News

Darwin Centre celebrating anniversary

Published

6 years ago

October 2, 2018

THE DARWIN CENTRE, which has been engaging communities and schools in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths since 1994, has seen its flagship education programme reach its 13th anniversary.

The Darwin Experience – sponsored by Dragon LNG – was launched in October 2005 and has since provided over 30,000 of Pembrokeshire’s young people with free hands-on experiential field trips and workshops.

The 2018 /19 academic year which has just begun sees the project enter the 3rd and final year of a case study trailing a new programme of work which is developed to support the incoming new curriculum for Wales, due for a full roll out in 2020.

Over the last 3 years around 700 pupils from Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock have been taking part in the education initiative which sees the Darwin Centre work closely with the schools, teachers, Pembrokeshire County Council, and representatives from ERW (Education Regional Working).

The project has received sector leading practice form Welsh Government and has gained the interest of education authorities outside of Pembrokeshire.

Working with year 4, 5, and 6 pupils on an expert-led syllabus, with teacher guidance notes, and ideas around extension lessons across the curriculum, the project is breaking new ground.

With liaison directly between the primary and secondary schools, there is a new level of understanding and support which is helping to shape new ideas for pupil development.

Teachers are feeding lessons which are inspired by the programme into a shared database so that other teachers in the cohort can share their best practice. Alongside the case study, the Dragon LNG Darwin Experience is also committed to working with all schools in Pembrokeshire.

The case study comes to an end in July 2019 and a full report will detail all of the learning and outcomes.

Darwin Centre Executive Director Marten said: ‘I would like to thank Dragon LNG for their continued support which has made the last 13 years and this very important case study possible, I would also like to thank all the Heads, teachers & pupils, and in particular Kate Andrews from ERW/ Milford Haven School, and Kate Evan- Hughes, Director of Children and Schools, Pembs County Council.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

16 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

17 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

18 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.