Community

£8 million investment for Tenby schools

Published

11 years ago

April 4, 2014

EDUCATION CHIEFS at County Hall are celebrating following news that their plans for £8.37 million investment into Tenby primary schools have been approved.

The exciting proposals by Pembrokeshire County Council will result in two new schools: a new 3-11 English medium Voluntary Controlled Primary School in a brand new building, to be constructed next to the current Junior school; a new 3-11 Welsh medium Community Primary School on the site of the current Junior school.

The total cost of £8.37 million will be shared between the County Council and the Welsh Government’s 21st Century School programme.

“This is amazing news for Tenby,” said Councillor Ken Rowlands, Cabinet Member for Children and Schools.

“These two new schools will provide children in the area with the very best educational start in life.

“It also demonstrates the investment which County Council is determined to continue to make into the education and future of our young people.”

The proposals were approved by Huw Lewis, Minister for Education and Skills, who said: “The establishment of the new schools will promote a high standard of education provision, with purpose-built facilities for 21st century schools.”

His approval follows consultation by the County Council with parents, staff and governors of the Tenby VC Infants School and Tenby Junior Community School in 2012 and the publication of a Statutory Notice in 2013.

The Welsh Government also said the Minister was satisfied the local authority had dealt with the five objections satisfactorily. The new primary schools’ catchment areas will remain the same as the areas currently shared by the present schools. Planning permission will be sought for the new build for the English medium school, which will have capacity for 318 pupils.

The school will have a designated religious character and will maintain the role of the church in the provision of primary education in Tenby. It will have a two-classroom unit for children with Special Educational Needs, a 30-place nursery classroom and 15 places accommodated within a mixed nursery/reception classroom. There will also be provision for an early years’ playgroup. The capacity of the Welsh medium school will be 210 pupils, plus a 30-place nursery classroom, a quiet area and outdoor play facilities.

Major refurbishments took place in 2006, as a result of which all classrooms have direct access to the outside environment. Some remodelling will be required to accommodate the Foundation Phase pupils. The formation of a Welsh medium primary school comes as a result of a growing trend for Welsh medium education in the Tenby area and the strong record of progression to secondary Welsh Medium.

Tenby VC Infant and Tenby Junior Schools both offer a daily breakfast club and a number of lunchtime and after school clubs. It is proposed to continue this in the new schools, and it is anticipated that there will be potential to further develop the ‘wrap around care’ in the Tenby area. The proposals are due to be implemented with effect from August 31 2016.

From that date, pupils attending Tenby VC Infants School or Tenby Junior School will, subject to the expression of parental preference, transfer to either of the new schools.

The proposals are subject to the Council obtaining planning permission for the new or remodelled school buildings by 31st December 2014.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.

Community

Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN came together once again on Christmas Day for the annual ‘Christmas Together’ event, a cherished tradition that has been running since December 2012.

Organised by Mayor Cllr William Elliott and his consort Lloyd Jones, alongside Cllr Colin Sharp and the dedicated Christmas Together Committee, the event provided warmth, community spirit, and festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

Volunteers played an essential role, with special thanks extended to Claire and her kitchen team, who prepared and served a delicious Christmas meal for all attendees. Milford Haven Town Band added a festive soundtrack to the day, while support from Milford Haven Fire Station and numerous volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly.

The event, which aims to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many, was described as a resounding success. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated money, items, and their time to make the day special.

A spokesperson for the event said: “As another year closes, we would like to thank all those that made Christmas Together 2024 so amazing. Great day, great company, and so good to see the community working together.”

Special recognition was also given to Marble Hall Mini Market for their kind donation of a festive hamper.

The Christmas Together raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the day, with generous donations from supporters.

A special thank you was extended to Mariam Dalziel and the team from South Hook for kindly donating an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet as one of the raffle prizes. Other prizes included a hamper of wine, a tower of temptation (chocolates and Prosecco), chocolate tub hampers, and many more.

Preparations for the event began well in advance, with invitations being posted on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The dedicated team behind this effort included Leanne from Milford Haven Post Office, Mayor Cllr William Elliott, Cllr Guy Woodham (Founder and Chair of Christmas Together), and Cllr Colin Sharp (Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre).

The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community spirit in Milford Haven, with attendees leaving with full hearts and warm smiles.

Merry Christmas to all from the Christmas Together team!

Community

Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Tenby, Councillor Dai Morgan, has delivered a warm and heartfelt Christmas message to the community.

Cllr Morgan praised the town’s ‘resilient and united’ spirit, reflecting on the ‘kindness and generosity’ that have defined Tenby throughout the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering community support that continues to make the town ‘a truly special place to call home.’

Acknowledging the challenges many families face this year, including the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Cllr Morgan encouraged residents to embrace the core values of the festive season: peace, compassion, and hope.

“Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on what truly matters, and to share moments of joy and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

The mayor extended his heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe and supported over the festive season. This included the police, RNLI, health services, fire crews, HM Coastguard, carers, and all frontline workers.

He also highlighted the vital contributions of Tenby’s voluntary organisations, who continue to bring comfort and joy to those who may feel isolated or face hardship during the holidays.

“Without the dedication and compassion of our voluntary groups, our town would lose so much of its heart. Their efforts make a real difference, and they deserve our gratitude and support every single day,” Cllr Morgan added.

Reflecting on the year gone by, he shared how humbled he felt meeting so many inspiring individuals who contribute to the town’s rich tapestry of community life. Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism and a renewed sense of gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues.

Cllr Morgan concluded his message with warm wishes for the season:

“May this Christmas bring you moments of happiness, peace, and togetherness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.”