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Pembrokeshire College shortlisted for two TES Awards

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college shortlistedIN LAST week’s Times Educational Supplement (TES), Pembrokeshire College was pleased to find that it had been shortlisted for two prestigious TES FE Awards.

Now in their third year, the TES FE Awards recognise the dedication and expertise of the people who, on a daily basis make a significant contribution to improving the skill levels of young people and adult learners.

Having picked up the Outstanding HR Team award at last year’s awards ceremony, the College is hoping to follow in the HR team’s footsteps and bring home awards for ‘Outstanding use of Technology in FE’ and ‘Teaching and Learning Initiative.’

For the Outstanding use of Technology in FE Award the College submitted ‘VocalEyes’ – a digital tool that is part of a new style of leadership and stakeholder engagement that is transforming the culture of organisations leading to informed decision making.

This revolutionary digital tool captures, rates and allows ideas to be debated enhancing the learner experience engaging College staff in decision-making.

VocalEyes has invigorated and transformed the College’s Learner Voice process and has been cited by ESTYN as Best Practice. Since its installation VocalEyes has captured over 26,000 ratings (votes) compared to less than 100 interactions the previous year using traditional methods.

As well as being used within the College, the technology has also been presented to Learner Voice practitioners in Wales (at the NUS annual conference), and to HE directors at their annual Colleges Wales conference. To date, this IT development has been presented as an innovative democratic community engagement tool to local MP Stephen Crabb, the leadership and strategy team at Plaid Cymru, The Welsh Green Party, City of Glasgow College and to all the major FE colleges in Wales.

For the Teaching and Learning Initiative Award, the College submitted the work of health and social care tutors at the College who breathed new life into a failing course through the adoption of innovative teaching methods that make live projects an integral part of the course which has seen retention increase from 48% to 98%.

Tutors broke the original block placement into one day per week and embedded projects with St David’s Care in the Community (SDCC) into both year 1 and year 2. The projects allow students to gain a range of new experiences including working with people suffering from mental health issues, individuals with learning and physical disabilities and the elderly. The year 1 project sees students working alongside SDCC to support adults with learning disabilities to take part in conservation activities including beach cleaning, clearing blackthorn and putting up fences at their residential home.

In year 2, students draw on their own hobbies to deliver OCN qualifications at SDCC. Forming a key part of the vocational experience unit of their course, the dedicated students attend on their day off to deliver OCNs in IT, cookery and craft. Each OCN takes five weeks to complete and the students prepare lesson plans and develop schemes of work as well as delivering the sessions.

To date, 12 SDCC clients have gained OCNs delivered by students. Working with SDCC has brought a real world element to projects and assignments as well as providing students with the evidence needed to complete six of their units. The students find the experiences gained on placement invaluable in helping them to understand the theory elements of their qualification as well as giving them a real insight into the work undertaken in adult community care.

The College will now attend the awards ceremony on Friday 28 February at The Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, London where they will find out if they have won.

 

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Community

Doorstep warning issued after reports of suspicious callers in Pembrokeshire

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Residents in Haverfordwest and St Davids urged to watch out for vulnerable neighbours after social media alerts

A WARNING has been issued to residents in parts of Pembrokeshire after separate social media reports of suspicious doorstep callers in both Haverfordwest and St Davids.

In Haverfordwest one resident said a man called at his home at around 6:10pm on Tuesday (Apr 14), claiming he was an ex-convict from South Shields selling cheap household goods in an effort to get his life back on track.

The Merlins Bridge resident said the man claimed there was a wider team operating in the area in a similar way. He reported that the caller then knocked at several more homes along Venns Close before heading towards Greenhill Drive and the roundabout.

The man was described as wearing black waterproof trousers and a royal blue waterproof coat, with dark medium-length hair and no hat. He was also said to be carrying a large holdall, possibly containing items for sale.

In a separate post circulating online, residents in St Davids were also warned to be cautious after reports of men wearing backpacks and baseball caps going door-to-door.

The post claimed police had been in the area several times during the day looking for the individuals. Residents were urged to keep doors locked and to contact police if they saw anything suspicious.

While none of the claims have been independently verified by The Herald, the reports have prompted calls for people to remain vigilant, secure doors, gates and vehicles, and check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

Residents suggested the activity may be linked to so-called “Nottingham Knockers”, a term often used to describe cold callers selling goods door-to-door, sometimes amid concerns that vulnerable households may be targeted.

He said he had reported the Haverfordwest incident to Dyfed-Powys Police via the force’s website. The reference number given was CDS-76190-26-6300-002.

Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour is advised to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police.

 

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Crime

Romino’s licence revoked after illegal workers found and fire risks exposed

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Takeaway in Cardigan ordered to shut by 11:00pm after council hearing backed by immigration officials, police and fire service

A TAKEAWAY in Cardigan has lost its premises licence after repeated enforcement visits uncovered illegal working and serious fire safety failings.

Ceredigion County Council’s Licensing Sub Committee decided to revoke the premises licence for Romino’s Pizza and Kebab following a hearing held on Monday, April 7.

The review was brought by Home Office Immigration Enforcement and supported by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Dyfed-Powys Police.

During four separate visits to the business, officers found a total of eight people said to be working illegally at the premises.

Fire safety inspectors also identified a number of serious breaches, leading to prohibition notices being issued because of the risks posed to staff, customers and the wider public.

The committee concluded that revoking the licence was proportionate and necessary in order to uphold the licensing objectives, in particular the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of public safety.

As a result of the decision, the business will now be required to close at 11:00pm unless an appeal is lodged.

A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said: “We welcome the Licensing Sub Committee’s decision to revoke the Premises Licence for Romino’s in Cardigan. This reflects the seriousness of the issues identified and the clear risks posed.”

The action follows earlier enforcement steps taken in March.

On March 5, immigration officers visited the premises and found two Turkish men allegedly working there illegally. A closure notice was issued at once, preventing access to the site and stopping any work from taking place.

The Home Office said that on three previous visits, a further six people had been found working illegally at the same business. Those responsible were handed fines totalling £135,000.

An illegal working compliance order was later granted at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 6. Such orders place strict conditions on a business, including requirements to carry out right-to-work checks and permit ongoing inspections.

Although the takeaway later reopened, the Home Office pressed ahead with its application for a licence review on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder.

A spokesperson said illegal working harms lawful businesses, drives down wages and can be linked to organised immigration crime.

 

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Business

Sauna Uno brings coastal wellness experience to West Wales

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Bespoke mobile sauna offers sea views, cold-water immersion and private group bookings along the Pembrokeshire coast

A UNIQUE mobile sauna experience is bringing a fresh take on relaxation and wellbeing to the West Wales coast, combining traditional heat therapy with sea air, cold-water immersion and some of the region’s most dramatic views.

Sauna Uno is a custom-built mobile sauna designed to offer guests the benefits of a Nordic-style sauna experience in a striking coastal setting. Operating from selected locations in West Wales, it allows visitors to step from the warmth of a wood-fired sauna into the open air, with the option of a cold plunge or sea swim as part of the ritual.

Set against the backdrop of beaches, cliffs and Atlantic skies, the experience is built around contrast — intense heat followed by cold water, shared conversation followed by quiet reflection, and the comfort of the sauna against the raw beauty of the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Designed for comfort

Inside, Sauna Uno has been carefully designed to create a welcoming and practical space for both individuals and groups. The sauna includes a spacious seating area, large viewing windows, heated changing facilities, and a selection of herbal teas, cold water and natural essential oils to enhance the experience.

The aim is to combine the health benefits of sauna use with the calming effect of the coastal environment, creating something that feels both restorative and memorable.

Its owners say the concept is about more than simply getting warm.

Sauna Uno is intended to offer people the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a moment of calm in a busy world — whether that is after a sea swim, as part of a wellness session, or simply as a social experience with friends.

Popular for groups and private hire

The mobile sauna has proved especially popular for group bookings, with enough space for friends, families and small parties to enjoy the experience together.

Bookings are regularly made for birthdays, private gatherings, group wellness sessions and retreat-style coastal days out. The setting, combined with the shared nature of the sauna experience, has made it an increasingly attractive alternative to more traditional celebrations.

To encourage group celebrations, Sauna Uno is currently offering a ten per cent discount on birthday group bookings.

That offer is expected to appeal to those looking for something a little different — an occasion centred on wellbeing, the outdoors and spending quality time together rather than the usual restaurant or nightlife options.

A growing wellness trend

Sauna culture has grown in popularity across the UK in recent years, with more people turning to heat therapy, cold-water immersion and outdoor wellness experiences as a way to support both physical and mental health.

Regular sauna use is commonly linked to improved circulation, muscle recovery, reduced tension and stress relief. Many enthusiasts also say the combination of heat and cold helps improve mental clarity, resilience and overall wellbeing.

At coastal sites, that effect can be heightened by the surrounding landscape, fresh air and sea views, turning a sauna session into a more immersive experience.

Visitors to Sauna Uno have praised the quality of the heat, the design of the sauna and the peaceful atmosphere created by the coastal locations. Sunset sessions and winter bookings have proved particularly popular, with many describing the combination of hot sauna and cold sea air as both invigorating and deeply calming.

Making the most of the coast

By operating as a mobile unit, Sauna Uno is able to make use of carefully chosen coastal spots across West Wales, bringing the experience closer to the sea and giving guests access to some of the area’s most scenic locations.

For many, that sense of place is what sets it apart.

Rather than being tucked away indoors, Sauna Uno makes the natural environment part of the experience itself — offering a way to enjoy the coast in all seasons, whether under clear skies, in the golden light of sunset, or with wild weather rolling in off the Atlantic.

With interest continuing to grow and weekend sessions often booked in advance, organisers are encouraging people to plan ahead for private hire, birthday bookings and group visits.

For bookings and enquiries, their Facebook page can also be found by searching Sauna Uno.

 

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