Community

Bringing people together through art

Published

8 years ago

February 2, 2017

Tom Sinclair

Celtic knots: Teaching generations young and old about art

THE VC GALLERY held a Celtic Knot workshop yesterday (Feb 1) funded by leader project PLANED, so people of all generations could come to socialise for the afternoon and express themselves through art.

With a friendly atmosphere and a smile to greet you at the door, the VC Gallery, which stands for Veterans and the Community, is a drop in centre on High Street in Haverfordwest for veterans, but also helps various groups of people within the community through art engagement.

The Gallery is a huge part of the community, and helps people with mental health problems such as depression and veterans with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but also helps new mothers, people with learning disabilities, autism, and the socially excluded who have nowhere else to go.

Founder of the organisation, Barry John MBE, served in the armed forces for 24 years, and set up the organisation by himself when he left. Since then, Barry has helped thousands of people.

Barry John MBE and Steve Portwood: Showcasing dramatic symbolic paintings

Mr John said: “Every Wednesday we have a community art group that’s cross-generational, which involves lonely and socially isolated people.

“We try to create a hub where we can socialise and be creative, which is part of our pathway to inspire. We want to bring a wide range of Welsh art to the projects, and to be diverse.

“We’ve talked about historical Welsh artists and Welsh landscapes, and we want to be emotive with our art, which is why today we are looking at celtic and trial knots, as they have strong, intricate lines and patterns.

“We also can deliver some of the subject history along with its artistic intent.”

People of all ages and abilities attended the workshop, along with 93-year-old Irene and her neighbour, Carol.

Workshop regulars: 93-year-old Irene and her neighbour, Carol

Irene said: “The workshops give me company and gives me a chance to learn new things. It’s lovely!”

She added: “If it weren’t for Carol, I wouldn’t go anywhere or see anyone.”

Next week, the gallery will be hosting a show called ‘Compulsion to Paint’ on February 8, which showcases the fantastic work of Steve Portwood. This is to coincide with Bi-Polar Awareness Month, occurring this February, and demonstrates the struggle he has been through with his mental health.

Speaking to The Herald, Mr Portwood said: “I suffer with bi-polar and have done since I left the army. My work is a way of expressing how I feel and how I see bi-polar, and I’ve tried to incorporate other people’s feelings and how they see it in their mind.”

Some of Steve’s work will also be going on display at a show at Bro Cerwen later this month in aid of bi-polar awareness, and Steve hopes that his work will resonate with people who feel like same way.

“I hope it will help people with the emotions they are having,” he said.

Speaking about the gallery itself, Steve said: “You can come in here in any mood and speak to Barry. The gallery has picked me up when I’m thinking I’m worthless and can’t achieve anything, and when I use my art to express myself, it highlights the things that I can achieve.I feel like I’ve accomplished something and done something productive rather than go with the negaivity.”

The next workshop on February 8 will be held at the VC Gallery in Haverfordwest, from 12.30pm-2.30pm. For more information, you can visit their website or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thevcgallery

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

43 mins ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

16 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

1 day 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.