News
Council to consult on new school names
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has agreed that more consultation is needed with members of the public on the names of the two new schools in Haverfordwest.
Cabinet members had been asked to approve the Instruments of Government, which included the new names, for three new schools at their meeting on Monday (Nov 27).
However, Cabinet member for Education, Cllr David Lloyd, said that because of the amount of interest in the names of the two schools in Haverfordwest, further consultation would be needed with the public.
The new Welsh Medium School in Haverfordwest has been named Ysgol Y Garreg Las whilst the other 11-19 school was named Haverfordia VC High School.
The instrument of government for the school in the St Davids peninsula, named Ysgol yr Eglwys yng Nghymru Penrhyn Dewi, which is to be shortened to Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, was approved by the Cabinet.
Cllr Lloyd stated that the temporary governing bodies were currently working on preparations for the schools to be opened in September 2018.
He added: “The three governing bodies have chosen a name for their schools, the name has to be incorporated into the instrument of government for the schools which also details the composition of the new governing body.
“While the composition of the governing bodies is laid out in Welsh Government regulations, there are no regulations by which a school is named. Each governing body sought suggestions for names from the school community and used these as a basis for discussion.
“It’s almost inevitable that a chosen name will not win universal approval, however, there is a strong rationale behind the selection of the three names.
“First of all, Ysgol Y Garreg Las, this has been chosen because of the association with Preseli Bluestones and the symbolism of strength, in addition a feature of the new site will be a stone believed to date from the 18th century.
“The other school, Haverfordia, is an ancient name for Haverfordwest. The school is a voluntary controlled school because of its association with the Tasker Milward and Sir Thomas Picton charities.
“The use of Haverfordia and High in the name, as well as suggesting aspiration, would differentiate the school from the existing school known as Haverfordwest VC Junior School.
“The new 3-16 school on the St Davids peninsula located on three sites, in St Davids and Solva is a church in Wales Voluntary Aided School. In requesting Ysgol yr Eglwys yng Nghymru Penrhyn Dewi, the temporary governing body is emphasising that the school is serving the peninsula and has chosen a name which identifies its location, distinguishing it from the new school in Hundleton and is expected to be shortened to Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi.
“However, whilst there has been consultation with parents and pupils and governors, I know there are continued concerns about the names of the new Welsh and English medium schools in Haverfordwest, accordingly I recommend further consultation with the wider community by the temporary governing bodies, given the considerable public interest in these matters.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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
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.
-
News1 day ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Top News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Top News5 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
News7 days ago
Dyfed-Powys Police launches attempted murder investigation
-
News7 days ago
Heroes of the storm: How Council workers rallied during rare red wind warning
-
Top News6 days ago
Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat
-
News6 days ago
Engine room fire caused by loose fuel pipe connection previously flagged
-
News6 days ago
Children seen kicking and ‘egging’ doors near Pembrokeshire train station in early hours