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Veteran opens Slimming World in Milford Haven

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ARMY Veteran, Rachel, has launched her own Slimming World group in Milford Haven after her own positive experiences. 

“I changed lives in the army and hope to continue changing lives for people in Milford Haven.”

Rachel was born and raised in Milford Haven. As a small child, she was “active and busy” and a real tomboy alongside her brothers. 

In 1998, she joined the Army at 16-years-old as a Combat Medical Technician. Following training, Rachel served in Germany, all over the UK, overseas in Cyprus, and was deployed to Oman, Kosovo, Bosnia and Poland before retiring from service in May 2021.

Her role as a combat medical technician meant she often had to deal with soldiers who had been injured in war zones. Rachel described dealing with the range of injuries as “life-changing”.

Rachel’s job not only consisted of helping soldiers physically recover; she also helped them with their mental well-being. 

She said she: “always pointed out the positives ahead of them for their lives and their families.

“The fulfilment I would get from seeing them recover and their family made whole again is so rewarding, I cannot put it into words.”

She has always been a strong, physically fit person. She enjoyed an active lifestyle and felt as though she “could always eat what she wanted.”

In 2017, she was posted to Harrogate. Rachel was 36 years old and had recently given birth to her third child, a daughter, after already having two sons aged 13 and 5. 

She says she was almost two stone overweight even before her pregnancy. 

Rachel said: “So here I was with four stone to lose. I had lost all confidence and was at a loss.

“I was at a GP surgery when I saw a poster for Slimming World. I was there for my daughter’s first vaccinations and that’s when I decided to join my local Harrogate Slimming World group.”

Rachel said she was welcomed to the group with open arms. She described the members as being lovely, offering to make her a hot drink after being weighed or hold her baby while she got settled into the group. 

It was at this group that Rachel found her love for Food Optimising, which is Slimming World’s unique plan to lose weight and get healthy. 

She swapped takeaway meals for ‘fakeaways’ using recipes she learned from her group. 

After only a week, Rachel had lost 4 lbs and knew this new plan was one she could follow. 

Over the next 10 months, she enjoyed curries, chillis, chips loaded with a variety of toppings and cheese within her daily allowance, and she could still enjoy treats every now and then. 

By June 2018, she had hit her target and lost the whole four stone. She said she “felt amazing!”

Unfortunately, during lockdown, she became a single mum and was at an “all-time low”. She moved back to Pembrokeshire in December 2021 and quickly swapped healthy meals for quick and easy, high-fat processed meals.

Rachel said: “Being stuck in the house with three children during lockdown was hard. 

“As I was working from home with nowhere to go, I found myself mindlessly eating as I was only eating out of boredom. 

“I put almost two stone back on and I was devastated.”

In January 2022, she decided to get into shape again. She joined the local Slimming World group in Johnston. 

Rachel said she had two stone to lose and was determined to return to her target weight. 

She claims she was blown away by the consultant Kelly’s knowledge of the plan and her motivation. 

“She guided me back through the new member talk, reintroduced me to my love of Slimming World and allowed me to fall in love with the plan all over again!” Rachel added. 

“The warm atmosphere and the gentle reminder that the plan can be used for all the family reignited my passion.

“Since January 10, 2022, I have lost one stone and five pounds. I am only two-pounds away from my personal target.”

After talking about Slimming World and the freedom it allows Rachel to have, she joined Slimming World and trained to be a consultant. 

Thanks to her time in the Army, helping those with their physical and mental health, Rachel feels that she would be well suited to helping those achieve their goals. 

She commented: “The training is thorough and covers not only the plan but the psychology of wanting to lose weight. 

“It has totally changed my views on how I shop, cook and eat food, and I hope my drive and motivation will help others to do the same.”

To join Rachel’s Slimming World group, call Rachel on 07391 634033 or visit Milford United Football Club, Marble Hall Road, every Thursday at 5.30pm. 

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10th anniversary of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre

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PEMBROKE Dock Heritage Centre is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Since the museum was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014, the centre has gone from strength to strength.

Today the museum is a ‘go to’ for information on the military, maritime and social history of Pembroke Dock, an archive of specialist research knowledge on the role of the Sunderland flying boats, and a beacon for Star Wars fans.

The importance of the Heritage Centre will be celebrated on Saturday April 27th with an Open Day.

The museum will be free to enter, from 11am to 3pm.

The Heritage Centre was the culmination of many heritage initiatives and over the years so many volunteers have given their time, skills, energies and enthusiasm to these – from the Gun Tower Museum to the Flying Boat Interpretation Centre, the Fleet Surgeons House and now in the magnificent Royal Dockyard Chapel.

Those at the Heritage centre look forward to welcoming everyone, especial any former volunteers and family members of those involved in past years.

See the website www.pdht.org also Facebook and X for further details.

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Fishguard Festival of Music tickets go on sale next week

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TICKETS go on sale on Monday 15 April for this year’s Fishguard Festival of Music/Gŵyl Gerdd Abergwaun concerts.   18 events will be staged at venues across Pembrokeshire from 18 to 31 July, with the popular Welsh National Opera Orchestra returning to the festival to perform at St David’s Cathedral on Friday 19 July.  Conductor Tomas Hanus will lead a programme that will include Bruckner’s Sixth Symphony and the Mozart Clarinet Concerto.

Other artists performing at this year’s festival include the Marmen String Quartet, the Welsh National Opera Chamber Orchestra and violinist Jennifer Pike with pianist Jâms Coleman.  Harpist Catrin Finch and violinist Aoife Ní Bhriain will team up for a concert following their acclaimed debut album Double You released last year.  Pianist and Festival Patron Peter Donohoe , soprano Claire Booth, accompanied by pianist Jâms Coleman,  will give recitals.  The Bute Wind Quintet and the National Youth Brass Band, Choir and Orchestra of Wales will also give concerts. Welsh Chamber Folk Trio VRi will return after their sell-out concert at Theatr Gwaun two years ago.  The festival will open with a concert in Newport by the Young Music Makers of Dyfed.

The full programme is available to view on the festival’s website and tickets will be on sale from 9.00am on Monday 15th of April and can be booked via www.fishguardmusicfestival.com 

Gillian Green MBE, Artistic Director of the Fishguard Festival of Music, said: “The Fishguard Festival has been a showcase for world-class music in West Wales for over fifty years and this year we will be reverting to our traditional dates in July following the temporary move of the festival dates following COVID. 

“We have an excellent line-up this year and will be taking music outdoors and visiting care homes courtesy of performances by Filkins Drift, funded by Tŷ Cerdd in association with Live Music Now.”

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The Ultimate Resource Guide: Find Your Best Book for Essay Writing

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When it comes to enhancing essay writing skills, the right resources are crucial. Many students at college and school find the best book on essay writing a game-changer. These books offer practical advice and techniques, inspiring a deeper appreciation for writing. They equip students with skills, fostering confidence in their academic journey and providing a foundation for excellence in writing and critical thinking, which are essential for their future careers. Along with these books, getting help with “do my essay” requests from services like EssayService can further empower students, offering personalized guidance and support.

In this guide, we’ll look at ten exceptional books that have proven invaluable for students embarking on their learning journey. From comprehensive style guides to strategic writing tips, each book provides a unique perspective on crafting compelling essays. This collection has been carefully chosen to help students attain academic success and improve their writing skills, encompassing a wide range of techniques and insights tailored to the evolving needs of student writers, making it an indispensable resource in their educational toolkit.

10 Best Books on Essay Writing

“On Writing Well” by William Zinsser

William Zinsser’s “On Writing Well” is often acclaimed as the best book for essay writing. It guides students and writers toward excellence and precision in their craft. Its emphasis on clarity, simplicity, and efficiency makes it a timeless resource for anyone looking to hone and refine their essay writing skills. Zinsser’s approach is not just about following rules but understanding the essence and soul of good writing, making it an invaluable tool for constructing compelling, well-structured, and meaningful essays. This book transcends mere technique, delving into the art of writing with a focus on creating work that resonates deeply and communicates effectively with readers.

“The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

Strunk and White’s “The Elements of Style” is more than just a book. It’s a fundamental, transformative guide that has shaped the way English is written and taught across generations. This definitive text lays the groundwork for mastering essay composition, offering a clear, comprehensive roadmap from basic grammar rules to advanced style tips. It’s an indispensable, authoritative manual for those who aspire to write with precision, elegance, and eloquence, making complex ideas accessible through well-crafted, polished writing. Its concise and poignant advice makes it a must-read, helping students and writers to refine their voice and express their thoughts with clarity, grace, and impact.

“They Say / I Say”: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein

Graff and Birkenstein’s “They Say / I Say” illuminates the path to understanding the intricate nuances of academic writing. It’s not just about presenting information. It’s about engaging in a dynamic, critical conversation with existing ideas, a skill indispensable for college-level essays and scholarly discourse. This book teaches the art of developing coherent, persuasive arguments, offering practical templates and vivid examples that demonstrate how to effectively respond to and build upon others’ ideas. It’s an essential, insightful tool for students who want to participate meaningfully in academic discourse, teaching them to craft essays that are not only informative but also persuasive, engaging, and thought-provoking.

“Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings” by John D. Ramage, John C. Bean, and June Johnson

Ramage, Bean, and Johnson’s book is a comprehensive, in-depth guide that equips students with the essential tools necessary for crafting effective, convincing arguments. It’s particularly beneficial for those working on persuasive or argumentative essays, offering a rich understanding of rhetorical strategies. This book delves into the techniques of argumentation, teaching students how to construct logical, compelling arguments and how to convincingly present their viewpoints with clarity and conviction. The inclusion of diverse readings provides real-world, practical examples, helping students to understand and apply these techniques in their own writing to enhance their rhetorical skills.

“The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century” by Steven Pinker

Steven Pinker’s “The Sense of Style” is a modern masterpiece that bridges linguistic theory with practical, contemporary writing advice. This book challenges conventional writing norms, encouraging students and writers to adopt a writing style that is not only clear and coherent but also engaging, vibrant, and personal. Pinker uses examples from contemporary literature and everyday communication to illustrate his points, making the book both relatable and relevant to today’s students and writers. It’s a forward-thinking guide that speaks to the needs of 21st-century writers, urging them to break free from outdated rules and discover their unique, authentic writing voice, resonating with modern readers.

“Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life” by Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird” offers a refreshing, insightful, and heartfelt perspective on the writing process, blending wisdom with wit. This book is more than a comprehensive writing guide. It’s a compassionate, understanding companion for anyone embarking on the challenging, fulfilling journey of writing. Lamott’s approach is deeply personal, relatable, and honest, thoughtfully addressing the myriad challenges and joys of writing. She encourages aspiring writers to embrace their individuality, earnestly find their unique voice, and express themselves authentically and boldly. Her invaluable advice extends beyond the technical aspects of writing, poignantly touching upon the emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects of the creative process.

“The College Application Essay” by Sarah Myers McGinty

Sarah Myers McGinty’s book is a tailored, insightful guide for students navigating the competitive, challenging world of college applications. The focus is on crafting essays that not only meet rigorous academic criteria but also stand out with their distinct originality and genuine authenticity. McGinty offers practical, strategic strategies for students to confidently present their best selves, effectively highlighting their unique life experiences and diverse perspectives. This book is an essential, indispensable tool for ambitious students looking to make a memorable, lasting impression with their college application essays, standing out in a crowded field.

“Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day” by Joan Bolker

Joan Bolker’s book, while primarily aimed at dissertation and thesis writing, offers invaluable, comprehensive insights applicable to any form of long-form, detailed essay writing. It demystifies the daunting, overwhelming task of writing extensive academic pieces, presenting manageable, realistic strategies for tackling large and formidable projects. Bolker’s advice is practical, encouraging, and supportive, perfectly suitable for university and college students who are facing the significant challenge of writing complex theses or in-depth research papers. Her approach emphasizes consistent, gradual progress, showing that even with small, daily increments, significant, meaningful writing achievements can be made.

“The Craft of Research” by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams

“The Craft of Research” by Booth, Colomb, and Williams is a cornerstone, foundational text in the field of academic writing, particularly for essays requiring extensive, meticulous research. This book comprehensively guides students through the entire research process, from thoughtfully formulating probing questions to effectively presenting their compelling, insightful findings. It offers strategies for effective analysis, helping students to craft well-researched, well-argued, and compelling essays. The authors focus on the importance of critical thinking, clear communication, and ethical scholarship, making this book a vital, indispensable resource for students seeking to elevate and refine their academic writing skills.

“How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing” by Paul J. Silvia

Paul J. Silvia’s “How to Write a Lot” offers practical, inspiring advice to increase productivity in academic writing. This book is particularly beneficial for students and academics who struggle with managing time, maintaining focus, and staying motivated. Silvia provides practical tips, effective techniques, and proven strategies to help students establish consistent writing routines and overcome common hurdles and procrastination. The book is not just about writing more. It’s about writing effectively, efficiently, and purposefully, making it a crucial resource for students and academics aiming to enhance both the quantity and quality of their academic essays and research.

Conclusion: Best Books for Writing Essays

Whether you’re a student at school, college, or university, these best books for essay writing are invaluable resources for honing your skills. Each book offers unique insights and practical advice, catering to various aspects of essay writing – from structuring arguments to refining your style. They provide a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of essay writing, helping you to develop critical thinking, articulate your ideas more effectively, and enhance your overall writing ability. Keep in mind that the secret to excelling in essay writing is consistent learning and regular practice. These books serve not just as guides but as companions on your journey to becoming a more skilled and confident writer.

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