Community

Tributes paid to Haverfordwest-born cinematographer Nigel Walters

Published

6 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

Bellringers praised at St Davids Cathedral service

Published

9 hours ago

June 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A SERVICE was held today at St Davids Cathedral for the annual meeting of the Diocesan Guild of Bellringers.

Fr Jim, the guild’s chaplain, led the service, during which the Bishop of St Davids preached and thanked members for their dedication to churches across the diocese.

He spoke about the important role bells play in marking moments of worship, celebration and remembrance, and said he had been personally moved when bells marked significant points in his own ministry.

The guild is keen to encourage new people to take up bellringing and says it is a friendly and approachable group for anyone interested in getting involved in church life.

Community

Hundreds of pupils unite for special Eisteddfod song

Published

9 hours ago

June 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MORE THAN 500 CHILDREN FROM 50 SCHOOLS HELP CELEBRATE BRO’R GARREG LAS

HUNDREDS of primary school children from across west Wales have come together to release a special song celebrating the communities, language and landscape of Bro’r Garreg Las.

The song, Croeso i Fro’r Garreg Las, has been recorded by pupils from 50 schools across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod in Llantood.

The project marks the countdown to the festival, which will be held from August 1 to August 8.

More than 500 children have taken part, with the song celebrating the area’s Welsh language, local communities, culture and sense of identity.

The track has been released on digital platforms alongside a colourful video filmed at some of the region’s best-known locations.

Pupils travelled to sites including Cardigan, Tenby, St Davids, Pentre Ifan and Drefach Felindre to perform and help bring the song to life.

The lyrics were written by poet Ceri Wyn Jones, with the melody by Einir Dafydd. The track was produced by Mei Gwynedd and the video was filmed by Gareth Bull.

Pembrokeshire County Council leader, Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “We are delighted to be welcoming the National Eisteddfod to Llantood this summer.

“It’s been a pleasure to see young people from the three counties come together to create a special song that celebrates the area, and builds excitement as we look forward to the Eisteddfod.

“Collaboration across Bro’r Garreg Las has been at the heart of this project.”

Cllr Catrin M S Davies, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member responsible for Culture, said: “This song celebrates the Welsh language and the unique character of the whole area – from the coast to the countryside.

“Ceri Wyn’s lyrics also offer a taste of our history and heritage. There will be an opportunity for the whole of Wales to enjoy our area in August and to hear some of our stories – come along!”

Cllr Glynog Davies, Carmarthenshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, said: “It has been a privilege to work with Welsh and English-medium schools across the counties to create this special song.

“Over 500 children have contributed to it, which is an incredible achievement. It is wonderful to see that the Welsh language and the Eisteddfod belong to everyone.”

The song can be heard on digital platforms now, while the video is available to watch on YouTube.

Photo caption: Children from schools across Bro’r Garreg Las have joined forces to record a special song ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod.

Community

Ceremonial gown linked to Prince Charles’ 1969 investiture discovered in Saundersfoot

Published

10 hours ago

June 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CEREMONIAL gown worn by the grandson of former Prime Minister David Lloyd George during the 1969 investiture of Prince Charles has been discovered at an antiques roadshow in Pembrokeshire.

The gown, worn by Owen Lloyd George, 3rd Earl Lloyd George of Dwyfor, was found alongside his original invitation from Queen Elizabeth II to take part in the historic ceremony at Caernarfon Castle.

The items were brought to a WeBuyVintage roadshow in Saundersfoot by a member of the public who had acquired them after they were removed from Ffynone House, near Boncath, the Earl’s former Pembrokeshire country seat.

The Earl, who lived from 1924 to 2010, was the grandson of David Lloyd George, Britain’s wartime Prime Minister. He was given a prominent role at the investiture on July 1, 1969, carrying the ceremonial sword during the nationally televised event.

The red ceremonial gown bears the Earl’s name on a label inside and is believed to have been made especially for him for the ceremony. It was kept at Ffynone House for decades.

The current owner said she rescued the items in 2021 after seeing possessions from the house being advertised for sale.

She said: “The owner explained that many historic possessions connected to the Lloyd George family were likely to be discarded following the sale of the house and its contents.

“I felt I could not let that happen with the gown and the letter, as these felt like genuine pieces of Welsh history and I wanted to make sure they were preserved.”

Antiques specialist Neil Church, of WeBuyVintage, said the discovery was immediately significant.

He said: “Every so often, something comes through the door that truly stops you in your tracks, and this was one of those moments.

“Far more than an old ceremonial garment, it was a remarkable discovery directly connected to one of the most significant royal and historic moments in modern Welsh history, the investiture of the now King Charles.

“What made it especially fascinating was its provenance, tracing it back to the grandson of the former Prime Minister of Britain and the family’s historic country seat, Ffynone House.

“While we valued it at around £600, its historical significance reaches far beyond its monetary worth.”

The gown and invitation are now being described as a rare surviving piece of Welsh and royal ceremonial history, rediscovered in west Wales more than half a century after they were used at Caernarfon Castle.

Photo caption: Historic find: The ceremonial gown worn by Earl Lloyd George of Dwyfor at the 1969 investiture of Prince Charles was discovered at a Saundersfoot antiques roadshow (Pic: WeBuyVintage).