News

The Torch Theatre is temporarily closed ‘until May’ due to coronavirus

Published

6 years ago

March 17, 2020

Tom Sinclair

THE TORCH THEATRE has announced that it will close until May due to the coronavirus.

Management have said that this puts the venue in a “very precarious financial situation”.

As the theatre is reliant on the income from tickets to operate as a business, the closure is likely to have a “devastating impact on the organisation”, the official statement said:

The full statement from the Torch Theatre management is as follows:

“In response to the to the Government announcement that people should avoid public spaces such as pubs, clubs and theatres, and under advice from UK Theatre (the UK’s professional performing arts membership organisation), we regret to inform you that we have temporarily closed the Torch Theatre to the public. This takes place with immediate effect and whilst the advice for closure is currently undefined, we anticipate being closed until at least Thursday, 30th April 2020.

“Public health is the first priority

“This has been a very difficult decision to make but the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic is now at heightened levels and the health and safety of our audiences, customers, staff, volunteers and performers is the number one priority. We believe that to temporarily close to the public is the best decision based on the advice at hand.

“Please do not contact box office

“A number of touring companies have already asked to postpone their performance date(s) here. We are now in the process of contacting the performers and production companies who are due to perform at the Torch Theatre during this period of closure, with the intention of rescheduling the shows to a date later in the year. If you have a ticket(s) for a forthcoming performance our Box Office team will be in contact with you. Please be patient and bear with us, there are a high number of customers to contact and our team are working at full capacity under difficult circumstances.

“Help protect and secure the future of the Torch Theatre

“As a registered charity, this closure and the decline in business over previous weeks has placed the Torch Theatre in a very precarious financial situation. We are reliant on the income from tickets to operate as a business and this closure is likely to have a devastating impact on the organisation. We really need your help to secure the future of the theatre and all the work we do in the community. We ask that if you can afford to do so, that you donate the value of your ticket(s) to the Torch Theatre. Those who are unable to donate their tickets will be offered credit to be used at a later date.

“Stay well and we look forward to welcoming you back

“We appreciate that these are very difficult and uncertain times. The news is changing daily on COVID-19, and we will keep you updated on any further news and developments through our social media channels and website. For the meantime, we urge you to remain safe and look after one another. We are determined to be back delivering an exceptional experience to our patrons as soon as is safe and look forward to welcoming you back to the theatre then.

Community

Port launches waterway safety competition with monthly prizes

Published

3 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced the launch of its first Waterway Safety Competition, set to begin in April.

The initiative aims to promote safe and responsible use of the Milford Haven Waterway, one of the busiest and most diverse waterways in Wales. The waterway is used daily by paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, swimmers, and large commercial vessels, making safety a key priority.

As part of the competition, participants are invited to showcase their own interpretation of the waterway through any creative medium. All art forms are welcome, and entries will be judged monthly.

Each month, winners will receive prizes designed to support water safety, including lifejackets and training sessions.

The Port hopes the competition will encourage greater awareness of safety while celebrating the unique character of the waterway.

For more information or to enter, visit: https://www.mhpa.co.uk/waterway-safety-competition/

News

Reform UK unveils Carmarthenshire Senedd candidates

Published

3 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

REFORM UK Wales has announced its full list of candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin (Carmarthenshire) ahead of the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.

Leading the list is Gareth Beer, the party’s Carmarthenshire chairman, a local businessman, father of four and Kidwelly town councillor. In the 2024 General Election, he came within around 1,500 votes of winning the Llanelli seat — Reform UK’s strongest result in Wales.

Beer said the party had assembled “a strong team of decent, hard-working people” ready to represent the county.

He said: “We have already started campaigning strongly across the constituency, and the reception we are receiving on the doorstep has been overwhelmingly positive.

“People have had enough of the lies they hear from politicians and want to give a new party a genuine chance to make real changes.”

He added that key issues raised by voters included NHS waiting lists, education standards, the economy and the cost of living.

Full candidate list

The Reform UK candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin are:

Gareth Beer – Businessman, Kidwelly town councillor and Carmarthenshire chairman for Reform UK.

Carmelo Colasanto – County and community councillor with a background in retail, compliance and multinational business operations.

Sarah Edwards – Retired dental professional and smallholder, known for campaigning on rural and environmental issues.

Christopher Brooke – Retired engineer and manager with more than four decades’ experience in manufacturing.

Alan Cole – Former senior corporate leader and business owner who has worked with small businesses across South Wales.

Michelle Beer – Marketing and PR professional and Reform UK county councillor for the Lliedi ward, elected in a 2025 by-election.

The party said the team brings experience from business, engineering, healthcare and public service.

Reform UK Wales said its campaign in Carmarthenshire would focus on reducing NHS waiting times, improving education, supporting small businesses and addressing the rising cost of living.

The party is positioning itself as an alternative to what it describes as the political “status quo” in Cardiff Bay.

News

Police watchdog investigates after gunshot fired inside Milford Haven flats

Published

3 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POLICE firearm was discharged inside a block of flats in Milford Haven during an incident on Saturday evening (March 28), it has emerged.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a single shot was fired at around 6:32pm after officers were called to reports of disorder at Bunkers Hill involving a person believed to be carrying a knife.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now confirmed it has been notified. A spokesperson said the force had made a voluntary conduct referral, which will be assessed before any decision is made on further action.

Police have stated that the firearm was not directed at any individual and that no injuries were reported.

A witness close to the matter told The Herald that the shot was fired as an officer entered the flats and moved up the stairs, with the bullet striking a breeze block wall. This account has not yet been officially confirmed.

When Herald reporters attended the scene on Sunday afternoon, a significant police presence remained, with officers seen going in and out of the building and carrying out checks around the rear of the flats.

The precise circumstances leading to the discharge remain under investigation.

More to follow.