News
Darwin Centre celebrating anniversary
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.”
Health
Senedd votes to ban single-use vapes
A VOTE has been passed in the Senedd today introducing new regulations to prohibit the supply of single-use vapes in Wales.
Introducing The Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (Wales) Regulations 2024 to prohibit the supply (including for free) of single-use vapes in Wales will be another crucial step in tackling the litter and plastic pollution which blight our streets and environment.
Following the vote in the Senedd, the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “This is a major step forward in tackling throwaway culture and the environmental impacts of single-use vapes. This is a key priority for the Welsh Government, and we continue to work with the other UK nations to address these challenges.
“Removing single-use vapes from the supply chain will stop them harming wildlife and the environment when they’re littered or sent to landfill. This ban will mean we generate less waste, clean up our streets, and protect nature and wildlife.”
The Regulations will come into force on 1 June 2025.
The Welsh Government has worked closely with UK Government and other Devolved Governments on this matter with all Nations commencing the bans at the same time.
This will enable the bans to be co-ordinated to improve compliance and help provide a consistent approach to enforcement across the UK.
No single-use vapes can be sold or given away for free after 1 June 2025. Businesses should speak to their suppliers now about ordering alternatives and start to educate staff and inform customers.
Businesses will need to organise, for their customers, the eventual safe disposal of their single-use vapes.
Crime
Man accused of ‘parasitic behaviour’ used woman for sex, money and drink
A PEMBROKESHIRE man accused of exploiting a vulnerable woman for sex, accommodation, finances, and alcohol has been made the subject of an interim Stalking Protection Order.
Mark Ion, 53, is set to be released from custody next Thursday, December 19.
This week, Dyfed-Powys Police solicitor Simon Schwarz urged Haverfordwest magistrates to impose the order to protect the victim, whom he described as “vulnerable, with drug and alcohol addiction issues.”
“She has been preyed upon by the defendant since September 2023,” Mr Schwarz told the court on Tuesday (Dec 10). “He has demonstrated parasitic behaviour towards her, using her for accommodation, finances, drink, and sex.
As soon as he’s released, he’ll be back, exhibiting coercive and controlling behaviour. His criminal record shows extreme violence towards women.”
Ion is accused of a prolonged period of control and abuse over the victim, with incidents dating back to October 2023.
Mr Schwarz presented harrowing evidence of Ion’s behaviour, including instances of violence and coercion.
- October 6, 2023: A member of the public reported seeing Ion with the victim on a bench in Haverfordwest. The victim appeared intoxicated and barely conscious, slumped against Ion, who was seen with his hands inside her trousers. The victim was taken to the hospital but had no memory of the incident.
- October 30, 2023: A 999 call led officers to an address in Slade Park, Haverfordwest, where the victim was found with a swollen eye. She alleged that Ion had hit her. At the time, Ion was subject to a restraining order prohibiting contact with another woman living on the same street as the victim.
- October 24, 2023: Ion and the victim were seen arguing on a bus from Haverfordwest to Pembroke Dock. Ion, drinking whisky, threatened to hit the victim with the bottle and struck another woman who intervened. This assault led to a custodial sentence.
- November 21, 2023: A neighbour called 999 after hearing someone kicking the victim’s door. Ion was heard shouting, “Open the door, you f****** bitch,” while the victim was described as cowering like “a timid animal.”
Further incidents occurred, including a violent attack on June 8, 2024, when Ion punched the victim after she refused to have sex with him.
According to Mr Schwarz, Ion continued to harass the victim while in custody, sending letters that terrified her, including claims they would marry and have children.
Ion, currently serving a custodial sentence for an unrelated matter, appeared via video link from HM Parc Prison in Bridgend. He became aggressive during the hearing, leading prison staff to mute his comments.
After reviewing the evidence, magistrates imposed an interim Stalking Protection Order, effective from Ion’s release until a full hearing at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on December 31. The order aims to safeguard the victim and prevent further contact.
“This is a woman who needs protection. It’s now clear her life is at risk,” Mr Schwarz concluded.
Community
Festive Friends spread cheer again at Milford Haven School
THE FESTIVE FRIENDS of Milford Haven School are back, bringing their Christmas magic to the community for a second year running.
Following the success of last year’s initiative, the Festive Friends project has returned to combat loneliness and spread holiday cheer. This heartwarming effort is made possible through support from the Ascona Community Foundation, whose funding has helped the students kick off another season of joy.
The pupils marked the start of Advent by visiting Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre, where they hosted a festive afternoon for the Stroke Survivors Group. Attendees were treated to Christmas bingo, seasonal quizzes, and delicious treats, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.
One Milford Haven student reflected on the experience, saying: “It was an honour to be part of this project and socialise with the older members of our community. Their stories are so interesting, and they’re so funny.” Another student added: “I’m so happy our school lets us work with the community. It’s inspired me to give back in the future.”
The project’s impact was felt deeply by attendees, with one guest commenting: “This was such a lovely way to start the countdown to Christmas. I don’t get out much, so it was wonderful to be among friends and chat with young people from our community.” Another remarked: “The students were so polite and kind. The school should be incredibly proud of them.”
With its second year proving just as successful as the first, the Festive Friends project has once again highlighted the power of community, kindness, and Christmas spirit.
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