News

Skills Cymru 2016 inspires next generation

Published

9 years ago

October 21, 2016

Busy event: Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena was full ( Pic. Huw John)

YOUNG people from across Pembrokeshire were given a taste of different career options at SkillsCymru 2016, Wales’ largest careers fair, which took place at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena last week.

The event saw more than 50 employers exhibiting their range of career opportunities, including NHS Wales, Horizon Nuclear Power, Aldi and the RAF. Attendees were given the chance to meet apprentices and employers from a range of different industries including manufacturing, medicine, teaching, tourism, caring and catering.

British astronaut Tim Peake, who visited Techniquest on Thursday, October 13, spoke to students at SkillsCymru via a live link to the event. Students heard Tim talk about the important science experiments he conducted during his mission for researchers across the planet, including trying to gro w blood vessels and protein crystals, as well as using a furnace to melt and cool metal alloys as they float in mid-air.

The free event was attended by thousands of young people from schools, further education colleges and work-based learning providers across Wales, including Ysgol Bro Gwaun. The students were able to take part in interactive games, challenges, mock job interviews and were able to quiz exhibitors about career opportunities, learning routes and get careers advice for the future.

They were put through their paces by the British Army, had their welding skills tested using Lincoln Electric’s virtual reality simulator and took part in drama workshops with the Arts Council of Wales.

Thomas Roach-Carter, aged 15, joined fellow students from Ysgol Bro Gwaun at Skills Cymru where they had the chance to visit interactive stands and ask professionals for any career advice.

He said: “I’ve tried so many activities today such as the mocktail making with Cambrian Training. It has been great to look around the different stands. I’m currently doing my GCSE’s and wanting to go onto college so today I have spoken to some of the colleges and they’ve given me some helpful advice.”

Julie James, Minister for Skills and Science, attended the event and took the opportunity to listen to a performance of drums by students in the ‘Get Skilled’ workshop, run by the Arts Council of Wales, and met youngsters as they found out about apprenticeship opportunities and job vacancies.

Minister Julie James said: “SkillsCymru is a significant event in the careers calendar and is a must for anyone looking to find out more about the career opportunities in Wales from apprenticeships and other vocational routes to higher education or college courses.

“For many of the young people visiting, this was their first chance to speak to employers face-to-face and ask questions in a relaxed environment to find out what skills are required to achieve their dream job. It was really refreshing to see so many young people getting involved in the different hands-on activities and getting inspiration about their dream job and future career path.”

Part-financed through the European Social Fund, SkillsCymru is organised by Prospects and Cazbah, and supported by the Welsh Government. The careers events, which each year attract more than 10,000 visitors, take place annually at Venue Cymru in Llandudno and the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff.

Charity

Donation gives Stackpole Quay book trailer fresh new look

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A COMMUNITY donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole Quay after members of the Pembrokeshire National Trust Association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.

The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.

The money will be used to refurbish the well-known second-hand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.

Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.

Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.

“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.

At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.

With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.

Photo caption:

Jane Mason presents a cheque for £1,095 to Rhian Sula at Stackpole Centre (Pic: supplied).

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.

As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.

Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.

She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.