Community

A fond farewell to Bernard Prettyman

Published

10 years ago

January 29, 2016

Bernard Prettyman: “I’ll miss the contact with customers and the support from members of staff, but mostly the friends I’ve made over the years”

LAST week, the Torch Theatre said a fond farewell to their longest serving member of staff, Bernard Prettyman.

Bernard worked at the Torch Theatre for nearly 40 years and his retirement was celebrated by a special gathering of long time friends, family and work colleagues. A well-known and a highly loved character, Bernard is often referred by many as the “Face of the Torch,” by many of the returning actors, visiting companies and Pembrokeshire locals.

He started working at the Torch Theatre in 1977 as a barman and moved onto projection in 1980, where he took over the role of House Manager on January 3 1983. Bernard has worked in several departments in the theatre over the years including marketing, projection, front of house, bar and Box Office. In the early days, Bernard was a member of the Milford Haven Operatic Society and the Esso Drama Group. One year he made a guest appearance for the Tabernacle Players but later had to give up acting due to the shift work at the theatre.

His last show was ‘South Pacific’ at the Torch in the late 80s. Marketing Manager Jamie Rees gave a touching speech before presenting Bernard with several parting gifts, including a photographic book signed by staff and friends as well as a framed ‘Brief Encounter’ poster that was specially created by the Pembrokeshire National Coast for last year’s Torch Theatre Company Production of ‘Brief Encounter’. Artistic Director Peter Doran said: “Bernard has been the face of the Torch for over 38 years now. He’s run the bar, been FOH manager, projectionist and worked behind box office and I’m sure given half the chance he’d have been on stage as well. Bernard’s great skill was knowing our customers; he knew the majority by name and nine times out of ten knew their address’s as well – these days it’s called data capture, it used to be called ‘ask Bernard’.”

In true Bernard style, he catered for over 30 work colleagues and friends, many enjoying his delicious cakes that he’s become well known for baking over the years. Bernard said: “I’ll miss the contact with customers and the support from members of staff, but mostly the friends I’ve made over the years.” He hasn’t made any plans for the future but says he’s going to take it easy for a while, enjoy being with his great nephew and niece and his beloved dog, Jasper.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

16 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)