Entertainment

Favourite ways Pembrokeshire residents unwind while off work over the holidays

Published

4 weeks ago

December 15, 2025

Taking time off work over the festive season allows Pembrokeshire residents to slow down, enjoy moments of peace, and reconnect with activities that bring comfort and joy. With winter landscapes, cosy homes, and plenty of local traditions, the holiday break becomes a cherished opportunity to rest and recharge. From creative projects to outdoor adventures, locals make the most of their downtime with a blend of relaxation, mindfulness, and simple pleasures.

Baking holiday cookies

Baking is one of the most beloved ways Pembrokeshire residents spend their time off during the holidays. With extra hours at home and fewer work-related pressures, many turn to the kitchen to create festive treats ranging from ginger biscuits and mince pies to shortbread, cinnamon cakes, and colourful Christmas cookies. The process itself is deeply therapeutic, offering a slow, hands-on activity that feels both nostalgic and grounding. Some people enjoy the quiet rhythm of baking solo, pairing the experience with seasonal music or a hot drink, creating a cosy atmosphere that feels distinctly festive. The finished treats are often used for gifting, sharing with friends and neighbours, or enjoying during quiet evenings at home, making baking both a practical and comforting holiday tradition.

Digital entertainment

Digital entertainment becomes especially appealing during winter downtime, and many Pembrokeshire residents spend part of their holiday break enjoying online games. Casual mobile games and puzzle apps offer quick, low-effort fun, ideal for filling slow afternoons or relaxing before bed. Others enjoy playing more immersive console or PC games, especially when they finally have the time to dive into longer storylines or cooperative multiplayer sessions with friends who are also off work. Some residents also unwind with online casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker, appreciating the blend of strategy, entertainment, and convenience.

Digital casinos have advanced quickly over the past few years, and bettors who wager online can now find a wide range of games when they log on and fund their casino accounts in a variety of ways. For example, some players fund their accounts with a bank transfer, while others use e-wallets. Most players choose to use plastic cards, with many opting to play at credit card casinos so that they can fund their account using a credit card, because it’s quick and easy.

Digital entertainment offers a convenient and engaging way for people in Pembrokeshire to unwind during their time off, whether they prefer light mobile games or longer gaming sessions. With so many options available, residents can tailor their downtime to suit their mood, energy level, or schedule. For many, online gaming simply provides an easy, enjoyable escape during the quieter pace of the holiday break.

At-home spa days

Creating an at-home spa day is a favourite way for many Pembrokeshire residents to unwind when they finally have time off work. With simple touches like soothing music, soft lighting, essential oils, and nourishing skincare, people transform their homes into calming retreats. Whether it’s a DIY facial, a gentle exfoliation, or relaxing with a warm robe and a cup of herbal tea, the slower pace helps melt away built-up tension from the year. Many enjoy setting aside an afternoon specifically for self-care, allowing themselves to fully relax, reset, and feel restored during the holiday break.

Practising mindfulness

With work responsibilities temporarily on pause, many Pembrokeshire residents use the holiday period to focus on mindfulness and mental well-being. Practices like guided meditation, deep-breathing exercises, journaling, or gentle stretching become easier to incorporate when the pace of life slows down. Some people begin their mornings with a short meditation session, helping them feel centred before the day begins, while others wind down in the evenings with quiet reflection or gratitude journaling. Others choose mindfulness through creative activities such as drawing, knitting, or painting—tasks that encourage slow, intentional movement and quiet concentration. During a season that can be busy and emotionally demanding, mindfulness offers a grounding and restorative break.

Day hikes

Despite the chilly weather, Pembrokeshire’s breathtaking scenery continues to draw residents outdoors during their time off. Day hikes become a favourite way to unplug from screens and holiday busyness, offering fresh air, movement, and the calming effect of nature. Popular winter routes include stretches of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the rugged areas near St Davids, sheltered woodland paths, and quiet countryside trails around local villages. The crisp winter air and dramatic coastal views provide the perfect backdrop for clearing the mind and embracing the slower pace of the season. For some, hiking is a shared family activity, while others prefer the solitude of a peaceful solo walk. Regardless, it remains one of the most restorative holiday traditions for locals.

Making DIY holiday decorations

Creativity thrives when people finally have time to slow down, and many Pembrokeshire residents enjoy making DIY holiday decorations while off work. Using natural materials collected on walks—like pinecones, holly, driftwood, and evergreen branches—locals craft wreaths, table centrepieces, garlands, and homemade ornaments. Indoor crafts such as paper chains, painted baubles, and fabric decorations also fill many households with seasonal charm. These activities provide a fun, screen-free way to unwind while adding a personal touch to holiday décor. Families often turn DIY crafting into a shared tradition, while individuals enjoy the peaceful, satisfying process of creating something beautiful by hand.

A season of unwinding

Time off work during the holidays gives Pembrokeshire residents the chance to reconnect with hobbies, embrace cosy relaxation, and enjoy the region’s natural beauty. Whether staying warm indoors or exploring familiar paths, locals make the most of the peaceful winter break. The result is a season filled with simple joys, meaningful moments, and plenty of opportunities to recharge before returning to everyday routines.

Charity

Charity medium night to raise funds for Cancer Research Wales in Milford Haven

Published

13 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

International spiritualist medium to appear at rugby club event

A CHARITY evening with an international spiritualist medium is set to take place in Milford Haven later this month, with all proceeds going to Cancer Research Wales.

The event will be held on Friday (Jan 16) at Milford Haven Rugby Club, and will feature a live demonstration by Lee Mills, who is described by organisers as an internationally recognised spiritualist medium.

Organised in support of Cancer Research Wales, the evening aims to raise funds for cancer research carried out in Wales. Organisers have confirmed that all proceeds raised on the night will be donated to the charity.

Doors open at 6:30pm, with the event starting at 7:00pm. Tickets are priced at £12, and the evening is a ticket-only event.

Those wishing to attend are advised to book in advance. Tickets can be available by contacting Sara on 07817 677632.

Organisers said the event offers local residents the chance to enjoy an evening of entertainment while also supporting a Welsh charity dedicated to funding life-saving cancer research.

Entertainment

Story of friendship and history becomes a profound study of complicated humanity

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WITH the Torch Theatre’s popular £5 cinema ticket offer running throughout January and February, Eleanor the Great is a standout screening not to be missed.

The film features a remarkable central performance from June Squibb, who shines as Eleanor Morgenstein, a sharp-witted and spirited 94-year-old whose carefully told story begins to take on a dangerous life of its own.

Eleanor has always prided herself on staying connected to the world around her. Following a devastating loss, she leaves Florida for New York City to live with her daughter and grandson, hoping to rebuild family ties. Instead, she finds herself increasingly isolated and invisible. A chance encounter leads her into a support group where she does not quite belong, and in an unguarded moment she shares a story that unexpectedly draws attention she never intended to seek.

As a young journalism student begins to pursue Eleanor as both a friend and mentor, the consequences of that story grow increasingly complex. When the situation spirals beyond her control, Eleanor is forced to confront the truth — and the cost of the life she has allowed others to believe.

Critics have praised Squibb’s performance. The Guardian described her as giving “an enjoyably twinkly performance,” while Empire Magazine noted: “The plot is predictable and the look unmemorable, but Johansson has nevertheless crafted a pleasingly old-fashioned character piece with just enough bite to balance its emotion.”

In her directorial debut, Scarlett Johansson delicately weaves themes of ageing, family, loss and the blurred line between truth and deceit. What begins as a quiet story of friendship and memory gradually unfolds into a thoughtful and deeply human exploration of identity.

Eleanor the Great will be screened at the Torch Theatre on:

Friday, January 16 at 5:15pm
Saturday, January 17 at 4:15pm
Sunday, January 18 at 7:15pm
Tuesday, January 20 at 7:45pm

Tickets are priced at £5 as part of the January cinema offer. For more information, visit the Torch Theatre website or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

Entertainment

Yasemin Özdemir’s journey from Pembrokeshire to the national stage

Published

4 days ago

January 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RAISED in a single-parent household in Pembrokeshire, Yasemin Özdemir relied on grants, scholarships and bursaries to pursue her ambition to act. This winter, that determination comes full circle as she takes to the stage alongside Michael Sheen in the inaugural production of the Welsh National Theatre.

From local youth theatre to professional training at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Özdemir has steadily built a career defined by drive and resilience. Now, she joins a landmark project that will see Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic Our Town presented with a fully Welsh cast and creative team for the first time in the play’s eighty-seven-year history.

***Our Town by Thornton Wilder in rehearsals (Pic: Helen Murray)***

Özdemir first encountered Our Town in 2016 while preparing for drama school auditions and says she “fell in love with it instantly”. That same year, she played Juliet in the National Youth Theatre of Wales’ Romeo and Juliet. Nearly a decade on, she is part of the newly launched Welsh National Theatre’s debut production, co-produced with the Rose Theatre.

The production is directed by Swansea-born Francesca Goodridge, with Michael Sheen appearing as the Stage Manager and Russell T Davies serving as Creative Associate. It will tour venues across Wales before transferring to London.

***Our Town by Thornton Wilder cast (Pic: Helen Murray)***

A graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in 2020, Özdemir has already made her mark on stage and screen. Her theatre credits include Angel—which earned her a Best Lead Performance nomination at the 2022 OFFIES—alongside You Bury Me and Dance to the Bone. Television and film appearances include A Spy Among Friends (ITV), Vandullz (BBC) and the short film Yummy Mummy. Known for a dynamic physical presence and emotionally grounded performances, she brings energy and authenticity to the company’s opening production.

Speaking about her casting, Yasemin said: “Being part of Michael Sheen’s Welsh National Theatre feels like a full-circle moment for me. I know how passionate he is about discovering talent from all backgrounds, including those of us who’ve had to fight to access opportunities in the arts. I’m thrilled to bring this timeless story to life with such an incredible team.”

Director Francesca Goodridge added: “Bringing Our Town to life with a fully Welsh cast and creative team is a gift. The journeys through life, love and death that the play celebrates sit perfectly within a close-knit community. The Welsh word hiraeth—that deep longing for a place, person or time you can’t return to—is at the heart of this production.”

Michael Sheen said the tour would place Welsh voices firmly on the national stage:
“This is an incredible opportunity to present a Welsh interpretation of a classic that tours our nation and takes our voice to London, giving Welsh talent a platform to perform.”

Russell T Davies described the company’s launch as timely: “In this strange and maddening world, the emergence of a Welsh cultural force is exactly what we need. Our Town fits an intimate Welsh setting instantly and perfectly.”

The production will play Swansea Grand Theatre from Friday 16 January to Saturday 31 January 2026, followed by Venue Cymru (Tuesday 3 February–Saturday 7 February) and Theatr Clwyd (Wednesday 11 February–Saturday 21 February), before transferring to the Rose Theatre in Kingston-upon-Thames from Thursday 26 February to Saturday 28 March. Tickets are on sale now.