Community
Top marks for Ysgol Casmael

YSGOL CASMAEL in Puncheston are celebrating after being given an excellent report by school inspectorate, Estyn.
The rural north Pembrokeshire Primary school was inspected in November last year, and the report, published on Thursday, praised the school for their accomplishments.
The school was rated ‘Excellent’ in all five inspection areas.
Praising the school, the report said: “Leadership is strong and innovative and is developing the school as a very successful creative community, which makes the most of its local area to enrich its pupils’ education.”
“All members of staff have very high expectations to ensure the well-being and progress of all individuals. This creates a healthy learning environment, in which all pupils are encouraged to work hard and create work of a high standard. Nearly all pupils are extremely polite and treat each other and adults with a high level of respect.”
“Staff work together very effectively to plan an exciting, creative and stimulating curriculum for all pupils. They provide practical and interesting experiences that engage nearly all pupils’ interest in full. This helps pupils to develop as ambitious, confident and knowledgeable learners.”
Speaking specifically about standards at the school, Inspection Area 1, the report pays particular reference to the numeracy skills. “More able pupils solve increasingly complex problems, for example when calculating the volume of different cylinders and prisms successfully”, giving this area and excellent judgement.
With regards to wellbeing and attitudes towards learning at the school, Inspection area 2 was again awarded an excellent judgement, the report states, “Nearly all pupils behave excellently in lessons, during break times and during periods while working independently. Nearly all pupils are very keen to attend school daily, as they enjoy the exciting activities and the care that is available to them.”
Inspection area 3 is focused on Teaching and Learning Experiences, here inspectors praised the teachers for providing an “Exceptionally stimulating and creative curriculum for pupils, which develops their skills very successfully across all areas of learning. Effective planning methods are preparing staff and pupils well to introduce the new curriculum.” This again received a judgement of excellence.
A fourth excellent judgement was awarded for area 4, Care, support and guidance. “The school promotes the importance of good behaviour, courtesy, respect and commitment very successfully. As a result, pupils behave well consistently, are very polite and respectful towards each other and visitors, and apply themselves conscientiously to their activities…. All pupils have an individual development plan, class teachers give the content of these careful consideration when planning their lessons. “
Finally, Inspection area 5 makes a judgement on the leadership and management of the school. “The head teacher has high expectations of herself, staff and pupils. Her vision focuses clearly on supporting pupils’ wellbeing and developing ambitious and confident learners in a creative and Welsh environment…There is a strong sense of teamwork in the school…The school is an effective learning community in which staff learn from each other in a supportive environment…the school is innovative in developing a creative and stimulating curriculum that engages nearly all pupils’ interest in their learning.” This area was also given a judgement of excellence.
Mrs Amanda Lawrence, head teacher at Ysgol Casmael, said: “I believe a team approach is essential to the success of any school, but particularly to a small school like ours, in a rural area.”
“Through working collaboratively with all stakeholders, we are ensuring that all pupils receive the best possible experiences in a homely environment, with a strong yet inclusive Welsh ethos.”
“I am so grateful to have the support of a strong team of highly experienced practitioners, a strong governing body, alongside supportive, appreciative parents, but above all I am grateful to our pupils, the individuals who make our journey towards a new curriculum in Wales so vitally important. As we are receptive to their ideas, so they too are eager to take on board changes in our pedagogy with excitement and enthusiasm, this is what energises us as a staff to keep expanding our horizons.”
Mr Russel Evans, chair of Ysgol Casmael’s governing body, said: “On behalf of the Governors of Ysgol Casmael, I would like to thank and congratulate the school on their recent extremely successful and impressive inspection report.
As a governing body we are very aware of the hard work of the teaching staff and of the pupils in reaching these standards, together with the continued and constant support of the parents, non-teaching staff and the friends of the school.
As a school which values its community role, we are aware that the success of this school is dependent on everyone connected with our educational provision playing their part in our success and development.
May I also thank my fellow Governors for their hard work over the years and for their support to the school.”
Community
Milford Haven paddling pool open daily at 10:00am — safety reminder issued

Town council urges parents to supervise children at all times
MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has reminded visitors to the children’s paddling pool on The Rath that the facility opens daily at 10:00am, and that children must be supervised by a responsible adult.
In a bilingual safety poster shared online, the council set out simple but essential rules to help ensure the pool remains a safe and fun space throughout the summer holidays. While the pool is popular with families, the council warns that it is not officially supervised, and users do so at their own risk.
The key rules include:
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- No running or diving in or around the pool.
- No food, drink, or glass bottles in the water area.
- No dogs are allowed within the paddling pool zone.
- Littering is strictly prohibited.
A council spokesperson said: “Hi everyone, a polite request: we ask that all children be supervised by a responsible adult while using the pool. Thank you.”
There is no formal age limit for the pool, but younger children will be given priority, especially during busy times.
Local families have praised the pool since it reopened, with one visitor, Linda Phillips, commenting: “We’ve just spent two hours there. Great effort everyone! The youngsters are really enjoying it.”
Milford Haven Town Council thanked her for the feedback, calling it “lovely to hear.”
Opening times or access arrangements may change due to weather or maintenance — updates will be posted on the council’s official Facebook page.
Caption:
Splash safely: Milford Haven Town Council’s new bilingual poster reminds families to supervise children and follow the rules while enjoying the paddling pool on The Rath this summer (Pic: Herald).
Community
Soapbox thrills return to Fishguard this weekend

Homemade racers set to hurtle through town in annual derby
A WILD ride is promised in Fishguard this Saturday (July 12) as the town’s much-loved Soapbox Derby returns in full force.
Organised by Fishguard and District Round Table, the annual event will once again see daring drivers pilot their homemade carts down the sloping streets of Penbanc and Rope Walk, skimming past Lota Park as they compete for the fastest time – and the biggest cheers.
From high-speed thrills to hair-raising spills, the course is known for its tight corners, jumps and the occasional spectacular crash, all to the delight of hundreds of spectators.
Racing starts at 12:00pm and continues until 5:00pm, with five trophies on offer – including first, second and third place, the ‘Derby Disaster’ prize for the most dramatic mishap, and a trophy for the best design. Last year’s winners are reminded to return their trophies to A&E Nichols on West Street ahead of the event.

This year’s entry process was run through Eventbrite, with registration now closed. A packed day of entertainment will accompany the racing, with family-friendly fun in Lota Park including food stalls, bouncy castles, fairground rides and more.
All proceeds from the derby – along with other summer events including the raft race and carnival – are reinvested into local projects by the Round Table.
For updates and information, search “Fishguard Soapbox Derby” on Facebook.
Charity
Tributes paid as RNLI lifeboat coxswain Frankie George MBE passes away

Respected Fishguard seaman served for two decades and led hundreds of launches
TRIBUTES have been paid to former Fishguard RNLI coxswain Francis ‘Frankie’ George MBE, who has died.
Mr George, who retired in 2002 after nearly twenty years of dedicated service, was described as one of the finest seamen of his generation. During his time with the lifeboat station, he took part in hundreds of service launches and was deeply respected throughout the lifeboat community.
Chris Williams, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager and former lifeboat mechanic, said: “Francis (Frankie) George MBE was quite simply one of the finest seamen I have ever sailed with. He engendered respect from all who met him.
“His professionalism and skill were second to none, and he inspired total confidence in his crews, even in the foulest of weather.
“With his passing, Fishguard has lost one of its true characters. He will be missed by all who knew him. As a mark of respect, the flag above the lifeboat station will be flown at half-mast.”
The RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat crew extended their heartfelt condolences to Mr George’s family and friends.
Respected coxswain: Frankie George MBE led hundreds of lifeboat launches from Fishguard (Pic: RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat)
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