News

New plan for Welsh language education

Published

11 years ago

January 31, 2014

THE FUTURE of Welsh language education in Pembrokeshire has come under the spotlight, with the County Council launching a consultation on the service.

At a meeting of the County Council’s Cabinet on Monday, January 13, members resolved that they would consult the public over the Council’s new Welsh Education Strategic Plan.

The strategic plan seeks to remove barriers in order to extend and develop Welsh medium education in both primary and secondary schools across the County.

The move follows the School Standard and Organisation (Wales) Act which was passed by the National Assembly a year ago and which puts a statutory duty on local authorities to produce a plan to improve their Welsh medium education planning and provision.

By 2016, the local authority plans to establish a Welsh school in South Pembrokeshire and to ensure that every pupil is able to access Welsh medium educational provision across every key stage within reasonable travelling distance.

Among the options being considered is the establishment of a Welsh medium secondary school in Haverfordwest.

Last week, The Herald reported on a Cabinet decision which places the two Haverfordwest secondary schools, Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward, under review: a move that could see the nature of their operation change dramatically.

In particular, Tasker Milward School is predicted to suffer a sharp decline in pupil intake over the next five years, which could see the school operating with significant excess capacity.

In his interview about the future of education provision in Pembrokeshire, Council Leader Jamie Adams told The Pembrokeshire Herald:

“We have eight secondary schools in Pembrokeshire and 1,000 spare spaces. In the future we are projected to have greater additional capacity. We have an unsustainable secondary education provision and it is clear something has to give.”

Angela Burns, Assembly Member for Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire and Shadow Minister for Education, said,

“Part of the change needed to drive improvement will involve reviewing schools to ensure we have a learning environment fit for the 21st Century. I would hope that Pembrokeshire County Council will engage with Parents, Teachers, Students and the local community to ensure the right decisions are made”.

Owen Hathway, National Union of Teachers (NUT) Wales Policy Officer, said,

“A review of provision may be appropriate as part of an ongoing strategic plan and to ensure that schools are fit for purpose. Of course, what we don’t want to see are any decisions driven forward based solely on monetary concerns. It is vitally important that the implications on children, families, communities and jobs are considered fully before any possible mergers or closures.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.