Community

Carmarthenshire Council announces free summer activities for families

Published

6 months ago

July 22, 2024

CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has unveiled an array of free activities for children and families this summer, aiming to offer enjoyable, educational, and active experiences in a secure and supportive setting.

The Summer of Play sessions, taking place in local parks, promise a variety of activities. The first session is scheduled for 29 July at Cross Hands Park from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, followed by Pontyberem Park on 30 July from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Activities include messy play, arts and crafts, sensory play, and more.

On 29 July, the Ffwrnes Family Festival will be held at the Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli. This free event includes street theatre, arts and crafts, yoga, and a music workshop. Full details can be found on the Theatrau Sir Gâr website. For more information, contact Theatrau Sir Gâr at 0345 226 3510. No tickets are required.

The Council is organising two free bus trips, offering families the chance to visit new places. On 7 August, families can visit Wiggleys Farm Park in Bridgend, and on 22 August, there will be a trip to Tenby. Pick-up points across the Gwendraeth Valley make it easy for families to join. To book, email [email protected].

An event on 15 August from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Leekes Cross Hands Car Park will feature local professionals such as police officers, the Fire and Rescue Service, the Dental Service, and the Coastguard. This offers children a chance to learn about these roles while enjoying interactive activities.

The Food and Fun programme, running over 12 days during the school summer holidays, is available to schools in Carmarthenshire with 16% or greater Free School Meal eligibility. Eight participating schools have shared full details with eligible pupils. Four schools will visit Bremenda Isaf County Farm for vegetable growing and harvesting, with produce used in cooking lessons.

Free open-access play sessions, organised by People Speak Up, will be held during the summer holidays across Carmarthenshire. Street Play Sir Gâr provides a safe space for children to play in the street. Sessions are held during term time on Saturdays: 11:00am – 1:00pm at Park Hall Estate, Carmarthen, and 2:30pm – 4:30pm at Maes y Gors, Tyisha, Llanelli (near Home Bargains).

Three free National Playday events will be held in Carmarthenshire:

5 August: Carmarthen Park, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
7 August: Tyisha, Llanelli, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
9 August: Ammanford Park, 1:00pm – 4:00pm

For more information, visit Street Play Sir Gâr – People Speak Up.

The Active Young People Team supports various events and organisations, such as Food & Fun, Scarlets in the Community Fit, Fed & Fun, and community council events. Details about Scarlets Summer Camps can be found here.

Additionally, Carmarthenshire Actif leisure centres offer a variety of paid activities for children this summer. For further details, click here.

Cllr. Linda Davies Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes, said: “We are delighted to offer these fantastic activities for children and families in Carmarthenshire. During these challenging times, it’s essential to provide free, engaging, and supportive experiences that not only entertain but also educate and enrich the lives of our young residents. Carmarthenshire County Council is committed to working with our partners to deliver these valuable opportunities.”

For more information about summer activities in Carmarthenshire, visit the Discover Carmarthenshire website.

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service launches recruitment drive

Published

58 mins ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MID AND WEST WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE has announced it is halfway through its recruitment window for Wholetime Firefighters. The service is actively seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds to join their ranks and contribute to the safety and well-being of communities across Mid and West Wales.

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas KFSM emphasised the evolving nature of the firefighter’s role, stating, “The role of a Wholetime Firefighter goes far beyond tackling fires, road traffic collisions and water rescues. Modern-day firefighters play a crucial part in educating the public and working to prevent risks to life and the environment.”

The MAWWFRS is keen to attract applicants with a wide range of skills and experiences, recognising the diverse challenges faced by today’s fire service. “We encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to apply, emphasising the diverse skill set needed for this challenging yet rewarding career,” added Thomas.

This recruitment initiative is seen as a vital step in ensuring the service has the necessary personnel to respond effectively to emergencies and maintain safety standards across the region. The MAWWFRS covers a vast area, encompassing nearly two-thirds of Wales, making it the third largest Fire and Rescue Service in the United Kingdom.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the MAWWFRS website for detailed information on fitness requirements, the application process, and how to apply. The online registration window closes at 12pm on Monday, 27th January 2025.

As the service continues its mission to create safer communities, this recruitment drive offers an opportunity for individuals to become part of a team that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Citations:
[1] http://eastwoodacademy.co.uk/docs/How%20to%20write%20a%20newspaper%20article.pdf
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid_and_West_Wales_Fire_and_Rescue_Service
[3] https://midwestwalesfire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s5689/HR%20People%20and%20Well-Being%20Update%20Report.pdf
[4] https://nickdale.me/2023/05/31/how-to-write-a-newspaper-article/
[5] https://www.gov.wales/find-your-local-fire-and-rescue-service
[6] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/current-vacancies/
[7] https://www.superprof.co.uk/resources/questions/english/broadsheet-articles.html
[8] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk
[9] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/
[10] https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/body/mid_and_west_wales_fire_and_rescue_service

Community

Paul Lucas receives British Empire Medal for services to education and charity

Published

4 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONE of the driving forces behind the creation of Haverfordwest High VC School has been honoured with the British Empire Medal.

Mr Paul Lucas received his insignia from His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, at a special ceremony at County Hall, Haverfordwest, on Monday, January 20^th.

Mr Lucas was named in the New Year Honours for services to education and charity in Pembrokeshire.

Mr Lucas was Chairman of Governors at the newly created Haverfordwest High VC School at the time of its official opening by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal in 2022.

Mr Lucas oversaw the amalgamation of the former Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward schools into Haverfordwest High and the building of the fantastic new school on the former Sir Thomas Picton site.

Hosting the event, the Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council Cllr Steve Alderman noted that many, many thousands of students for decades to come will enjoy first class educational facilities at the new school, thanks to the dedication of Mr Lucas.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, said: “On behalf of His Majesty The King, it was an honour and an enormous privilege to present Mr Paul Lucas with the British Empire Medal.

“Mr Lucas has provided incredible service to Pembrokeshire and Haverfordwest in particular and has been a driving force for educational improvement. His work will have a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Assisting the Lord-Lieutenant for the ceremony was Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Sergeant Mariana Lemon.

Also in attendance for the special occasion were the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Jon Harvey; the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Helen Jones, and Deputy Lieutenant of Dyfed, Col Martin Green, along with Mr Lucas’ family and invited guests.

Community

County Show calling all Pembrokeshire parents and teachers

Published

4 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SCHOOLCHILDREN from across the county are invited to the next Food Story event, Nutritious, Delicious & Local, which will take place at the Pembrokeshire County Showground on Wednesday, March 5, and Thursday, March 6, 2025.

This exciting event, suitable for pupils from Year 2 to Year 11, will offer a hands-on learning experience focusing on health and well-being, as well as the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in local food production. Topics will include how weather and climate impact farming, the growth of crops, and the daily challenges faced by farmers.

Children will also have the chance to cook and sample local produce, making it a truly interactive and educational experience.

All primary and secondary schools across Pembrokeshire will receive an invitation and booking form to attend. If teachers have not received the email and would like to participate, they are encouraged to contact the Pembrokeshire Showground Office at [email protected] as soon as possible.