News

School pupils star in music video to celebrate Pembroke Dock’s future in sustainable energy

Published

3 years ago

August 23, 2022

Pupils from Ysgol Harri Tudur performed the song they wrote with guidance from Craig Yates from the Aloud Charity.

THE COMMUNITY of Pembroke Dock has come together to create a digital legacy celebrating a groundbreaking £60 million project happening right in the heart of their community. Work on Pembroke Dock Marine is underway which will see Pembroke Port transformed into a centre of excellence for marine engineering and renewables activity, creating employment opportunities and economic prosperity for the region.

Project partners – the Port of Milford Haven, Marine Energy Wales, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Celtic Sea Power – commissioned the Aloud Charity, which facilitates a range of singing programmes across Wales, to develop a music video featuring local school pupils and members of the community to promote the opportunities being generated in the area and create a sense of pride around the project.

Choir leaders from the Aloud Charity spent two days at Ysgol Harri Tudur delivering song-writing workshops where pupils composed their own verses which were then performed and professionally filmed. The chorus was written by Alex Stacey who is a member of singer and songwriter Amy Wadge’s team. Amy has worked with the likes of Ed Sheeran, James Blunt and Ella Henderson and most recently co-wrote the song ‘Space Man’ which came second in the Eurovision Song Contest.

On the final day of the project, the team met with a range of local groups, businesses and individuals in Pembroke Dock who joined in with the new song and appeared in the music video including volunteers from the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society, Mainstay Marine Solutions and Pembroke Dock Town Council.

Hollie Phillips, Community Engagement Assistant at the Port of Milford Haven, said “This has been a fantastic collaboration from start to finish. We were able to talk to the pupils from Ysgol Harri Tudur about the Pembroke Dock Marine project to help inspire them to write the lyrics and give them information about the developments happening in their town. We hope we’ve sparked some interest in the types of careers that could be available to them right on their doorstep as we play our part in meeting the Country’s Net Zero targets whilst creating local green jobs for future generations.”

Stephen Wyatt, Director of Strategy and Emerging Technology at Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, commented “ORE Catapult are delighted to have supported the Aloud Charity. We take great pride in working with the next generation of scientists, engineers and indeed musicians, and take inspiration from their unwavering commitment to tackle climate change and create a great future in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

META’s Project Delivery Manager, Tom Hill, said “The future of our success lies with inspiring the next generation. Their skills, talent and passion are what we need to achieve Net Zero. The scale of opportunities and exciting careers for the people of Pembrokeshire and Wales are huge. We hope this video will serve as a rallying call to young minds, building upon their interest and curiosity in marine energy.”

The Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Councillor Pamela George, and the local PCSOs enjoyed getting involved in the music video.

Chief Operations Officer at Celtic Sea Power, Matt Hodson, commented “It will be the next generation who will need to grab hold of and build upon the foundations being laid today to deliver the energy transition and decarbonisation challenge, so it is fantastic to see their passion delivered through this wonderful song. We are excited to be working with our partners in finding ways to raise awareness of Pembroke Dock Marine, capture the imagination of the community and inspire our future workforce.”

In addition to the funding provided by the Pembroke Dock Marine project partners, the song-writing workshops and videos received support from Arts & Business Cymru. Arts Development Manager, Sarah Lord, is delighted with how the partnership developed, commenting “Our CultureStep investment programme is designed to strengthen and develop the relationship between our business and arts partners. The Port of Milford Haven’s collaboration with the Aloud Charity is a fantastic example of this programme, and an ideal opportunity to engage employees, the local community, and the younger generation within Ysgol Harri Tudur, to express their opinions and inspire change for the future, while gaining an increased appreciation of the power of the arts. We at A&B Cymru are thrilled with the music video, all involved should be incredibly proud of the digital legacy which they’ve created.”

The Aloud Charity’s mission is to provide life-changing experiences through song for young people in Wales. Created in 2012 to give underrepresented boys from marginalised Welsh communities the opportunity to sing, the charity now facilitates a range of singing programmes including Only Boys Aloud, Only Kids Aloud and Aloud Girls. The organisation engages with around 350 young people a week in rehearsal venues across Wales, improving their confidence, nurturing talent and offering exciting performance opportunities.

Craig Yates, Creative Director at the Aloud Charity commented “It’s been wonderful to work with the Pembroke Dock Marine partners and Ysgol Harri Tudur to deliver this unique song writing project. We think it’s so important that young people have the opportunity to express their opinions, particularly when it comes to such important topics as environmental sustainability and how they affect their local communities. We are thrilled with the final music video and we’d like to say a big thank you to the people of Pembroke Dock for getting involved with the project.”

Pembroke Dock Marine is funded by the UK Government and Welsh Government through the Swansea Bay City Deal, and through the public and private sectors. It is also part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

To view the music video, as well as the behind-the-scenes video, visit www.mhpa.co.uk/song-writing-project

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.

To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.