TWO upcoming open evenings in Pembroke are aiming to show how higher education can transform lives and few stories capture that better than that of local student Fred Murad.

Hosted by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David at Monkton Priory Community School, the events will highlight part-time degrees in Inclusive Education designed for those balancing work, family and other commitments.

For Fred, however, the journey into education didn’t begin with ambition but with loss.

“My journey into higher education was not born out of certainty, but out of profound loss and an urgent need to rebuild a life with meaning,” he said. 

After the death of his wife, his partner and best friend, Fred was left caring for his young children while navigating grief and uncertainty. He made the difficult decision to leave his job, stepping away from stability at one of the hardest points in his life.

“At that point, I had a choice: remain defined by loss or stand up and fight for my family’s future. I chose to invest in myself.”

What followed was a gradual rebuilding. Through the Springboard programme, Fred completed courses in numeracy, IT, classroom support and first aid – each one helping to restore confidence and routine.

“Returning to education as a mature student was not easy, but it became a lifeline. Each qualification helped me rebuild confidence, restore routine, and rediscover a sense of direction at a time when everything felt uncertain.”

That renewed sense of purpose led him into higher education, enrolling on the Foundation Degree in Inclusive Education delivered locally in Monkton.

For more than a decade, these courses have been offered by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David within the community, creating accessible routes into higher education for those who might not otherwise consider it. Delivered in evening sessions at Monkton, they are particularly suited to people already working or volunteering in schools, including learning support assistants and teaching assistants.

Fred says the experience has been transformative.

“The programme is academically rigorous but deeply supportive, recognising that students often bring complex life experiences with them into their studies.”

Now in his second year, he has progressed into full-time employment as a tutor at Pembrokeshire College and is working towards his AET Level 3 teaching qualification.

But beyond career progression, the course has reshaped how he understands learning itself.

“The Foundation Degree in Inclusive Education has fundamentally changed how I understand learning, barriers and support. It has given me insight into what my own children  and many other learners experience every day.”

What began as a personal turning point has become something more outward-facing.

“My learning is no longer just personal; it has become a way of giving back.”

His story is one the university hopes will resonate with others in the community who may be considering a return to education.

The upcoming open evenings will offer prospective students the chance to meet lecturers, explore the courses and ask questions in a relaxed, local setting.

These well-established programmes have been delivered at Monkton for over 10 years, with hundreds of students progressing to graduate with a degree. By offering courses locally, the university has created a proven pathway for non-traditional learners, particularly those balancing study with work and family life.

Taught after school hours in a supportive, less formal environment than a traditional campus, the evening sessions at Monkton make higher education more accessible to local people, especially those working or volunteering in schools as LSAs or teaching assistants.

Open evenings will take place at Monkton Priory Community School:

Tuesday 19 May, 4:00–6:00pm 

Tuesday 23 June, 4:00–6:00pm 

Fred has a clear message for anyone unsure about taking that first step:

“If you are thinking of doing this degree, I would highly recommend it. The university is very supportive, the lecturing staff are knowledgeable, welcoming, and genuinely want you to succeed.”

His journey is not about leaving the past behind, but about building something meaningful from it.

“What began in hardship has grown into a story of perseverance, reinvention and service… building a future with purpose – for myself, my children and for the students I now support.”

For those attending the open evenings, his experience offers a powerful example of what’s possible and a reminder that it’s never too late to start again.

For further information or if you have any questions about the programme, please contact Sue Ainsworth at [email protected] 

National Fishing Remembrance Day marked by Port

MILFORD HAVEN came together on Sunday (May 10) to remember those who have lost their lives at sea.

The Port of Milford Haven joined the Fishermen’s Mission, Stella Maris – Apostleship of the Sea and members of the local community for a National Fishing Remembrance Day service at St Katherine’s and St Peter’s Church.

The service was followed by a gathering at the Fisherman’s Memorial on The Rath, where those who never returned home from the sea were remembered.

Canon Chancellor John Cecil and Reverend Paul Osunyikanmi led what was described as a moving service of remembrance.

The Port of Milford Haven said it was honoured to take part in the event, paying tribute to fishing families and the wider maritime community.

The annual day of remembrance holds particular significance in Milford Haven, a town with deep fishing and seafaring roots.

A CALL for clarity on if and when “long overdue” works on Fishguard Leisure Centre’s astroturf surface will take place is to be heard by councillors.

In a submitted question to be heard at the May 14 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Bro Gwaun county councillor Delme Harries will ask: “I have received representations regarding the condition of the astroturf surface at Fishguard Leisure Centre which is reported to be a heavily-used facility supporting a range of local sports clubs and community activity.

“Concerns have been raised that the surface is now approaching 20 years old, and that resurfacing is now considered long overdue.

“In light of the council’s recent reviews and investments at other leisure centres in the south of the county, which are much welcomed, can the Cabinet Member please clarify: What formal assessments have been carried out on the condition and remaining lifespan of the astroturf at Fishguard Leisure Centre?

“How this facility is currently prioritised within the council’s wider leisure and sports investment programme?

“What consideration has been given to future upgrade or replacement at Fishguard, particularly in comparison with leisure facility investments made elsewhere in Pembrokeshire?”

Cllr Harries’ question is expected to be answered by the appropriate Cabinet member.

At the March meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members backed a leisure investment programme including feasibility funding for new leisure centres in Pembroke and Milford Haven, along with works at Tenby leisure centre, with the aim of extending the lifespan of the trust-run swimming pool by at least 10 years.

For Pembroke this includes a detailed feasibility study for a new-build Leisure Centre in Pembroke, on the current school site, providing a feasibility budget of £195,000 from reserves.

For Milford Haven, members backed £1.2m (at risk) in the capital programme to develop a high-level leisure brief into the tender of the new English Medium primary and secondary school project in Milford Haven, and the pre-construction services to develop the project designs (to RIBA 4, Detailed Design) for a new leisure centre at the same time as the school.

For Tenby, members backed a grant of £4,606,667 to the Tenby and District Swimming Pool Association, as owner of the asset, for works to extend the lifespan of the current swimming pool by at least 10 years.

Members also backed other recommendations including £50,000 from reserves to procure external funding consultants to identify and secure as much funding as possible towards the delivery of the investment programme, and to establish a leisure operations review board to undertake a formal review of the leisure services operating model.