News

Retiring teachers enjoy unique leaving present from pupils

Published

7 years ago

July 20, 2017

TWO TEACHERS from Milford Haven Junior School had a unique start to their retirement on Wednesday (Jul 19) when they had a guided boat tour starting from Milford Haven Marina.

Head Teacher, Lyn Rees, and Deputy Head, Martin Warwick, had an excited audience to watch them on the Marina – pupils from the school.

Talking to The Herald prior to the boat trip, Fiona Thomas, the School Council Link Teacher who organised the event, said: “The children of the school decided they wanted to give Mr Rees and Mr Warwick something in return for all of their generosity and kindness they’ve shown the children over 12 and 16 years respectively.

“We decided very last minute to come up with this idea of a water experience at Milford Haven Marina, and thankfully Masters of the Deep helped us out at the last minute.”

Waving: To the pupils

Mr Rees said: “It’s been a really enjoyable 12 years as Head, the staff have been fantastic and we’ve had some really hard working and lovely children coming through the school. That’s what I’ll miss – the staff and the children who work hard and behave well and are helpful.

“I won’t miss the petty squabbles to be honest,” he added laughing.

“I’m looking forward to retirement but I’m sure I’ll miss it after all these years.”

Mr Warwick added: “I feel as though I’ve had two careers – I’ve had 17 years as a teacher in Oxfordshire, and now I’ve had 17 years in Milford Haven.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time – even the sweetest smelling rose has some thorns. As you [Mr Rees] said, the petty squabbles you can do without, and sometimes the kids are as bad as the staff, but I’ve had a great time there.

Children: Excited to see the boat

“I’ve made some super friends and I really appreciated the community feel that there is about the school. Although I am a Geordie ex-pat, I do feel a sense of belonging and I will miss a lot of things about the school.”

Lyn Rees, from St Davids, is a sport fanatic and began his training in PE and geography in 1975. He has been the Head Teacher at Milford Haven Junior School since 2005, after being Deputy Head at Neyland for nine years.

During his time as Head Teacher, he has been keen to provide opportunities for all children and bring out the best in every individual.

One parent said: “I am impressed by the way Mr Rees knows every pupil by name and could comment on sports day about every child as if he knew them well.”

Children: With a banner made for the teachers

A colleague added: “Mr Rees has been a compassionate boss who has never expected anything from his staff that he wouldn’t be willing to do himself. He will be sorely missed.”

Martin Warwick, from Whitley Bay in England, has been the Deputy Head at the school for 17 years.

He has also acted as Head Teacher when previous Head Teachers had retired.

A member of staff at the school said: “We will remember him for his approachable disposition and supportive role to all staff.”

He has been instrumental in the development of The Whale of The Time Transition Project, as well as implementing change within the curriculum, and has a passion for the annual school production.

He was considered a ‘mentor’ to many of the staff at the school and will be missed as he begins his retirement.

Crime

Large drug haul discovered near West Wales police station

Published

50 mins ago

November 7, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A SUBSTANTIAL quantity of drugs was uncovered in a building just a few doors away from a police station in Newcastle Emlyn.

Dyfed-Powys Police seized 435 cannabis plants from the former Co-op shop on Wednesday, November 6, after securing a search warrant. The building is located only four doors down from the town’s police station.

A local worker, who wished to remain anonymous, told BBC Wales, “I’m not surprised drugs were found there—the smell has been around for at least a month.”

Officials confirmed that no arrests have been made so far, and investigations are ongoing. Police stated that officers will maintain a presence in the area as the inquiry continues.

News

Van crashes into chalet at Pembrokeshire holiday park

Published

1 hour ago

November 7, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A VAN collided with a chalet at Freshwater Holiday Park in Pembroke last month.

The incident occurred on October 29 at approximately 5:45pm. A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a single-vehicle collision at Freshwater Holiday Park at around 5:45pm on October 29. No injuries were reported, and there are no further police enquiries.”

According to a local resident, the crash left a dent on the front of the chalet, marking the fourth time such an incident has occurred. The resident expressed frustration, saying: “This is an accident waiting to happen, and it doesn’t seem that anybody on the management team is doing anything about it.”

Community

Connecting the Coast project celebrates significant achievements in nature recovery

Published

2 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CONNETING THE COAST, an ambitious three-year Nature Recovery project backed by Welsh Government funding, is drawing to a close, having taken impressive strides in protecting and enhancing the fragile ecosystems of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The project, designed to safeguard coastal habitats and enhance biodiversity in farmland adjacent to the iconic coastline, works in close collaboration with local farmers and landowners, to restore habitats, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and promote sustainable land management.

Connecting the Coast has yielded impressive results, with land management changes creating flourishing habitats for wildlife. This is evident in the reappearance of coastal wildflowers like centaury and sheep’s bit where conservation grazing has been implemented and the appearance of scarce arable plants, such as weasel’s snout and bugloss, in crop margins that have been left unsprayed.

New hay meadows are also thriving, offering sanctuary to pollinators and birds, while species-rich pastures are helping to secure soil health and protect carbon stocks. These biodiversity-rich areas form vital buffers in the coastal ecosystem, offering increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.

Connecting the Coast Project Officer Clare Flynn said: “At the heart of Connecting the Coast is a strong partnership with the local farming community and landowners, ranging from large dairy farms to smallholders with just a few fields – and we’ve been met with overwhelming support and a warm welcome from everyone.”

Throughout its duration, Connecting the Coast has achieved several significant milestones in its mission to restore and protect habitats. These include installing almost 19,000 meters of fencing to improve conservation grazing and safeguarding over 80 hectares of coastal slopes to protect iconic coastal species. In addition, over 50 hectares of hay meadows and 50 hectares of species-rich permanent pasture have been created, enhancing biodiversity and supporting soil health.

As the project enters its final months, the team will continue to provide tailored support and advice to landowners, while closely monitoring the ecological outcomes of habitat restoration efforts. The project is committed to deepening conversations with both farmers and the Welsh Government to secure sustainable farming support and ensure that nature recovery remains a top priority in Pembrokeshire and beyond.

Connecting the Coast has received financial support from the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Landscapes, Sustainable Places fund.

Although applications for funding are now closed, further information about the project can be obtained by emailing Clare Flynn at [email protected].