News

Protest in support of Rhys

Published

11 years ago

October 4, 2013

Tom Sinclair

Hundreds of pupils refused to attend classes in support of Rhys Jonson

HUNDREDS of schoolchildren protested outside Milford Haven Comprehensive School on Friday morning in support of a pupil who they feel has been unfairly treated. As reported in last weeks Herald, Rhys Johnson shaved his head for charity recently in support of his auntie who has recently diagnosed with cancer. Also part of the fund raising action was Tesni Dockerty, a pupil from Tasker Milward School. Rhys was warned by the headteacher of the Milford school that if he went ahead with the fundraising event he would disciplinary action. But Rhys defied the school saying: I cant see anything in the school rules that say I cannot shave my head. We raised a lot of money by doing it, over £700. In my opinion it was totally worth it.
On his return to school Rhys found that he was placed in the head of year room, isolated from the rest of the school.
Commenting at the protest on Friday morning, Rhys said: “I think it’s pathetic that I raised a lot of money for such a good cause, but yet I am isolated from everybody else. I’m not learning much! I want to learn and I want to be back in my lessons. I want my normal education and I want my normal life back. My friend who did it with me is being praised”.

Milford Haven School has issued the following statement to The Herald at 1500HRS Friday:

“The pupil in question and his mother were informed of the consequences of breaking the uniform and appearance rules prior to doing so.

“When the rules were broken an appropriate sanction was enforced, namely supervised study.

“This was a short-term measure which was clearly communicated and a return to the pupil’s normal timetable would have been effective once he complied with the school’s ruling.

“At Milford Haven School we believe it is important to maintain high standards in every aspect of school, life, including uniform and appearance.

“The reason for such policies is that there is a clear link between maintaining high standards in school behaviour and academic achievement.

“And to be fair to all our pupils, these rules must be consistently applied.

“Pupils and parents are frequently reminded of this and the vast majority are fully supportive.

“This issue has not arisen as a result of raising funds. It has arisen because of a clear breach of school rules.

“Pupils at Milford Haven School are widely praised for the work they do together in raising funds for many charities. However, this work is carried out within the boundaries of the school rules.

“While this morning’s demonstration by some pupils was disappointing and ill-advised, lessons for the vast majority of pupils continued as normal.”

The Herald understands that numbers of pupils in the protest did not go into school on Friday.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

9 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

17 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

17 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.