News

Hollywood stars in Pembroke

Published

10 years ago

May 3, 2016

RICHARD BURTON and Elizabeth Taylor may have portrayed a piece of history together in the epic 1963 film Cleopatra but they probably didn’t ever envision that more than fifty years later they would be portraying Tudors in Pembroke, the birthplace of Henry VII and the Tudor dynasty.

A refurbished Pembrokeshire eatery has made exactly that happen. The Dial Inn Hotel and Restaurant in Lamphey has incorporated these two truly iconic stars, as well as Britain’s own blonde bombshell Diana Dors, into their new bar area but yet still managed to ensure that the Tudor heritage of Pembroke is fully reflected in these new works of art.

Manager and art lover, George Hill (35), commissioned local artist Lee ‘Trashcan’ Minton (49), to paint portraits of the stars for three bar panels at the Inn, a quirky place renowned for its good food, character and beautiful décor.. The bar area already has three magnificent portraits of Henry VII, his wife Elizabeth of York, and the mother of Henry VII Margaret Beaufort, hanging proudly on the main wall. These are an immediate and striking feature for visitors entering the pub.

It was these three grand portraits that Pembroke based artist and tattoo artist Lee drew on for inspiration for his new portraits which he painted in acrylic on canvas. Lee has recreated his own version of the original Tudor portraits but has given them an intriguing twist by giving them with the faces of Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Dors. The transformation of the famous trio, who all have links to Wales, into Tudors, was unveiled this week and has already become a real talking point for customers of the Dial Inn.

George said, “The Dial Inn is proud to own these unique and cleverly constructed works of art. I commissioned Lee for the work because of his excellent reputation, but the portraits have completely exceeded my expectations. The response from our customers has been wonderful and I think they have encouraged everyone to want to learn more about the Tudors and their links to Pembroke”

Artist Lee, who also runs a tattoo studio on Main Street in Pembroke, is also delighted by the response so far. He said, “I really enjoyed the challenge of incorporating Hollywood icons into the theme of the pub and I am thrilled that George and his customers appreciate the twist I have given to the original Tudor portraits.”

The portraits are now on permanent display in the bar of The Dial Inn and somehow it seems fitting that the legendary stars are now permanently reunited in a way that is meaningful for Pembroke.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

17 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

18 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

19 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.