Community
Dinner lady retires after thirty-two years
ROSE PHILLIPS has been cooking school dinners in our county for 32 years, and this week, Fenton CP School gave her a retirement send off fitting to the service she has given to so many people in Pembrokeshire.
The Herald was fortunate enough to be invited to attend the celebration of this cherished school worker. The whole of Fenton’s pupils turned out, along with its full teaching roster, as headteacher, Mr Mathew Harris, led the assembly. The head pointed out that he had calculated that Rose had served the county’s children over 2 million meals in her career as a school caterer. She was then thanked by the pupils, the staff and Chair of Governors, Cllr Peter Stock who presented her with a specially made Pembrokeshire scarf. She was then given various gifts, presented by two of Fenton’s pupils, and was serenaded with a performance from the school choir, who sang, appropriately, ‘Food Glorious Food.’
Cllr. Stock said to her: “On behalf of Pembrokeshire I’d like to thank you Rose. You have been dedicated to the children. I see teachers and staff come and go, but you Rose have done a first class job, you are loved by the parents and the children and staff, putting them, and this county, first. So I can’t speak more highly about you – just a big thank you.”
After the emotional send off The Herald spoke with Rose Phillips about her long career in this important role in education.
She started by telling The Herald what a typical day in the school kitchen entailed: “I am here by 7am ready for breakfast, after that then I immediately start preparing the meal for the day. It has to be ready by 11.50 when nursery come in, then it’s the infants, and at 12.30 the older ones are in. We serve anywhere between 160-170 meals – but it can go up to 200.”
The Herald wanted to know what changes she had seen in school meal provision in her 32 years in the job. Rose said: “Healthy eating is far more important than it used to be. I started at Taskers and you used to have to cook a lot of burgers back then. Now it’s all prepared here, fresh, as nothing comes in ready cooked. It’s all done from scratch with natural ingredients. The children haven’t changed though, they are still the same.”
After spending many years in Taskers school the Herald was interested to know what the differences were between catering in a secondary school and a local primary school, to which she said: “They have a more cafeteria based set up at Taskers. You had to make a bigger choice of meals, which is a lot harder, whereas here in Fenton everyone has the same.”
Finally we asked Rose what she would miss the most about leaving, but also what she was looking forward to in retirement: “I’ll miss the company with the girls (staff) and of course the children, but I am looking forward to not having to get up at 6am!”
The Herald wishes Rose a happy and long retirement.
Community
Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby
SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.
Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.
The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.
Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.
Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.
As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.
For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.
With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.
Community
Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan
ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.
At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.
The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”
With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.
Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.
Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.
Community
Train disruption expected due to essential works at Clarbeston Road
PASSENGERS are being asked to check before they travel between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour next week when Network Rail will be carrying out essential work on the platforms at Clarbeston Road station.
Buses will replace trains at all stops between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour on the West Wales lines from Saturday to Tuesday 27-30 April inclusive.
Network Rail engineers will be working at Clarbeston Road station, preparing the platforms to be able to accommodate new Class 197 trains.
The work will include lowering the platforms by removing the coping stones on the platform edge, altering walls, installing new coping stones, and finally laying new tarmac surfacing.
Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “These essential works will prepare Clarbeston Road station to accommodate the new Class 197 trains our colleagues at TfW are introducing.
“We’re grateful to passengers and local residents living near Clarbeston Road station for their patience and understanding while we carry out this important work.”
The line between Carmarthen and Milford Haven will also be shut all day on Sunday 12 May and Sunday 19 May, when buses will again replace trains, as Network Rail engineers carry out essential track renewals on a 100-metre stretch of track near Haverfordwest station.
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