Community

Young creatives invited to design a sea monster for Torch Theatre’s ‘Rapunzel’ panto

Published

5 months ago

July 15, 2025

Winning creature will be brought to life on stage this December

YOUNG designers across Pembrokeshire and beyond are being invited to let their imaginations run wild, as the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven launches a new competition ahead of its festive pantomime, Rapunzel.

The popular annual design contest gives children and teenagers the chance to see their ideas come to life on stage. This year, the creative challenge is to design a fearsome Sea Creature—a brand-new baddie that will feature in every performance of Rapunzel, with a credit to the winning designer and their school.

The villainous creature is said to live in the watery depths and works under the command of the dastardly Mother Gothel. But what it looks like is entirely up to the young entrants. Could it be a part-octopus, part-shark hybrid? A fanged dolphin with glowing tentacles? A stingray with evil eyes? The Torch Theatre wants your wildest ideas.

“You can send us your design in any format,” said Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth & Community at the Torch. “It could be a hand-drawn picture, a digital design, a collage, or a creation made of fabric or textures—whatever brings your idea to life!”

Last year’s competition, tied to Jack and the Beanstalk, received nearly 200 entries. This year, the team hopes even more young people will take part, with three age categories: Under 5s, 5–10, and 11–18. One winner from each category will be selected, with one overall winner whose Sea Creature will be transformed into a live character on stage.

All entries will be displayed in the Joanna Field Gallery at the Torch throughout December.

To enter, designs must be submitted on A4 paper (no larger), with the designer’s name, school or college, and contact details clearly written on the back. Entries must be received by Friday 10 October 2025 and should be sent to:

Mother Gothel’s Sea Creature Competition
Torch Theatre
St Peter’s Road
Milford Haven
Pembrokeshire
SA73 2BU

This year’s panto, Rapunzel, promises a unique West Wales twist with seaside adventures, puffins, lighthouses, and plenty of “hair-larious” fun. Performances run from Saturday 6 December to Sunday 28 December, including a Relaxed Environment show on Saturday 13 December at 2:00pm, and a BSL Interpreted performance on Tuesday 16 December at 6:00pm.

Tickets are priced at £24.50, with concessions at £20.00 and family tickets available for £78.00.

For more information, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Pob lwc – and get designing!

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)