A GROUP of pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St Davids travelled to London on Thursday (June 12) for a special visit to the Houses of Parliament, where they were hosted by their local MP, Henry Tufnell.

The visit included a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster and a chance to see the House of Commons and House of Lords in action. The group arrived around 2:30pm and took part in educational workshops before enjoying a lively question-and-answer session with Mr Tufnell.

The pupils, smartly dressed in school uniform and wearing orange visitor passes, posed for a group photo in one of Parliament’s ornate committee rooms before engaging in discussions about democracy, Pembrokeshire, and the role of MPs. Mr Tufnell, MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said he was impressed with the thoughtful and challenging questions posed by the students.

Writing on social media, Mr Tufnell said: “Brilliant to have Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi School in Parliament today! Before a tour of the Palace we did a quiz and a Q&A about Pembrokeshire, Parliament and my role as an MP – some excellent questions!”

The trip was organised and led by Mrs R Owen, Head of Languages, Literacy and Communication at the school, alongside Mr J Owen (Literacy HLTA) and school governor Mrs B Thomas-Price. The day involved a very early start, with pupils departing the Dewi campus at 6:00am, and returning shortly after midnight.

Headteacher Rachael Thomas described the opportunity as “fantastic” and thanked parents for their quick response to the late notice trip. Pupils were expected to model the school’s values throughout the visit, and brought packed lunches and books or headphones for the long coach journey

This inspiring visit offered a memorable real-world learning experience for the pupils and a chance to deepen their understanding of politics and public service.

Pembrokeshire College tutor selected for global hairdressing championships

PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE hairdressing tutor Marcus Smith has been selected to represent Team GB at the prestigious OMC Hairworld Championships in Paris this September.

Marcus will compete in the Creative Colour and Style category, showcasing his artistry and technical expertise at one of the most highly regarded events in the international hair, beauty, and nail industry.

The OMC Hairworld – World Championship, organised by the Organisation Mondiale Coiffure (OMC), brings together competitors from more than 50 countries, each demonstrating innovation, precision, and flair. Marcus was personally invited to try out for Team GB and has since earned his place among the UK’s top hairdressing professionals.

The competition category will require Marcus to complete a bold, creative hairstyle on a mannequin head in just 35 minutes. Preparation is vital. This August, Marcus will travel to the Goldwell Academy in London to complete the colouring stage in advance—part of the strategic approach required for success in the fast-paced event.

Speaking ahead of the competition, Marcus said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent the UK on such a prestigious platform. It’s an honour to be part of Team GB, and I hope my journey inspires our learners to dream big, work hard, and believe in their potential. Competitions like this go beyond personal milestones—they show our students that hairdressing is a global, dynamic career with endless possibilities.”

Alongside his teaching duties, Marcus dedicates time each month to travel and refine his competition technique. His dedication serves as both inspiration and a powerful learning model for his students, reinforcing the college’s commitment to delivering industry-leading training.

Pembrokeshire College is backing Marcus every step of the way, including support with competition entry fees. A spokesperson said the college was “incredibly proud” to see one of its own selected for such an international honour.

Founded in 1946 in Lyon, France, Organisation Mondiale Coiffure is the world’s leading authority in the hair, beauty and nail sector. OMC’s annual championships provide a global platform for professionals to gain recognition, compete at the highest level, and benefit from international training and networking opportunities.

Pembrokeshire College wishes Marcus the best of luck as he prepares to represent both the college and the country on the world stage.

Picture: Marcus Smith

Council policy restricting bus access sparks rural backlash

PARENTS across Ceredigion say they have been left “blindsided” by a sudden change to school transport rules which restrict free bus travel to only the nearest secondary school — even when another school is just marginally further away.

The new interpretation of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 means children who live more than three miles from school are eligible for free transport — but only if that school is deemed the nearest ‘suitable’ one.

The policy is being applied strictly, with families reporting that even a difference of half a mile between two schools is being used to deny access to school buses — despite places being offered and bus services already running past children’s homes.

Campaigners say the change, introduced without public consultation, has already forced some children to switch schools or make long and impractical journeys. A new grassroots group, Let Us Travel – Ceredigion, is calling on the council to pause enforcement and review the policy.

Miesha Evans, whose son was due to attend Ysgol Aberteifi, said: “There’s a school bus that passes our house every morning with empty seats. My son has a place at the school, but now the council says he can’t get on it — because another school is half a mile closer on paper. It’s nonsense, and families like mine feel ignored.”

A parent from Beulah added: “We applied in good faith after attending open days and reading the bus timetables. Now we’re being told our daughter can’t even travel with her own sibling.”

Other parents have highlighted cases where public buses are not a viable option due to cost, timing, or safety concerns. One campaigner said: “There’s a public bus from the town two miles away, but it leaves very early and doesn’t return until after 5:00pm. That’s not suitable for an 11-year-old girl — especially in winter.”

Children already attending schools they’ve settled into — sometimes after transition days or friendship-building events — are now being asked to move to different schools based solely on distance.

Ceredigion County Council has yet to release a formal public statement on the matter. However, it is understood the authority is enforcing the policy to ensure legal compliance with the Learner Travel Measure, which requires councils to provide transport only to the nearest suitable school, not necessarily the school of parental choice.

A council spokesperson previously told The Herald on a related matter: “We are obliged to apply national guidelines fairly and consistently to all families. Discretionary arrangements are reviewed on a case-by-case basis where exceptional circumstances apply.”

The Learner Travel Measure does include exceptions — such as where routes are unsafe, or where a child has special educational needs or a disability. But campaigners argue these exceptions are not being applied flexibly enough in rural areas with poor public transport links.

The campaign group is calling on the council to:

• Pause enforcement for pupils already offered a place
• Consider family links, such as siblings already attending
• Reintroduce discretion where no realistic alternative transport exists

Local MP Ben Lake, Senedd Member Elin Jones, and several county councillors have been contacted by parents and are being urged to raise the issue urgently.

A petition and Facebook campaign have gained momentum, with over 500 signatures in the first week.

Until this year, the council routinely allowed access to school buses that passed through adjacent villages — even if they weren’t serving the absolute nearest school. Buses will continue to carry older pupils under existing arrangements, but new Year 7 students in the same households may be barred from using them.

Under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, parents have the right to express a preference for which school their child attends. However, that does not guarantee free transport if the school chosen is not the nearest one judged suitable by the council.

The Herald has asked Ceredigion County Council for a full statement in response to the campaign and will publish any update received.