FROM May 3 to May 23, the Joanna Field Gallery at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven will be exhibiting art works by pupils from Milford Haven Comprehensive School. This will be their fourth exhibition at the Torch.

The exhibition will see 44 pupils, aged 15 to 16, who undertook GCSE Art last summer taking part. Previously, the exhibition was held at the Milford Haven Town Hall before being relocated to the Torch.

“The exhibition is a celebration of art-work created by the pupils in their final year and a chance to see what they have achieved,” explained Katie George, the Art Technician at Milford Haven Comprehensive School.

Katie added: “This will be the ninth exhibition that the school has arranged. We started off in Milford Town Hall and then were very excited to be able to show our annual art event in the Torch. This will the fourth year showing in the Torch, which has been really fantastic as it gives us a chance to show the work of the pupils in a professional setting, and the pupils have spent a great deal of time and effort completing their masterpieces under the watchful eye of their Art Teacher, Mr Chris Green. They re encouraged to use as many different materials as possible ranging from painting in watercolours and acrylics, printing, sculpture, collage, clay work, printing and many more.

“The pupils work on their individual investigations. They pick a theme of their choice and then work through with artist research that connects to their theme. They then follow with lots of experimentation using different media and materials also painting, drawing and sketching. They then have their two-day exam, which they have spent time planning for using all the skills and materials they have now become familiar with to produce a final piece that will be shown in the exhibition,” explained Katie.

“It’s always exciting to tell the pupils that their final pieces will be on show in an exhibition in The Torch and generally they are excited for that to happen. They are so busy trying out new materials and ideas during their lessons, that they don’t really think about the exhibition itself until they are invited to see their work at the Torch. When they come with their parents or friends, it’s usually a real ‘Feel Good Factor’ of achievement, which is always great to see. The whole ambiance and setting created at the Torch is perfect,” concluded Katie.

To see the exhibition by pupils from Milford Haven Comprehensive School from 3 May to 23 May at the Joanna Field Gallery, Torch Theatre visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call by during Box Office opening hours.

WEST Wales businesses recently came together for the Spring Pembrokeshire Four Seasons Business Lunch to connect with others in the region and hear a talk from the Director of the National Botanic Gardens of Wales, Dr Lucy Sutherland.

Hosted by JCP Solicitors, Ashmole & Co, Thomas Carroll, and Development Bank of Wales, the busy networking event took place at Tenby Golf Club and provided an opportunity to meet with local businesspeople and leaders in the area. 

The talk from Dr Sutherland gave insight into the strategy behind the Botanic Garden of Wales’s success, outlining how the attraction adapts and evolves to bring together sciences, arts, and design in a way to connect and inspire communities. 

Georgina Walters, Director and Head of Commercial Property (West Wales) at JCP Solicitors, said: “We were delighted to welcome over 50 attendees to the Spring Pembrokeshire Four Seasons Business Lunch, as it provided an excellent opportunity to meet with others and strengthen connections in Pembrokeshire. 

“These events are so valuable for making local connections and taking inspiration from how other businesses or organisations are rising to emerging challenges. It was thought-provoking to hear how the National Botanic Garden of Wales is adapting to ever-changing visitor expectations and policy developments, and we hope attendees found these insights helpful for their own future planning. 

“Our lunch events are always popular with local organisations, and so we encourage those interested to sign up as soon as possible. Our next event will be our Summer Lunch and we look forward to meeting more people there.”

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THE Port of Milford Haven has strengthened its commitment to supporting the development of young people via a renewed partnership agreement with Milford Youth Matters.  The two organisations have been working in collaboration for over five years to improve skills, aspirations, confidence levels and positive experiences for young people in Milford Haven.  The new three-year agreement will enable Milford Youth Matters to deliver Friday night youth provision at a new venue based in Haven’s Head Business Park.

The partnership between the Port and Milford Youth Matters has resulted in hugely successful youth projects including the award-winning Under the Bridge project, WAVE – a water-safety initiative – and Winter Warmers, which provided young people with free meals and a warm space to socialise in a safe environment.  All projects are supporting young people to achieve their full potential with many learning new skills, gaining qualifications and taking up volunteering activities.  They have also led to a decreased anti-social behaviour in the area.

The new premises at Haven’s Head will allow Milford Youth Matters to expand their current offering and focus more on their academy work, which includes upskilling young people.

Dayle Gibby, Co-Ordinator at Milford Youth Matters said: “Its fantastic that the Port of Milford Haven shares our vision in providing ongoing opportunities for young people in our community. By working together we are able to align our resources to ensure that young people are provided with experiences that will enhance their future potential, whether that be employability, volunteering or to become active members of our town.  Our ongoing and enhanced partnership looks to ensure the maximum impact is achieved with long lasting benefits for our future generations.”

Lauren Williams, PR & Communications Officer added: “We’re lucky to have organisations like Milford Youth Matters on our doorstep, offering young people creative outlets and skills opportunities. Our partnership over the past 5 years has gone from strength to strength and we are delighted to be able to increase our support over the coming years.”