Community

Pupils wow judges in reading competition

Published

11 years ago

July 9, 2014

Pictured with pupils from Year 6 are: Councillor Sue Perkins; Andrew Williams, Headteacher; Debra Phillips, Deputy Headteacher and Vanessa Bennett, Classroom Assistant.

PUPILS at Broad Haven Primary School have once again wowed judges at the finals of a national reading competition.

Children from the school’s Year 6 have scooped the top prize at ‘Bookslam 2013-14’ – a Welsh Books Council competition for primary schools across Wales. The pupils impressed the judging panel with their discussion and presentation of two books – Carrie’s War by Nina Bawden and Silent Mountain by Michelle Briscombe. The final took place at Brecon Theatre on Tuesday, June 17. “Their performance was superb,” said Headteacher Andrew Williams. “They have worked really hard, and when they heard they’d come first, they were shocked but delighted.” The school previously won the competition in 2011, while Narberth CP School scooped the honours last year, with Ysgol Gelli Aur coming runnersup. “It’s been great to continue the success that Pembrokeshire has had in the competition,” added Mr Williams. ‘BookSlam’ invited pupils to read an array of books published in Wales, and discuss them and present them in their own voices. It aims to encourage children’s interest in books and develop literacy, discussion and presentation skills. Deputy Headteacher Debbie Phillips prepared the class for the competition, along with Mrs Bennett and Miss Moszoro. “The whole class took part,” said Mrs Phillips. “Nine were involved in the drama, and four took part in the discussion. But everybody benefited. It does tailor so well with the literacy framework and it’s so rewarding. Without realising it, the pupils are skimming and scanning and developing their higher order reading and thinking, so they already have a really sound base to work from when they get to secondary school. The children’s skills improved so much from start to finish.” She added that it was also a lot of fun for the children. “Waiting for the result in the final was like being at the Oscars! It’s a real confidence booster.” Councillor Sue Perkins, Cabinet Member for Education and Safeguarding, congratulated the school on their achievement. “Pembrokeshire has become a beacon for excellence in this competition, with not only Broad Haven but also Narberth School and Ysgol Gelli Aur attaining success in recent years,” she said. “It’s very encouraging to see such high literacy levels in the County.” Eva John, literacy advisor for Pembrokeshire County Council, said the competition was a celebration of Welsh culture and broadens the pupils’ outlook. “It’s also really good for improving their oracy skills, which are a big focus within literacy in schools,” she said. “The judge for the Pembrokeshire-wide competition has said that the quality of discussion has improved considerably over the years.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

18 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

18 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).