Entertainment

First-hand experiences from the Welsh Guards told in new film

Published

1 month ago

October 21, 2024

MARKING a decade since the withdrawal of British combat troops from Afghanistan, a new documentary Helmand: Tour of Duty– airing on BBC Two, BBC Two Wales and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday, October 30 at 9pm – tells the intimate, dramatic and revelatory story of ten Welsh Guards deployed to the frontline of the war in Helmand Province in 2009.

It was a period which became known as the British Army’s bloodiest summer in more than half a century. At a time when UK press coverage of casualties was peaking and the fate of the war in Afghanistan hung in the balance, the Welsh Guards were tasked with pushing back an evolving Taliban insurgency whose battlefield tactics increasingly centred on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and intense, close quarters combat. It’s an era marked in Britain’s national memory, but the experience of those on the frontline, both then and in the years that followed, is little understood.

Now, in their own words, and sharing their experiences for the first time on camera, the band of brothers, alongside their wives and mothers, reveal the realities of war, revisiting some of the most impactful, bloody and life changing moments.

Jonathan Jenkinson, Colour Sergeant in the Welsh Guards in 2009, recalls an incident where one of their vehicles hits an IED: “When that vehicle goes up and you see the guys just flying in the air, it’s horrendous. The Taliban, they started opening up on us, firing at us. There was fuel, ammunition everywhere. It was chaos.”

Their bond was unbreakable, yet during their six-month deployment, the regiment took unprecedented casualties, losing a man at nearly every military rank up to Lt. Colonel, while many others suffered life changing injuries.

Speaking about the bond of the Welsh Guards, Gavin Evans, Sergeant, said: “We’re all cut from the same cloth if you like, a big family, we know what our upbringings have been like. We know what our surrounding areas are like, and we just look out for each other.”

Echoing this, Steven Peters, Platoon Sergeant, said: “You get that feel of being part of a team, it’s a brotherhood. You have that connection, and that bond stays strong for a lifetime.”

Told as a gripping week by week narrative, the film also explores the ongoing impact that the tour has had on the rest of many of their lives 15 years later, with the cast reflecting on how they have processed events, particularly in the context of the Taliban resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021.

The 80-minute film has been co-commissioned by BBC Factual and BBC Cymru Wales, directed by Hannah Lowes edited by Tom Dixon Spain and Exec Produced by Hamish Fergusson and Gwenllian Hughes. It is a co-production between Passion Pictures and Kailash Films. It has been commissioned by Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning for BBC Documentaries and Nick Andrews, Head of Content Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales. The Commissioning Editor for BBC Factual is Tom Pullen and the Commissioning Editor for BBC Cymru Wales is Julian Carey.

Advertorial

André Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert

Published

2 days ago

November 29, 2024

Richard Lewis

CELEBRATE the holiday season with André Rieu’s dazzling Christmas Concert, “Gold
and Silver,” exclusively in cinemas and on the Torch Theatre screen on Saturday 7
and Sunday 8 of December! This magical event embodies the festive spirit of
Christmas, bringing joy, warmth, and sparkle to the big screen.

Get ready to be transported to the wondrous world of enchanting glamour that is
André’s winter wonderland! Under the sparkle of 150 chandeliers and 50 Venetian
candelabras, feel your heart warm with the magical melody of all your favourite
Christmas classics.

André Rieu will be joined on stage by his beloved Johann Strauss Orchestra, along
with special guest artists and the young and talented Emma Kok.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate music, love, and Christmas sparkle, with André
Rieu’s new Christmas Concert “Gold and Silver” at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven
on Saturday 7 December at 7pm and Sunday 8 December at 2pm.

André Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver ticket prices: £20 / £19
concessions. To book your tickets or for further information, contact the Box Office
on 01646 695267 or visit the Torch Theatre website.

Entertainment

Staying in? Top entertainment ideas for a chilly Pembrokeshire evening

Published

3 days ago

November 28, 2024

Staff Writer

When Pembrokeshire’s cool evenings and misty breezes invite you to stay inside, it’s the perfect time to enjoy cosy indoor activities. Whether you’re alone, with family, or entertaining friends, there are many ways to make the most of a cosy evening at home. Here are some ideas to ensure your chilly Pembrokeshire night is filled with comfort, creativity, and enjoyment.

1. Create a Pembrokeshire-inspired feast

Channel the beauty of Pembrokeshire into your kitchen by preparing a locally inspired feast. Seafood dishes are an excellent choice, as Pembrokeshire’s coastal charm offers plenty of fresh options. Try preparing Welsh mussels in garlic butter or a simple but rich Pembrokeshire fish chowder. If you prefer something heartier, try baking traditional Welsh rarebit or cawl (a Welsh soup) to warm you up.

Pair your meal with a local ale, cider, or even a classic Welsh whisky, such as Penderyn, to elevate the experience. Cooking a meal with a local twist not only enhances the Pembrokeshire ambiance but also brings a taste of the region to your table.

2. Play games at home

When the cold sets in, staying in for a game night can turn any evening into one filled with laughter and friendly competition. Classic board games like Scrabble, Codenames, or Pictionary are a go to and perfect for families and friends of all ages to enjoy. For those seeking something more interactive, video games offer endless options, from co-op adventures to multiplayer sports.

3. Try Your hand at the casino

If you’re looking for something a little more thrilling for your evening in and fancy your chances playing with real money, why not take it to the next level with online casinos. Accessing casinos online is easier than ever and you can revel in the excitement of poker, blackjack, or slots all from the comfort of your own home.

UK players can use domestic sites that are regulated by the UKGC and are part of GamStop, or opt for international sites that bypass GamStop, which offer a wider variety of options including more games and bigger betting opportunities. International sites, like the non-GamStop casinos reviewed by republicworld.com, are quickly gaining popularity amongst players in the UK and beyond as they are known to not only offer large libraries of games but also offer unique bonuses and promotions to players.

Whatever your style, staying in for a game night keeps everyone entertained, cosy, and connected.

4. Set up a mini home cinema

Turn your living room into a cosy cinema by arranging blankets, pillows, and dim lighting. Pick a theme or genre, like classic Welsh films or adventure movies, and settle in for a relaxing night of entertainment. Pembrokeshire’s landscapes have inspired several movies, so you might even spot familiar places on screen, making the viewing experience even more enjoyable.

Prepare some popcorn, warm drinks, or Welsh cakes for a local touch. Watching movies or bingeing on a favourite TV series is an ideal way to unwind, and the comforts of home make the cinematic experience all the better.

5. Indulge in a cosy reading session

If you’re a book lover, a chilly Pembrokeshire evening is the perfect opportunity to curl up with a good read. Create a cosy reading nook with a soft blanket, a cup of tea, and perhaps a crackling fire or some candlelight. Books about Pembrokeshire’s coastal heritage, history, or fictional stories set in Wales can make your reading experience even more special.

6. Experiment with arts and crafts

Embrace your creative side and try some arts and crafts. With a little imagination, you can create beautiful items inspired by Pembrokeshire’s landscape. Try watercolour painting scenes of the rugged coastline, sketching local wildlife, or crafting holiday decorations using natural materials like pinecones, twigs, and dried flowers.

Crafting can be a relaxing, therapeutic way to pass the time, and it allows you to make something meaningful. Whether you’re painting, knitting, or creating home decor, crafting provides a hands-on way to add some warmth to your home while also engaging with Pembrokeshire’s natural beauty.

7. Plan an indoor picnic

Who says picnics are only for summer? Set up a cosy indoor picnic with a blanket on the floor and a spread of tasty snacks. Include some Pembrokeshire favourites, such as locally made cheeses, bread, chutneys, and seasonal fruits. If you have a fireplace, set it up near it to create an even warmer and cooler atmosphere.

8. Try a virtual tour of local sites and landmarks

Pembrokeshire is known for its incredible historical sites and natural landmarks, but visiting them on a cold evening might not be appealing. Instead, take a virtual tour of nearby places like St. David’s Cathedral, Pembroke Castle, or the stunning coastal paths. Many online platforms offer virtual tours that provide detailed views of historical landmarks, scenic landscapes, and unique areas of interest.

Exploring the region virtually lets you appreciate Pembrokeshire’s beauty without stepping outside. Plus, you’ll have the chance to discover new places to visit when the weather is warmer.

9. Enjoy a hot drink and stargaze from the indoors

Pembrokeshire is known for its stunning night skies, so even when it’s chilly outside, you can enjoy stargazing from the warmth of your home. Get comfortable near a large window, perhaps with a telescope if you have one, and take in the starry sky with a warm drink in hand. Hot chocolate, mulled wine, or a hot toddy are all excellent choices to keep you warm as you stargaze.

Adding a touch of background music, such as ambient or instrumental tracks, can make the experience even more magical, especially when you’re cosy and enjoying the Pembrokeshire night sky from the comfort of your home.

Entertainment

What are the best Welsh versions of Monopoly?

Published

1 week ago

November 22, 2024

Staff Writer

Monopoly board game, laid out on a table.

Monopoly is one of the most beloved board games in history, enjoyed and argued over by groups of players since the 1930s. The original board was named after streets in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the London version of the game is iconic, but now fans can find editions of just about any locale, from Hong Kong to Preston.

There are no fewer than six Welsh Monopoly games to choose from, including a Welsh-language version, and the newest, set in the mountainous locale of Snowdonia, which launched in Portmeirion earlier this year. Let’s check it out.

Rhifyn Eryri/Snowdonia edition

There’s no doubt that Monopoly is a phenomenon — it’s a sprawling empire of a franchise, with video games and theme parks, as well as a Monopoly casino site. A review describing this particular platform explains that it gets its name because it devotes an entire section to “custom Monopoly games”, giving players a hybrid board-game/casino experience. With the Monopoly name so widespread across game types and genres, it’s unsurprising to see the game take on not only the world’s great cities but also the wonders of the natural world. Released in March this year, the Snowdonia edition was launched with a special event at Portmeirion and Porthmadog.

The public was invited to suggest landmarks, towns, and organisations when the game was announced, and Yr Wyddfa took the prestigious “Mayfair” square on the board. The highest mountain in Wales is a national symbol and a major tourist attraction year-round – so arguably has the prestige to be able to take the place of one of London’s most affluent streets. At the other end on “Old Kent Road” is Ty Hyll (‘ugly house’ in English), the mysterious 15th century house in Betws y Coed. Legend tells that it was built overnight to pass a law that such rapid construction on common land meant the house could stay. In between are all manner of other iconic landmarks from the region.

Other Welsh Monopoly editions

But the Rhifyn Eryri/Snowdonia edition isn’t the only Welsh version of the classic game — there are actually five others. 2000 saw the release of the first Wales edition, featuring Brecon Beacons, Holyhead, and Caernarfon Castle, amongst plenty of other locations which reflect Welsh history, identity, and natural beauty. Although the rules for that edition came in Welsh and English, a Welsh language (Yn Cymraeg) version also hit the market in 2007, with a distinct board layout — players pass Ewch, rather than Go.

Monopoly fans can also work their way around the capital city of Cardiff, landing on the Millennium Stadium, the National Museum and Cardiff Castle, amongst many others. There are also editions for Anglesey, Swansea, and Newport.

Roots of Monopoly

Monopoly originated from “The Landlord’s Game,” created in 1904 by Lizzie Magie, an American game designer, to demonstrate the unfairness of land monopolies. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, Charles Darrow, an unemployed salesman, played a homemade version of the game with friends and decided to publish it.

He modified the rules and sold the game to Parker Brothers, who bought the patent from Magie and credited Darrow as the creator, launching it in 1935. Monopoly was a huge success, symbolising both the allure and pitfalls of capitalism, and has been providing rainy-day entertainment ever since.

The idea of owning an iconic mountain might seem a bit strange, but there’s no doubt that the Rhifyn Eryri/Snowdonia edition of Monopoly is an interesting and fun entry in the franchise. With many instantly recognisable landmarks, the region is well suited to the classic game.