News

Pembrokeshire’s new ‘Vision for Education’ revealed

Published

10 years ago

October 7, 2016

Pembrokeshire County Council: New education ‘Vision’ revealed

A NEW ‘Vision’ for education and learning in Pembrokeshire is to be implemented by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The new plan was set out during the council’s latest meeting of Cabinet on Monday (Oct 3) and is designed to ‘clearly set out the aspirations for education in Pembrokeshire over the next three years’.

Heavily involved with the Vision, Cllr Susan Perkins said: “We are all aware of the recent history of education in the county and although this year has seen some improvement at key stage four, there is still improvement needed if the young people of Pembrokeshire are to access the highest quality education outcomes.”

With her supporting statement to hand, Cllr Perkins went on to list the objectives of the Vision, stating: “Every pupil is ready to learn and access across a broad range of learning and areas of experience; every pupil is resilient and supported to build their mental and emotional well-being; all pupils engage and participate and are able to fulfil their potential no matter what their background or circumstances; all local stakeholders positively contribute to the ambitions and aspirations of Pembrokeshire learners; a directorate which is responsive to future changes and has the capacity to adapt and effectively manage change.”

While there was obvious support for the Vision, some councillors expressed concern over how the Vision would be implemented as well as a lack of leadership in schools around Pembrokeshire.

Leader of the council, Cllr James Adams, said: “One of the key words that I’ve picked out of the foreword is that of leadership, school leadership particularly. There is still quite an alarming variance in terms of the performance of many of our schools and leadership appears time and again as the most critical factor in terms of school-based outcomes.”

Cllr Huw George shared his concern, adding: “It’s not a Pembrokeshire problem; it’s a lack of leadership.

“The whole of Wales needs to look at where we’re going to find leaders to take the Vision forward.”

The Director of Children and Schools, Kate Evans-Hughes, responded to Cllr Adams, saying: “We do find it difficult to recruit [leaders] from beyond Pembrokeshire. We actually need to strengthen the leadership development programme that we have within Pembrokeshire.

“The recognition was that we need to grow our own and there are plenty of talented teachers out there, there are plenty of inspired teachers; what we need to make sure is we have a middle leaders programme that is inspirational and does make them want to go onto the next step.

“One of the biggest challenges facing recruitment of Headteachers is an anxiety about undertaking the role because never has there been so much accountability for Headteachers, and rightly so, but now we have to shift people into wanting to be part of that accountability, not being afraid of it.”

Crime

Alleged pay TV fraud case due before Haverfordwest magistrates

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Milford Haven man faces three Fraud Act charges linked to apps, electronic data and adapted Amazon Fire TV sticks

A MILFORD HAVEN man is due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr 21) charged with three offences under the Fraud Act 2006.

Michael David Barrow, 48, of Priory Road, Milford Haven, is listed to appear before magistrates in connection with allegations relating to software and devices said to have enabled unlawful access to pay television content.

According to the court list, it is alleged that between October 19, 2019 and February 22, 2024, at Haverfordwest and elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, Barrow made applications, known as apps, and/or other electronic data which enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to those entitled to it.

He is further accused of supplying applications, apps and/or other electronic data intended to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

A third charge alleges that he supplied Amazon Fire TV Sticks which, when adapted, enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to the rights holders, intending them to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

All three charges are brought under Section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Community

Tributes paid to teenager killed in Ceredigion crash

Published

4 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family say 19-year-old Lee Barber will be remembered for his kindness, strength and positive attitude

THE FAMILY of a 19-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision in Ceredigion last month have paid tribute to him.

Lee Barber, from Aberaeron, died after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron on Tuesday, March 24.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. The loss of our son, Lee, has devastated us and has deeply affected the whole community.

“Lee was a loving son who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and his positive attitude. He had a way of bringing people together and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the local community and further afield for the overwhelming support we have received. The messages, stories, memories, and photos that have been shared with us mean more than words can say.

“Our boy Lee will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We now kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Police confirmed the collision happened on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron and that Lee died at the scene.

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Community

Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomes AI opponent on historic visit

Published

5 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

PEMBROKSHIRE’S thriving chess community witnessed a unique blend of tradition and technology last week, as Pembrokeshire Chess Club hosted a special guest: “Rook to D2” – an AI-powered chess robot from the Welsh Chess Union.

The visit marked the first stop of the robot’s tour across Wales, making it a historic moment for the county. Club members, both young and old, gathered at Kensington Court in Steynton to experience the future of chess firsthand.

Excitement filled the room as the club’s President officially opened proceedings by making the first move against the robotic challenger. From that moment on, it was “game on,” with 15 junior players eagerly taking turns to test their skills. Several adult members also joined in, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The evening proved especially memorable for the club’s younger players, who relished the chance to play against cutting-edge technology. Their enthusiasm was matched by club officials, including the Chairman and President, who welcomed the opportunity to introduce innovation into the local chess scene.

Club representatives described the atmosphere as “amazing,” highlighting how advancements in technology are enhancing traditional games like chess and inspiring a new generation of players.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club continues to meet weekly at Kensington Court, Steynton. Junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by sessions for more experienced juniors and adults. The club prides itself on being family-friendly and inclusive, catering to all abilities – from casual players seeking a friendly game to those aiming to compete in league and tournament chess.

Following its successful debut in Pembrokeshire, the AI chess robot is expected to visit other clubs across Wales in the coming weeks, bringing the same sense of excitement and innovation to chess communities nationwide.