News
Council clears STP consultation

Unhappy reader: Cllr Sue Perkins
AN INVESTIGATION into the conduct of the council’s controversial consultation on the future of secondary education has found no evidence that pupils were pressurised into providing set responses by teaching staff.
The investigation arose from a single complaint.
Instead of allowing the school to carry out its own investigation into the complaint, as is the procedure with other grievances concerning teaching staff, the Council launched its own investigation. When we asked why the council was carrying out the investigation, we were told: “The complaint was in relation to a consultation exercise that the council is running, and Sir Thomas Picton is a school maintained by Pembrokeshire County Council. We are entitled to investigate just as we would investigate a complaint about any other institution or service that the Council is responsible for.”
The council sent out 108 questionnaires to pupils at STP, but only 25 were returned. The subsequent statement regarding the investigation said: “The complaint was that at a school assembly, pupils were given a partial and one-sided presentation on the education review by pupils from the Joint School Councils, after which they were told to fill in the consultation form. No specific members of staff were named in the complaint.”
Extrapolating the figures the council has depended on in reaching its conclusions from the miniscule number of responses received, 6 pupils thought teachers had not given a balanced view of the options, 8 indicated some concern about the process, 10 said they were told they had to fill out the form (a voluntary action) and only 1 pupil said they were not left to fill in the consultation as they wanted.
Sir Thomas Picton has 1,250 pupils.
The council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Safeguarding, Councillor Sue Perkins, said: “We are satisfied that whatever may, or may not, have happened in the school, pupils have responded to the consultation as they wished. Consequently the investigation will go no further, and the consultation forms from the pupils at Sir Thomas Picton School will be analysed in the normal way as part of the Council’s response to the consultation. The council is committed to ensuring that all points of view are heard in the debate on the future of secondary education in the county and to treating different points of view with respect.”
She added that using the lessons learnt from the matter, the CYPRO will be issuing guidance to all schools in the county on best practice in engaging pupils in any future consultation exercises.
However, The Herald has been told by a well-placed source, on condition of anonymity: ‘STP wanted to issue a joint Statement with PCC. However, as the wording could not be agreed PCC went ahead anyway with their statement and THEN informed STP it had been done’.
Cllr Perkins has also responded angrily to a Herald article. In an email sent to other councillors, Cllr Perkins claims The Pembrokeshire Herald said she had ‘lied’ to councillors. We are happy to clarify, as we did in our original article, which it appears Cllr Perkins has not read from the content of her email to fellow councillors, that: ‘An error in information provided to Cabinet member Sue Perkins, the IPPG’s spokesperson on education, meant that she INADVERTENTLY (emphasis added to assist Cllr Perkins) misled councillors at a key meeting that discussed the council’s plans for education in Pembrokeshire’.
We are happy to clarify this matter for Cllr Perkins and invite her in the future to contact us directly with any observations or complaints she has about The Herald’s coverage of her role in the reorganisation of secondary education in Pembrokeshire.
Entertainment
Cardigan musician to perform climate fundraiser concert
CLASSICALLY trained Cardigan musician Rosalind Powell will perform a concert of original alternative pop songs next month in aid of Cardigan Extinction Rebellion.
The concert, Singing for the Future, takes place at St Mary’s Old School Hall, Cardigan, on Saturday, June 6, at 7:00pm.
Rosalind, who has a music degree from Cambridge University, is a composer, pianist and teacher of piano, singing and music theory.
The concert will show another side of her musicianship, with a programme of original songs drawn from her three albums, Sound Eagle, Circumference and Dragonfly.
It follows a successful recent launch event for Sound Eagle at the Cellar Bar.
Rosalind said: “Climate change and biodiversity loss are issues that I care deeply about, and I’m so pleased to be able to give my support through music.
“Our future is threatened by the climate and nature crises, but so many people are doing positive things to improve the situation and bring us hope. I’m glad this fundraiser will help towards that.”
Tickets will be available on the door, with a suggested price of £8, although those who cannot afford the full amount can pay less. Teas, coffees and cakes will also be available.
Rosalind’s Sound Eagle album recently received a warm review from The Pit London music site, which described it as “a dreamy and reflective world” and praised its blend of alternative pop, soft jazz influences and classical piano.
Rosalind said she has already been featured on 15 radio stations, will perform at Llangollen Fringe’s Music Around Town event in September, and is planning a West Wales tour later this year.
The concert falls on the first day of Great Big Green Week. Weather permitting, Cardigan Extinction Rebellion will also hold a street stall on Wednesday, June 10, giving away plants, seeds and information about gardening for wildlife.
News
Car bursts into flames near Redberth Croft as road closed after incident
Nobody injured after vehicle fire near A477 prompts emergency response
A CAR was destroyed by fire near the entrance to Redberth Croft on Tuesday evening (May 19), prompting a road closure while emergency services made the area safe.
The incident happened just off the A477 at Redberth, where a vehicle caught fire and rolled into a hedge and the new entranceway to Redberth Croft.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and successfully extinguished the blaze.

In a statement shared on social media, Redberth Croft thanked firefighters for their rapid response.
The business said: “A huge thank you to the Fire Brigade for their swift response in safely putting out a car fire that rolled into our hedge and new entranceway at Redberth Croft.
“Thankfully nobody was hurt, and we’re incredibly grateful for the professionalism and quick action of the emergency services.”
Photos from the scene show the vehicle completely burnt out, with extensive damage to the engine bay and interior, as firefighters worked nearby.
Motorists were warned to avoid the area while the road remained closed for safety reasons.
Redberth Croft added: “Please be aware that this is just off the A477 next to our new entrance, and the road is currently closed while the area is made safe. Please avoid the area and take care if travelling nearby.”
It is not yet known what caused the fire or whether any other vehicles were involved.

Photo caption:
Burnt out: Fire crews at the scene after a car rolled into the hedge near the entrance to Redberth Croft (Pics: Redberth Croft)
Community
Milford Haven mourns loss of ‘legend’ Muci Power
Tributes pour in for former Lord Kitchener landlord
TRIBUTES have flooded in from across Milford Haven following the death of Alan Edward Thomas “Muci” Power, remembered as a “true legend” and one of the town’s best-known characters.
Mr Power, affectionately known as Muci, passed away suddenly but peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Sunday, May 10, aged 79.
Best known to many as the former landlord of the Lord Kitchener public house in Milford Haven — affectionately known as “The Kitch” — Muci became a familiar and much-loved figure in the town, known for his humour, friendship and larger-than-life personality.
The devoted husband of Meryl, father, grandfather and great-grandfather leaves behind a family at the centre of Milford life, while countless friends have spoken of the memories they shared with him over many years.
The Royal British Legion paid tribute, saying: “Rest in peace, Muci. You will be dearly missed by us all here at the Royal British Legion. Thank you for the memories and your presence in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones during this difficult time.”
Hundreds of tributes have also been posted online, with many describing Muci as a “Milford legend” whose passing marks the end of an era.
Friends remembered good times at The Kitch, where Muci was at the heart of local life for many years.
Ryan Hackett wrote: “Will have a T.A.C. for you mate on Tuesday. Will miss you Matey. Another Milford legend gone.”
Simon Jenkins said: “Muci was one in a million, a true legend. Milford has lost a true gent.”
Many spoke of his warmth and generosity, with Nigel Hackett thanking him for “being there when I needed someone.”
Muci was the devoted husband of Meryl, dearly loved father and father-in-law of Karl and Claire, and Hayley and Roy, proud grandfather of Morgan, Sam, Caitlin and Jay, and adored great-grandfather of Amalie.
His funeral service will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Tuesday, May 26, at 11:30am.
For those wishing to pay their respects, the hearse will leave the Lord Kitchener, Charles Street, Milford Haven, at 10:40am.
Immediate family flowers only.
All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven, SA73 2AN. Tel: 01646 693180.
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