Sinclair

The ‘Two Steves’: offering advice on how to construct a lively story to a group of pupils from Pennar School.

TWO of the country’s most energetic and entertaining children’s authors were in Pembrokeshire last week delivering a series of reading and writing workshops to some of our county’s schools.

Primary aged pupils from Hubberston, Hakin, Neyland, Milford Haven Juniors, St Francis, Coastlands, Pennar, Cleddau Reach, Bro Ingli and Mary Immaculate attended the sessions hosted by the ‘Two Steves’

Former drama school teachers Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore are no strangers to Pembrokeshire having delivered the workshops over the past 14 years and built up an excellent reputation for their ‘fantastic interactive performances’.

“The ‘Two Steves’ know how to make writing workshops fun; they engage the children from the outset, showing how they can use and exaggerate their experience of life as a starting point for their own writing,” said Pembrokeshire County Council Adviser for Literacy, Eva John. ‘They model a range of really effective strategies for story writing which the pupils are able to apply to their own work to great effect.’

“Pembrokeshire has a strong working partnership with the ‘Two Steves’ and they have a lasting impact on pupil enthusiasm for reading, with pupils continuing to take their books out of school libraries long after their visits.”

Fun workshop: Enjoyed by pupils around the county.

Having written over 200 books between them the ‘Two Steves’ are well placed to teach the techniques needed to formulate a story including what hooks to use to draw people in.

“All of their methods are done with humour, but with audience and purpose in mind,” added Eva. “They learn when to use dialogue, how to use foreshadowing to build tension and when to use similes as a method of comparison.

“All of this is done through games and wordplay and modelling.

“It’s a privilege to watch the children develop during the week and I’m grateful to Dragon LNG and Literature Wales for contributing towards the costs of running the event. Everyone finds them of lasting impact.

“Teachers often see an increase in the enthusiasm and confidence of their pupils in their ability to read and write with one child saying ‘I used to hate writing but now I want to do it all the time.’

“That sums the week up in a nutshell!”

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

15 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

15 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

16 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.