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Much loved ‘War Horse’ sequel comes to The Torch

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Lichfield Garrick is thrilled to announce that actors Alan Booty and Jonathan Houlston will be leading the cast of their upcoming UK Tour of ‘Farm Boy,’ an adaptation of the much-loved sequel to Sir Michael Morpurgo’s ‘War Horse’.

Adapted and directed by the venue’s artistic director Daniel Buckroyd, this critically acclaimed play, which has previously toured the UK and transferred to New York, will be performing at The Torch Theatre on Thursday May 22 at 2 pm and 6 pm as part of its UK Tour.

‘Farm Boy’ is Michael Morpurgo’s sequel to his beloved masterpiece, ‘War Horse’. Set on the farm where he lives in Devon,  and based on the real people he has encountered, this heartwarming and compelling narrative pays homage to the generation who fought in the First World War, the world they came home to and how that conflict affected them.

In a recent conversation with Buckroyd, which is available to view on the Garrick website, Morpurgo spoke about how technology is interrupting relationships between older and younger people and how grandparents and grandchildren spend less time sharing stories. Lichfield Garrick hopes that its production of ‘Farm Boy’ can bring families together to share this story that seems to resonate so strongly across the generations.

Alan Booty plays Grandpa and his career includes productions at the National Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre and with a host of regional and touring theatre companies, as well as on TV and film. Roles have ranged from King Lear at Brockley Jack Theatre in 2019 to Hermann in a recent critically-acclaimed run of his own play ‘The Loaf’ with Pogo Theatre. Alan is thrilled to be reclaiming his role and is looking forward to bringing the amazing stories that Grandpa recounts to life for family audiences.

Jonathan Houlston plays Grandson. A recent Royal Birmingham Conservatoire graduate, he has already built up a wealth of stage experience, having played Sidney Barnsley in ‘The Making of Lucy’ and Ian in ‘Holes’. His screen credits include a memorable guest lead role in ‘Doctors’ for the BBC, and as a founder of Mad Dragon Theatre Company he performed in its debut production of his own play ‘Physical Education’.

Don’t miss the chance to join Alan and Jonathan for this critically acclaimed show that picks up the story of Albert and Joey where ‘War Horse’ ends, and paints a forgotten history of the changing face of life in rural England.

FARM BOY will be on the Torch Theatre stage on Thursday, May 22, at 2pm and 6pm.

Tickets are priced £15. 

 

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

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Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

 

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Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

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Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

 

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Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

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FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

 

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