News

Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund supports Torch Theatre education work

Published

1 year ago

November 19, 2024

THE Torch Theatre in Milford Haven is delighted to be the recipient of the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund, part of Pembrokeshire County Council’s regeneration programme, in order to deliver a term of expressive arts sessions at Milford Haven Community Primary School.

Torch Theatre’s professional team has begun working with the school’s year 5 pupils on a playwriting and theatre design project. This exciting creative activity has been created to support the school in the development of young people’s Languages, Literacy and Communication skills.

“We’re incredibly pleased to be working with Milford Haven Community Primary School on this project and could not be doing it without the support of Pembrokeshire County Council and the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund,” said Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch.

Tim continued: “We know that providing this opportunity for the students and staff will have a meaningful and lasting impact. Not only will our young people improve their literacy skills, but we also hope it will give them aspirations to be part of the creative sector. Who knows one day they could be writing plays for the Torch Theatre.”

Playwright Katie Elin Salt and Theatre Designer Ruth Stringer are giving lessons each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at the school. The students are hoping to create an epic play which combines famous authors with technology. It promises to be filled with dramatic twists as well as spectacular sets and costumes all created by the young people themselves.

At the end of the 11-week project, the young people will share their hard work in a performance for their friends and family in the Torch’s studio theatre.

One of the pupils undertaking the project said: “I have really enjoyed working with the Torch Theatre this term as the Torch has helped me understand how a play is put together. My favourite part was making the oven and microwave to be used as props with Ruth, I also enjoyed making the script with Katie and Tim.”

“The pupils have thoroughly enjoyed their sessions with Katie and Ruth. Some of our young people already have experience of working with Tim, through the Torch’s youth theatre program, so have been delighted to welcome him into their school environment. Working alongside each other we have been able to run a magical thread that joins our Interdisciplinary Learning topic with the skilled professionals’ areas of expertise, providing thought provoking connections with our wider learning,” said Rhian Johnson, Year Group lead for Year 5 at the school.

Rhian continued: “The children have created some fantastic scripts and are now in the process of creating props to aid the performances of their forthcoming show; Famous Authors. It’s a wild ride of contemporary and classic children’s literature combined with the latest technology – they can’t wait to get back into the workshops after half term!”

Alongside the project part of the funding is supporting additional free teacher training sessions for teachers across Pembrokeshire and beyond. These will take place at the Torch in both the Autumn and Spring terms, with theatre professionals delivering activity around creative writing, lighting, sound and theatre design.

Tim concluded: “One of the founding principles of the Torch almost 50 years ago was to provide educational opportunities for our community through the arts. That approach continues today with this project. It is our ambition to be an essential part of the educational landscape in Pembrokeshire and across west Wales.”

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

46 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

52 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.