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Sport

Scarlets and local NHS Charity announce continued Wish Fund partnership

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SCARLETS RUGBY has announced that it will be continuing its partnership with Hywel Dda Health Charities, the local NHS Charity, to support the Wish Fund campaign. The campaign raises funds to create magical memories for children and young people living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families.

The campaign, which launched in spring 2022, has already raised a fantastic £29,900 which has been used to create unforgettable experiences for paediatric palliative care patients and their families. These have included days out at the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Urdd Llangrannog, pantomime trips to Llanelli and Milford Haven, and fun family days at Parc y Scarlets.

Families have also enjoyed free entry to Scarlets games, and a Wish Fund information and support stand has appeared regularly at Scarlets home games.

Heulwen, who attended a Scarlets visit with her son Jake, said: “It was a magical day and Jake was thrilled to receive a signed shirt and hat. We’ll never forget it.”

Rachel Brown, Paediatric Palliative Care Play Specialist, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Scarlets are supporting our Wish Fund campaign.

“The Wish Fund provides us with opportunities to give that little extra to our patients and families which are beyond NHS expenditure. These include fantastic group activities and family day trips, therapeutic play toys to help young patients process what they are experiencing, and wellbeing resources for families and young siblings.

“It means we can create cherished memories together.”

Scarlets’ Wales international Gareth Davies said: “We are delighted to be a part of the Wish Fund campaign and hopefully we can help make a real difference to families across mid and west Wales.

“We want to help them create some brilliant memories which will last forever and hope to inspire people across the region to join with us and bring a bit of joy to their lives.”

The Wish Fund campaign will see the NHS charity and the Scarlets Rugby continue to work together to both raise funds for the campaign and raise awareness about the work of the Paediatric Palliative Care team.

News

Pembrokeshire filmmaker tackles extraordinary football documentary

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BULL MOOSE PRODUCTIONS has announced the commencement of production of “Metcalf vs Puskás: The Forgotten Game,” a documentary chronicling a remarkable yet little-known charity football match from 1967.

The film, directed by Daniel Metcalf, from Pembrokeshire, explores the events leading up to some of Britain’s biggest footballing stars, alongside Daniel’s grandfather Mike Metcalf, taking on a Ferenc Puskás International XI for charity.

This independent production delves into a forgotten piece of football history, reconstructing a charity match that featured legends such as Billy Liddell, John Charles, Malcolm Allison, Dave Hickson, and Billy Bingham. The documentary aims to uncover this lost moment in football history while examining how sport brings communities together.

“This project is a journey of discovery,” says Daniel Metcalf, director. “It’s about uncovering a lost moment in football history, but it’s also about exploring how sport brings communities together. Through my grandfather’s story, we’ll examine the changing face of football over the past half-century.”

The production has already garnered significant support. Chester FC has provided access to a wealth of archival material and granted permission to film at their stadium. The project has also caught the eye of the footballing community, with Welsh legend Neville Southall stating, “A fascinating footballing story which should make for a great film, I can’t wait to watch and learn more about it.”

“Metcalf vs Puskás: The Forgotten Game” aims to recreate the atmosphere and sense of celebration surrounding this extraordinary match, using a combination of interviews, archival footage, and animation. The film will not only pay tribute to a unique moment in football history but also explore broader themes of community, memory, and social change.

Local Talent Opportunities

Bull Moose Productions is eager to collaborate with local talent in Pembrokeshire and surrounding areas. We are seeking filmmakers, technicians, and production assistants who are passionate about bringing this unique story to life. This project offers an excellent opportunity for emerging talent to work on a professional documentary production.

“We’re looking to build a community around this film,” says Daniel Metcalf. “Whether you’re a football fan, a history buff, or simply someone who loves a good story, there are many ways to get involved. We’re particularly keen to tap into the wealth of creative talent here in Pembrokeshire.”

  • The production team is seeking individuals to assist with:
  • Film crew positions for summer 2025 filming
  • Pre-production organisation and research
  • Post-production assistance (editing, sound, score)
  • Fundraising and investment
  • Marketing, social media and distribution

This is a unique chance for Pembrokeshire residents to contribute to a project with national appeal, gaining valuable experience in the film industry.

The production is also actively seeking financial support to ensure the highest quality for “Metcalf vs Puskás: The Forgotten Game”. We welcome investment from individuals and groups who are passionate about football history, local heritage, and compelling storytelling.

The team also plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign, offering supporters the chance to feel personally involved in the project through a range of perks and rewards. Additionally, Bull Moose Productions will be applying for funding from relevant film bodies to support this ambitious project.

For those interested in contributing their skills, investing in the project, or learning more about upcoming crowdfunding opportunities, please contact Daniel Metcalf directly using the details below.

  • Bull Moose Productions is an independent film production company based in Wales, dedicated to telling unique and compelling stories that bridge personal narratives with broader historical and cultural contexts. With a talented team of upcoming film production experts, Bull Moose Productions is committed to creating high-quality, thought-provoking content that resonates with audiences both locally and internationally.
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Education

Pembrokeshire College’s WRU Hub Officer Aled gets European experience

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THE COLLEGE’S WRU Hub Officer and renowned rugby coach, Aled Waters, has recently returned from an exciting series of coaching stints in Germany and Austria, where he worked with top youth and national teams as part of ongoing international rugby collaborations.

In Germany, Aled’s coaching efforts were focused on a partnership between the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and Rugby Deutschland, working with the Under-16s National 7s Squad. As part of this unique link, Aled provided high-performance coaching designed to develop the young squad’s skills in the fast-paced 7s format, preparing them for future international competitions.

After his time in Germany, Aled travelled to Austria, where he played a pivotal role in preparing the Austrian National Rugby Team for their participation in the upcoming Rugby Europe Competition, taking place over three consecutive weekends. His expertise helped ready the team for their first test, culminating in a thrilling match against Hungary.

Speaking about his international experience, Aled commented: “It’s been an incredible opportunity to help nurture rugby talent in both Germany and Austria. The players’ dedication and commitment are impressive, and I’m excited to see how they perform in upcoming tournaments.”

Looking ahead, Aled’s coaching journey is far from over. In November, he will be heading to Italy to continue his international coaching work, helping teams prepare for further competition within the Rugby Europe framework.

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Sport

Tributes pour in for ‘First Lady of Point-to-pointing’ following death of Cynthia Higgon

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Tributes are pouring in for Cynthia Higgon, a woman described by many as the First Lady of Point-to-pointing following her death after battling cancer for many years.  She was 86.

She will be remembered for giving a lifetime of service to point-to-pointing but also to many other organisations which brought so much pleasure to riders of all abilities, including Riding for the Disabled and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.

Born and raised in Gloucestershire, she was introduced to the sport as a young child, and then followed her father into the mastership of the Pembrokeshire Hunt when she moved to the county in 1964.  She subsequently held a mastership with the Pembrokeshire, and had 14 seasons as field master to the South Pembrokeshire.

“My first recollection of point-to-pointing was as a child,” she once said in a newspaper interview.

“On Easter Sundays it would be church in the morning, family lunch, then to Ryalls Court to clean the numbers on the number board for the Croome point-to-point on Easter Tuesday.”

She also took great pride in seeing pony races being held at some of the county’s point-to-points.

“The young are the future,” she said.  “Already in Wales we have produced some super horses and quality jockeys, and when I see trainers such as Peter Bowen, Evan Williams and Tim Vaughan doing so well, I feel honoured to have known them.”  

Cynthia Higgon continued following hounds on the back of a thoroughbred until she was well into her 80s.

Paying tribute to her commitment to the sport and her outstanding horsemanship this week was Beverley Thomas, who succeeded her as the West Wales point-to-point secretary.

“One of her finest legacies is The Planner, which she was instrumental in instigating and which she stewarded all her life,” she said.

 “She was a key organiser at the Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells and was incredibly resilient, as we saw in her recent battles with cancer.  She initiated inter-hunt relays at shows all over Wales and if you asked Cynthia to do something, she gave it her all.  Nothing was too much trouble for her and if there was a fundraising event, she was there.”

Cynthia Higgon was a familiar face at meetings as a steward and owned and trained point-to-pointers including Sir Noddy who, in 1989 won three on the bounce, and was a candidate for the country’s leading novice, while Terrierman was named after her husband, Peter.

But perhaps Cynthia is best known for her administrative skills which saw her become chairman of the PPSA (Point-to-Point Secretaries’ Association) which organises meetings and has a key role in creating the fixtures’ list.  She was also the West Wales area secretary for over 40 years.

“For me she was the First Lady of point-to-pointing, and when I became chairman, she was often the first port of call, and was always there with ready advice,” said Robert Killen, who is the current PPSA chairman.  “I always respected her views, and we had a lot of laughs too.  She was enormous fun.”

The Cynthia Higgon Award for services to administration within the sport has become a treasured piece of recognition for officials around Britain and is presented at the National Dinner and Awards ceremony each year.  For many years she presented it in person.

Following her retirement, Cynthia Higgon continued to be a great supporter of point-to-pointing in Pembrokeshire.

“She always took a great interest in everything we were doing and gave a lifetime of service, not only to point-to-pointing but so many other organisations connected with riding,” added Beverley Thomas. “Our thoughts are with her family at this very sad time.”

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