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New school ‘miraculous achievement’ says Princess Royal at official opening

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THE PRINCSS ROYAL flew into Pembrokeshire by royal helicopter on Friday (Oct14), to visit Havard Stables in Dinas Cross first thing in the morning, to officially open Haverfordwest High School in the middle of the day,  and then it was off to the World Rowing Coastal Championships Beach Sprints in Saundersfoot.

The Herald was at the school for the visit.

Accompanied by headteacher Jane Harries, Princess Anne met the Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council Will Bramble, Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language Cllr Guy Woodham and other dignitaries before taking a look around the school, including visiting the sixth form area where Her Royal Highness spent time talking with pupils,  including taking time to chat with head boy Niall Griffiths and head girls Lucy Ashton and Aimee Pettit.

She was then shown round the new school visiting classrooms, the library, the sixth form super room.

In a service in the main hall, Her Royal Highness was treated to fantastic music performed by the school choir. Speeches were made, and after unveiling the plaque to a round of applause, she was presented with a painting by art teacher Chris Prosser.

Hearing how the project was delivered ahead of schedule and on budget during the Covid-19 pandemic, a ‘miraculous achievement’ is how Her Royal Highness Princess Anne described Haverfordwest High VC as she closed the proceedings in the hall.

Princess Anne added: “To get it right for everybody in a school of this size hovers on the miraculous,” 

“I hope everyone will be pleased with the extraordinary facilities you have here and make the best possible use of them. I am so delighted today to join you in celebrating its opening.”

Later at the second official opening of the day, this time the sports hall Cllr Paul Miller, Member for Development said: “We are really serious about the future of sport in our county and this is an exciting time for everyone”

“The school should be very proud for organising such a wonderful event, which went like clockwork, and the children were fantastic.”

Following the tour, the opening ceremony took place in the hall, where The Princess Royal was formally welcomed by Councillor Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language.
Cllr Woodham said: “We are indebted to so many people for their part in creating such a wonderful and inspiring school. I know we are all incredibly proud of what has been achieved.

“With its outstanding facilities together with the unrivalled dedication, care and encouragement of its teachers and school staff, Haverfordwest High VC School provides an inspirational environment where pupils can achieve excellence together.”

The school choir then gave a wonderful performance of Singabahambayo Thina, before Chair of Governors Paul Lucas gave the vote of thanks.

“Ma’am, we take this opportunity to offer you and the Royal Family our sincere condolences following the loss of our former sovereign Queen Elizabeth, and thank you for formally opening this wonderful school and leisure complex,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of gifts by former head prefects Caitlin Arran, Isla Davies and Anna Long. The gifts comprised a commissioned painting by Art Teacher Christopher Prosser of Watwick Bay in Pembrokeshire – the location was chosen as Her Royal Highness visited the beach with her family as a child – and a book of condolence from the pupils and staff following the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Following the visit, Headteacher Mrs Harries said the whole school had been delighted to welcome The Princess Royal.

“It was an honour and privilege to welcome Her Royal Highness and to show her our fantastic facilities that will provide educational excellence for generations to come,” she said.

“We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and interest from our pupils, and we are so very proud of them today. Their pride in their work and the school is exceptional.

“The pupils were offered the opportunity to be part of the ceremony in the hall and provided thought-provoking reasons that clearly demonstrated how much it meant to them that a member of the Royal family was performing the ceremony.”

The Princess Royal then concluded her guided tour with a visit to the school’s sports provision, known as the Pembrokeshire Sports Village, and officially opened the facilities.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader for Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “‘As you can see, the facilities are outstanding – from this fantastic eight-court sports hall, to the wonderful 3G rugby pitch, Strength Academy Wales, and much more.

“We’re serious about the future of sport in our county and we’re investing in it. It’s a genuinely exciting time and I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say how delighted I am to see the culmination of such an ambitious project.’

Haverfordwest High VC School provides educational and sports facilities for 1500 pupils aged 11-16 and 250 sixth form students. Jointly funded by Pembrokeshire County Council and Welsh Government under its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, the school was completed ahead of schedule in August 2022 despite the challenges of Covid and Brexit. The project management team were from the County Council and the contractors were Morgan Sindall Construction.

The Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles said: “I would like to congratulate all involved in the opening of the new Haverfordwest High School. I am delighted that through our Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme we have not only been able to provide an inspiring learning environment for children and young people in the area, but also exceptional sports and outdoor facilities which will benefit the whole community.”

Rob Williams, area director of Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We are incredibly proud to have played a role in the delivery of Haverfordwest High VC School and would like to extend our thanks to The Princess Royal for adding a real sense of occasion to the official opening.

“This school will make a real impact on the lives of local people with first-class sports facilities and will provide an enhanced learning environment for pupils to be inspired for generations to come. It is a key contribution to the Welsh Government’s important 21st Century School programme and one which we are very enthusiastic to collaborate on.”

Community

Lucy’s sudden passing at just 38 leaves a community in mourning

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MILFORD HAVEN is reeling from the untimely passing of Lucy Wind, a beloved mother, daughter, and sister.

Lucy, aged just 38, passed away suddenly but peacefully at her residence on Sunday, April 21, leaving behind cherished memories and a profound sense of loss among family and friends.

Lucy was known for her devotion to her two boys, Ryan and Adam, aged 15 and 12.

Her passing has left a significant void in their lives, as she was not only a dedicated mother but also a pillar of strength for her family.

Lucy’s parents, Angela and the late John Wind, and her siblings Sharon, Jason, and the late Alison, are mourning the loss of a beloved daughter and sister.

Details surrounding Lucy’s sudden demise have shocked many in the community.

Just hours before her passing, Lucy had been joyfully celebrating her cousin’s 18th birthday at a family gathering. Witnesses recount her vibrant presence on the dance floor, reveling in the company of loved ones. She left the venue early at 10:30pm to prepare for work the following day, but passed away at home. Lucy’s unexpected departure has left many grappling with disbelief.

Lucy was known for her selflessness and frugality, always prioritising her family over material possessions.

In line with her wishes, her funeral service will be a testament to her minimalist approach to life.

The service is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 9, at 10:45am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. In honour of Lucy’s vibrant spirit, attendees are encouraged to wear a splash of purple, her favourite colour.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family has requested donations to support Lucy’s sons, Ryan and Adam, through a GoFundMe page set up by Lucy’s cousin, Kerryanne. The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, reflecting the impact Lucy had on those around her.

Expressions of sympathy and support can be directed to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd., Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven. For those wishing to contribute to the fund for Lucy’s sons, donations can be made through the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lucy-wind.

As Milford Haven prepares to bid farewell to one of its own, Lucy Wind’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family will forever be cherished by the community she leaves behind.

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Jonathan Davies to say farewell to Scarlets at the end of the season

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ONE of the Scarlets’ greats, Jonathan Davies, will say farewell to the club at the end of the season.

After 16 seasons spanning two spells at the club, the man known as ‘Foxy’ will be moving on at the end of the campaign.

From Bancyfelin in Carmarthenshire, Jonathan has made 209 appearances in a Scarlets jersey having made his debut for the club against Northampton Saints as an 18-year-old back in 2006.

A former club captain, he was an integral member of the side that lifted the Guinness PRO12 title in 2016-17, the Scarlets clinching the trophy in style thanks to a mesmeric brand of attacking rugby.

Jonathan has gone on to become one of the most decorated centres in world rugby, representing the British & Irish Lions in the Test series against Australia (2013) and New Zealand (2017) – where he was player of the series. He has also played 96 Tests for Wales, featuring in two Grand Slam-winning sides, a further two championship wins, and two Rugby World Cups in New Zealand (2011) and Japan (2019). He has also captained the national side on four occasions.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s final home match against Ulster, Jonathan said: “I am going to miss this place and this group. Day to day, being around a great bunch of boys and saying you are working you feel very privileged.

“It has been incredible to play for a team I supported when I was a young boy. I have enjoyed every minute and have some wonderful memories, but everything has to come to an end.

“I remember my first day coming into the Academy at Stradey, I remember walking into the changing room for training with the likes, Vernon Cooper, Matthew Rees, Iestyn Thomas, Alix Popham – who were the ‘guvnors’ of the changing room – and putting my bag on the bench and coming in afterwards and it was on the floor; I tried another spot the next day and the same happened! it was a great learning; myself, Ken and my generation were probably the last ones to have experience of that old school environment.”

Recalling the highlights of his Scarlets career, lifting the PRO12 trophy in Dublin in 2017 figures at the top of the list, as does playing alongside his younger brother James ‘Cubby’.

He added: “There was a span of five or six games in which I never enjoyed rugby as much as I did during the end of that season when we won the PRO12. I have always said, if we were still in European competition at that point we would have won it.

“The rugby we played was so much fun and so natural, we were operating at a level that we didn’t really need to talk about what was expected of us. It felt as if we were operating at our highest level possible and the talent in that group was so high it showed in the games leading up to the final and then in the final.

“Playing alongside my brother was another special moment and winning a trophy as part of the same side is something I am very proud of.”

As for the future, Jonathan has a testimonial year beginning in June and is also hoping to continue his playing career.

“I would love to see if there is another opportunity to play elsewhere, whether that be abroad or not,” he adds. “I still enjoy coming to train and playing. I am always told you are a long time retired – if you feel you can add to an environment or a team I feel I’d be stupid not to.

“The Scarlets have been a huge part of my life. When you get older there is an appreciation of the effort that people – coaches, team-mates, staff – have put into your career. The supporters here have been amazing from day one as well.”

Paying tribute to one of the Scarlets’ greats, head coach Dwayne Peel said: “I played in the same game as Foxy’s debut, there was a lot of talk of this kid from Bancyfelin coming through and when he turned up he was more developed than some of the senior boys! He was strong and fast and you could see straight away he was something special.

“He was always destined for big things, but he has also worked tirelessly on his game to become the best No. 13 in the world and is an example to any young player who aspires to make it as a professional.

“I am sure the next few weeks will be an emotional time for him, saying his farewells. He has been a big part of this club for a long time.”

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Fourth Bank Holiday shout for Angle RNLI

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ANGLE All-Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch at 5:46pmon Bank Holiday Monday to assist a small vessel in difficulty off the Angle buoy, between Angle and Dale.

The vessel had suffered steering failure, and with a large VLCC tanker inbound the casualty vessel was quickly taken under tow by a Port Authority Pilot Vessel.

As the pilot vessel was required to stay with the tanker as a specified vessel requiring a patrol, the pilot boats crew requested the lifeboats attendance.

The lifeboat launched and rendezvoused with the pilot vessel off Chapel Bay and a tow was swiftly passed to the casualty vessel.

After discussing the options with the vessels skipper, the casualties were taken under tow to their mooring at Castle Pill. Once off the narrow entrance to the Pill, the vessel was transferred into an alongside tow and manoeuvred through the tight entrance.

Around 30 minutes after being taken under tow, the casualty vessel was placed safely on their mooring. Content that no further assistance was required, the lifeboat and her crew were stood down to return to station where she was readied for further service by 6:45pm.

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