News

Haverfordwest: Teachers on strike following redundancy concerns

Published

7 years ago

June 12, 2018

TEACHERS from Tasker Milward and Sir Thomas Picton schools are on strike in Haverfordwest today (Jun 12) during an important exam period for pupils.

Nearly 100 teachers are involved in the strike over fears of job losses as the two schools merge to form a new one – Haverfordwest High VC School, which will open in September.

The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) members voted to strike as frustrations hit a new high last month.

This morning a protest was held outside County Hall, with members of staff brandishing signs with phrases such as ‘let down by governors’ written on them.

Those on strike are asking for a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies for at least two years once the new school is formed – something that Pembrokeshire County Council say they cannot promise.

A spokesperson for the Council said: “The local authority and the governing body are disappointed by the decision of the NASUWT to pursue industrial action after a period of protracted negotiations where there has been compromise on both sides.

“They do not accept that they have refused to continue negotiating with the NASUWT. Indeed the offer to the trade union to meet with the local authority and governors remained open last week but no response was received from the NASUWT.

“It is however true that the temporary governing body cannot concede to the demand of the NASUWT that there be no compulsory redundancies for two years.

“This is because there are no guarantees of funding at a national or local level and this could leave a legacy funding position that would be untenable for the permanent governing body.

“Agreement has been offered for an 18 months guarantee to ensure staffing remains consistent during the period the school is on a split site and if this arrangement was to continue then the staffing model would also continue.”

The teachers will be protesting later against this month on June 28, then again on July 11.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

19 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

20 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

21 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.