News

Moo-vie shows battle to keep farm afloat

Published

11 years ago

September 13, 2013

THE Moo Man, one of the surprise hits at this year’s Sundance Festival, is to be shown in Milford Haven starting this weekend.
There will be three separate screenings at The Torch Theatre on Saturday 14, Monday 16, and Wednesday 18.
Scottish director Andy Heathcote’s indie documentary (98min, U) follows a year in the life of Steve Hook and his unruly herd as they battle to keep their family farm afloat.
The film accompanies Steve through night-time calvings and punishingly early dawn milkings, as all the while he builds a doorstep delivery service for the herd’s organic pints.
It’s a job he undertakes with passion and great dollops of humour but one he knows is impossible without the co-operation of his cows. A farmer all his life, he’s still their number one fan.
The Moo Man is not only the first big screen movie which stars a dairy cow, it is also the first British film to be theatrically released with the help of crowd funding.
The current screening is made possible entirely by public subscription – 565 film fans raised more than £27,000 to put Ida’s name up in lights.
The star of the show is leading lady Ida, a shapely Friesian Holstein with a natural talent for showmanship and Steve’s secret weapon as he pulls out all the marketing stops when he breaks from the big dairies to go it alone.
“The film started out being about one farmer bucking the trend by not going down the big numbers route. In the end, though, what came across most strongly were the cows’ characters. They’re just beautiful animals,” says Steve.
A heart-warming and often hilarious tale set on the stunning Pevensey Levels in East Sussex, The Moo Man takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions that brings you face to face with the reality of farming in an era driven by supermarket economics.

Community

Pembrokeshire County Council launches festive info hub

Published

27 mins ago

December 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WITH the festive season fast approaching, Pembrokeshire County Council has made it easier than ever to access essential service updates for Christmas and New Year.

The council’s website now features an updated ‘Christmas in Pembrokeshire’ page, providing answers to key holiday queries such as bin collection schedules and free parking availability.

Residents can also find information about leisure centre and library opening times, winter driving tips, bus timetables, salting routes, and a guide to Christmas markets across the county.

The page includes reminders about recycling rules, including what can and cannot be recycled, as well as details on Christmas tree recycling services.

For everything you need to know this festive season, visit https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/christmas-in-pembrokeshire.

Crime

Motorist almost three times over drink limit

Published

42 mins ago

December 3, 2024

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A MOTORIST who was nearly three times over the drink-drive limit has been sentenced following a crash on the B4314 in Pendine.

Stuart Rickford, 43, was driving his Audi at 1:30pm on November 15 when he collided with another vehicle.

“There were no injuries, but when officers spoke to the defendant they had a strong smell of intoxicants,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told the court.

A roadside breath test proved positive, and Rickford, of Beach Hotel, Marsh Road, Pendine, later gave a reading of 93 mcg of alcohol at the police station. The legal limit is 35.

Rickford pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order with 80 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 23 months and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Man jailed for threats at Withybush Hospital

Published

42 mins ago

December 3, 2024

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sentenced to seven days in custody after threatening to harm members of the public at Withybush Hospital.

Wayne Tydeman, 42, made threats while speaking to a community practice nurse following his release from a 24-week custodial sentence.

“He was on post-sentence supervision, and this is the first breach,” probation officer Julie Norman told the court.

Tydeman, of Dew Street, Haverfordwest, was remanded in custody and appeared via video link from Park Prison. His solicitor said his mental health had improved during his time in custody.

Judge Layton sentenced him to seven days in custody, warning: “If you fail to engage in the future, the sentence will be considerably longer.”