News
St Davids: Minister opens new school
A NEW school for three to 16-year-olds on the St Davids peninsula has been officially opened.
Ysgol yr Eglwys yng Nghymru Penrhyn Dewi in St Davids – the first of its kind – operates across the three sites formerly known as Ysgol Dewi Sant, Ysgol Bro Dewi and Solva Community School.
A plaque commemorating the event was unveiled earlier today (Nov 30) by Eluned Morgan AM, Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning.
Also in attendance was the St Davids Cathedral Dean, The Very Reverend Dr Sarah Rowland-Jones.
Penrhyn Dewi is the first Church in Wales secondary phase school to open since the 1920s and the Church’s first ever 3-16 school.
The former Ysgol Dewi Sant site has seen £4 million investment into a part-new build and remodelling of teaching accommodation. The contractor was WB Griffiths and Son of Haverfordwest.
Post-16 provision for pupils is available at the new sixth form centre in Haverfordwest as part of a formal collaboration between the County Council and Pembrokeshire College.
Penrhyn Dewi opened its doors to pupils in September.
It is one of several new schools which have been built – or are being built – in Pembrokeshire under the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, a collaboration between Pembrokeshire County Council and the Welsh Government who are sharing the funding.
The Diocese of St Davids also contributed to the funding of the new school.
Baroness Morgan – whose family hails from St Davids – was welcomed to the school by Council Chairman, Aden Brinn and headteacher, David Haynes.
At the official opening ceremony, musical items were performed by the Cathedral Choristers and the school choir.
She told guests: “It is a pleasure to officially open Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi and I am delighted that the Welsh Government’s has made such an important investment in education in Pembrokeshire by contributing £3.4 million to the £4 million cost of renovating the school.
“The most ambitious school building programme since the 1960s, Band A of our 21st Century Schools and Education Programme will see an overall investment of £1.4billion, including over £120 million for Pembrokeshire. Band B will see a further £2.3 billion invested, starting next year.
“Our pupils deserve the best learning environment to help them achieve their best and I’m so pleased Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi delivers this across the three campuses.
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved, and wish Mr Haynes, his staff and pupils the very best of luck for the future.”
The Minister later toured the new school meeting pupils.
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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