News

Solva: Concern over County Council’s commitment to village school

Published

10 years ago

November 25, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Solva Village hall: Residents attend meeting about the Save Our School campaign

SOLVA COMMUNITY COUNCIL has expressed grave concerns about the Council’s commitment to retain Solva School and the future arrangements for its running and governance.

In a letter addressed specifically to freshly-minted Cabinet member Myles Pepper and St Davids Councillor David Lloyd but sent to all county councillors, the Community Council has laid bare the extent of the arm-twisting tactics to which the IPPG has resorted in order to railroad its proposals through the Extraordinary Meeting scheduled for Thursday (Nov 26)

The letter states that Council Leader Jamie Adams, who is coincidentally also the head of the Council’s 21st Century Schools Project Board has refused a request made by IPPG councillor Lyn Jenkins that changes to Solva School be subject to further clarification. Jamie Adams is said to have told Cllr Jenkins Solva School will close unless the proposal goes through without amendment.

As the Community Council points out, Cllr Adams’s attitude calls the democratic nature of the consultation into question. Regarding Jamie Adams’s dictatorial attitude, the letter continues to say “that any concerns or issues that were unresolved by the consultation would become a matter for the shadow governing body and that neither he nor the Director would respond to our questions”.

A key area for the Community Council is what it regards as its inequitable treatment by the Leader and Head of Education, as funds are ring fenced for development in Saint Davids while Solva School faces being short of space for its Foundation Phase pupils.

The letter reveals that Cllr Adams, on whose authority he has not made clear, has refused to allow Cllr David Lloyd to read a statement from Cllr Lyn Jenkins because Cllr Lloyd is not a member of Jamie Adams loyal band of placement. Cllr Adams has suggested Cllr Myles Pepper read the statement instead.

The Community Council has pointed out that there has been no consultation as to the status of a VA School in Solva. It goes on to suggest that as the proposal is a material change to the school’s status, a further consultation should take place to examine Solva parents’ areas of concern.

The letter concludes by noting the Community Council’s opinion that “the whole process has been brought into disrepute, with the statements made by the leader suggesting that he is in overall control of this issue and that it is bereft of any democratic principle. The council should start again, consider the county as a whole and come up with a plan which, ensures the development of top-class education for everyone in the county, regardless of where they live, their faith or their age!”

As the School will be changing from maintained to Voluntary Aided status, it is not clear whether the Council is aware of, or has chosen to yet again ignore the regulations governing that process published by the Welsh Government.

The relevant section of the compulsory guidance relate that it is not possible for VA, VC or foundation schools with a designated religious character to become a community school through a change of category proposal. Similarly community schools cannot become VA or VC schools with a designated religious character.

Community schools are not permitted to have a religious character and no alteration may be made to a maintained school that changes its designated religious character or causes it to acquire or lose a designated religious character.

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.

Charity

Pembroke Dock charity shop expands to support hospice care

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SHOP NOW OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AFTER EXPANSION INTO ADJOINING UNIT

A CHARITY shop in Pembroke Dock has expanded into a neighbouring unit to help raise more money for local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home has completed a knock-through at its shop in Bierspool, London Road, creating a larger retail space and allowing the charity to offer a wider range of items, including furniture.

The expanded shop was officially opened on Friday (May 1) by the outgoing Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Michelle Wiggins.

The shop team, led by Kelly Elliot and supported by volunteers, worked for several weeks to prepare the new-look store for customers.

Head of Retail Julia Brady welcomed guests at the opening, while the charity also thanked staff, volunteers and supporters who helped decorate and prepare the premises.

Special thanks were given to Gill at Pembroke Dock Tesco for donating treats for customers and staff on the day.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home operates nine retail shops and an eBay department. Income from donations and sales helps fund the charity’s clinical teams, who provide free specialist palliative care to patients and families across Pembrokeshire.

The charity says it costs £3,600 every day to deliver its free clinical services. Around 30% of that cost is funded through Hywel Dda Health Board, with the remainder raised through retail income, fundraising and community support.

The Pembroke Dock shop is now open seven days a week, giving people more opportunities to shop, donate and support local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

The charity provides care for people with any life-limiting condition, not only cancer, and supports patients of all faiths and none. It operates an open referral system, with referrals accepted from patients, families, friends and healthcare professionals.

Paul Sartori Foundation Ltd operates under the name Paul Sartori Hospice at Home. The charity was registered in 1982 and will celebrate its 45th anniversary during 2027/2028.

News

Ysgol Bro Teifi celebrates national championship rugby success

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Herald Sport

UNDER-18 SIDE LIFTS WRU PLATE AFTER HARD-FOUGHT FINAL AT RODNEY PARADE

YSGOL BRO TEIFI’S under-18 rugby team are celebrating national success after winning the WRU Schools and Colleges Plate Final at Rodney Parade.

The Ceredigion side travelled to Newport to face Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in a fast, physical and closely contested final.

Bro Teifi made a strong start, with tries from Elis Evans, Llew Thomas and Jack Brown giving them an early advantage. Dafydd Nichols-Evans added the extras from the kicking tee as the team went into half-time 19-14 ahead.

The second half proved even tighter, with Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth applying sustained pressure and forcing Bro Teifi to defend with discipline and determination.

A late try gave Bro Teifi breathing space before Nichols-Evans held his nerve in the closing stages, landing a crucial penalty to seal a 27-19 victory.

The school said the win reflected the hard work, commitment and talent of the players, as well as the support of staff, parents and fans throughout the season.

Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “This game is the culmination of a tough season for the boys as they beat much bigger schools on the way to the final.

“It also builds on the school’s reputation in sport, with numerous successes this year across a range of sports and age groups.

“I would like to thank all the school staff for their tireless work in ensuring these experiences for our pupils, and the parents for their support.”