Jac’s golden croc stands foot above the rest in panto design competition

Published

1 month ago

November 25, 2024

The wait is finally over and The Torch Theatre is delighted to announce that 11-year-old Haverfordwest High School pupil, Jac, is the winner of the Design a Golden Object competition for this year’s spectacular pantomime, Jack and The Beanstalk.

Young people from across West Wales were invited to design a priceless object that can only be found in the Giant’s Golden Room. With 150 entries across all age ranges, Jac has been crowned the golden winner.

The judges were delighted with the designs, which included stinky socks, everlasting cheesecakes, glittering football boots and sparkly butterflies, but Jac’s design for a giant golden croc was a foot above the rest.

“I was so happy, and couldn’t believe I’d won,” said a delighted Jac. “I’m excited to see my croc in giant size because I have crocs and I had them on when I was thinking about what I could draw. I thought it would be funny to see it in a huge size.”

He added: “I think the crocs’ magic power should be to hide the smell of really smelly feet, so they always smell nice. I go to the pantomime every year, so I can’t wait to see my idea in it.”

Tim Howe, the senior manager for youth and community at the Torch said, “Thank you so much to everyone who took part in the competition. It was an absolute pleasure to receive the fabulous entries from young people across the county and we were really amazed by all the incredibly imaginative, colourful and sparkling designs. But some very tough decisions had to be made by our designer, Kevin, and Chelsey, our director. But we’re so excited to announce Jac as our 2024 design competition winner.

The runners up were Gwilym and Lucie (under 5s), Nell (5-11), Jayden (11-18).

Jacks and the Beanstalk will feature on the Torch Theatre stage from Friday, December 13 to Sunday, December 29, with matinee and evening performances. Tickets are priced £23.50/£19.50 Cons/ £75 family. A relaxed environment performance will be on Saturday, December 14 at 2 pm.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

12 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

14 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.