Community

Pembrokeshire Springboard students become best sellers!

Published

5 years ago

June 15, 2019

SPRINGBOARD students who took part in its ‘Be a Best Seller Course’ were invited to Glan-yr-Afon library and cultural centre in Haverfordwest for the official launch of their newly published books last week.

Gelliswick Church in Wales V.C School, Mary Immaculate Catholic Primary School, Tenby Church in Wales VC Primary School and Johnston Community School were the four schools to get involved in this Big Lottery funded project, delivered by Springboard.

On each of the ‘Be a Best Seller’ courses families got to work with three different tutors, in English, Illustration and Design, and Technology.

With their guidance, the families in each school got to work as a team to develop their own unique children’s stories.

They were inspired by the New York Times bestseller Press Here by Herve Tullet which the project coordinator discovered with her daughter on holiday last year.

Like Press Here, each book created by the families on “Be a Best Seller” invites the reader to physically interact with each page to prompt changes to the story that follows.

Gelliswick’s book, A Walk in the Forest, gets the reader blowing on leaves and turning like a bat.

Tenby’s book, The Snow Party, sees snow people getting on sledges and stumbling upon a Snow Dog.

The Perfect Home by Mary Immaculate follows a dragon on its journey from a little egg to a full grown adult in search of somewhere special to stay in Pembrokeshire.

And in Johnston’s book called The Christmas Tree the reader gets to choose their own tree, decorate it and light it up all ready for Santa to deliver his presents.

The families attending the book launch from all four schools were thrilled to see all their work come together in print.

Deborah Withey, the artist who led the families in the illustration and page designs of all four books, said: “The output of imagination and positivity was so high given that the concept of both writing a story and then telling that same story in images is a very big task.

“And what is more than worth noting is how well the children and their parents worked together, the children took the imaginative lead and their parents followed with supporting ideas. This project was a force of creative magic!”

Both the hard backed books and the e-books can be freely accessed from Pembrokeshire libraries around the county.

Laura Phillips, Springboard Coordinator was hugely impressed by the creativity of every learner who engaged on the project. The success of each book was hammered home to her when her daughter, just three years old, said “Again Mammy, again!” after being read each of the stories.

Springboard is a Learning Pembrokeshire project which runs a wide range of fun, free and exciting courses for adults and families in targeted areas.

Gelliswick

Gelliswick pupils and parents with copies of their colourful book A Walk in the Forest

Mary Immaculate

Families and pupils from Mary Immaculate proudly displaying their book The Perfect Home

Tenby

Tenby Primary pupils and their families produced The Snow Party
with the support of Springboard.

Johnston

Pupils and families Johnston Community School worked hard on their book The Christmas Tree

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

10 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

19 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

21 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.