Community

Filming wraps on Metcalf vs Puskás documentary

Published

4 months ago

August 13, 2025

Pembrokeshire-based director brings Chester football legend’s story to the big screen

PRINCIPAL photography has wrapped on the independent football documentary Metcalf vs Puskás, directed by Pembrokeshire filmmaker Daniel Metcalf, who lives near Johnston.

The nine-day shoot took the crew to some of the sport’s most historic venues across North Wales and North West England, including Old Trafford, the Deva Stadium, Belle Vue Stadium in Rhyl, and the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham.

Daniel is the grandson of Chester FC legend Mike Metcalf, the film’s central figure, whose career included a celebrated appearance against Hungarian great Ferenc Puskás in a 1967 charity match at South Liverpool FC. The documentary charts Metcalf’s playing days with Chester, Rhyl and Wrexham, as well as his life beyond the pitch.

Daniel said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with the footage we’ve gathered. The warmth and generosity from everyone involved – from club historians to former spectators – has been extraordinary. Their personal stories will be at the heart of this documentary.”

Exclusive access

The crew were granted rare access to Manchester United’s facilities, including Old Trafford’s stands, pitchside areas and club museum. There, club historian Jason provided insight into Chester’s FA Cup tie with United in January 1965, when a side featuring George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton faced off against Metcalf’s Chester team.

Interviews were recorded with Chester FC general manager Albert Davies, club historian Chas Sumner, and author Charlie Lambert, who is writing about South Liverpool FC’s history. A key moment came when Dennis Reeves, a surviving teammate of Mike Metcalf, shared vivid first-hand memories of playing alongside him.

Filming also took in historically significant sites such as the former Holly Park at Liverpool South Parkway and Metlab in Saltney, the business Metcalf founded after retiring from football.

Cinematic approach

Director of Photography Sam Thomas led the technical side, using Cooke lenses for a vintage look paired with a DJI Ronin 4D rig for agile but cinematic camera movement. Pembrokeshire filmmaker Ethan Ellis joined the crew as assistant, providing additional support throughout the schedule.

The production has also secured a wealth of archive photographs and press clippings to be woven into the final edit, alongside a rare remastered audio recording of Mike Metcalf himself.

With filming wrapped, Metcalf vs Puskás now moves into post-production. Daniel and his team will edit hundreds of hours of footage, record narration, and licence further archive material. Completion is expected in early 2026, with plans to submit to film festivals before a UK release.

Daniel added: “As someone who now calls Pembrokeshire home, it’s a privilege to bring my grandfather’s story to life here and share it with both the football community and my local community. The spirit that surrounds Chester FC is exactly the same as the community spirit here in West Wales — it’s what’s made this possible.”

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

9 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)