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Caring Erin creates Christmas magic on the big day

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A TRAINEE nurse with a heart of gold is adding some festive magic and sparkle at the care home where she works.

Clinical Care Practitioner Erin Jones volunteered to be on duty with the residents of Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd in Caernarfon on the big day

Erin, who’s studying to be a nurse, says there’s a special atmosphere in brightly decorated care home at Christmas.

This will be the fourth time in row that she’s sacrificed her own Christmas celebrations to be with the people she looks after.

Erin will be one of a festive army of around 60 tinsel-bedecked members of staff working at Bryn Seiont Newydd on the day.

She said: “The atmosphere at Bryn Seiont Newydd is really lovely all year and it steps up a gear at Christmas.

“All the staff work really hard to make it special for the residents. We decorate the lounges and the corridors and the foyer and there are lots of lights, lots of cards and of course a tree.

“And Christmas brings out the residents’ personalities too. They share their recollections of how they spent their Christmases in years gone by and how it is different now to when they were perhaps my age. Those stories are always nice to hear.

“We cater for their families too when they come to visit. Christmas can be difficult for them but we play games, pull crackers and sing.”

Erin will start work on Christmas Day at 7.30am but because she’s also working on Christmas Eve she will have already made a few preparations.

“I’ll have made sure all the residents clothes are ready for the big day to save a bit of time during the morning. Then on Christmas morning I’ll help them with their morning routine and they’ll have their breakfast and we’ll have a fun morning opening presents.

“We’ll be singing carols, there are always Christmas carols which we all love to sing, and the residents will join in and perhaps a little dancing.

“Then we’ll have a three course Christmas lunch of turkey and all the trimmings and crackers. I’m really looking forward to it. A typical day at Bryn Seiont Newydd is always busy, fun and very rewarding. No two days are ever the same,” she said.

Erin started working at Bryn Seiont Newydd after completing a Health and Social Care course at Coleg Menai.

“I wanted a career in nursing and came to work here straight from college.

“I started off as a carer and have worked my way up to be a Clinical Care Practitioner and now I’m doing a Nursing degree through the Open University here at Bryn Seiont Newydd.

“When I’m qualified I’ll be working here as a nurse,” she said.

Erin said working at Bryn Seiont Newydd is very Christmas lunch at about 2.30pm and spend the rest of the day with her parents, Meirion and Jennifer.

Pendine Park Care Homes Bryn Seiont Newydd, Caernarfon Clinical Care Practitioner Erin Jones happy to be working on Christmas day Erin having festive fun with resident Eve Flint 87 Picture by Rick Matthews

The hard work and effort put in by Erin and her colleagues at Bryn Seiont Newydd is greatly  appreciated by manager Sandra Evans who will also be at the home on Christmas Day.

She said: “We ask the staff who would like to work on Christmas Day and Erin has always put her hand up and volunteered to do so.

“We are all very grateful to those members of staff who, like Erin, are willing to go the extra mile and give up some valuable family time to be here so they can create some Christmas magic for our residents.”

It was a message echoed by Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft MBE who said: “People like Erin and the other people working on Christmas Day exemplify all that is best about social care. They are individuals giving up time with their own families at  Christmas to spend precious time with other people’s family members. They are real Christmas heroes.”

Community

RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions

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RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.

Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.

Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Engaging young minds

The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.

Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”

Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”

Building a sustainable future

Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”

RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.

Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation

RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.

As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.

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Community

New Men’s Shed opens at Milford Haven Station

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TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) has announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed at Milford Haven Station, transforming one of its stations into a valuable community hub.

Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people come together to make, repair, and repurpose items while supporting local projects. These grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in tackling social isolation and fostering a sense of community.

Research shows that Sheds offer significant health benefits, with 96% of members—known as Shedders—reporting a reduction in loneliness after joining. While traditionally associated with older men, Men’s Sheds are inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Many involve women, and some operate exclusively for women.

The new Milford Haven Men’s Shed will provide a space for the community to connect, share skills, and form friendships. Shedders will have the freedom to decide how best to use the space to meet their needs.

Emma Collins, Station Manager for Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that we are able to accommodate the Men’s Shed within the station and support this invaluable community group and the work they do.”

The Milford Haven Men’s Shed committee expressed gratitude to TfW for enabling the project, calling it a safe and welcoming space for older members of the community to build friendships and support well-being.

A spokesperson for the Shed said: “We hope to give back to the community some of the help we have received from TfW. We would also like to thank the National Lottery for the funding that made this project possible.”

They added: “Whether it’s crafting, working on projects, or simply dropping in for a cuppa and a chat, the Men’s Shed is here for the people of the town. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”

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Community

Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).

The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.

Shaping the future together

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”

The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.

A data-driven approach

The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.

Get involved

Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.

For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].

About MAWWFRS

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.

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