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.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

15 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

24 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.