Mongolian ambassador gets warm Welsh welcome

Pupils at Prendergast School made a special effort when they received a VIP recently.

They took the trouble to find out the spelling of the world ‘welcome' in Mongolian so that they could offer a friendly greeting to that country's Ambassador when he visited the school.

His Excellency Bulgaa Altangerel was in Pembrokeshire with his wife, Mrs Erdenee Chuluuntsetseg, to attend a concert organised by Soroptimists International (SI) of Fishguard and District.

One of the organisation's members, Sally Francis - a former headteacher at Mount Airey School in Haverfordwest - is working as an educational advisor with Voluntary Services Overseas in Mongolia.

Her Soroptimist colleagues in Fishguard offered to organise the concert as part of an International Evening to raise funds for the children of the Twelfth School in Darkhan - Mongolia's second city.

Aged between six to 16, their parents are nomadic herders whom they only see a few times a year. Some are orphans and they all live at the school where conditions are basic in the extreme with little or no play equipment.

Both His Excellency and his wife were delighted to visit Prendergast School and meet the pupils.

Earlier they had been guests of Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman, Councillor Anne Hughes, in County Hall.

There they met the Mayor of Fishguard, Councillor Gwilym Price and Mrs Price, and the President of the SI Fishguard and District, Pat Roblin and her Soroptimist colleagues. Jordan Evans, chairman of the Pembrokeshire Youth Assembly, was also present.

read more... “Mongolian ambassador gets warm Welsh welcome”

Fighting high business rates in Narberth

An action plan to fight the 200%+ business rates hike in Narberth is beginning to take shape.

South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns has now met local government minister Brian Gibbons and been told that he is considering raising the rates threshold.

"However he was extremely adamant that there was no way they would postpone the rates review," she said.

"He made it clear that businesses have got until April to try to renegotiate their levels and then after that date they can appeal. But by then they should have paid the first instalment and I know that businesses are extremely worried about their cash flow while any appeals go through.

"I had a meeting last week with a business owner in the town who said he was going to close after Christmas because he cannot afford his enormous rate rise."

Two weeks ago Mrs Burns called a public meeting in the town at which the Valuation Agency Office (VAO), which set the rates, promised to review the situation.

A working party made up of representatives from different types of businesses from the town is now being set up by Narberth Chamber of Trade. It aims to collect evidence to show that the increase is disproportionate to present to the VAO.

A petition for concerned traders to sign is being drawn up and it will then be sent to the Welsh Assembly’s petitions committee.

"Every petition is carefully considered by the committee so it is vital that we get the wording right as they only look into exactly what is petitioned for," added Mrs Burns.

“Now that I have had a chance to talk to Mr Gibbons we can ensure that we do.”

South Pembrokeshire’s Conservative parliamentary candidate Simon Hart, who lives near Narberth, is also helping to collate the petition.

"In almost every shop you go into in town the traders are talking about the rates situation and I have heard of at least one that says it will close if the situation isn’t remedied," he said.

"Everyone is keen to work together to fight this increase."

read more... “Fighting high business rates in Narberth”

Environment agency praised for getting Amroth beach back in the swim

Detective work carried out by the Environment Agency which could result in Amroth winning back its blue flag has been praised by local AM Angela Burns.

Amroth failed to win the award for the past two years after excess rain water led to run off from nearby fields and a decrease in water quality.

The Environment Agency used new technology to track down the root of the problem and now says that the water quality – one of the main criteria for the Blue Flag award – now meets European standards.

“Losing the Blue Flag was a real blow to Amroth so this is excellent news and the Environment Agency should be praised for all its work in getting to the source of the problem,” said Mrs Burns.

“Amroth is one of my favourite beaches and it’s great news that the tourist operators in the area should hopefully be able to promote it as a Blue Flag beach again soon.

“The Flags aren’t awarded until the spring but I understand that the quality of bathing water is a vital criteria so Amroth now stands a much better chance of winning back its flag.”

Photograph: Angela Burns and her husband Stuart are pictured playing with their daughters on Amroth beach.

read more... “Environment agency praised for getting Amroth beach back in the swim”

Council warns against Hoax Calls

Pembrokeshire County Council is warning householders to be on their guard against a spate of hoax phone calls purporting to be from the Authority.

The Council has been contacted by residents who have received calls claiming to be from an organisation that has reviewed their Council Tax account.

The caller says the resident is entitled to a refund because they have overpaid. It is then claimed that to enable the refund to be made, the caller requires details of the householder's personal bank account.

Council spokesman, Len Mullins, warned the calls were bogus and were in no way connected to the Authority.

"Under no circumstances should residents provide bank details over the telephone to anyone unless they are certain the call is genuine" he explained.

"In cases where a customer has overpaid Council Tax, we will issue a revised bill to advise them of the value of that overpayment."

He added that police had been informed of the hoax calls.

read more... “Council warns against Hoax Calls”

Pembrokeshire’s youngsters failed by poor settlement in Welsh budged, warns AM

Pembrokeshire’s youngsters are being let down because the Welsh Assembly Government is imposing far harsher cuts on higher and further education than any other sector, warns local AM Paul Davies.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire AM said that it was unfair the HE and FE sector was expected to take a funding cut that was three times worse than in other areas.

“I do not understand why, at a time of economic recession, the Assembly Government is requiring the HE and FE sectors to find efficiency savings of 5 per cent when all other sectors are only required to find savings of 1.6 per cent,” he said during a debate on the Welsh budget in the Senedd.

The UK currently has more 16 to 24-year-olds out of work than any other EU nation, and Wales is the worst hit nation in the UK.

“One in six young people aged 16 to 24 in Wales is unemployed,” said Mr Davies. “The Welsh Assembly Government must concentrate its resources on employment and skills. Greater funding has to be provided in order to tackle youth unemployment. The best youth strategy that the Welsh Assembly Government could provide would be a strategy to create more jobs.

“The Welsh Assembly Government must explain why, in a time of recession, when economic development and skills are at a premium, it is binding the hands of these departments with

real-terms reductions in their budgets.

“It is essential that we invest in the skills of our people, and we must support those people who are currently not in education, employment and training, especially during these difficult times.”

read more... “Pembrokeshire’s youngsters failed by poor settlement in Welsh budged, warns AM”

AMs hail victory in IVF campaign

A campaign for extra IVF funding in Wales which was spearheaded by a Pembrokeshire woman and local AM Angela Burns has won a significant victory.

Kara Ellard from Clynderwen and Mrs Burns have been lobbying for NHS funding for three cycles of IVF – as recommended by NICE guidelines. At present women in Wales can only get one cycle paid for by the NHS.

But at an IVF briefing hosted by Mrs Burns in the Senedd on Tuesday the Welsh Health Minister Edwina Hart announced that women will now get two funded cycles.

"This is a great victory for people power and I can’t praise Kara enough for her hard work and determination in securing a fairer deal for women in Wales," said Mrs Burns.

Mrs Ellard helped collect a 4,000 signature petition calling for parity between Wales and the rest of the UK in IVF funding which Mrs Burns handed to the Assembly Government last month.

Mrs Ellard has spent 12 years and £10,000 trying to get pregnant through IVF. She had seven cycles of treatment before she became pregnant, only one of which was funded by the NHS.

"Getting two cycles funded instead of one is great news and I’m really pleased," she said.

"I think it was definitely public pressure that’s done this. All along we’ve been getting standard letters saying that they were not going to change the system and now they have."

Mrs Burns added: "When the Conservatives held a debate on this issue in July in the Health Minister ruled out changing the system so I am delighted that public pressure has made her change her mind."

However Mrs Burns will continue to fight for funding for the recommended three cycles.

"The evidence shows that giving women three rounds of IVF treatment gives them the best chance of conceiving and that is what women in Wales deserve," she said. "You have a 65 % chance of conceiving with three cycles and only a 50% chance with just two, so although this news will make a big difference, it doesn’t go far enough."

Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies also praised Mrs Ellard’s fight.

"She has fought an excellent public campaign to highlight this injustice and I’m delighted that she has secured the extra funding.

"The Welsh Conservatives will continue to press for three funded cycles to bring us into line with the rest of the UK."

Picture: Clynderwen IVF campaigner Kara Ellard is pictured with South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns and Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies at Mrs Burns’ IVF briefing at the Senedd.

read more... “AMs hail victory in IVF campaign”

AM raises West Wales train pain

Rail services in west Wales will be in the spotlight next week when Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies leads a debate on the subject in the Senedd.

Mr Davies won the ballot to choose a subject for a short debate and he’s elected to highlight the short comings in rail services to west Wales.

"This has been a subject close to my heart for some time," said Mr Davies.

"I have been lobbying for extra services to Fishguard for years now and I’ll be taking a more detailed look at trains and stations in the whole of Pembrokeshire.

“I’ll be calling for Goodwick station to be reopened and will mention the 1,000-signature petition that two Moylegrove teenagers collected calling for more trains to Fishguard and which I handed to the Welsh Assembly’s petition committee last week.

“I know that there are also concerns about the appearance of Whitland station which is a gateway to Pembrokeshire, the run-down state of Tenby station which is used by thousands of tourists every year and access problems at Saundersfoot station.

"We also need a late train to meet the Pembroke Dock ferry. Integration between public transport will be one of the key themes of my speech."

read more... “AM raises West Wales train pain”

Assembly at sea on rates say Pembrokeshire Tories

Businesses in Pembrokeshire are still in limbo about their rates hike because the Assembly Government has no relief plans in place.

The UK Government is planning to raise the business relief threshold in England on September 30 and in Northern Ireland the rates revaluation has been postponed.

But in Wales, the Assembly Government still has not decided what, if any, action to take.

The admission by Local Government Minister Brian Gibbons that there are no "definitive proposals" in place contradicts a letter sent by local MP Nick Ainger to Narberth Chamber of Trade.

In the letter, Mr Ainger revealed that Brian Gibbons had told him at a meeting on November 5 that business rates relief was to be raised to 20 per cent.

But in another letter to the Welsh Conservatives written the same day, Mr Gibbons revealed instead that the Government is only 'considering measures, including raising thresholds'.

The rates revaluation is due to come into force on April 1 and many local businesses are facing 30 per cent higher bills. In Narberth businesses have seen a rise of 200+ per cent.

“The Welsh Assembly Government needs to provide clear leadership on this matter, not muddy the waters by saying one thing to MPs and another to the Chamber,” said South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns, pictured.

Welsh Conservatives have repeatedly called on ministers to raise the threshold, delay revaluation until at least April 2011 and introduce a scheme to scrap or reduce rates for up to 90,000 businesses.

"I have been contacted by a number of different types of business concerned about their rates revaluations," said Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies.

"Elsewhere in the UK there has been decisive action taken and relief packages announced but in Wales we are still waiting for answers."

Mrs Burns added: "Businesses need to be able to plan their budgets. This revaluation has been on the cards for five years so it can hardly have come as a surprise and yet the Welsh Assembly Government is all at sea."

read more... “Assembly at sea on rates say Pembrokeshire Tories”

Percussionist Hits the Right Note

Percussionist Philip Howells was the overall winner of this year's Secondary Schools' Music Festival.

The annual festival, which is organised by the Pembrokeshire County Council Music Service and sponsored by Chevron, took place on Saturday (14th November) at Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest.

Over 400 young musicians from the County's eight secondary schools took part in individual and ensemble competitions throughout the day.

Later in the evening an enthusiastic audience enjoyed a feast of music at a special concert showcasing both the individual winners as well as the winners of the instrumental and vocal ensemble competitions.

Philip Howells of Pembroke School was the Open Percussion Class winner - as well as the overall winner. He performed Paciocchino's Dream by Zizkovich on the marimba.

Winner of the Open Brass was Tenor Horn player (and Phillip's brother) Ryan Howells of Sir Thomas Picton School, who performed Cornocopia by Bram Wiggins accompanied by Simeon Morris

Sam Turton of Greenhill School was the winner of both the Open Woodwind and Piano classes for the second year running. In the woodwind competition he performed Andante and Scherzo by Paul Pierne accompanied by Clive Raymond. For his piano performance he played the 1st movement of Grieg's Piano Sonata.

The Open String Competition was represented by violinist Rebecca Hobbs of Greenhill School, who performed Romanze by Svendsen accompanied by Rebecca Whitehurst.

The winner of the Open Jazz Competition was saxophonist David Crane from Sir Thomas Picton School, who played the unaccompanied If Only by James Rae.

Jessica Cale of Sir Thomas Picton School was the winner of the Open Vocal competition and sang When I am laid in Earth by Henry Purcell.

There were joint winners of the Vocal Ensemble Class - Bro Gwaun Singers and Pembroke School trio. Unfortunately Bro Gwaun singers were unable to perform at the evening concert due to a prior commitment so Pembroke School Trio performed It Don't mean a Thing accompanied by Chris Preddy.

The winners of the Open Ensemble Class were the Greenhill School Clarinet Quintet, who performed the 3rd Movement of Brahms Clarinet Quintet.

The invited professional adjudicators - Peter Morgan, Percussion; Edward Burns, Strings; Christopher Lovegrove, Piano + Keyboard; Ted Wilson, Ensembles; Gareth Kirby, Brass; Dennis Mahoney, Jazz; Jacqui Scaife, Woodwind; Timothy Angel, Voice - were greatly impressed with the high standards and strength of the music on show.

On behalf of the judges Edward Burns congratulated all the participants, as well as staff and parents, who he said had helped make the day such an outstanding success.

Jane James of Chevron said the company was delighted to be involved in such a prestigious event.

The winners of both the solo and ensemble competitions showcased a range of styles - from classical music to contemporary popular songs, jazz and film music - at the evening concert.

Also performing were Sir Thomas Picton School Orchestra conducted by Tim Bourne; Ysgol Greenhill School Orchestra conducted by Paul Rapi;

Milford Haven School Wind Band conducted by Gareth Sanders Swales and Sarah Lloyd. Tasker Milward School conducted by Sarah Richards;

Ysgol Dewi Sant School Orchestra conducted by Tom Earey;

Pembroke School Choir and Orchestra conducted by Chris Preddy and Sammy Hughes; Ysgol Bro Gwaun Orchestra conducted by Adrian Clifford and Ysgol Y Preseli Wind Band conducted by Gareth Sanders Swales.

The master of ceremonies was Chris Llewellyn, the County Music Co-ordinator.

COMPETITION RESULTS

WOODWIND
Class 1 Grade 4 Woodwind

1 Libby Roberts Tasker Milward
2 Jnt Francesca Murphy Preseli
2 Jnt Sarah Merritt Greenhill
HC Shona McEvoy Dewi Sant

Class 2 Grade 5 Woodwind

1 Ceri-Ann Absalom STP
2 Hannah Taylor Greenhill
3 Angharad Thomas Preseli
HC Ceridwen Price Dewi Sant

Class 3 Grade 6 Woodwind

1 Sarah Davies Greenhill
2 Molly Brick Tasker Milward
3 Rhodri Maiden Preseli

Class 4 Grade 7 Woodwind

1 Claudia Belli Greenhill
2 Brendan Bunker Pembroke
3 Alex Lucas STP

Class 5 Grade 8 Woodwind

1 Danielle Harries Greenhill
2 Fiona Griffiths Greenhill
3 Eleri Evans Pembroke

Class 6 Open Woodwind

1 Sam Turton Greenhill
2 Sian Evans Pembroke
3 Hollie Lewis Pembroke
HC Katy Harrier STP

BRASS
Class 7 Grade 4 Brass

1 Kiaran Dearing Tasker Milward
2 Eleanor Armstrong Tasker Milward
3 Sophie Rees STP

Class 8 Grade 5 Brass

1 Jack Roberts Tasker Milward
2 Aled Meredith-Barratt Dewi Sant
3 Tomos Lewis Tasker Milward
HC Llinos Raymond Bro Gwaun
HC Alice Smith STP

Class 9 Grade 6 Brass

1 Ben Williams- Stacey Bro Gwaun
2 Geraint Harries Preseli
3 Alex Morgan Preseli
HC Ben Lawrence Bro Gwaun
HC Thomas Jordan Pembroke

Class 10 Grade 7 Brass

1 Bronwen Parratt Tasker Milward
2 Sam Freeman Milford
3 Gethin Llewelyn Pembroke

Class 11 Open Brass

1 Ryan Howells STP
2 Gareth Trott Tasker Milward
3 Ffion Haf-Williams Preseli
HC Adam Hensman Greenhill
HC Jake Watson STP

STRINGS

Class 13 Strings Grade 4

1 Ella Sutton Dewi Sant
2 David Baggs Preseli
3 Katie Baggs Preseli

Class 14 Strings Grade 5

1 Abbie Andreo Preseli
2 Elinor Davies Dewi Sant
3 Sarah Baggs Preseli
HC Luke Jenkins Dewi Sant

Class 15 Strings Grade 6

1 Rebecca Griffiths Greenhill
2 James Horton Home Educated
3 Madi Phillips STP
HC Christine Calditaran Tasker Milward

Class 16 Strings Grade 7

1 Cethin Ravenhill Pembroke
2 Lara Thomas Preseli
3 Alistair Davies Bro Gwaun
HC Angharad James Preseli

Class 17 Open Strings

1 Rebecca Hobbs Greenhill
2 Hannah Lowe Greenhill
3 Georgia Williams Greenhill
HC Oliver Irving STP

PIANO

Class 19 Piano Grade 4

1 Mari Lewis STP
2 Lara Thomas Preseli
3 Amber McAnley Pembroke
3 Hannah Rowe Pembroke
HC Sian Lewis STP
HC Madeline Phillips Pembroke

Class 20 Piano Grade 5

1 James Horton Home Educated
2 Tom Milne Bro Gwaun
3 Lois Lewis Preseli
HC Claudia Belli Greenhill

Class 21/22 Piano Grades 6 + 7

1 Blythe McGechan-Davies Preseli
2 Simran Mann Bro Gwaun
3 Josie Green Greenhill
HC Dominic Ciccotti Preseli
HC Catrin Raymond Bro Gwaun
HC George James Pembroke

Class 23 Open Piano

1 Sam Turton Greenhill
2 Josh Wood Milford
3 Talis Spence Greenhill
HC Daniel James Pembroke

PERCUSSION

Class 26 Kit Percussion Grades 3-6

1 Jordan James Bro Gwaun
2 Mathew John Tasker Milward
3 Tommy Bryant Pembroke
HC Richard Phillips Dewi Sant
HC Peter Lewis Greenhill

Class 27 Orchestral Percussion Grades 3-6

1 Harry Whitehurst Greenhill
2 Carys Evans STP
3 Rhea Hrysicos STP
HC Alice Smith STP

Class 28 Open Percussion

1 Philip Howells Pembroke
2 Dan Brown Greenhill
3 Max Smith-Wrench Greenhill

VOCALS

Class 29 Classical Vocal Years 7-9

1 Jnt Naomi Nicholas Preseli
1 Jnt Bethan Davies Preseli
3 Keya Henderson Tasker Milward

Class 30 Classical Vocal Years 10-13

1 Catrin Raymond Bro Gwaun
2 Caryl Lewis Preseli
3 Blythe Davies Preseli
HC Sam Freeman Milford Haven

Class 31 Non Classical Vocal Years 7-9

1 Gwennan Williams Preseli
2 Sara Watkins Preseli
3 Nicola Clark Preseli
HC Iolo James Preseli
HC Glesni Edwards STP
HC Madi Phillips STP
HC Rhiannon Stephens Milford Haven

Class 32 Non Classical Vocal Years 10-13

1 Rosanna Cale STP
2 Emily Kajaks Pembroke
3 Gemma Johnson Tasker Milward
HC Eleanor Brown
HC Aaron Lewis
HC Bethan Davies
HC Abi Kinnock
HC Isobel Sherwood
HC Abigail Merritt
HC Stacey Etherington

Class 33 Open Vocal

1 Jessica Cale STP
2 Delun Nia Gibby Preseli
3 Lucy Morris Greenhill
HC Naomi Thomas STP

JAZZ

Class 34 Grade 3-5 Jazz

1 Jessica Lewis STP
2 Katie Isles STP
3 Mathew Davies Milford Haven
HC Ben Thomas Preseli

Class 35 Open Jazz

1 David Crane STP
2 Jack Stacey Preseli
3 Dominic Ciccotti Preseli

ENSEMBLES

Class 36a Grade 5 Wind/Brass Ensemble

1 Flute Trio Tasker Milward
2 Recorders Dewi Sant
3 Percussion Ensemble STP

Class 36b Grade 5 String Ensemble

1 Preseli Cello Quartet
2 Tasker Milward Violin Trio
3 Sir Thomas Picton 2 Violins & Piano
HC Preseli Pedwarawd Mared
HC Bro Gwaun String Trio

Class 37 Grade 5-8 Ensemble

1 Greenhill Clarinet Quartet
2 Milford Haven Saxaphone Quartet
3 Sir Thomas Picton Cello Quartet
HC Pembroke Violin Quartet

Class 38 Open Ensemble

1 Greenhill Clarinet Quintet and String Quartet
2 Sir Thomas Picton Jazz Piano Duo
3 Sir Thomas Picton Brass Ensemble

Class 39 Vocal Ensemble

1 Bro Gwaun & Pembroke Trio
2 Sir Thomas Picton Senior Ensemble
3 Greenhill Vocal Ensemble
HC Sir Thomas Picton Junior Ensemble

Class 40 Instrumental Duo

1 Deuawd Ysgol y Preseli Preseli
2 Brendan and Patrick Bunker Pembroke

Photograph: The Individual Winners are pictured with Jane James of Chevron. They include- Rebecca Hobbs, Ryan Howells, Jessica Cale, Sam Turton, Philip Howells and David Crane.

read more... “Percussionist Hits the Right Note”

Directories Updated

The 2010 editions of the Directory of Local Groups and Societies and the Directors of Speakers are now in production.

Published annually by the Haverfordwest Reference and Local Studies Library, the revised versions will be available to view at all Pembrokeshire County Council branch and mobile libraries.

They will also be available on Pembrokeshire County Council's library web pages, while copies will be available to buy for 10p.

If you are involved in a non-profit making group or society, inclusion in the Directory of Groups is an ideal opportunity to increase public awareness of its existence and activities and to attract new members.

If you are willing to give a talk or lecture to groups of people on a subject that interests you, please consider being included in the Directory of Speakers.

If you would like to be included in the Directories, either fill in a form available at any Pembrokeshire Library, e-mail haverfordwestlibrary@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or phone (01437) 775248.

For the Directory of Groups and Societies we will need to know the group's name, contact details (name, address, telephone, e-mail), number of members, venue, location and language medium.

For the Directory of Speakers we will need to know your name and contact details (address, telephone, e-mail), titles of talks or subjects you can offer and your language medium.

The closing date for entries in the 2010 editions is December 10th, 2009.

read more... “Directories Updated”

Pupils Pass Healthy Food Test

A Haverfordwest pupil has won a prize for her knowledge about healthy food.

Megan Ryan, a pupil at Mary Immaculate School, won the Murco sponsored quiz at this year's Grow It Cook It Eat it Event.

The nine-year old was presented with £20 worth of vouchers at a recent Assembly at the school. The school also received £100 worth of vouchers from Murco.

The popular food initiative - Grow It Cook It Eat It - aims to take youngsters through the farm-to-fork process of food.

The annual event teaches school children the importance of healthy eating and knowledge of local produce through talks and fun, interactive workshops.

Meanwhile another Mary Immaculate pupil has also displayed a keen knowledge of healthy food recently.

Georgina Norman won the Letter Trail competition at the Haverfordwest Farmers Market Harvest Fayre last month. The 10 year-old won a food hamper for her efforts.

Photograaph by Martin Cavaney: Pictured at the school with Megan and Georgina are Samantha Garrity (left, back) from Murco and Kate Morgan, Pembrokeshire County Council Food Officer

read more... “Pupils Pass Healthy Food Test”

From Green to Gold

A green waste composting scheme in Pembrokeshire has been awarded the ‘gold standard' certification for compost producers.

The PAS 100 certification has been awarded to PMR Direct Ltd, trading arm of The Pembrokeshire Machinery Ring (PMR).

PMR Direct Ltd takes green waste from Pembrokeshire County Council's Civic Amenity and Recycling Centres and processes it into compost at Rogeston Farm, near Druidston.

The end product is then used back on the land in the production of organic cereals. Green waste compost helps to retain moisture in the soil, providing crucial, slow release nutrients to crops and leading to long term yield increases.

Importantly, using compost made from recycled resources is sustainable and can increase soil organic matter and water holding capacity.

The long term use of compost in agriculture leads to a reduction in the use of inorganic fertilisers, which helps to reduce the use of fossil fuels used in the manufacturing of inorganic fertiliser and therefore reduces carbon emissions.

Neil Davies of PMR said: "Part of our service contract with Pembrokeshire County Council is to produce a PAS 100 product and working together we have been able to achieve this requirement."

Ken Rowlands, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, said: ‘This is certainly a significant achievement. Composting is recognised as key to reducing the amount of biodegradable waste sent to landfill."

The British Standards Institute PAS 100 specification covers the entire process by which compost is produced: from raw materials and production methods to quality control and lab testing. It means that the compost certified by the Association for Organics Recycling (AFOR) is quality assured, safe and reliable.

The Association for Organics Recycling Scheme is the only UK scheme providing third part assessment of conformity with BSI PAS 100. The process is reassuringly rigorous and compost producers are inspected annually.

Photograph: (left to right), Cllr Ken Rowlands, Peter Storrow, Site Proprieter of Rogeston Farm, and Neil Davies of PMR Direct Ltd.

read more... “From Green to Gold”

Achievements celebrated at St Davids RNLI crew dinner

An eventful year for the RNLI at St Davids was marked during the station’s annual crew dinner on Saturday (14 November). A courageous rescue, a fundraising success story and a fond farewell to an RNLI volunteer were just some of the highlights of the evening.

Presentations were made to RNLI helmsmen Nicholas Phillips and Simon Thornton and RNLI crew members Simon Twitchen and Gareth Morris, who saved three lives last summer. They received a framed letter of thanks from RNLI Chairman Admiral the Lord Boyce congratulating them on their teamwork and tenacity during a rescue on 5 August 2008. The letters were presented to them by RNLI Divisional Training Inspector Andy Hurley.

Mr Hurley paid tribute to the volunteer crew who performed admirably during the rescue of three young women who were trapped on rocks at Caerfei Bay.

Also praised during the evening were Mr and Mrs Barry, manager and manageress of The Grove Hotel, St Davids, who put on their walking boots to raise funds for the RNLI. The husband and wife team completed a sponsored walk up Snowdon, raising £304 for the St Davids branch of the RNLI charity.

During the dinner, a fond farewell was bid to former St Davids volunteer Huw Thornton who has left the crew due to family and work commitments. Huw joined the RNLI in 1999 as a shorehelper, becoming and RNLI crew member in 2003 and he has also served as a deputy head launcher.

Photograph: Andy Hurley presenting the awards to the RNLI crew at St Davids, who helped save three lives last summer

read more... “Achievements celebrated at St Davids RNLI crew dinner”

Sign of the Dragon

Pembrokeshire County Council has achieved a Dragonmark Award.

Presented by Swim Wales, the award is a quality standard for clubs, local authorities and pool providers.

There are four achievement levels and Pembrokeshire has reached level 3 - the highest scoring local authority in Wales.

The authority is also the first in the country to achieve all performance club criteria as a result of the strong links between County swimming and the area's local swimming clubs.

County Councillor Rob Lewis, Cabinet Member for Leisure said the authority was delighted to have won the award.

"It once again demonstrates our long term goal of continuous improvement," he said.

"The Dragonmark is a quality assurance scheme, which covers both facilities and the development of aquatic based sports from competitive swimming to lifesaving and waterpolo."

County swimming development coach Paul Dowey said he was particularly pleased that the strong links developed between County swimming and local swimming clubs had been recognised.

Dragonmark plaques will now be displayed in County leisure centres.

read more... “Sign of the Dragon”

The Big Sale

Pembrokeshire County Council's Information and Cultural Services department is holding a big sale of Local History items.

Books, prints and postcards will be on offer in the run up to Christmas - with many items reduced in price.

The sale includes 15 different books and a wide range of prints and postcards, so there is something to interest everyone with an interest in local history.

A sales catalogue has also been produced with copies available to browse at all public libraries and the Record Office in Haverfordwest. Alternatively, please telephone (01437) 776157 for a free copy.

Items can either be ordered and collected from the public library of your choice, or posted to you.

This is an opportunity not to be missed, but hurry as stocks of some items are limited.

read more... “The Big Sale”

Win £1,500 award for Torch Theatre's New Annual Open Art Competition

An award of £1,500 is being offered to the winner of a new Annual Open Art Competition and Exhibition being launched at the Joanna Field Gallery in the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, next spring.

With the aim of being cutting edge, visually stimulating and thought-provoking, local, national and international artists practicing in contemporary and conceptual art, inclusive of painting, installation, film, photography, print, sculpture and ceramics are invited to submit entries for consideration before the deadline of 8 January.

Work should be recent, original and existing - proposals will only be accepted if fully developed and artists must be prepared to fund any new work themselves. Entry is free and there are no geographical restrictions, but artists must be over the age of 21. Size limitations are according to available gallery space. Work will be selected from a submission of a maximum 4 images, supplied in digital format, slides or DVD.

The panel of selectors for Pembrokeshire Open 2010 includes an experienced curator, Tracey Warr, together with artists David Fitzjohn and Alison Hayes. Artists whose work is selected for exhibition will be notified by the end of January 2010.

All works selected (up to 40 artists) will be included in an exhibition at the Joanna Field Gallery at Milford Haven's Torch Theatre from 20 February to 28 March 2010 with the award being announced at a Private View on Friday 19 February.

If you are an artist and would like the opportunity for your work to be exhibited, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk for more information and an application form. The Torch Theatre is funded by the Arts Council of Wales.

read more... “Win £1,500 award for Torch Theatre's New Annual Open Art Competition”

ENGAGE scheme launches

Young people who are at risk of missing out on education and job opportunities are being supported by European funding.

12,000 young people from across South West Wales are to benefit from a £32.5million scheme to improve their chances of success.

The scheme, called 'ENGAGE', aims to target 14-19 year olds who are at risk of dropping out of formal education or training or are failing to achieve their full potential.

The scheme is led by Neath Port Talbot Council in partnership with Swansea, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire councils as well as six further education colleges across the region who will all provide match funding.

They are Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Gorseinon, Coleg Sir Gar, Pembrokeshire and Coleg Ceredigion.

Aimed at reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training, ENGAGE will provide complementary curriculums and innovative training approaches to motivate and boost the confidence of students who are experiencing problems learning.

Tailored to the needs of each individual, a range of techniques will be used such as vocational training, one to one intensive support and activities to raise self esteem to encourage them to remain in education and improve their skills.

Deputy Minister for Skills, John Griffiths, said, ""ENGAGE will help raise aspirations and increase participation rates in education, training and employment across South West Wales.

"It is an excellent example of partnership working with local authorities, schools and further education colleges delivering the very support young people need to remain or reengage with education.

"Equipping young people with new skills and confidence will lead to improved career opportunities and a quality workforce, bringing increased economic and social benefits to the region."

The scheme will also assist those who are not attending school or college by supporting them back into the education and it will also work with pupil referral units, care leavers and young offenders, providing additional learning support for those who are not in mainstream education.

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Ali Thomas, said, "I am excited by the opportunities that will be offered to our young people through the ENGAGE project. The project will provide them with the support they need to succeed. It is so important that we use this funding effectively to motivate learners and to improve their ability to secure rewarding and satisfying careers."

Photograph: Natasha Burgess joins John Griffiths to launch ENGAGE

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Young hockey players excell themselves

Pembrokeshire's young hockey players have excelled themselves, with eleven being selected for the South West Regional Academy in Swansea which starts this month.

Nine girls were selected in new Performance Development Centre (PDC) competitions run by the Welsh Hockey Union (WHU).

They are U15s Charlotte Harries, Chloe Sinnott, Sarah Martin, Meg Evans and Hannah Lewis, and U17s Sophie Rees, Llawela Scale, Ceri Jenkins and Stacey John.

Goal keepers Angharad Jenkins and Zoe Daye have been invited to attend a goalkeeping selection day on 22nd November.

The venue for the U15 and U17 girls PDC competition was Swansea, where more than 150 young players from Mid and South Wales PDCs took part.

The competitions followed weekly coaching sessions at Performance Development Centres across Wales, with expert coaching from a team of qualified and experienced coaches.

Two U17 boys were selected for the South West Academy directly from the PDC coaching sessions - Alex Alderwick and Steve Cristofana

The players were selected by Regional Academy Coaches and WHU selectors.

PDCs are a key part of the WHU's Player Pathway, located between club junior sections and Regional Academies. They are the primary route for players with potential to be selected into Regional Academies and Welsh National Age Group squads.

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Pembrokeshire sports awards short list announced

The finalists in the hotly-anticipated 2009 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards have been announced.

The judging panel has named three finalists in each of the 12 categories. The winners will be declared at a grand presentation ceremony on Friday, November 27th at Folly Farm.

Councillor Rob Lewis, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Sport, was a member of the judging panel.

"This year has been without doubt the most difficult to judge," he said. "The standard of the nominations has been outstanding. It is breathtaking to think there are so many exceptional sportspeople in our county."

John Deason, Manager of Sport Pembrokeshire, the sport development department of Pembrokeshire County Council, said the awards ceremony would be an opportunity to show appreciation for the many coaches and organisers - as well as for the high level achievers that are a feature of Pembrokeshire's strong sporting tradition.

He added that Pembrokeshire is leading the way in Wales in the numbers participating in club-based sport.

"The scale of support for these awards reflects the strong base of community-based sports clubs across the County, and the huge range of different sports that are played," he said.

The Sport Pembrokeshire Awards were first held in 2007 and are sponsored by Chevron, The Western Telegraph, Folly Farm and Radio Pembrokeshire.

Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2009 - Finalists

Coach of the Year
Jim Buck, Steve Matchett & Robin Withers, Huw Morgan, Amy Yelland

Female Sporting Achievement
Molly Furnival Doran, Shan Roberts, Samantha Rossiter.

Male Sporting Achievement
Joe Allen, Adam Davies, Luke Llewellin,

Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement
Alaric Jones, Harry Owen, Elliot Scotcher

Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement
Bethan Davie, Angharad James, Hannah Lewis, Poppy Lewis

Disability Sport Award
Colin Bond, Rhys Eynon, Leah Scott, Richard Young

Junior (U16) Disability Sport Award
Emma Cox, Kristian George, Marcus James

Unsung Hero
Ronnie Beynon, Phil Devonald, Stuart Lewis

Club Organiser of the Year
Royston Badham, Lynn Delabertouche, Angela Miles

Team Achievement of the Year

Cresselly CC 1st XI, Tenby Bowling Club, Welsh Gymnastics Team Members from Pembrokeshire and their Coaches


Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year
Broad Haven School Gymnastics Team, Crymych RFC Junior Section, Sir Thomas Picton School U16s Girls Hockey Team

Contribution to School Sport Award
Dean Flood, Brenda Scourfield, Sahana Sekaran

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Tenby Seize Vehicle Used for Anti-social Behaviour

A motorist has had their vehicle seized in Tenby after being warned about using it for anti-social behaviour.

The Tenby Police and Communities Together meeting was informed one motorist had had their vehicle seized after failing to adhere to the warning and another motorist was warned about using their vehicle for anti-social behaviour.

They also told the public that one fixed penalty notice has been issued for speeding,.50 fixed penalty notices were issued by Police Officers for illegal parking within the town and the bus stop in Park Road and that Speed checks carried out in Upper/Lower Park Road with one motorist spoken to.

The meeting was also updated on the action taken in Heywood Lane with one fixed penalty notice issued for deliberately causing obstruction outside the Infants School and one fixed penalty notice issued for causing unnecessary obstruction in Tudor Way.

Members of the public raised concerns about the number of cars illegally parked in White Lion Street and the High Street and these areas will now be targeted by the team.

The meeting also agreed addressing violent crime should remain a priority for the coming month.

The next Tenby Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting will take place on December 2 from 7-9pm at Augustus Place, Tenby.

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