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Milford Haven: Five recognised for making a difference

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THE ACHIEVEMENTS of five hard-working women who have made a huge difference in their community in Milford Haven have been recognised nationally in the TPAS Cymru awards.

Sarah Howlin, Kimberly Phillips, Leeanna Povey, Linda Rose and Catrin Tattersall won third place in the Community Action category for their work on the Mount Estate.

Together, as the Mount Estate Play and Participation Team (MEPPT), they provide free weekly play sessions for families in a friendly and welcoming environment at the Orchard Community Centre.

There is a wide selection of toys and games together with a number of art and craft activities and a fire pit where families can chat and toast marshmallows.

On behalf of the team, Leeanna and Catrin attended the gala awards ceremony in Cardiff where they were presented with the award.

Leeanna said the team’s first reaction to hearing they’d been shortlisted was to burst out laughing.

“It’s not the sort of news you’re used to having,” she said. “Two of us went to the ceremony and we were both nervous wrecks and didn’t know what to expect, but everyone was lovely and we are a very happy household!”

Leeanna said the number attending the playgroup varies from week to week, with numbers up to 50 sometimes.

“It’s very rewarding,” she said. “Part of what we’re trying to do is to get the community together; there’s lots here for families to do, you can have a gas and if there’s something wrong we’re here for each other.”

She added that the team are keen to share their experience and will be attending Playday at Scolton Manor on Wednesday, August 1 to talk to others who are thinking of setting up similar groups.

Before launching the play sessions, MEPPT undertook a number of accredited courses, with help from Learning Pembrokeshire and the Council’s Learning and Development team. They have also been supported by Dyfed Powys Police and Milford Haven Town Council.

Damian Golden, Play Sufficiency Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, supports the group along with Nia Davies, with training, grants and funding advice. He said he was delighted their work had been recognised.

“I’ve worked in this sector for many years and their journey is something very special indeed,” he said. “They really are changing things in their community. What they’ve achieved is extraordinary. It doesn’t happen every day.

“This award is important in that it cements their self-worth and is empowering – knowing that they have the strength to change things.”

Cllr Josh Beynon, County Councillor for Pembroke Dock (Llanion ward) is among those impressed by their work.

He said: “It’s a great testament to the parents who run the play activities on the Mount Estate to be taking home a national award from TPAS.

“Through their hard work they have proved that they are able to bring together a community and I hope they have inspired other communities across Pembrokeshire to undertake similar pieces of work to help those who need it.”

Nia Davies, County Council Housing Customer Liaison Officer, submitted the award nomination to TPAS along with Damian Golden.

She said: “This is a first for a Pembrokeshire County Council group to be nominated and awarded a national TPAS Social Housing Participation Award and I can think of no one more deserving than MEPPT!

“I hope other parents are inspired by this amazing group and are encouraged to do the same as it really does provide invaluable benefits to all members of the community.”

 

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Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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