Community

VC Gallery’s Woodland Wellbeing Project transforms Mount Woods

Published

5 months ago

September 5, 2024

THE VC GALLERY’S Woodland Wellbeing Project in the Mount Woods has become a beacon of community engagement, encouraging people to immerse themselves in nature, learn about biodiversity, and restore public spaces damaged by ash dieback disease.

Over the past nine months, the VC Gallery, in collaboration with commissioned partner Silbers CIC, has made significant strides in transforming the woodland into a welcoming space for all. The project has included a diverse array of activities, from wood carving, invasive species studies, and bird identification, to art, photography, sculpture, litter picking, and felling dangerous trees. These initiatives have not only enhanced the woodland but have also provided engaging workshops for multiple generations within the community.

Working in tandem with the River Trust, the VC Gallery has taken responsibility for the Tributary, monitoring the waterways for microplastics and removing tonnes of rubbish to restore tranquility to the area. The woodland has also hosted mental health walks and counselling sessions, particularly benefiting Armed Forces veterans. A variety of organisations have contributed to the project, reflecting a collaborative effort to achieve the initiative’s goals.

Among the project’s many beneficiaries are the Milford Haven Marine and Navy Cadets, with 60 under-18s from Milford Haven, along with other school and third-sector initiatives, having taken part. Plans for further activities are already in the works.

The project, funded by the SPF, Pembrokeshire County Council, and the Levelling Up Fund, has been a resounding success. The VC Gallery’s Founder expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Using the opportunity of this woodland has given our charity the chance to offer many more events for locals and groups who need to get outdoors in a safe and secure way. Many people are more suited to outdoors with certain conditions like anxiety disorder, and the open green spaces are a great way to look at the five ways to wellbeing.”

In addition to its environmental focus, the VC Gallery has combined biodiversity and heritage, offering veterans’ groups from across Wales the chance to witness the good work being done while learning about the rich history of the woods. Stories like that of ‘Dead Man’s Lake,’ linked to the Civil War and Cromwell’s invasion, have added a historical dimension to the project’s appeal.

Project lead Charles Laugharne commented, “We had the military charity Alabaré visit with lots of veterans, and they were very interested in the work we were undertaking at the Mount. It has given us the ability to create micro projects from this wonderful, calming space.

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service launches recruitment drive

Published

24 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

3 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

3 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.