News
New Welsh School for Tenby
TENBY – traditionally the heart of ‘Little England Beyond Wales’ – will see the opening of its first Welsh language medium primary school next year. The new Welsh school, which can cater for up to 210 pupils between three and 11, is due to open in the south Pembrokeshire town in September 2016. A temporary governing body is already in place and it will be advertising for a new head teacher this month. “This is a very exciting and historic opportunity for primary education in the town,” said Councillor Huw George, Cabinet Member for the Welsh language.
“It will strengthen and develop primary and Welsh medium provision in the area and – along with the new English medium school – will provide children in the area with the very best educational start in life.” The new Welsh school is the result of growing demand for Welsh medium education in the traditionally English speaking town. The current Welsh unit in the town’s Infants School already has 71 pupils while numbers at the Junior School stand at 39. And while the new school’s main intake will come from these current Welsh units, it will also take in pupils from a wider catchment area across the south of the county.
Julie Jones, Chair of the Temporary Governing Body, said there had been a sea-change in attitude towards the Welsh language in Tenby over the last few decades. “Some 37 years ago, one of our new governors – Ann Griffiths – was the first in the area to campaign for a Welsh unit within the existing Infants School, which was eventually established with a handful of children. She is now on the temporary governing body of a brand new Welsh school, which will open its gates in September 2016 with over 110 children on the roll,” she said. “Where once there was a handful of parents waiting to pick up their children from the Welsh units at the end of the school day, we are now in triple figures, waiting at five different classrooms across the Infants and Junior schools.
“The difference is tangible, and the demand for choice to be able to educate one’s child fully in the Welsh language has been recognised by the County Council. “All we need now is to appoint an excellent new Head Teacher with the enthusiasm and drive to take up this exciting challenge – such is the local demand, the numbers in the new Welsh School will only go one way, and that is up. No more little England beyond Wales.” The new school is part of a £8.37m investment in primary education in Tenby by Pembrokeshire County Council. As well as the new Welsh medium school, a new English medium VC primary school, catering for 390 pupils from three to 11, will also be set up. The cost of the £8.37m project will be shared between the County Council and the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools programme.
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.
Charity
Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues
ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.
Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.
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