Community

High praise for gypsy travellers’ education

Published

11 years ago

July 9, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Presentation: Bev Stephens outside the Houses of Parliament in London

THE GROWING TREND for Gypsy Travellers in Pembrokeshire to continue their education after the age of 16 has been praised at Westminster.

Bev Stephens, Head of the Pembrokeshire Gypsy Traveller Education Service, spoke to a committee in the Houses of Parliament last week. She gave evidence to the British- Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) Committee for Environment and Social Affairs and contributed to an inquiry into Travellers and the Roma population. After a short presentation, the committee questioned Bev about education in the County. “The committee were very interested in our success of engaging young Gypsy Travellers in education in Pembrokeshire,” said Bev. “Five Gypsy Traveller students are studying for a degree and this was highlighted as an example of success that is not being replicated in other areas.” The five students are studying a full BA degree in Education and Social Inclusion at Monkton School, run by the University of Wales Trinity St Davids. It follows on from a three-year Foundation Degree course, which is also offered at the school. Bev said the news was welcomed by the committee. “The members of the committee were fascinated to learn about the increase in local Gyspy Traveller pupils continuing their learning after the age of 16,” she added. “This is something which is not very widespread amongst other Gypsy Traveller communities, and it was seen as a very positive development.”

Community

Kurtz thanks Narberth postal workers for Christmas effort

Published

1 minute ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Annual visit to Royal Mail delivery office recognises “exceptional dedication”

SAMUEL KURTZ MS has paid tribute to postal workers at the Royal Mail Delivery Office in Narberth during a visit this week, thanking staff for their hard work at the busiest time of the year.

The run-up to Christmas is the peak period for Royal Mail, with teams processing and delivering thousands of cards, parcels and festive packages for households and businesses across west Wales. During his tour of the depot, the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Senedd met with postal workers and heard first-hand about the pressures they face in keeping deliveries on track.

As part of the now annual tradition, Mr Kurtz also donated a bottle from Pembrokeshire’s award-winning Velfrey Vineyard for a free staff raffle.

Speaking after the visit, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Every year, postal workers go above and beyond to make sure our Christmas cards and parcels arrive safely. Their dedication keeps communities connected, and I want to pay a heartfelt thank you to the team in Narberth for the incredible work they do at the most demanding time of the year.”

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

1 hour ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

20 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)