News
Photography project kicks off
MEMBERS of the public can help kick start a new photography project at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre in St Davids by collecting plastic that has
washed up on Pembrokeshire’s beaches.
North Pembrokeshire photographic artist Mike Perry will be using pieces of collected plastic to develop his series Môr Plastig (Welsh for ‘plastic sea’) in his role as Coastal Currents Artist in Residence at Oriel y Parc.
Môr Plastig focuses on images of washed-up, decayed items of plastic beach objects, including shoes, bottles and bags.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Arts Development Officer Kate Wood, said: “During his residency, Mike will be reaching out of the confines of the studio space to engage members of the public in the creation of a new work that responds to and engages with our coastal environment. His residency will also draw connections with the current exhibition Natural Images – Historic Photography Uncovered,which is on display in the main gallery at Oriel y Parc.”
People can get involved by joining community beach cleans at four locations on Sunday February 1. Mike is looking for items of plastic that look interesting and that may have a story.
He will be picking up collected plastic at Freshwater East at 1pm, Freshwater West at 2pm, West Dale at 3pm and Newgale at 4pm. Alternatively, people can bring their plastic finds to Oriel y Parc by 4pm on Sunday February 1.
Those taking part should take care when picking up the plastic. They should wear protective gloves, ignore glass, medical objects or nasty looking chemicals and never take risks over slippery rocks. They should also watch out for fast moving tides.
The collected plastic will be taken to Oriel y Parc and selected pieces will be photographed by Mike, and displayed in an exhibition in the studio commencing March 13.
Mike added: “It’s hard to study our coastline today without being aware of plastic pollution. My art involves collecting and photographing pieces of plastic that have been shaped by the sea. They are landscapes, but micro landscapes that people might walk past without noticing nature’s sublime power inscribing itself on the man-made.”
Mike Perry’s Coastal Currents residency, which runs until March 31, is supported by the Arts Council of Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
News
Teenage girl dies after medical emergency at Welsh rugby club
A TEENGAGE girl has tragically died following a medical emergency at Amman United Rugby Football Club in Ammanford on Friday evening (Nov 15).
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene, where the teenager became unwell. She was taken to hospital but, despite advanced medical efforts, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.” The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.
The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance, stating that emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:55pm.
A spokesperson said: “We sent an emergency ambulance, supported by a Community First Responder and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Advanced critical care was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, with support from the Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.”
As a mark of respect, Amman United Rugby Football Club postponed all games over the weekend. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the club said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the club will be closed, and all games are postponed, out of respect.”
News
Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death
MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described as relentless online bullying. The inquest, held today, heard how Megan had attended a school meeting about a trip to France earlier that evening and appeared in good spirits.
Later that night, her parents left for Cardiff with her four youngest siblings while the four older siblings stayed at home. At 9:59pm, Megan’s brother called their parents, unable to find her in the house. His father told him to continue searching, and Megan was discovered in a locked upstairs bathroom. Despite the efforts of her family, paramedics, and hospital staff, Megan could not be saved.
A statement from her family described Megan as an intelligent, kind, and vibrant teenager. “She had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone,” the statement read. “She bought love and laughter into our home and was always full of energy. Her friends adored her, and she always stood up for what she believed in.”
The inquest was told Megan was a talented artist and hockey player who had been looking forward to attending a Justin Bieber concert. She was deeply loved by her family, who said she “poured so much love into everything and everyone around her.”
Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld, has previously spoken openly about the struggles her daughter faced in silence.
Nicola admitted she hadn’t recognised the signs of Megan’s distress at the time, including disrupted sleep and a secretive attachment to her phone.
In the years following Megan’s death, Nicola has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and the dangers of social media bullying. She founded the Megan’s Starr Foundation, which provides free professional counseling and peer support to vulnerable young people in Pembrokeshire.
Nicola reflected: “I see things now that I didn’t understand back then. I thought mental health struggles were always visible, but I was wrong. Megan was the life and soul of the house, and I never imagined the pain she was in.”
Through campaigns like “Step into January,” Nicola has turned her grief into action, creating a legacy for Megan that focuses on kindness and support for others.
The inquest continues.
News
Teen’s tragic death linked to online bullying
MEGAN EVANS, 14, a talented and kind-hearted teenager from Milford Haven, was found dead at home on February 7, 2017, following what her family believes were bullying messages on social media, an inquest has heard.
Described as intelligent, capable, and full of energy, Megan was a passionate artist, county hockey player, and beloved by her six siblings and parents.
On the night of her death, she had been in good spirits after attending a school meeting about a trip to France.
Later, she was tragically discovered in a locked bathroom at home.
Her family remembered Megan as brave, thoughtful, and endlessly loving, someone who brought joy and positivity to everyone she met. They vowed to honor her memory by promoting kindness and love.
The inquest continues.
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