Community

Tributes paid to Haverfordwest-born cinematographer Nigel Walters

Published

2 months ago

December 3, 2025

He rose to global prominence in the film industry

A RENOWNED cinematographer who began life in Haverfordwest before going on to help shape international standards in film-making has died, prompting warm tributes from Wales and across the global screen industry.

Nigel Walters BSC FRGS, who was born and raised in the county town, became one of the most respected British figures behind the camera, with a career that took him from BBC Wales to major documentary and drama productions around the world.

From Pembrokeshire roots to a life behind the lens

Mr Walters’ fascination with film began in his childhood, surrounded by the busy newsrooms of South Wales where members of his family worked in journalism. Local cine cameras, darkrooms and the early world of newspapers all helped spark what became a lifelong passion for visual storytelling.

Friends say he remained proud of his Pembrokeshire roots throughout his life.

He joined BBC Wales in the early 1960s, beginning as a trainee assistant and quickly progressing to major assignments. Over the following decades, his work featured in flagship BBC documentaries, current affairs programmes and drama series, including filming in conflict zones and on location around the world.

A major figure in international cinematography

After later moving into freelance work, Mr Walters contributed to some of the most recognisable British television of the 1990s and 2000s. But it was his long-term commitment to championing the rights and working conditions of cinematographers that cemented his reputation across the industry.

He served on the board of the British Society of Cinematographers for many years before becoming a leading figure in IMAGO, the International Federation of Cinematographers, where he played a key role in expanding the organisation’s global reach. His efforts helped bring American, European and smaller national societies into closer cooperation — a legacy that colleagues say transformed the federation.

Mr Walters also supported film festivals, training initiatives and professional bodies across Europe, earning honorary memberships in several cinematography societies and becoming a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

“An inspiring and truly wonderful person”

This week, Haverfordwest county councillor Thomas Tudor paid tribute to one of the town’s most distinguished creative figures.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was very sad to hear of the passing of my friend, Nigel Walters. He was an inspiring and truly wonderful person. My deepest sympathies and condolences go to his family at this very difficult time.”

A lasting influence

Across the industry, Mr Walters is remembered as a generous mentor, an advocate for professional unity, and a passionate champion of the craft of cinematography.

A spokesperson for the British Society of Cinematographers said colleagues were “deeply saddened” by his passing and described him as a driving force in promoting the interests of camera professionals worldwide.

Mr Walters’ contribution leaves a lasting imprint on British broadcast history and on the international organisations that continue to support the next generation of film-makers.

Community

Tenby sailing club works approved by national park

Published

60 minutes ago

January 28, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for works at Tenby’s historic sailing club building, part of the ‘iconic view’ of the town’s harbour have been given the go-ahead by the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Tenby Sailing Club, through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect sought permission for the two openings in second floor gable wall along with two new windows at Tenby Sailing Club, Penniless Cove Hill, along with a related listed building consent.

The application was supported by Tenby Town Council and Tenby Civic Society, the latter saying it will “add value to the use of the building and maintain the character and value of the listed building and the conservation area”.

Supporting documents for the application said: “The proposal is to form two new openings in the stonework and install two windows. These will replicate the existing windows at first floor level below. The openings will have red brick head as on existing original openings on the building. The proposal will have very little adverse impact on the listed building.”

They added: “The proposed new windows will improve observation of the harbour and bay from the second-floor level. This is where yacht racing is monitored and observed by officials and safety personnel.”

An officer report, recommending approval said: “The sailing club was built as a warehouse c. 1825, abutting the C17 sluice. Originally wine stores, it was later used by the local fishermen for stores and is now the home to Tenby Sailing Club, established in 1936. The rubble-built building is of three storeys and four bays, the glazing all later C20 with a slated roof and a modernised interior. There is a large steel stair to north (seaward) elevation.”

It added: “The building forms part of a group picturesquely clustered around the sluice, in turn forming part of the iconic view of Tenby Harbour. The proposal is to insert two windows at second floor level to the north (seaward) elevation, flanking the existing door,” adding: “The area retains its mercantile character not just in appearance, but also through its character due to ongoing use as fishing boat stores and winter moorings.

“The sailing club has occupied the building for many years and remains very active. The proposal is intended to improve the amenity of the building to provide better viewing at elevation and seeks to copy the detail and proportions of the windows at first floor stage.”

The application, and the related listed building consent, was conditionally approved by park planners.

Community

Pembrokeshire students speak at national Holocaust Memorial Day event

Published

7 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO Haverfordwest High School pupils addressed senior political and religious figures and a Holocaust survivor at Wales’ main commemoration in Cardiff

Holocaust Memorial Day was marked in Cardiff this week with a powerful contribution from two Pembrokeshire students, who were invited to speak at Wales’ national commemoration event.

Awel Jones and Olivia Beal, both Year 13 pupils at Haverfordwest High School, attended the ceremony at the Temple of Peace on Monday (Jan 27) in their roles as ambassadors for the Holocaust Educational Trust.

The pair were asked to deliver speeches reflecting on their work with the Trust and their involvement in the “Lessons from Auschwitz” project, which educates young people about the Holocaust and the dangers of prejudice, discrimination and hatred.

They spoke in front of a distinguished audience that included the First Minister for Wales, Eluned Morgan, the Archbishop of Wales, senior civic leaders and Holocaust survivor Peter Lantos.

The national event formed part of Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, which was held under the theme “bridging generations”, highlighting the responsibility of younger generations to carry forward the lessons of the past as the number of living survivors declines.

Awel Jones and Olivia Beal were the only young Holocaust Educational Trust ambassadors representing Wales at the national ceremony, a distinction described as a significant honour for both the students and Pembrokeshire.

A parent said the occasion was “profoundly emotive and important”, adding that being invited to speak at such a high-profile event was an accolade for the students and a reflection of the strength of Holocaust education work taking place locally.

Holocaust Memorial Day is observed annually on January 27, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.

Business

Final wind turbine deliveries completed after months of disruption

Published

7 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Last major component reaches site as Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thank communities for patience

DRAGON LNG and Dragon Energy have confirmed that the final large component for a new wind turbine project has now been successfully delivered, bringing months of complex abnormal load movements on Pembrokeshire roads to an end.

The companies said the final turbine blade was delivered to the site on Wednesday (Jan 28, 2026), marking the completion of all major component deliveries associated with the project.

In a statement, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thanked the local community for its patience and cooperation throughout the delivery programme, acknowledging that the operation caused disruption on local roads.

Residents across parts of the county have previously experienced temporary road closures, traffic delays and police escorts as oversized turbine components were transported from the Port of Milford Haven to the site under tightly controlled conditions.

The abnormal load movements required months of detailed planning and coordination, involving route surveys, traffic management, police support and liaison with local authorities to ensure deliveries were carried out safely and with minimal disruption wherever possible.

The companies also apologised for the inconvenience caused during the delivery phase, saying the support and understanding shown by residents had been “invaluable” in allowing the project to reach this milestone.

A number of organisations were involved in supporting the operation, including Pembrokeshire County Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, haulage specialists Collett & Sons Ltd and Green Light Traffic Management.

Local media outlets, including The Pembrokeshire Herald, provided advance notice and updates during the delivery process to help keep residents informed.

With the final major deliveries now complete, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy said the project would continue to progress to the next phase of construction on site.