Community
College educates footballers in the Malaysian rainforest
PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE has been recruiting international students for over twenty years. From the United Arab Emirates, China and Hong Kong, the usual countries that educational institutions recruit from – but the rainforest in Malaysia, now this must surely be a first!
Travel one hour east of Kuala Lumpur to Janda Baik and you will find yourself in the heart of a tropical rainforest where your senses will be overwhelmed by the vibrancy of the tropical flora and fauna and the undeniable scent of Durian (the only fruit banned by most hotels in South East Asia).
However, what you won’t be expecting to stumble across in this tropical setting is a 12-acre clearing, 600–800 meters above sea level – the home to a modern floodlit football academy.
Frenz Football Academy opened its doors in 2011 to offer young and talented Malaysian footballers the opportunity to develop their sporting prowess alongside achieving academic qualifications.
“The emphasis on a robust educational programme is what makes the club stand apart from so many other sports academies. Our vision is to revive Malaysian football to international standards. We believe a solid professional football training program coupled with quality education will get us world-class football champions from among our youth,” said Sopiah Suid, Director of Education at Frenz.
Although situated 7,000 miles away in west Wales, Pembrokeshire College developed a bespoke package for privately owned Frenz Football Academy. The students, who are fully sponsored, are able to commence on a bridging programme that focuses on English reading, writing and study skills; strong students’ progress directly onto blended iGCSE subjects (online and classroom based) and others to a preparation for iGCSE programme.
Pembrokeshire College worked closely with the Academy to develop a blended learning programme that took into account the demands of a rapidly developing football team at a time when they were starting to be recognised by the Malaysian football league as a serious squad with big ambitions.
Alongside playing matches at home and abroad, hosting friendly games with clubs such as Liverpool u18s, and being coached by world-class footballers including Steve McManaman, the boys have been more than eager to put some of their energy into their studies. McManaman is the Frenz Academy technical advisor whose main focus is to scout for young talent, across Malaysia and Indonesia for the club.
“The opportunity to transport the benefits of a British education from one remote corner of the earth to another has been both challenging and rewarding; we feel privileged to be part of such an exciting project,” said Hayley Williams, International, Pembrokeshire College.
Frenz now have plans to expand their football philosophy to Indonesia with a little help from their friends at Pembrokeshire College.
Community
Friends of west Wales museum aim to keep Bronze Age treasure local

THE FRIENDS of Ceredigion Museum in Aberystwyth are seeking support to keep a nationally important hoard of Bronze Age metalwork in the county.
The exciting find of more than 50 bronze tools, weapons and body ornaments was made by metal detectorists Craig Hearne and Kieran Slade in Llangeitho in 2020.
This find of a lifetime was declared as treasure by a coroner under the Treasure Act and an opportunity was given to purchase the hoard for the sum of £4,200.
The Friends of Ceredigion Museum are now raising the funds necessary to ensure that the treasure remains in Ceredigion.
Bronze Age hoards are exceptionally rare in in Ceredigion, where only two vague historical accounts of finds had previously been registered. Their discovery offers important new understanding of the styles and metalworking traditions in Ceredigion around 3,000 years ago.
Their burial represents a considerable gathering of people, choosing to gift their prized bronze objects into the ground, probably as an expression of deep held religious beliefs.
The location of the hoards was investigated by Dyfed Archaeological Trust soon after the finds were reported as treasure, with emergency funding provided by Cadw.
Carrie Canham, Ceredigion Museum curator, said: “We’re very excited at the prospect of keeping these unique and hugely important finds in Ceredigion.
“The hoard offers an important opportunity to glean more information about our prehistoric ancestors and we congratulate the Friends of Ceredigion Museum on their tireless efforts to keep this unique treasure in Ceredigion.”
Bronwen Morgan, Friends of Ceredigion Museum president, said: “This is exciting news about a unique and rare discovery from the Bronze Age in Ceredigion. It is a treasure in the true sense of the word and we are anxious to keep it in Ceredigion.
“We will do all that we can as Friends of Ceredigion Museum to raise the funds to ensure that we and the generations to come can preserve, see and appreciate our heritage in Ceredigion. These items have been in Ceredigion for about 3,000 years and we will now try and make sure that they remain here.”
To learn more and to support their efforts please visit the Friends of Ceredigion Museum website at www.friendsofceredigionmuseum.com
Community
Setting sail into the unknown: Edward’s epic journey from Milford Haven to Auckland

FOR Milford Haven resident Edward Neale, the inspiration to embark on an epic sailing journey across the globe germinated over many years. A seasoned sailor, he harbored dreams of venturing beyond European waters once retired. Little did he know that this desire would blossom into a remarkable voyage, taking him from the tranquil shores of Milford Haven to the vibrant city of Auckland.
Contrary to the trend of charitable sailing expeditions, Neale’s journey wasn’t motivated by a cause. Instead, it was fueled by a deep-seated desire to reunite with his daughter in Auckland, and the aspiration to achieve something profoundly memorable in the process.
Neale’s journey wasn’t his first encounter with the sea. His sailing roots trace back to the 1970s as a member of Milford Haven Sea Cadets, navigating Royal Navy boats and battling seasickness in the English Channel. His maritime journey continued through the merchant navy, sailing a 31ft Westerly Longbow in the 2000s, and culminated in the acquisition of his 38 ft motor sailor Light Symphony, in 2017.
Light Symphony, a 38ft motor sailor built by Austrian company Sunbeam, served as Neale’s steadfast companion. Acquired in 2017, he meticulously outfitted the vessel over two years in Milford Marina, transforming it into a seafaring haven. With two cabins, a well-equipped wheelhouse, and a spacious cockpit, the vessel endured the challenges of the open ocean, a testament to both craftsmanship and Neale’s determination.

Neale’s extensive maritime background, including a four-year deck cadetship, RYA sailing qualification, and experience in the merchant navy, provided him with a solid foundation. Additionally, courses in handling medical emergencies at sea further fortified his readiness for the challenges that lay ahead.
Divided into four stages, the journey commenced in the summer of 2022. Neale’s wife, Janet, joined him for the initial stage to Portugal. Subsequent stages saw the company of friends Phil Jones and Phil Astles, with solo segments navigating the vast expanses of the Atlantic and Pacific.
Unexpected challenges arose, notably encounters with orcas off the coast of Spain. Neale recollects; ” When we reached Gijon in Spain we met a young couple with two small children who had experienced an encounter with orcas. This was a danger I was never expecting to have to deal with. A pod of orcas have taken it upon themselves to “attack” sailing boats by damaging the boat’s rudders, disabling the yachts and forcing them to be towed into port for repairs. There have been many “attacks” over the past few years, with three yachts being sunk when the damage to the rudders caused uncontrolled water ingress.”
Having not anticipated such a threat, Neale adjusted his course, navigating close to the coast to minimize the risk. The Pacific Ocean presented its own trials, with multiple instances of rigging failures requiring innovative repairs, showcasing Neale’s resilience and seamanship.
Choosing to navigate the Panama Canal without a local agent, Neale faced initial difficulties with the canal authority’s web platform. Despite setbacks, he persevered, hiring line handlers and overcoming the unique challenges of providing meals for advisors and crew during the transit.
Low points punctuated the journey during rigging failures, where the imminent collapse of the mast posed a threat to both speed and watertight integrity. Conversely, repairing the rig was a high point, instilling confidence for the remainder of the voyage. The ultimate high was reaching New Zealand, lifting the weight of sailing with a damaged rig.
Gale-force headwinds near New Zealand halted progress for 24 hours, testing both Neale and Light Symphony. The vessel weathered the storm, a testament to its seaworthiness and Neale’s navigational skill.
A failed battery charging system early in the voyage led to the loss of fresh food. Relying on tinned food, Neale made a crucial stop at Rarotonga for fresh supplies during a period of calm weather. The on-board water maker ensured an uninterrupted supply of fresh water.
Fishing attempts varied, with success in the Atlantic but disappointment in the Pacific. Neale’s resourcefulness extended beyond repairs to navigating the challenges of sourcing sustenance on the open sea.
From Milford to Auckland, the journey spanned several stages, totaling months at sea. The Pacific Ocean crossing alone consumed 73 days. While Neale had commitments, the voyage unfolded with a balance between purposeful progression and the unpredictable nature of the open ocean.
A daily blog chronicled Neale’s odyssey, providing a firsthand account of the challenges and triumphs. Expressing interest in its publication, the blog stands as a testament to the highs and lows of his maritime adventure.
Neale expressed gratitude to his former colleague Ian Swales, friend Denzil from Ratsey’s Sailmakers, his daughter Rosie for liaising with New Zealand authorities, and a special thank you to his wife Janet for enduring his prolonged absence and the stresses it entailed.
Having achieved his goals in long-distance sailing, Neale envisions future adventures on two wheels, leaning towards motorcycle touring as his next favored pastime.
In sharing his wisdom, Neale emphasizes the need for comprehensive preparation. From tools and spares to diverse knowledge on mechanics, navigation, and survival, he advocates self-sufficiency and a deep understanding of one’s vessel. Knowing the boat inside out, undertaking maintenance personally and being ready for anything are paramount for those aspiring to undertake similar odysseys.
Reflecting on the Pacific crossing, Neale expressed regret at the limited time to explore island groups, citing the need to stay ahead of cyclone seasons. Acknowledging the impact of seasonal timing on the voyage’s enjoyment, he recognizes the delicate balance between commitment and exploration.”
PICTURED ABOVE: Arrival in New Zealand. Edward, Rosie (daughter), Harry (Rosie’s partner)
Community
Jane Dodds MS supports Christmas Jumper Day

JANE DODDS MS for Mid and West Wales has supported Save the Children’s annual Christmas Jumper Day fundraiser on Thursday 7th December by donning their favourite festive knit.
Since 2012, the charity has raised more than £35 million for children around the world by calling on kindred-hearts to help make the world better with a sweater. Funds raised through Christmas Jumper Day will help children get access to food, healthcare, and education.
This year has been far from easy for families living on the lowest incomes in Wales, and part of the money raised will also go towards supporting Save the Children Cymru’s work in providing grants to buy food and essential household items and making sure children can thrive within their communities.
The charity hopes to make this Christmas Jumper Day the most sustainable and ‘green’ one yet and is urging everyone to dig out an old jumper and decorate it with festive trimmings, instead of buying a new jumper. Many schools and organisations are also holding a Christmas Jumper Swap Shop to save the environment, save money and save lives.
Jane Dodds MS has joined with thousands of others in all corners of Wales by wearing their Christmas jumper to promote the day.
Commenting, Jane Dodds MS said: “Everyone can take part in Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day on 7th December to support children across the globe.
Whether it’s adding decorations to an old jumper, re-wearing last year’s knit, or swapping a woolly with a friend, anything goes – and the more sustainable the better!”
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