Two leading musicians are to receive funding totalling £8,000 thanks to a new music bursary launched by Menter Rhosygilwen.

Cardigan pianist Raph James and Pembrokeshire trumpeter Carys Wood are both to receive £4,000 of funding spread over the next two years, after receiving offers to continue their performance studies at two of the UK’s top music colleges.

Raph, who is taught by Pembrokeshire-based pianist Sarahjane Absalom, has been accepted by both the Guildhall School of Music, London and the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, while Carys has been accepted by both the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, London.

“This is the first year that we’ve launched the bursary, and its aim is for young people in Dyfed who have been accepted to study at a music academy,” explained Glen Peters, owner and director of Menter Rhosygilwen.

“This year the standard was so high that we were compelled to award it to two students rather than one, and as a result we’ve increased the bursary from £6,000 to £8,000.”

Raph, who recently gained his Associate of the Royal Schools of Music performance diploma with an exceptionally high score, is also the current Young Musician of Dyfed after wowing judges with his outstanding performance at Rhosygilwen in 2024.  He is a Year 13 student at Cardigan Secondary School where he is currently preparing for A levels in maths, physics, and chemistry.  He will commence his performance studies at the Guildhall School of Music in September.

Carys Wood is a sixth form student at Haverfordwest High School.  In 2024 she reached the last 50 televised rounds of the BBC Young Musician and in September she will commence her undergraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London.  

Raph and Carys will officially receive their bursaries at a special awards ceremony at Rhosygilwen in April.

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.

Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.

Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.

Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.

Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.

“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”

For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

• Conwy
• Denbighshire
• Flintshire
• Gwynedd
• Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.