Education

County’s musical talents celebrated at annual music festival

Published

1 year ago

March 27, 2025

PEMBROKESHIRE MUSIC SERVICE welcomed pupils from across the county to share their musical talents with a delighted audience at the Primary Valero Music Festival.

The overall winner of the festival, held at Ysgol Caer Elen on March 22^nd, was Ysgol Bro Penfro pupil Wolfgang Evans on the piano, with his rendition of “Jackson Street Blues” by Martha Mier.

Wolfgang was also winner of the Open Brass class, performing “Rondino” by Allan Street on trumpet.

In the morning the children performed in the Open Classes and in the afternoon the audience enjoyed the Spotlight Concert that featured performances winners:

Open woodwind – Saxophonist Autumn Sheppard, Coastlands, who played “Bye Bye Blackbird by Ray Henderson

Open Strings – violinist Denisa Rusu, Saundersfoot School, who played “Gavotte” by Couperin.

Open Drums – Ifan Murphy, Ysgol Caer Elen, who played “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”

Saundersfoot CP School’s orchestra won the Ensemble category but sadly could not perform in the afternoon due to a variety of commitments. Earlier in the day they performed “Drive Time” by Jock McKenzie.

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service Philippa Roberts said: “Congratulations to our dedicated primary pupils for their wonderful performances at the music festival. Their hard work and dedication shone through in a truly inclusive and supportive atmosphere, where every child was celebrated.

“It was a fantastic showcase of music and teamwork supported by dedicated tutors, parents and carers.”

Karin Jenkins, who adjudicated the strings classes, echoed Philippa’s sentiments, and added: “How amazing today’s music festival was for Pembrokeshire’s primary pupils. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in musical talent and I loved every moment. Everyone seemed to be having such a great time performing, and their energy was fantastic.”

Pembrokeshire Music Service Primary Valero Music Festival 2025 Results:

Woodwind

Initial Grade flute:

1^st – Lyra Constable, Spittal

2^nd – Maisie Parkin, St Oswalds

3^rd – Lara Morgan, Wolfscastle

Initial Grade clarinet & saxophone:

1^st – Maya Cunliffe, Cleddau Reach

2^nd – Ellis Roberts, Bro Ingli

3^rd – Lois Morgan, Wolfscastle

Grade 1:

1^st – Mia John, Mary Immaculate

2^nd – Ethan Stoney, Prendergast

3^rd – Iolo Thomas, Bro Ingli

Grade 2:

1^st – Eva Evans, St Aidans

2^nd – Paige Youngs, Johnston

3^rd – Phoebe Rees, Coastlands & Skyla Fletcher, Johnston

Open:

1^st – Autumn Sheppard, Coastlands

2^nd – Osian Kite, Roch

3^rd – Hattie Phillips, MHCPS

Brass:

Initial Grade:

1^st – Sam Triggs, Llandudoch

2^nd – Wilf Davies, Llanychllwydog & Leila Mundy-Kearns, Llandudoch

3^rd – Jaxon Price, PDCS

Lower Brass Grade 1:

1^st – Phoebe Jones, Hafan y mor

2^nd – Gwennan Davies, Bro Preseli

3^rd – Eliana Barder, Hafan y mor

HC – Alfie Chester, Cleddau Reach & Molly Thomas, St Teilos

Trumpet & Cornet Grade 1:

1^st – Noah Lewis, Wdig

2^nd – Llion Davies, Bro Preseli

3^rd – Penny de Wreede, Roch

HC – Olivia Conroy-Thornberry, Johnston & Chester Price, Tenby VC

Grade 2:

1^st – Isaac Phillips, Saundersfoot

2^nd – Edward Skidmore, St Teilos

3^rd – TJ Stewart, Glannau Gwaun

Open:

1^st – Wolfgang Evans, Bro Penfro

2^nd – Carys Meiring, Hafan y mor

3^rd – Ella-May Kirby, MHCPS

HC – Mali McFarlane, Caer Elen & Iolo Simms, Caer Elen

Strings

Initial grade:

1^st – Archie Hayden, Redhill

2^nd – Sara Thomas, Bro Preseli

3^rd – Tillie Ward, Bro Preseli

HC – Phoebe Harries, St Oswalds, Nia Owen, Ger y Llan, Maisie Gray, Ger y Llan, Poppy Armstrong

Grade 1:

1^st – Esme Phillips, Penrhyn Dewi

2^nd – Haf Evans, Cilgerran

3^rd – Rebecca Lowe, Caer Elen

HC – Huw Tamplin – Narberth, Efa Britton – Johnston, Suki Heulwen – Bro Penfro, Gracie Jones – Waldo Williams, Patsi Reynolds – Caer Elen, Ashley Cristabel – Prendergast, Aled Hooper – Caer Elen, Saskia Winton – Narberth, Maisie Torok -St Oswalds & Harper Wallis – Hafan y mor

Open:

1^st – Denisa Rusu, Saundersfoot

2^nd – Alice Ng, Caer Elen & Leila Powell

3^rd – Elsa Rae Gibbons, Caer Elen & Fred Powell

HC – Harrison Sheppard, Caer Elen & Bella Raymond, Caer Elen

Piano & Harp

Initial grade piano:

1^st – Harry Brace, Penrhyn

2^nd – Efa Harries, Penrhyn Dewi

3^rd – Maiya Cunliffe, Redhill

HC – Dougie Nevinson, Lamphey

Grade 1 piano:

1^st – Carys Callan, Redhill

2^nd – River Regelous, Penrhyn

3^rd – Evelyn James, Tavernspite

HC – Michael Aulehla-Atkin, Caer Elen & Elodie Voaden, Tavernspite

Grade 1 Harp:

1^st – Efa John, Maenclochog

2^nd – Haf Evans, Cilgerran

3^rd – Ruby Robinson, Caer Elen & Bella Grove, Maenclochog

HC – Delun Hancock-Phillips, Caer Elen

Grade 2 piano:

1^st – Harry Hayden, Redhill

2^nd – Emily Thomas-Ward, Redhill

3^rd – Ella Schwierzi, Nant y Cwm

HC – Seth Morris, Croesgoch

Grade 2 harp:

1^st – Elen Davies, Bro Preseli

2^nd – Olivia Davies, Caer Elen

3^rd – Ffion Fenrick, Cilgerran

HC – Ethan Dunkeld, Cilgerran

Open piano & harp:

1^st – Wolfgang Evans, Bro Penfro

2^nd – Eva Evans, St Aidans

3^rd – Gethin Wade, Maenclochog

HC – Cadi Haf Marshall-Jones, Bro Preseli

Percussion

Initial Grade:

1^st – Luca Rebiga, Saundersfoot

2^nd – Harper Wolverson, St Florence

3^rd – Dylan Chan, Saundersfoot & Madi Wright, Saundersfoot

Grade 1:

1^st – Sadie Neuman, Roch

2^nd – Felix Livock, Tenby VC

3^rd – Alfie Hughes, Tenby VC

HC – Harry D’Ortez, Tenby VC

Open:

1^st – Ifan Murphy, Caer Elen

2^nd – Ollie Holloway, Roch

3^rd – Aled Hooper, Caer Elen

HC – Esme Muir, Gelliswick

Ensembles

1^st – Saundersfoot School orchestra

2^nd – Bro Preseli Harp ensemble & Cilgerran Harp ensemble

3^rd – Violin duet (Fred & Leila Powell) & Wiston piano duet (Eva Evans & Millie Griffiths)

HC – Hook ensemble & Caer Elen harp ensemble

Education

Parents urged to rally as final decision looms over Ysgol Clydau

Published

1 day ago

May 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Campaigners call for supporters to attend ‘crucial’ County Hall meeting in bid to save village school

SUPPORTERS fighting to save Ysgol Clydau are urging parents, children and members of the community to gather at County Hall in Haverfordwest next month as councillors prepare to make a final decision on the school’s future.

The grassroots campaign group Save Ysgol Clydau – Cadw Clydau yn Gadarn has called on as many people as possible to attend an extraordinary meeting on Monday, June 15, describing it as a “crucial” moment in the battle to keep the school open.

Campaigners are asking supporters to gather outside County Hall from 9:00am ahead of the meeting, which is due to begin at 10:00am.

In a public appeal shared online, organisers said the day would likely be emotional regardless of the outcome, but stressed the importance of showing a united front.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: “We need as many parents, children, and supporters as possible at County Hall, Haverfordwest to help save our school.

“A final decision will be made. Please do your very best to attend and stand with our community.

“It will be an emotional day, whatever the outcome — but together we can show the county and the country that we are here, united, and determined to be heard.”

The campaign has become a rallying point for local families concerned about the future of education in rural communities, with supporters arguing that closing the school would have a lasting impact on village life and young children.

Promotional material shared by the group encourages families to bring children and “their voices” to the demonstration, with campaigners insisting: “Together we are stronger.”

The Herald understands the meeting is expected to draw strong local interest, with campaigners hoping a large turnout could influence councillors ahead of what may be a decisive vote.

Ysgol Clydau has been at the centre of an ongoing debate about the future of smaller rural schools in Pembrokeshire, with supporters arguing the school plays a vital role at the heart of the community.

The meeting takes place at County Hall, Haverfordwest, on Monday, June 15, with supporters gathering from 9:00am.

Education

UWTSD Summer Degree Shows celebrate emerging creative talent

Published

1 day ago

May 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Students recognised as exhibitions and performances continue across Wales and beyond

THE UNIVERSITY OF WALES Trinity Saint David has celebrated the work of emerging artists, designers and performers through its annual Summer Degree Shows.

The exhibitions and performances, held during May and continuing into the summer, showcase final-year projects from students across a wide range of creative disciplines, including Fine Art, Graphic Design, Surface Pattern and Textiles, Photography, Illustration, Automotive and Transport Design, Acting and Adventure Filmmaking.

Events have taken place across Swansea, Carmarthen, Cardiff and London, with major showcases held at Swansea College of Art’s Dynevor and Alex buildings. Performances have also been staged at Yr Egin in Carmarthen, with further exhibitions planned at national venues.

A key part of the celebrations was the annual prize-giving ceremony at Dynevor in Swansea, where students were recognised for outstanding achievement.

Aimiee Brown and Branwen Jones received the Elysium Sculpture Award, with two £500 prizes presented for excellence in sculptural practice.

The Hayden John James Prize awarded £1,000 prizes to undergraduate student Tilly Lewis and postgraduate student Andrew T Gardiner.

Surface Pattern student Samantha McGrath received the Elizabeth Jeffries Prize, while Cel Hopkins was awarded the Josef Herman Carolyn Davies Prize, presented by the Josef Herman Foundation.

Illustration student Morgan Stevens received the Rhys Bevan Jones Illustration Prize, while Seren Trodden was recognised twice, receiving both an Old Dyvorians Association President Prize and the Mission Gallery Makers Award in collaboration with the Jane Phillips Award.

Other Old Dyvorians Association President Prizes went to Bella Watkins, Rhiannon Hughes, Adam Mayhew, Emi Joy and Becca May.

Jewellery student Jessica Theobald received the ACJ College Jewellery Prize, which includes membership of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery, while Photography student Carys Bristowe-Davies received the Sarah Tierney Award, offering mentoring and access to workshops at Swansea College of Art.

Dr Mark Cocks, Dean of UWTSD’s Wales Institute for Science and Art, said: “The Summer Degree exhibitions celebrate the inspirational creative talents of our students.

“The innovation and diversity of the student work is testament to their dedication and creative application of their personal practice. These shows are the culmination of academic study, but also the beginning of professional creative journeys.”

Caroline Thraves, Academic Director for Art and Media at UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art, said the shows provided students with an important professional platform.

She added: “Hosting the Summer Shows is a vital part of our mission at UWTSD. It gives our students a professional platform to share their creativity with the world, celebrates their hard work, and connects them with the industries they are about to enter.”

Lynne Seymour, Academic Director for Design and Performing Industries, said this year’s programme was particularly significant as the university marks 25 years since the first graduates from its Set Design and Production course.

She said: “These exhibitions and performances represent not only the culmination of years of hard work, collaboration and artistic exploration, but also the beginning of many professional creative journeys.”

The Summer Shows continue throughout the season, including Architecture, Engineering and Computing exhibitions at UWTSD’s Swansea Waterfront campus, performances from WAVDA students at Yr Egin and in Cardiff, exhibitions at New Designers and Copeland Gallery in London, and Automotive and Transport Design showcases at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

Community

Pembrokeshire adventurer Tori James named National Learn Welsh Ambassador

Published

5 days ago

May 23, 2026

Richard Lewis

AS THE NATIONAL Centre for Learning Welsh celebrates its highest ever number of learners – over 20,000 in 2024–2025 – it has announced a new ambassadors scheme with the aim of inspiring even more people to learn, use and enjoy the Welsh language.

The Learn Welsh Ambassadors Scheme will be launched today (May 23) at the Urdd Eisteddfod on Anglesey, as part of the Eisteddfod’s ‘Learners’ Day’ celebrations.

Four high-profile ambassadors have been appointed to the new scheme:

Aleighcia Scott – singer and DJ, and one of the mentors on S4C’s talent show Y Llais, who will also be honoured with the Green robe at Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las in August.
Tori James – adventurer and the first Welsh woman to climb Mount Everest.
Katie Owen – DJ and social media influencer.
Ian Gwyn Hughes – Head of Public Relations at the Football Association of Wales.

The four ambassadors will represent the Centre, sharing their personal experiences of the Welsh language, and promoting the work of the Learn Welsh sector. They will also support recruitment campaigns, encouraging people from all backgrounds to begin learning Welsh, or to continue their language journey.

The scheme reflects the Centre’s vision to attract and support a wide range of audiences to learn and use Welsh, including workforces, communities, key sectors such as Health and Social Care, the Education Workforce and Sport, young people and families.

The Centre is launching the scheme at the Urdd Eisteddfod. It works in partnership with the Urdd to provide a range of opportunities for the organisation’s staff, and the young people using its services, to strengthen their Welsh language skills or to begin learning the language.

The Centre is also pleased to support the Urdd’s medals for young Welsh learners, the Bobi Jones Medal for learners aged 19 years’ old and above, and the Learners’ Medal for learners aged under 19 years.

Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, said: “Creating new Welsh speakers is the Centre’s main aim, supporting them to use and enjoy the language with confidence in their everyday lives.

“I’m pleased to say the Learn Welsh sector is going from strength to strength, with more people than ever completing our courses.

“We’re delighted to welcome a group of passionate ambassadors who will share their experiences of the Welsh language and help promote and celebrate our work. We’re proud to launch this new scheme at the Urdd Eisteddfod, one of our partners.

“The Centre works creatively and in partnership across different sectors, providing one, single learning pathway to becoming a Welsh speaker. We are all here to welcome and support our learners and new speakers at every stage of their language journey.”

Aleighcia Scott said: “I’m delighted to take part in this scheme. Learning Welsh has been an important personal journey for me, and it has opened new doors – both creatively and socially.”

Tori James said: “Learning a new skill can be a bit like climbing a mountain – it can be a challenge, but every small step is a success!

“I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to support people to take their first step into learning Welsh, and to keep going – it’s a journey well worth taking.”

Katie Owen said: “I’d always wanted to learn Welsh, and it has been the best thing I’ve done. The Welsh-speaking community is so welcoming, and the National Centre for Learning Welsh offers so many opportunities to learn and use the language.”

Ian Gwyn Hughes said: “Welsh belongs to all of us, and it has been fantastic to see the positive response to our use of the language at the Football Association of Wales. I look forward to supporting the Centre’s work to extend the use of Welsh in all kinds of contexts.”