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Tenby: Carer shortlisted for major award

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A YOUNG woman from Tenby who checked out of a career in the hospitality business to become a carer has been shortlisted for a major award.

Shani Escott, 26, began her working life as a bar and restaurant manager at a hotel in Tenby when she was in her teens but, after taking a break to have her first child, realised the life wasn’t for her and that she’d rather be caring for people.

She became a care practitioner at Forest Care Ltd’s Pen-Coed residential home in Saundersfoot and has won a reputation for being a dedicated and professional member of the team who does her best to ensure people in her care lead an enriched and fulfilling life.

It is this commitment and enthusiasm in her caring role that has landed Shani a place in the final of major national competition, the 2017 Wales Care Awards.

This is the 15th anniversary of the awards and the glittering presentation ceremony will be held at City Hall in Cardiff on Friday, November 17, and will be hosted by tenor and radio presenter Wynne Evans, better known as Gio Compario from the Go Compare TV ads.

The awards are in association with Care Forum Wales, a not-for-profit organisation set up in 1993 to give independent care providers a single professional voice with which to speak on one of the most important issues of our time – how to provide better quality care for those who need it most.

Shani, who lives in Tenby with her daughter Lucianna, six, and son Mylo, four, is shortlisted in the Residential Care Practitioner category.

Born and raised in the city of Bath across the border in England, Shani moved with her family to Tenby, where they’d gone for regular summer holidays, at the age of 11.

Leaving Ysgol Greenhill at 16, she enrolled on an apprentice at a hotel in the town and while working there studied for a hospitality and customer service qualification.

But, at 19, after taking a maternity break to have first daughter, Shani decided it was time for a radical change of career direction.

She said: “With a young child it was difficult to go on doing split shifts at the hotel and as I’d always wanted to go into the care sector I thought I’d give it a try.

“I got a job as a care officer at Pen-Coed, where my mum is now registered manager, and loved it right away as I see myself as a caring person.

“We have 20 permanent residents, the majority of whom have dementia, and we’re having an extension built for an additional five beds.

“Lots of people dread going to work in the mornings but that’s not how it is with me. I love making people feel happy and special.”

Typical of how Shani goes out of her way to achieve this is the regular programme of visits she arranges for residents to tea dances, pottery groups, swimming pools and jacuzzis.

At the home a big hit all round was the Halloween party she masterminded, inviting local children to play games with the residents. The youngsters were also guests when she ran a Christmas party complete with a real donkey and Santa’s grotto in which Shani helped hand out the presents.

After taking a nutrition and hydration course she organised a healthy afternoon tea for residents at which she and fellow staff appeared in Victorian costume.

Shania said: “For me, it’s all about enriching the lives of residents, making them feel more comfortable and getting them to stay active – and not feeling that life stops just because they’re in a residential home.

“I love organising outings and events and having a laugh and joke with people. I like to tell my children that I look after people because it makes me feel happy and proud.”

She added: “I was absolutely gobsmacked when I was nominated for the Wales Care Awards. But I couldn’t have got where I am today without the help of the staff who work with me at the home, so I see this as recognition for them as well as myself.

“There will be a team of them with me when I attend the presentation evening in Cardiff and we’re all really looking forward to it.”

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards had gone from strength to strength.

He said: “The event is now firmly established as one of the highlights in the Welsh social care calendar.

“The aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines across Wales.

“The care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job it’s a vocation – these are the people who really do have the X Factor.

“If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

“We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce – they deserve to be lauded and applauded.

“It is a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement.”

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

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SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

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Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

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ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

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Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

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ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.

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