Community

Local dance school triumphs at World Championships

Published

4 weeks ago

August 23, 2024

IN a remarkable achievement, the Kelly Williams School of Dance has brought home a world championship medal, securing third place in the prestigious UDO World Street Dance Championships 2024. The competition, held in Blackpool from 14th to 18th August, featured top talent from over 40 countries, making the school’s accomplishment particularly noteworthy.

The dance school’s intermediate under-16 team made history by being the first from Kelly Williams School of Dance to finish in the top three. The team’s success marks a significant milestone for the Pembroke Dock-based school, which has competed in the championships nine times previously but had never progressed past the preliminary stages before this year.

Kelly Williams, the school’s founder and head coach, expressed her overwhelming joy at the team’s achievement. “It is a dream come true. This was our ninth championships. We’ve placed once before but never went past the preliminary stages. However, this year we finished second in the prelims and third place in the final,” she said. “We have pushed for years and years. I’ve cried tears of joy all week long. The mood at the school is electric. No one could believe it. We have been celebrating non-stop. It’s unbelievable.”

The competition saw the school participating in several categories, including Duo, Battle Dance, Quads, and Juniors, showcasing the depth of talent within the school. In addition to the team’s success, several soloists from the school made it to the finals in their respective categories:

Lexi Dooner – 2nd place, under-12 Intermediate
Skyla Jone – 2nd place, under-12 Beginner
Grace Glanville – 5th place, under-16 Beginner
Imogen Scourfield – 5th place, under-18 Intermediate

In the duo category, Lexi Dooner and Ollie Glanville achieved third place in the under-12 advanced competition, while Kelci Francis secured eighth place in the Litefeet battles.

The Quads category also brought success for the school, with Kelci Francis, Imogen Scourfield, Grace Glanfield, and Danny Rolls finishing third in the over-18 open category. Meanwhile, the team of Lexi Dooner, Ollie Glanville, Megan Garrett, and Olivia Roberts claimed fifth place in the under-14 open category.

The junior team narrowly missed out on a top 10 finish, placing twelfth overall.

Reflecting on the achievements, Kelly Williams said, “As a coach and mother, I am beyond proud of these hardworking dancers. They have represented our country, our school, and themselves outstandingly. What they have achieved this week is something we’ve only ever dreamed of until now. This year was special and something that will stay with me forever.”

The school has extended its gratitude to all supporters and sponsors who have helped them throughout this journey. Kelly also took to the dance school’s Facebook page to express her pride in every dancer who participated, stating, “Every single one of these dancers has danced impeccably on these big stages, and whether they got through rounds or not, I couldn’t be happier with how they performed.”

For those interested in learning more about the Kelly Williams School of Dance or joining their classes, further information can be obtained by calling 07880 625360.

Community

Celebrate autumn’s bounty at Carew Castle’s Apple Pressing Day

Published

33 mins ago

September 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW CASTLE is inviting local communities to join in a day of apple pressing, offering a hands-on experience to transform their extra apples into fresh, delicious juice.

The event will be held at Carew Castle on Saturday 28 September, from 10am to 2pm, giving participants the chance to learn the art of apple pressing in the stunning surroundings of this historic site, managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Ranger Chris Taylor will be on hand throughout the day with the apple press, ready to help visitors turn their surplus apples into a refreshing homemade treat.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, said: “With autumn in full swing, it’s the perfect time to make the most of the apple harvest. This event is a fantastic opportunity for families and individuals to have fun while creating something delicious.

“While the Apple Day is free to attend, we highly recommend enhancing your experience with a ticket to explore the Castle and Tidal Mill – winner of Best Attraction in last year’s Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards and a finalist in three categories this year. We look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy a memorable day!”

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own apples and bottles to take home their freshly pressed juice.

Further information on this and other autumn events at Carew Castle can be found at https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/carew-castle/events-at-carew-castle/autumn-events/.

Community

West Wales eco centre honoured with commemorative plaque

Published

19 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A NEW commemorative plaque is set to be unveiled in Newport, Pembrokeshire, celebrating a landmark achievement in the UK’s journey towards sustainable energy. The plaque, located on The Old School building on Lower St Mary Street, marks the site of the first and smallest commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in the UK, which began feeding electricity into the national grid on 11th October 1996.

The unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday, 5th October 2024, at 2:30 pm, and aims to honour the contributions of the West Wales Eco Centre, a pioneering charity that was once housed in this building. Established in 1980, the Eco Centre played a crucial role in promoting innovative solutions to combat climate change long before they became mainstream.

In addition to installing the groundbreaking solar PV panels, the Centre was instrumental in launching several other forward-thinking initiatives. These included the UK’s first bulk purchase insulation scheme and the establishment of West Wales’ first bottle bank. The Centre was also a hub for environmental education and provided energy advice, helping to raise awareness of climate change challenges. It trained and employed local individuals, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental issues.

The people of Newport and the wider Pembrokeshire area take great pride in the legacy of the West Wales Eco Centre, which stood at the forefront of environmental activism and education. The plaque serves not just as a marker of past achievements, but as an enduring reminder of the community’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Following the unveiling, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and thank those who were involved in these pioneering efforts. Tea and cake will be provided at the Golden Lion, bringing the community together in celebration of this significant milestone in the history of sustainable energy in the UK.

Community

UK’s favourite childhood holiday spots include Tenby

Published

19 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEW research has uncovered the most beloved childhood holiday destinations across the UK, with many Britons returning to their nostalgic haunts well into adulthood.

A survey conducted by holidaycottages.co.uk found that 68% of respondents had revisited their childhood staycation spots as adults, making an average of 4.5 return trips. For over half of those polled, these cherished locations held a special place in their hearts, with 51% describing them as their “happy place”.

Topping the list of favourite childhood destinations was the picturesque Cornish town of St Ives, followed closely by Whitby in North Yorkshire and Weymouth in Dorset.Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, commented: “Our research shows that many of us keep these childhood memories close for life, even bringing our families along for the adventure in the future.”The study also revealed the enduring appeal of these destinations beyond the peak summer season.

In St Ives, visitors can enjoy the town’s artistic heritage at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Tate St Ives during the quieter months. Whitby comes alive in autumn with its famous goth festival and ghost tours, while Weymouth offers brisk walks along its golden beaches and exploration of the historic Nothe Fort.

Other popular childhood haunts included Tenby in Pembrokeshire, known for its colourful harbour and Blue Flag beaches, and Cromer in Norfolk, famed for its traditional pier and delicious crab dishes.Brixham in Devon and Seahouses in Northumberland rounded out the top destinations, offering family-friendly attractions and opportunities for wildlife spotting even in the off-season.Keary added: “Although the winter seasons can be quieter for some popular destinations, especially seaside towns, the new seasons bring a completely different perspective to the areas, with activities you are likely to experience in the summer months.”This research highlights the lasting impact of childhood holidays on British travellers, with many choosing to recreate fond memories by returning to their favourite spots year after year .