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Sea freight makes welcome return

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sea_freight1-974x350WEST Wales used to benefit from busy sea freight ports. Cardigan was one of the main cargo shipping ports in the UK, with memories still fresh of the economic ripples locally.
However, it has been hard to find anything we can import or export by sea for a sustainable local economy untiL now.
Pembrokeshire Bioenergy has started shipping wood pellets for heating from Scotland. The first shipment of 2,500 tons docked in Avonmouth and the company will deliver pellets to the south west of England and Wales. Only last week they also got a new contract to supply the NHS with their central heating pellet fuel.
Pellets are made of sawdust, compacted through heat, they are a wood fuel that can flow along pipes and be controlled electronically and remotely. They are incredibly energy dense, with quality tightly regulated.
PBE (Pembrokeshire Bioenergy) has attained a high environmental standard which enables it to guarantee the standard and consistency of its fuel, which is important as it is the sole central heating fuel for many Pembrokeshire businesses and households.
From its start as the fuel supplier for Bluestone holiday resort in 2003, it has grown into three linked businesses. One produces crops to become fuel, another retails the product and a third sells heat, it is an energy supply company or ESco.
Dai Rogers of PBE explains why the company has started shipping its materials: “Winning contracts into south Wales and the west of England presented a problem. Transporting bio fuel by road is not green, it undermines the carbon savings, and it is expensive”.
PBE chose not to import from the continent but to buy from Wales and neighbouring producers in Scotland and Ireland.
葬With supplies stored in Pembrokeshire and arriving in Avonmouth, our four specialised delivery vehicles can deliver on both laps of the journey south. Each ship load saves us and the planet 92,000 road miles.” said Dai.
PBE works with the Pembrokeshire Machinery Ring to share administration. It is through co-operation and the use of the resources on our doorstep, like the sea, that the company is keeping ahead of the better financed but less resourceful competition.

News

Milford Haven Buffaloes thank Waterloo Club for support

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THE ROYAL ANTEDILUVIAN ORDER OF BUFFALOES, Harbour Lodge 10704, has extended heartfelt thanks to the Waterloo Club in Hakin for their support and generosity over the past 14 months.

The lodge, which is currently in the process of moving to a new venue, has been based at the club since early 2023. During that time, members have successfully raised funds for local charities and supported community initiatives.

A spokesperson said: “We are extremely grateful to the Waterloo Club for their hospitality. Their kindness has helped us continue our charitable work in Milford Haven and beyond. We look forward to continuing our efforts to support the community at our new location.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes is encouraged to get in touch via email at: [email protected]

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Education

Council shifts stance after backlash over Welsh education survey

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New pledge to gather school choice data from all parents — not just those choosing Welsh-medium education

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revised its position following mounting criticism over its handling of Welsh-medium education policy, agreeing to broaden the scope of its planned parental survey.

The move comes after a political and public backlash to comments made during the Council Cabinet’s April meeting, where Deputy Leader Paul Miller suggested that some parents were choosing Welsh-medium schools not for the language but for newer facilities. His remarks, and the nature of the Cabinet debate, drew sharp criticism from opposition leader Cllr Huw Murphy, the Welsh Language Commissioner, and Cabinet Secretary for the Welsh Language and Culture, Mark Drakeford.

Critics accused the Cabinet of taking an “anti-Welsh” tone and of singling out parents who chose Welsh-medium education. The row escalated after Mr Drakeford told BBC Cymru: “I can’t see why we would ask parents why they choose Welsh or why they choose English… Local authorities should be making the case for choosing Welsh-medium education, not questioning those who do.”

Now, in an apparent attempt to address those concerns and reset the debate, the Council has issued a fresh statement following its Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (May 21). It confirms that data collection will be considered for all parents, not just those opting for Welsh-medium education.

A Council spokesperson said: “Cabinet has today agreed to explore the collection of information from all parents, regardless of language preference, in order to better understand school choice across the county.”

The updated resolution now asks the Director of Education to explore methods for capturing data on the relative importance of different factors influencing school choice. These include language preference, learning outcomes, quality of facilities, transport provision, and support for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).

The Council says the data will help inform future decisions on modernising the school estate, ensuring they reflect the priorities of a broad and representative sample of parents.

Despite the softened stance, the issue remains politically sensitive. Cllr Huw Murphy, whose formal “call-in” prompted the Council to revisit its earlier decision, has argued that any perception of bias against Welsh-medium provision risks undermining public trust and the Council’s obligations under the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP).

The Welsh Language Commissioner had also expressed concern over the original approach, stating that questioning only parents choosing Welsh-medium schools was “not compatible” with the Council’s statutory duties.

The revised position may go some way toward cooling tensions, but the debate has already highlighted deeper divisions over language policy, school choice, and how local authorities should approach data collection in the context of bilingual education.

The Herald will continue to follow developments closely as the Council works through the next phase of its data-gathering plans.

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Charity

St Davids RNLI duck race returns this bank holiday

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700 ducks to race the River Alun in fun-filled fundraiser

ST DAVIDS RNLI is preparing to welcome crowds once again for its much-loved duck race, which takes place on bank holiday Monday, 26 May, on the River Alun outside St Davids Cathedral.

Building on the success of last year’s event, this year’s race will see 700 plastic ducks released into the river, all competing for cash prizes. The race begins at 1:00pm, with festivities kicking off from 11:00am.

Visitors can enjoy a pop-up shop, home-made cakes, and the chance to name a duck for just £2 – with all proceeds supporting the vital, lifesaving work of the RNLI in St Davids.

“The duck race is always a fantastic day out for all ages and a brilliant way to support the lifeboat station,” said Simone Eade, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer. “Every duck sold helps us continue our mission of saving lives at sea.”

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