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Covid-19: Pressure grows on local authorities to end the school term early

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PRESSURE is increasing on local authorities to end the school term early.

The Herald understands that both Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire County Councils are considering ending the school term on Monday.

If those counties close their schools, it is almost inevitable that Pembrokeshire will follow suit.

The Cabinet Member for Education, Guy Woodham, has remained adamant that Pembrokeshire will hold the line to December 18. However, faced with neighbouring councils shutting schools, logistical and staffing pressures could compel Pembrokeshire to follow suit.

Both the National Education Union and the National Association of Head Teachers have intervened in the issue. The unions have express concerns about their members’ safety and wellbeing, and that of their families.

After a positive test, a teacher in contact with a student must self-isolate pending the outcome of their own test’s result.

A teacher required to self-isolate at any point after December 11 previously faced being in precautionary measures until Christmas Day or beyond.

As things stand, some school heads face the theoretical prospect of running a Test Trace Protect procedure on Christmas Day.

In what might prove a significant move, on Tuesday (December 8) the Welsh Government reduced the period of self-isolation from fourteen to ten days.

The rising number of cases in schools and a new Welsh Government assessment has given the unions’ concerns greater impetus.

On Tuesday (December 8), David Evans, Wales Secretary of the NEU said: “Whole year groups are being told to isolate. The virus is spreading in schools, and our priority must be keeping both learners and staff as safe as possible.”

The following day, the Welsh Government’s Technical Advisory Group on Covid (TAG) published new guidance.

The TAG report said: “The best way to protect older family members is not to expose them to potential infection, no matter how well-intended the reason for contact.

“Pre-isolation may be a helpful consideration for families with children before visiting older relatives.”

The National Association of Head Teachers responded by writing to Wales’ Education Minister, Kirsty Williams.

The letter picked up on the TAG advice regarding pre-isolation.

It said: “[T]he advice on pre-isolating of families with children, in our view cuts across the government’s current position on keeping schools open. It once again risks mixed messages causing utter confusion.

“If this report is advising families to pre-isolate to protect any extended family members that they are planning to see over Christmas, surely the opportunity to do so must be supported by the government.

“Parents will undoubtedly vote with their feet, and children will be kept at home. That choice will not be afforded to school staff if school leaders are not supported in closing school sites.”

The letter continued: “NAHT Cymru urges you to review your position in light of the new advice and look, at a national level.”

It proposes a transition to blended/distance learning for the final week of term (December 14-18) in line with the TAG report advice.

NAHT says: “This week would see the closure of school sites and should be used for isolation and reducing social contacts, with a clear ‘stay at home’ message for all age groups

“This move would allow children, staff and families the opportunity to adhere to the pre-isolation advice.”

We approached Cllr Guy Woodham with our information about early closure plans in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

He responded: “The position remains under constant review and further meetings are happening today (Thursday, December 10) which may, hopefully, provide an agreed way forward.

“While I remain of the view that 18 December is an appropriate last day of term, this is not an entrenched position, and I will continue to listen to others while remaining focused on delivering what is in the best interests of Pembrokeshire learners during these unprecedented and extremely challenging times.”

Business

Why there will be regular flights from Wales to a little-known Chinese city

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CARDIFF Airport has launched a new flight route with thrice-weekly services to Ürümqi, an expanding city in northwestern China with a population of around four million. Though little known in Wales, Ürümqi has a complex history, highlighted in 2009 when it gained international attention due to ethnic tensions. Now, Cardiff and Ürümqi are linked as strategic cargo hubs, set to speed up deliveries and bolster Welsh businesses seeking export opportunities, including those in Pembrokeshire.

The new route, operated by European Cargo, offers a chance for Welsh exporters to reach China more swiftly. Speculatively, if fishermen in Milford Haven could ship Pembrokeshire crab to China while still fresh, it could open a lucrative market.

UK-based freighter operator European Cargo has chosen Cardiff International Airport as its latest base, launching the service to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport with initial plans for three flights weekly and a possible fourth soon. The airline’s specialized A340-600 converted freighters, designed for high-capacity loads, will transport e-commerce and other cargo directly from Wales to China.

Ürümqi – The city has a bigger population than Wales but you probably never heard of it

Jason Holt, CEO of European Cargo, described the expansion as a natural progression: “As we continue to grow outward from Bournemouth, Wales offers a prime location for investment. Cardiff Airport’s 24-hour operations and excellent motorway access make it ideal for our logistics network.”

The move has garnered praise from Welsh trade groups. Logistics UK’s Policy Manager for Trade, Customs, and Borders, Josh Fenton, called the flights “fantastic news,” highlighting the route’s potential to boost trade links for Welsh businesses. “This service showcases Cardiff Airport’s potential as a freight hub, and we look forward to seeing more routes connecting Wales globally,” he said.

Cardiff Airport has been struggling post-Covid. Qatar has still not returned, but its now on the up (Image: File)

With Cardiff now serving as European Cargo’s second UK base, after Bournemouth, the airline’s Cardiff operations join routes to Chinese cities like Chengdu, Haikou, and Ürümqi. The airline’s A340 fleet, suited for high-volume loads with a 76-tonne payload capacity, is poised to meet the growing demand for e-commerce transport to and from China.

Cardiff Airport CEO Spencer Birns echoed the optimism surrounding the new route. “This investment reflects the high-quality facilities and committed teams we have here. Cardiff is well-positioned to support large-scale cargo operations,” he said.

Looking to the future, Fenton emphasized the need for continued governmental backing. “Logistics is central to Welsh economic growth. We urge the Welsh government to publish the Welsh Freight and Logistics Plan and appoint a dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain,” he stated.

With the addition of this route, Cardiff is set to play a significant role in bridging Wales and China, fostering global trade links essential in today’s interconnected economy.

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Business

Original Factory Shop to close Haverfordwest branch in December

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THE ORIGINAL FACTORY SHOP in Haverfordwest has announced it will close its doors on December 14, 2024. This news has left many saddened, with heartfelt tributes pouring in to celebrate the store’s role in the community and the people who made it special.

In a recent social media post, the management of The Original Factory Shop shared their gratitude for the community’s support, stating: “We take this opportunity to thank all of the local community and our store colleagues for their support throughout our time here in Haverfordwest.” The announcement marks the end of an era for a store that has been part of the town’s retail landscape for many years.

Among those reflecting on the closure is Nigel Shinner, a former employee whose journey with The Original Factory Shop began in Haverfordwest. Nigel shared his experience on social media, reminiscing about his time with the store and how it became a meaningful part of his life and career:

“I know there are sadder things happening in the world today, but this makes me sad. This was my point of entry into The Original Factory Shop family. I joined as just a weekender, while I was raising my kids, but it wasn’t long before I became a supervisor and farmed out to help at other stores. I really stepped up a notch when my life took a turn, and I became Head Office staff and part of the new store merchandising team, often working ten-hour days, unloading wagons, building equipment, dressing stores, and training staff. That job took me far and wide, from Land’s End to John O’Groats, from east coast to west, and to many locations across the home nations.”

Local customers also expressed their sadness at the upcoming closure, with comments pouring in on social media. Long-time shopper Julie Parry wrote, “I will be so sad to see this lovely little shop going. Always such friendly, helpful staff. Good luck, ladies, in whatever work you do next.” Another customer, Lyndsey Gould, shared fond memories of shopping at the store, saying, “Awww, such a shame you’re closing. Will miss getting my balloons from you guys.”

The closure of The Original Factory Shop marks another loss for Haverfordwest’s local shopping scene, which has seen several changes in recent years. The community now prepares to say goodbye to a much-loved establishment, with the store welcoming customers for a final visit until December 14.

For those wishing to express their farewells, the store remains open for one last month, inviting the community to visit, reminisce, and say goodbye to the team that has been a part of their shopping experience for years.

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Entertainment

Other Voices Cardigan celebrates record attendances

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THE fifth Other Voices Cardigan 2024 Festival was a record breaker, having attracted more than 15,000 music fans from across the world to the pretty Mid Wales coastal town over three days.

The event, which ran from October 31to November 2, featured a curated programme celebrating music, friendship, language, ideas and culture from both sides of the Irish Sea and beyond.

Festival highlights included stellar performances from Nadine Shah, Bill Ryder Jones, and Fabiana Palladino.

St Mary’s Church audiences were treated to an acoustic performance by Manics’ frontman James Dean Bradfield, who performed special renditions of the classics ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’, ‘A Design for Life’, and ‘Ready for Drowning’.

Other Church performers this year include Charlotte Day Wilson, Melys, Victor Ray, and Georgia Ruth. 

Providing an extraordinary and inspiring programme across a myriad of musical genres, events took place in cafes, bars, places of worship and arts venues.    

More than 42 established and emerging acts from Wales and Ireland played the Music Trail and around 300 artists and crew worked and performed. The festival also boosted the local economy, with many businesses reporting increased foot traffic and sales during the event.

Over the past weekend, the festival saw more than 15,000 individual event admissions to more than 100 performances across the weekend, representing a 36% increase on 2023.

Visitors from outside Wales also increased significantly by 41%, with music fans coming from Ireland, Italy, New York, Sweden and Germany.

“This year has been another fantastic success,” said Dilwyn Davies, chief executive of Mwldan, co-producers of the event. “We’ve celebrated the vibrancy and vitality of the music scenes on both sides of the Irish Sea, and the spirit of our communities.

“The audience response has been incredibly positive and joyous, and we can’t wait to bring everyone together again in 2025.”

Phillip King, founder of Other Voices, added: “Cardigan/Aberteifi came alive with great music and stimulating and provocative banter when Other Voices came to town this past weekend.

“The event is growing and expanding year on year, attracting more visitors to this beautiful town. It’s a real delight to bring Other Voices across the Irish Sea, to collapse between Ireland and Wales and to bring us together in a way that deepens and strengthens every aspect of our relationship.”

Church performances were live-streamed on Other Voices YouTube channel and simultaneously streamed to the big screen at Mwldan in Cardigan. Highlights will be later broadcast on BBC Wales TV, BBC iPlayer and RTÉ and RTÉ Player via media partners. The event was presented by BBC DJ and Other Voices regular Huw Stephens.

Other Voices Cardigan is staged with the support and investment of Welsh Government and Government of Ireland, The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Fund.

The festival is produced by South Wind Blows in partnership with Mwldan and Triongl. This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Ceredigion County Council.

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