Community

New project teaches local kids how to be a star

Published

11 years ago

February 6, 2014

AN EXCITING NEW project is underway in Pembrokeshire’s primary schools as part of Narberth A Cappella Voice Festival, and it’s all a bit of a song and dance!

Molara Awen is leading a series of workshops as part of an inter-cultural project in association with Narberth A Cappella Voice Festival, from 21-23 February, and Span Arts, Pembrokeshire’s live arts charity, funded by Creu Cymru, the development agency for arts venues in Wales.

Under Molara’s tuition, local children are learning how to sing and dance by studying the world’s diverse civilisations, and even performing the haka!

In the weeks leading up to the festival, Molara and festival committee member and musician Ellen Mason have been visiting local primary schools, including Narberth, Maenclochog, Tavernspite and Ysgol Brynconin in Llandisilio, sharing music from the five continents and talking about environment, language, sound, songs and people.

Each group of children is tasked with composing music inspired by the rhythms and melodies of a particular continent, which will be transformed by Ellen into a ‘round song’, and the students will perform the piece on the festival’s opening day on Friday 21 February.

Molara says that the project will help pupils “explore their creativity, learn the rudiments of music, express themselves emotionally, and become confident enough to perform in front of their peers. It will encourage them to expand their knowledge of the world, while promoting respect for other countries, cultures and languages.”

Molara’s music career goes back to the ‘90s, including work with reggae legends Bim Sherman and Devon Russell, and free jazz vocal experimentalist Maggie Nichols, before she joined the seminal live dub-dance sound system Zion Train. For the next 15 years she toured from Tel Aviv to Los Angeles, Moscow to Naples inspiring audiences with her energy and positivity.

Since 2007 she has been working in schools, coordinating a series of workshops in primary, secondary, special needs schools and pupil referral units. Last year was the Reach the Heights project, organised by Span Arts and funded by the Arts Council of Wales, in which students from Neyland pupil referral unit form a band, The Proof, who performed across Pembrokeshire.

“Singing is good for physical health and emotional well-being,” explains Molara. “I wanted to explore the different sounds that people could make with their voices alone. I helped set up the first Narberth A Cappella Voice Festival in 2009 for exactly that reason, and to try and promote a more international presence in my local area.”

The participating students will perform the finished piece at Narberth A Cappella Voice Festival on Friday 21 February 2014. For information about attending, visit span-arts.org.uk or call 01834 869323.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

6 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

16 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

18 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.