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Mark Drakeford’s special visit to Pembrokeshire Scout group

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THE FIRST Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford MS, visited 3rd Pembroke Sea Scouts yesterday afternoon, Friday 16th February 2024, following an invitation made during UK Parliament Week 2023 by Scout Seb Smith. Mr Drakeford, who attended the Pembrokeshire Scouts Parliament Week event virtually, for a Q&A session to promote young people’s involvement in democracy, wanted to have a closer look at Scouting, what it offers to young people and adult leaders alike, and was keen to take up the invitation.

3rd Pembroke Sea Scouts Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, who meet at Pembroke Dock Youth Centre, and Explorer Scouts from Pembroke Dock Viking Explorers, were thrilled to meet Mr Drakeford in person. The First Minister observed a number of activities and information stations including First Aid training, craft skills, kayaking, coracle building, and map reading, which led to him joining in with a game of human battleships, used to help teach scouts grid references for map reading! Mr Drakeford spent time engaging with all of the children and young people, taking an interest in all stations, and asking plenty of questions to test the knowledge of Scouts and learn more about their interests and enjoyment of the very many activities and opportunities that Scouting in Pembrokeshire has to offer.

Sharing tea and cake, Mr Drakeford also met with Scout Leaders including the Area Commissioner, Linda Wilson, and Vikki Phillips, Assistant Area Commissioner, who explained the extent of training that all Leaders receive in order to provide all the activities and experiences for children across the County and throughout Wales. Progress through the Leaders Wood Badge and onto specialist training in specific skills such as archery, rock climbing, kayaking, and power boating, were discussed, and the First Minister commented on the value adult Leaders bring to the young people and community. Linda Wilson commented, “There can be a lot involved in being a Scout Leader, but it is incredibly rewarding, and well worth getting involved in. I’ve volunteered for a number of years and I haven’t looked back. I am proud of what Scouting offers young people.”

Mr Drakeford, a former Scout in his youth, was also invested into 3rd Pembroke Sea Scouts by Group Leader Ian ‘Skip’ Rogers, along with new Beaver, Indie, and Assistant Beaver Leader Ashleigh Jackson, making his Scout promise in front of the Group and watching parents, and was then given his own necker, tied with the friendship knot. Now part of 3rd, the First Minister was invited to come along any time to volunteer as a Leader.

Mr Drakeford commented, “I have really enjoyed my visit, I am delighted to have been invested into 3rd Pembroke and to be part of this great Group, and it was lovely to see some familiar faces from Parliament Week.”

Organiser of the events, Scout Leader Jackie Thomas, said “We were so lucky to have the First Minister join us for UK Parliament Week, for Mr Drakeford to reach out to me, asking to visit the Group in person, was just fantastic. The children and young people have got so much out of this visit, something that many of them will never forget. It is a great experience for all of us, one which I hope encourages the children to have an interest in democracy, current affairs, and the wider world into the future, which is the aim of our involvement in UK Parliament Week.”

Other Leaders supporting the visit were Julian Orchard, Donna Maiden, and Iestyn Nevatte from Scouts Cymru.

Community

Dylan Thomas Boathouse wins ‘Win an Architect’ initiative

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CULTURAL LANDMARK SECURES DESIGN PRIZE

THE ICONIC Dylan Thomas Boathouse in Laugharne has been named the winner of this year’s prestigious ‘Win an Architect’ initiative, a competition run by Studio Wignall & Moore.

The initiative seeks to support cultural sites outside London by offering a design concept worth up to £12,000, developed by Wignall & Moore’s award-winning RIBA Chartered architects.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Taf estuary, the Boathouse was home to renowned Welsh poet Dylan Thomas during the final four years of his life. It was here that he wrote some of his most significant works, including parts of Under Milk Wood. Now part of CofGâr, Carmarthenshire County Council’s museums and arts service, the Boathouse continues to attract visitors from across the world.

Enhancing visitor experience

The prize will support plans to improve accessibility and enhance the visitor experience by redesigning the entrance, expanding indoor space, and utilising the old harbour’s potential.

Councillor Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport, and Tourism, welcomed the recognition:

“Winning the ‘Win an Architect’ prize is a fantastic achievement for the Dylan Thomas Boathouse and CofGâr. This support will help us improve the visitor experience while preserving the Boathouse’s unique character.”

The partnership with Wignall & Moore will extend through 2025, focusing on sustainable enhancements that respect the site’s historical importance and ensure its legacy for future generations.

Yearlong series of events

To celebrate the win, a free creative writing workshop led by award-winning poet and playwright Menna Elfyn took place on January 25, marking the start of a yearlong programme of events and workshops at the Boathouse.

Visitors are encouraged to share ideas and help shape the future of this literary landmark. Booking for events is available via CofGâr.

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Community

Alert system set to be introduced for flood-hit Tenby road

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A CALL for a road closure alert system at a regularly flood-hit road at the entrance to Tenby where the existing sign warnings “don’t like operating when it’s wet” has been backed by senior councillors.

Back at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Rhys Jordan had said: “The B4318 at Gumfreston is prone to persistent flooding during adverse weather conditions, leading to road closures that disrupt travel and pose safety risks for residents and motorists.

“Currently, closures are not effectively communicated to residents, causing inconvenience, delays, and potential hazards. An efficient alert system would provide timely information to residents, allowing them to plan alternative routes and ensuring safety.”

At the October meeting Cllr Jordan had revealed the existing flood warning system signs “don’t like operating when its wet”.

The February meeting of the council’s Cabinet received a notice of motion by Cllr Jordan calling for a flood alert system for residents warning of any road closures of the B4318, which was recommended for approval.

In his notice of motion, Cllr Jordan said the flood warning signs, “continue to malfunction, leaving residents uninformed and ill-prepared for closures,” despite him raising the issue at full council on two occasions.

His call said: “The technology required to address this issue already exists within Pembrokeshire County Council. For example, the Cleddau Bridge successfully uses an alert system to inform residents and motorists of closures. A similar system should be implemented for the B4318 at Gumfreston.”

A report for members said a 2011 feasibility report to realign or raise the road had estimated the costs would be £4.5m at the time, now raised to £6m, the budget at the time used to install the flood monitoring and warning system.

The report added: “Recently, the warning sign system was subject to a hostile cyber-attack and whilst this has now been resolved, the signs are not currently being operated automatically, but are being remotely controlled from the Cleddau Bridge office when required.

“However, the Highways teams are working with suppliers to improve reliability and to install new water depth sensors which will allow the system to be restored to automatic operation once more.”

Referencing the current Cleddau Bridge system, the report said it would be feasible to have a similar system for the B4318 road at Gumfreston, with a cost of some £2,000 for the works.

Speaking at the February 10 meeting, Cllr Jordan said there was a need for “a long-term infrastructure solution” to address the flooding issues, but said the recommendation was a “pragmatic” improvement given the council’s limited resources.

“But what I am not happy is with the length of time this has taken, it’s a step in the right direction but disappointing that it has taken a year of me asking and many years of people suffering to get to the situation today.

“It will not solve the problem but at least will provide some mitigation. The residents deserve better planning and better outcomes.”

Cabinet member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said the council “acknowledge a long-term sustainable solution would be the best outcome,” but was pleased there was “a sense of pragmatism” in the proposal.

The proposal was unanimously supported by Cabinet members.

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Community

New parent, baby and child walking groups launch in Pembrokeshire

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PARENTS in Pembrokeshire looking for a friendly and supportive way to get outdoors with their little ones can now join free weekly walking groups in Broad Haven and Pembroke.

Organised by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, these walks provide a relaxed and welcoming environment, offering a chance to connect with other parents while enjoying gentle exercise, spotting wildlife along the way, and taking in the beauty of the local area.

The Broad Haven walks take place every Monday at 10am, starting from the Park Authority’s car park outside the YHA in Broad Haven, while the Pembroke group meets every Friday at 10am at Pembroke Commons car park, opposite the Pembroke Carvery. Both walks begin at 10.15am and are free to attend. They are pram-friendly, making them ideal for new parents, parents-to-be, and those with toddlers.

Each walk lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, with nearby baby-changing facilities and local cafés available for refreshments before or after the stroll.

Along the way, parents can take part in fun, age-appropriate activities with their little ones while benefiting from fresh air, gentle movement, and the support of a like-minded community.

Get Outdoors Coordinator, Amber Manning, organiser of the walking groups, encourages parents to come along and experience the benefits of connecting with others in a natural setting, and says:“These walks are a fantastic way for parents to get outside, socialise and enjoy Pembrokeshire with your children. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, get some fresh air, or simply enjoy a relaxed walk, everyone is welcome.”

For more information, contact Amber Manning at 07483 377414 or via email at [email protected]

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