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Badger and the ancient mariner

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badger and the ancient marinerBADGER is, by nature, a terrestrial sort. Subterranean by nature, he does not have much time for what goes on above his head. Cosy and warm in his sett, it seems to Badger that every time he peeks his grizzled snout out of his home he finds something to dislike about whatever it is humanity gets up to on the surface. As he is averse to the world above, imagine what Badger thinks about flying. Thin stuff air. You can’t dig and it’s impossible to find tasty hedgehogs upon which to dine 6,000 feet up. Still less is Badger fond of the sea. Awful stuff, water. It has associations with soap. flannels and rubber ducks. Badger’s acquaintance, Mr Toad. has tried to interest Badger in maritime pursuits. Badger read a book in preparation and discovered that some maritime pursuits are positively alarming.

He declined Mr Toad’s offer politely but firmly. However, while taking a turn around the docks one evening, Badger came across a grizzled old salt who was weary of making tasteless jokes about Captain Pugwash and discussing the impact of the EU’s fisheries policy, quotas and the total allowable catch. Deep in his cups, the sailor told Badger a tale of nautical naughtiness upon the River Cleddau that held Badger’s horrified attention.
“I’ll tell you a tale, said the salty dog As black as black can be Of what happens to those who do business, With the Port Authority.
I’ll tell you of a mighty ship, That brought a company low And how more was spent and wasted. The less we got our dough
“I was not always a sailor” At which Badger expressed surprise: “Once I had a house, a car, And a business that was my pride.
-Then came the Port Authority For credit to extend Saying ‘Trust us, doughty tradesman. Upon us. you can depend.”‘
His face went red, suffused with rage As he remembered the sad day When the Port Authority a-begging came And he didn’t send them on their way.
The sailor wiped away a tear From his pale and weeping eye As he remembered promises made That he’d be paid. By and by.

-Tomorrow!” he yelled. -Tomorrow! Always next month and not this! And every time, each empty word Was a Pembrokeshire promise.
“I believed them, friendly Badger. I took them at their word And now when I think of it It seems to me absurd

-Quite how a public body Worth many million pounds Can stand to see such as me Crushed into the ground.

-They had the same accountants The same directors too They must have known what was going on Before the whistle blew

-They built big shiny offices They paid themselves big pay All before the bubble burst Then they just walked away.
“So join me, good Badger, Let’s look across the water Let’s think of why the Authority Doesn’t do quite what it ought to.
“Greed is good, Wall Street says, Every rich man will want more And the greed of the Port Authority Will keep this poor soul poor.
-They’re dreaming of a revamp To change the Harbour round And the price of all their dreamings Is grinding good men down.
‘They’ll do away with trade and craft” Opined he in a rage “And they’ll have us bowing to tourists Grateful for minimum wage
-They don’t want local people Not like you and me They want visitors and Waitrose Do the Port Authority.
“Weep not for me. young Badger They’ll not catch me again Perhaps if they build their multiplex I’ll find a new job then:’
With that he turned upon his heel And vanished into the gloom While a very troubled Badger Went to his cosy room.
As he sat and pondered Badger thought of the cruelty Of an untrustworthy trust port, Milford’s Port Authority.

 

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Education

Sam Kurtz quizzed by primary school pupils about how was is governed

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PUPILS at St Oswald’s VA Primary School welcomed a visit from local Senedd member Samuel Kurtz on Monday (Feb 2), as children put questions to him about how Wales is governed.

Years five and six pupils took part in an interactive session where the Senedd Cymru member explained the role of the Welsh Parliament, how laws are made, and how elected representatives support local residents.

He outlined what a Member of the Senedd does day-to-day, how decisions affecting communities are taken, and why taking part in democracy is important.

The pupils were then given the chance to quiz him directly, raising questions about politics, local issues and how young people can make their voices heard. Staff said the children showed strong interest and came well prepared.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Kurtz said: “It was a real pleasure to visit St Oswald’s and see such enthusiasm and curiosity from the pupils.

“Understanding how democracy works and how decisions are made is important, and it is encouraging to see young people taking an interest in how their community and country are run.

“I was particularly impressed by the quality of the questions, which showed they had clearly done their research.”

Teachers described the visit as a valuable opportunity to bring lessons about citizenship and Welsh democracy to life.

The school visit forms part of Mr Kurtz’s ongoing programme of meeting with schools, community groups and residents across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.

 

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Crime

Police confirm teacher was stabbed at school as teenager appears in court

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15-year-old charged with Section 18 GBH with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises

POLICE have confirmed that the teacher injured during Thursday’s lockdown at Milford Haven Comprehensive School suffered stab wounds, as a 15-year-old boy appears in court today (Saturday, Feb 7).

Dyfed-Powys Police said the teenager has been charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises. He has been remanded in custody and is due before Swansea Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Emergency services were called to the school at around 3:20pm on Thursday (Feb 5) following reports that a member of staff had been assaulted by a pupil. The school was placed into immediate lockdown and police said all learners later returned home unharmed.

The injured teacher has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering with support.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Briggs said: “We are continuing to support the victim whilst they recover from this traumatic event. Following detailed enquiries by specialist officers, injuries initially assessed and described as non-stab injuries have now been confirmed as stab wounds.

“A statement at an early stage of the investigation was based on preliminary information available at the time.

“There will continue to be a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days to provide further reassurance. Officers will be working closely with local secondary schools to offer support over the coming week.”

In a joint update issued by the local authority and the school, deputy headteacher Daryl John thanked staff and the small number of pupils who remained on site, saying they acted “with professionalism” and were “calm throughout”. He added that the school community was grateful for the “rapid and effective response” of the emergency services and sent best wishes to the injured colleague for a “full and speedy recovery”.

Pembrokeshire County Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey confirmed the school will reopen on Monday, with additional support available for pupils and staff affected by the incident. He said lockdown procedures are routinely rehearsed so that, in rare cases where they are needed, everyone knows what to do.

The school was closed to pupils on Friday, with the town noticeably quieter than usual as children stayed home.

Police enquiries are continuing and further updates are expected following the court hearing.

 

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News

Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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