News

Calls for STP hall to be kept

Published

6 years ago

July 27, 2018

COUNCILLORS have called for the main hall at Sir Thomas Picton School (STP) to be kept as part of any new school to be built on the site.

At a meeting of Full Council on Thursday (Jul 26) members were presented with a report from the Task and Finish Group that recommended the STP site as the preferred option for the new school.

Members voted by a clear majority to accept the STP site as the preferred location of the new school but were told that the cost of refurbishing the hall would be greater than that of a newly-built school.

Cllr Jamie Adams spoke of the challenges that still existed with Portfield School pupils travelling to the STP site adding that they must meet their needs.

He added: “There are significant elements that do not need to be demolished but if STP is to be the preferred site there could be a partial new-build and partial re-generation.”

Cllr David Bryan said: “This has been a long arduous journey with a lot of obstacles put in place. There is light at the end of the tunnel and I hope that light isn’t another train coming.”

Cllr Jacob Williams added that the council could ‘at least’ investigate the possibility of a part refurbishment and part new build.

He went on to say: “The school hall is very well built, it may not be in the greatest condition and the acoustics would never be built to those standards these days. It would be a great shame to lose the hall as it is. I have concerns that if a new hall was built that it would not be built to the scale to what it is now.

“The BBC Wales orchestra also performs in the hall and it would be a great loss to Haverfordwest as a venue for that type of activity.”

Cllr Tom Tudor said it had been a ‘rollercoaster ride’ but that they had finally got the solution that everyone in Haverfordwest had wanted.

Cllr Paul Rapi said: “This is quite a unique hall for its size and the way it can be used. There are a lot of things that you can’t get anywhere else. I think it would be better money spent on refurbishing the hall and making it an asset to the school and the people of Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire.”

Head of Highways and Construction Darren Thomas told members that the Welsh Government had received the technical note from the council and added that he had not had any negative comments back.

He also told members that they would be holding a meeting on Monday.

Cllr Bryan asked what would happen to the Tasker Milward site but Cllr Bob Kilmister said that was yet to be decided.

Cabinet member for Education, Cllr David Lloyd said: “There has been considerable tumult and difficulty in resolving this issue. The overwhelming demand was for the STP site and that is to be fulfilled.

“With regards to the music hall, there are difficulties in keeping a building for many years but the way to do this work is with a new build.”

Cllr Paul Miller added: “The authority has not covered itself in glory; we could have been on site delivering a school and been half way through. We can’t see this process happen like this again. I’m very positive that we have the right outcome. The work we need to do now will determine exactly what the new school will look like.”

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

3 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

3 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

4 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.