Community
Bringing people together through art


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
Carmarthenshire man missing in Thailand: Last seen on Phi Phi Island

A 26-year-old man has been reported missing in Thailand after his family lost contact with him more than eight weeks ago.
Daniel Davies was last seen on March 13 on Phi Phi Island, a popular tourist destination in southern Thailand. He had been staying at the Hangover Hostel in Bangkok prior to his disappearance.
A missing person report has been filed with Dyfed-Powys Police, and the case is now listed under reference number DP-20250329-215.
Daniel is described as being around 6ft tall, of slim build, with blonde hair and a beard. He also has tattoo sleeves on both arms.

Echoes of the Lost – a national missing persons initiative – has now joined the appeal alongside SARS Cymru, urging anyone with information to come forward. In a statement, they said: “Daniel, if you happen to see this post, please get in contact with your family. They are worried. If you wish to message us to pass information along, please feel free to do so.”
His aunt, Nicola Doran, has been sharing emotional appeals online, writing: “My nephew Daniel Davies, 26, from Llanelli – he’s gone missing in Bangkok, Thailand. He’s been reported and is now a missing person. No one has had any contact in weeks.”
Friends and family have been spreading the appeal across social media, hoping someone in Thailand may have seen him. One post reads: “Can all my mates out in Thailand, Bangkok area, please share this and keep eyes out for my lil’ kuzen – he’s been missing 8 weeks over there.”
Daniel’s disappearance has been reported to Thai police, and the UK Foreign Office is understood to be aware of the case.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk or calling 101, quoting reference DP-20250329-215.
Community
Missing persons update: New photos of Isabelle and Daniel

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued new photos in the search for Isabelle and Daniel, who are both aged 16 and have been reported missing from their homes in the Cardigan area on Monday April 7, 2025.

Enquiries have led to a new confirmed sighting of them both at Llandunno train station at 8.20pm on Monday, where they asked for directions to the Dolgellau area.
Isobel is described as 5ft 3 and usually has blonde hair, however she may have dyed her hair to a darker colour. She was last seen wearing a black parker style coat with fur edge, grey jogging bottoms, carrying a large black backpack.

Daniel is described to be 6ft 1 with short dark brown hair, with shaved sides. He was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, black t-shirt, and a black collared coat, carrying a large camping backpack, which is black, red and grey.
Both are believed to have taken a change of clothes with them and may now be wearing something different.
It is believed that they have taken camping equipment with them and have connections to the Gloucestershire, Merseyside and North Wales areas.
Their families are increasingly concerned for their safety and welfare and eagerly await their safe return home.
DI Rebecca Thomas said: “We are continuing our search to find Isobel and Daniel. “We know that they purchased camping equipment but they have left their homes without any communication and their family and friends are becoming increasingly concerned as they have had no contact with Isabelle and Daniel for almost a week. “It is also know that they don’t have their mobile phones on them.
“I would ask anyone who has seen them to get in touch.
“I would especially appeal to Isabelle and Daniel to get in touch with the police or family so we can ensure that they are safe.”
If you have seen Isabelle and Daniel, or have information about their whereabouts, please, let us know:
️ | https://bit.ly/DPPmissingperson
| 101
Quote reference 141 of April 7
Community
Palm Sunday marked with procession at St Davids Cathedral

WORSHIPPERS gathered in St Davids today (Sunday, Apr 13) for a special Palm Sunday service at St Davids Cathedral, marking the beginning of Holy Week in the Christian calendar.
Clergy in traditional robes processed through the Cathedral grounds carrying palm fronds, symbolising the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, when crowds laid palm branches in His path.
The annual procession, steeped in tradition, is a moving visual display of faith and community. Members of the cathedral chapter and congregation followed in reverence, before taking part in the liturgy inside the cathedral.

Palm Sunday marks the start of the most solemn week in the Church year, leading up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Services throughout Holy Week will reflect on the Passion of Christ and culminate in the celebration of His resurrection.
A spokesperson for the cathedral said the service was well attended and expressed gratitude for the continued support of the local and visiting worshipping community.
Photo: Palm procession: Clergy at St Davids Cathedral mark Palm Sunday (Pic: Herald).
-
Crime5 days ago
Milford man banned from roads after driving with drugs in system
-
Crime3 days ago
Newcastle Emlyn man admits to attempted murder of baby
-
Crime4 days ago
Broad Haven man admits stalking and bail breaches, denies criminal damage
-
Education5 days ago
Teaching assistant forced to act after child left in locked toilet cubicle for hours
-
Crime5 days ago
Milford man denies GBH assault on ex-partner’s 70-year-old grandfather
-
News2 days ago
A40 closed after serious crash near Wolfscastle
-
News5 days ago
Motorcyclist airlifted with serious injuries after A40 roundabout crash
-
Health7 days ago
‘Nobody taking responsibility’ for paying care workers the real living wage