Community

Something about Jackie Morris

Published

10 years ago

March 12, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Jackie Morris’ ‘Something about a Bear’: Published by Francis Lincoln in October 2014

JACKIE MORRIS is a world-renowned children’s author and artist, who lives just outside of St. David’s. Jackie exhibits her painting nationwide and has worked with authors such as Ted Hughes and Robin Hobb. In October 2014, Jackie had her latest book, ‘Something about a Bear’, published, and she is currently working to a tight deadline on ‘The Wild Swans’. We at The Herald recently spoke with Jackie about living and working as an artist in Pembrokeshire.

Jackie told us that most of her inspiration comes from her walks; living just outside St. David’s, Jackie is always surrounded with picturesque landscapes and scenery. Jackie told us that ‘The Ice Bear’, which was published in July 2014, is set on top of the world. Although the book is heavily concentrated with Inuit culture, Jackie dreamt up the setting for ‘The Ice Bear’ while on top of a cliff in Pembrokeshire, watching the ravens fly around her. God’s house, in one of the books she illustrated for Ted Hughes, is modelled on her neighbour’s house, she said.

Jackie moved to Pembrokeshire twenty-three years ago from Bath, so I asked her if she thought her artistry had changed since moving to our coastal county. She explained that she had definitely seen a change happen. While living in Bath, her paintings were often tall houses and archways modelled on Bath’s architecture. Since living in Pembrokeshire, most of her art is based on a peninsular landscape and a lot of space has crept into her work. Her new house immediately inspired her work in the form of a pair of hobnail boots that the estate agent had told her not to move. There are superstitions that leaving the shoe of a child who has moved away, or even died, in the attic will draw their souls back. ‘There are so many stories tangled in that,’ Jackie said. Inspired by the boots, she wrote a story about a mother who had put the boot of her son, who had gone to war, in the attic. Many had believed the story to be true. The boot is still in the attic, and Jackie will not even take it out of the house to take a picture of it outside.

Jackie takes a lot of inspiration from inside her house, and her attic studio is filled with stuffed animals. ‘It’s actually getting kind of creepy,’ Jackie commented. She fills her workroom with things to inspire her when writing and illustrating her next book. While out shopping a few weeks ago, Jackie noticed a beautiful wedding dress, which she immediately bought for her studio. She is currently taken inspiration from the garment for her next book.

When I asked Jackie if she had a favourite painting or book, she laughed and stated: “I hate them all.” Jackie struggles as nothing ever comes out the way she wants it to. She is completely obsessed with writing and illustrating the book and it takes a lot of time, but she struggles with confidence when she has finished it. She starts with a lot of enthusiasm, but by the end she is worried that the book is not as good as the last. Jackie was often in tears over her work, but she is starting to get over that now. She gained a lot of confidence talking to other artists she admired who also suffered with the same problems. Jackie is very busy churning out book after book and she talked about the fact that she only gets a minute to appreciate the finished piece before moving on to the next. Jackie has a real compulsion to paint, though, and loves becoming immersed in the world of a book, so she is very grateful that she gets to read books, write books and paint for a living. Jackie had always wanted to be an artist since the age of six, but a lot of people said that she could not paint for a career. She is aware that she is very lucky to have proved those comments to be wrong.

Recently, Jackie has found a new passion in stone sculpting. ‘The first cut released a wonderful smell of sulphur’, she commented, talking about how wonderful her experience working with stone was. Used to very twiddly, fine painting, Jackie wanted to find something a little more physical. “My paintings, on paper, will be gone in three or four hundred years,” stated Jackie, “but stone lasts forever.” Jackie loves the stories that rocks tell, their smell, and their beauty. It is also very good for working out frustration, apparently.

Jackie currently has an exhibition on in the Druidstone Hotel, which is mostly artwork from ‘Song of the Golden Hare’, and she also has work in Narberth’s Golden Sheaf and Porthgain’s Shed. She has just had a show in the National Botanical Gardens of Wales and has work in galleries all over the UK.

Community

Missing Isabelle and Daniel located safe and well

Published

18 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have confirmed that Isabelle and Daniel, who were reported missing from the Cardigan area, have been found safe and well.

A spokesperson said: “We are pleased to confirm that Isabelle and Daniel have been located. Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal.”

The force had issued a public appeal earlier this week in a bid to locate the pair, prompting widespread concern and support across the community.

Community

Eleven new firefighters join ranks at Mid and West Wales Fire Service

Published

19 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Graduation ceremony marks end of 14-week training course

ELEVEN new Wholetime Firefighters have officially joined Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) following a graduation ceremony held at the Service’s Earlswood Training Centre on Wednesday (Apr 16).

The new recruits, collectively known as Squad 01/25, completed an intensive 14-week training programme, culminating in a formal Passing Out Parade attended by proud family, friends and senior fire service personnel.

The ceremony was opened by Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas KFSM and featured a full Parade of Recruits, Drill Yard Displays and presentations of awards and certificates. The recruits were inspected by Chief Fire Officer Thomas, Councillor Gwynfor Thomas (Chair of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority), and Group Manager Stuart Bate, Head of Training Delivery.

Speaking at the event, Stuart Bate praised the dedication and determination shown by the new firefighters:

“From the first day of their training, they have exhibited courage, discipline, and determination to uphold the noblest traditions of the Fire Service.
They have demonstrated exceptional resilience, and have embraced the values of teamwork, integrity, and selflessness that define our profession.”

Chief Fire Officer Thomas added: “We celebrated the remarkable achievements made by these 11 dedicated individuals who have undergone fourteen weeks of rigorous training.
As an integral part of Wales’ emergency response infrastructure, MAWWFRS exemplifies professionalism and unwavering dedication to public safety – and you are now an essential part of this work.”

Award Winners

As part of the ceremony, several recruits were recognised for their outstanding performance during the course:

Physical Fitness Achievement Award: Awarded to Kallum Richards for exceptional effort and commitment to fitness throughout the course.
Recruits’ Recruit Award: Chosen by fellow recruits, this award went to Rhys Tucker for demonstrating consistent support and leadership within the group.
Highest-Achieving Recruit (Silver Axe Award): Presented to Llion Jones for exemplary performance across all aspects of training, including practical skills, exams, leadership, and teamwork.

Each graduate received a framed certificate presented by Chief Fire Officer Thomas to mark the successful completion of their training.

The new firefighters will now begin their careers across various stations within the Mid and West Wales region. The Service extended its congratulations to all members of Squad 01/25, wishing them long and successful careers in the Fire and Rescue Service.

Community

A487 at Newport made resilient after vital infrastructure work

Published

20 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE A487 at Newport in Pembrokeshire has reopened following essential engineering work to future-proof the road and avoid long-term disruption to the community.

The key stretch of road reopened on schedule on 3 March after a defective culvert running beneath the A487 was fully replaced. The upgrade is expected to mitigate the impact of climate change and reduce the risk of emergency closures in the future.

The project involved complex engineering and close collaboration between contractors and key stakeholders, including Welsh Water, Wales & West Utilities, and Openreach. The culvert carries vital infrastructure, including water, sewage and gas pipes, as well as fibre optic telecommunications cables.

Without the repair, a collapse could have caused major disruption to services and forced an emergency closure of the road for an extended period. Localised flooding was also a potential risk.

Given the culvert’s location in the centre of Newport, care was taken to minimise disruption to local residents, businesses, and road users. A number of repair options were considered, but engineers concluded that full replacement of the structure was the only long-term solution.

Consultations were held to identify the least disruptive time of year to complete the works. With tourism vital to the area’s economy, it was agreed that the work would be carried out before the start of the season.

While the road was closed, engineers also carried out resurfacing along the affected stretch to address existing carriageway defects.

During the eight-week closure, local businesses reported a significant drop in footfall. Traders in Newport said January had been particularly challenging, with customer numbers falling sharply. Some were forced to reduce staffing levels or find creative ways to support loyal customers, including offering private parking for those with mobility issues.

Traders also expressed frustration at signage placed at Cardigan and St Clears, which they said gave the impression the entire road was shut, deterring potential visitors.

A diversion route for light vehicles was implemented locally, while heavy goods vehicles faced a considerably longer detour. Parking outside some businesses was restricted, and an increase in traffic through back roads added to the disruption.

Despite these setbacks, the town is now looking to the future. Businesses are reporting a renewed sense of optimism with the roadworks complete. Several are preparing for the busy spring and summer period, including events like Welsh Art Week, which is set to attract visitors from across the country.

Transport Minister Ken Skates said:
“I understand the disruption caused by works and I’d like to thank motorists and local residents for their patience whilst the work was taking place. However, it was vital that it was carried out at this time to ensure the road can remain open in the years to come.

“This is a beautiful part of Wales which attracts many tourists from across the UK and beyond. Therefore, it was important the work was completed before the start of the busy tourist season.

“I’d also like to thank the South Wales Trunk Road Agent and their supply chain for their hard work to ensure the project was completed on schedule whilst minimising disruption as far as possible.”