News

School pupils star in music video to celebrate Pembroke Dock’s future in sustainable energy

Published

3 years ago

August 23, 2022

Pupils from Ysgol Harri Tudur performed the song they wrote with guidance from Craig Yates from the Aloud Charity.

THE COMMUNITY of Pembroke Dock has come together to create a digital legacy celebrating a groundbreaking £60 million project happening right in the heart of their community. Work on Pembroke Dock Marine is underway which will see Pembroke Port transformed into a centre of excellence for marine engineering and renewables activity, creating employment opportunities and economic prosperity for the region.

Project partners – the Port of Milford Haven, Marine Energy Wales, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Celtic Sea Power – commissioned the Aloud Charity, which facilitates a range of singing programmes across Wales, to develop a music video featuring local school pupils and members of the community to promote the opportunities being generated in the area and create a sense of pride around the project.

Choir leaders from the Aloud Charity spent two days at Ysgol Harri Tudur delivering song-writing workshops where pupils composed their own verses which were then performed and professionally filmed. The chorus was written by Alex Stacey who is a member of singer and songwriter Amy Wadge’s team. Amy has worked with the likes of Ed Sheeran, James Blunt and Ella Henderson and most recently co-wrote the song ‘Space Man’ which came second in the Eurovision Song Contest.

On the final day of the project, the team met with a range of local groups, businesses and individuals in Pembroke Dock who joined in with the new song and appeared in the music video including volunteers from the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society, Mainstay Marine Solutions and Pembroke Dock Town Council.

Hollie Phillips, Community Engagement Assistant at the Port of Milford Haven, said “This has been a fantastic collaboration from start to finish. We were able to talk to the pupils from Ysgol Harri Tudur about the Pembroke Dock Marine project to help inspire them to write the lyrics and give them information about the developments happening in their town. We hope we’ve sparked some interest in the types of careers that could be available to them right on their doorstep as we play our part in meeting the Country’s Net Zero targets whilst creating local green jobs for future generations.”

Stephen Wyatt, Director of Strategy and Emerging Technology at Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, commented “ORE Catapult are delighted to have supported the Aloud Charity. We take great pride in working with the next generation of scientists, engineers and indeed musicians, and take inspiration from their unwavering commitment to tackle climate change and create a great future in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

META’s Project Delivery Manager, Tom Hill, said “The future of our success lies with inspiring the next generation. Their skills, talent and passion are what we need to achieve Net Zero. The scale of opportunities and exciting careers for the people of Pembrokeshire and Wales are huge. We hope this video will serve as a rallying call to young minds, building upon their interest and curiosity in marine energy.”

The Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Councillor Pamela George, and the local PCSOs enjoyed getting involved in the music video.

Chief Operations Officer at Celtic Sea Power, Matt Hodson, commented “It will be the next generation who will need to grab hold of and build upon the foundations being laid today to deliver the energy transition and decarbonisation challenge, so it is fantastic to see their passion delivered through this wonderful song. We are excited to be working with our partners in finding ways to raise awareness of Pembroke Dock Marine, capture the imagination of the community and inspire our future workforce.”

In addition to the funding provided by the Pembroke Dock Marine project partners, the song-writing workshops and videos received support from Arts & Business Cymru. Arts Development Manager, Sarah Lord, is delighted with how the partnership developed, commenting “Our CultureStep investment programme is designed to strengthen and develop the relationship between our business and arts partners. The Port of Milford Haven’s collaboration with the Aloud Charity is a fantastic example of this programme, and an ideal opportunity to engage employees, the local community, and the younger generation within Ysgol Harri Tudur, to express their opinions and inspire change for the future, while gaining an increased appreciation of the power of the arts. We at A&B Cymru are thrilled with the music video, all involved should be incredibly proud of the digital legacy which they’ve created.”

The Aloud Charity’s mission is to provide life-changing experiences through song for young people in Wales. Created in 2012 to give underrepresented boys from marginalised Welsh communities the opportunity to sing, the charity now facilitates a range of singing programmes including Only Boys Aloud, Only Kids Aloud and Aloud Girls. The organisation engages with around 350 young people a week in rehearsal venues across Wales, improving their confidence, nurturing talent and offering exciting performance opportunities.

Craig Yates, Creative Director at the Aloud Charity commented “It’s been wonderful to work with the Pembroke Dock Marine partners and Ysgol Harri Tudur to deliver this unique song writing project. We think it’s so important that young people have the opportunity to express their opinions, particularly when it comes to such important topics as environmental sustainability and how they affect their local communities. We are thrilled with the final music video and we’d like to say a big thank you to the people of Pembroke Dock for getting involved with the project.”

Pembroke Dock Marine is funded by the UK Government and Welsh Government through the Swansea Bay City Deal, and through the public and private sectors. It is also part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

To view the music video, as well as the behind-the-scenes video, visit www.mhpa.co.uk/song-writing-project

News

Paris in February made easy with special direct Air France flights from Cardiff

Published

6 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TRAVELLING to Paris has never been simpler for Welsh holidaymakers, with Air France launching a series of special direct weekend services from Cardiff Airport to the French capital this month.

The limited-period flights offer a convenient, non-stop journey of under two hours to Paris, giving passengers more time to enjoy the city’s culture, cuisine and famous landmarks without the hassle of connections or long road transfers to other UK airports.

Timed perfectly for winter city breaks and Valentine’s getaways, the services run between February 13 and February 16, making them ideal for long weekends.

February is widely considered one of the best times to visit the French capital, with fewer crowds and a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Visitors can explore world-famous attractions including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame Cathedral, browse galleries at the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, or simply enjoy cafés, bistros and Michelin-starred dining across the city.

With Valentine’s Day falling during the operating period, the flights offer couples an easy escape for scenic walks along the Seine, memorable meals and classic Parisian experiences.

Jon Bridge, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said: “We’re delighted to offer direct flights to such a vibrant city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach, giving customers an easy, friendly travel experience and fantastic options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are excited to make this opportunity possible, with more to come from Cardiff.”

Seats are available now via airfrance.co.uk and through travel agents. As availability is limited, early booking is recommended.

Flight schedule

Cardiff (CWL) to Paris (CDG)

• Feb 13 – AF4149 – 6:20pm → 8:50pm
• Feb 14 – AF4149 – 3:20pm → 5:50pm
• Feb 15 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 15 – AF4151 – 9:00pm → 11:30pm
• Feb 16 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 16 – AF4151 – 5:50pm → 8:20pm

Paris (CDG) to Cardiff (CWL)

• Feb 13 – AF4148 – 5:00pm → 5:30pm
• Feb 14 – AF4148 – 2:00pm → 2:30pm
• Feb 15 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 15 – AF4150 – 7:40pm → 8:10pm
• Feb 16 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 16 – AF4150 – 4:30pm → 5:00pm

Education

Language commissioner launches probe into school closure impact on Welsh

Published

6 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH Language Commissioner has launched a formal investigation into claims that the proposed closure of a rural Carmarthenshire primary school did not properly assess the impact on the Welsh language.

Campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith confirmed this week that the Welsh Language Commissioner will examine whether Carmarthenshire County Council complied with its legal duties when producing a language impact assessment linked to plans to close Ysgol Llansteffan.

The council issued a statutory notice last year proposing to shut the village school at the end of the summer term as part of wider education reorganisation. A final decision had been expected this spring.

However, the investigation now creates fresh uncertainty over the timetable.

Complaint over ‘insufficient assessment’

Cymdeithas yr Iaith says it submitted a formal complaint arguing that the council failed to produce a sufficiently detailed assessment of how the closure could affect Welsh-medium education and the wider Welsh-speaking community.

The group claims the authority selectively used data to support closure rather than examining all available evidence objectively.

Two key concerns were raised.

Firstly, campaigners argue there may not be enough places in neighbouring Welsh-medium schools to accommodate pupils from Llansteffan and nearby housing developments, potentially forcing some families into English-medium provision.

Secondly, they say the assessment did not meaningfully consider the school’s role as a community hub or explore ways the site could generate income and support local Welsh-language activities.

On behalf of local members, Ffred Ffransis said: “There will not be places for all the Llansteffan children, nor for the children of the new housing estates, in other Welsh-medium schools in the area.

“The most cost-effective way of providing sufficient places locally in Welsh-medium education is by keeping open Ysgol Llansteffan and making better use of the buildings, including environmental education and community use.”

Formal investigation

In a letter to the group, the commissioner confirmed an investigation will be held under Section 71 of the Welsh Language Measure to determine whether the council complied with Welsh language standards.

The probe could take up to three months.

Campaigners believe this may delay implementation of the closure and could require the council to revisit its assessment and potentially carry out a fresh statutory consultation.

Ffransis said: “Even if the council now decided to make a full and meaningful assessment, there would likely have to be a new consultation. The original decision may have been taken on a faulty basis.”

He added that similar concerns had been raised about language impact assessments connected to other proposed school closures in the county.

Council position

The council has previously said that school reorganisation proposals are driven by falling pupil numbers, financial pressures and the need to ensure sustainable, high-quality education.

Authorities across Wales have faced difficult decisions in recent years as rural rolls decline and building maintenance costs rise.

It is expected the council will respond formally to the commissioner’s investigation in due course.

What happens next

If the commissioner finds that language standards were not properly followed, enforcement steps could be taken and the process delayed or revisited.

For families in Llansteffan, the outcome may determine whether their local Welsh-medium school remains open beyond the summer term.

The Herald has contacted Carmarthenshire County Council for comment.

Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.

Business

First Minister criticised after ‘Netflix’ comment on struggling high streets

Published

6 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Government announces 15% support package but campaigners say costs still crushing hospitality

PUBS, cafés and restaurants across Wales will receive extra business rates relief — but ministers are facing criticism after comments suggesting people staying home watching Netflix are partly to blame for struggling high streets.

The Welsh Government has announced a 15% business rates discount for around 4,400 hospitality businesses in 2026-27, backed by up to £8 million in funding.

Announcing the package, Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “Pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars, and live music venues are at the heart of communities across Wales. We know they are facing real pressures, from rising costs to changing consumer habits.

“This additional support will help around 4,400 businesses as they adapt to these challenges.”

The announcement came hours after Eluned Morgan suggested in Senedd discussions that changing lifestyles — including more time spent at home on streaming services — were contributing to falling footfall in town centres.

The remarks prompted political backlash.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds, said: “People are not willingly choosing Netflix over the high street. They are being forced indoors because prices keep rising and wages are not.

“Blaming people for staying at home is an insult to business owners who are working longer hours just to survive.”

Industry groups say the problem runs deeper than consumer behaviour.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) welcomed the discount but warned it would not prevent closures.

Chris Charters, CAMRA Wales director, said: “15% off for a year is only the start. It won’t fix the unfair business rates system our pubs are being crushed by.

“Welsh publicans need a permanent solution, or doors will continue to close.”

Across Pembrokeshire, traders have repeatedly told The Herald that rising energy bills, wage pressures and rates — rather than a lack of willingness to go out — are keeping customers away.

Several town centres have seen growing numbers of empty units over the past year, with independent shops and hospitality venues reporting reduced footfall outside the main tourist season.

While ministers say the relief balances support with tight public finances, business groups are calling for wider and longer-term reform.

Further debate on rates changes is expected later this year.