There were many proud families in attendance at the Presentations on Saturday 19 April at the Bloomfield Community Centre in Narberth, which marked the completion of another successful Saturday Club for 2007/8, organised by PLANED.

Students from Year 10 at Greenhill, Dyffryn Taf, and Preseli School have attended catering and carpentry classes at the Bloomfield Centre and PLANED workshop every Saturday morning over 24 weeks.

Nick Ainger MP, and Tom Price, Chairman of the Saturday Club, presented all students with certificates and gifts. Everyone commented on the high standard of work produced and on the ‘extra value’ gained by participating in the activities. Facilitator Liz Thomas of PLANED thanked the students for their dedication and enthusiasm, which had helped make this year’s course such a success.

This year 23 students participated and all agreed that they had had fun whilst learning new skills including teamwork, self-discipline and communication as well as the catering or carpentry, and for some it had helped them with their Duke of Edinburgh Award achievements and adds to their school record of achievement.

Examples of woodwork projects completed by the students under the guidance of tutor Melfin Davies, including coffee tables, were on display and impressed the 60 or more invited guests.

The cookery students have learned how to make a large variety of savoury and sweet dishes and on how ‘mainstream’ recipes can be adapted to be as healthy as possible and encouraged to use fresh local produce.

A superb buffet was prepared by the catering students and well received by the hungry guests. It was a tremendous achievement from the 14 club members led by their tutor Jenny Griffiths to cater so well, for such a large group. The catering students have also completed a basic food hygiene course.

The club is funded by Careers Wales West and managed by PLANED and it is hoped that the Saturday Club, now in its 14th year will continue if funding is available. Saturday Club is possible because of a committed group of organisations working to benefit young people in rural areas where there may be fewer opportunities.