Community

Compulsion to Paint is ‘inspiring’

Published

9 years ago

February 14, 2017

[L to R] Barry John MBE and Steve Portwood: Showcasing Clashing Tornadoes as part of Compulsion to Paint

THE HERALD attended the fantastic show, Compulsion to Paint by Steve Portwood at The VC Gallery on Wednesday (Feb 8).

The work by Mr Portwood coincides with Bi-Polar Awareness Month, and truly is astounding. His work perfectly captures what it feels like to be plagued by depression, with dramatic, thought-provoking pieces of art.

Mr Portwood spoke to The Herald, and explained what his art work meant to him. We were shown a painting entitled Whirlpool, with it’s deep blue colours containing words that describe the feelings that you may have whilst suffering from depression.

Mr Portwood said: “With this piece, I was trying to show that you can feel suffocated in your own misery and pity, and the words tell you what you can feel.”

Next up was a dark piece called Clashing Tornadoes. Mr Portwood said: “This is the other end of the scale. This shows the manic stages of bipolar, when you’re feeling destructive and chaotic.”

Another piece entitled On The Rapids, showed a boat full of men wearing clothing that was suitable for being out on the water. All except one man at the back of the boat, wearing no safety clothing at all, siting with his knees up to his chest.

Mr Portwood explained: “The person at the back is throwing caution to the wind. He is beyond courageous, because he has no fear. It shows the impulsiveness and the recklessness you sometimes feel, because you simply don’t care any more.”

Breaking Chains was a piece that said ‘Live without restraints’, and shows a chain containing all of the words that Mr Portwood associates with depression.

Mr Portwood said: “Breaking Chains is a way of saying don’t let depression hold you back. and don’t let your diagnosis define who you are or stop you from doing the things you want to do.”

The Herald asked Mr Portwood how it felt to see his work on display, and what he hopes to achieve. He said: “I feel proud of what I’ve got. I wasn’t sure it would look as good as it does!

“Art helped me at the time. It helpoed me to keep busy and not let things get on top of me. And, if people like it, that’s great!

“I think the more stuff that’s out there about depression the better educated we are about it. Hopefully people who may have had these feelings before can see that they’re not alone. I hope they can see within the paintings and know they can live without restraints and live a normal life.

“Be yourself, not your illness.”

Barry John MBE, founder of The VC Gallery said: “Steve’s work is very passionate and reflective, and he works with an aim to portray a message, and to destigmatise mental health in the community.

“He paints biographically, but also can turn a hand to all styles of the artistic spectrum. I am confident when I say that Steve is one of the most productive and hard working members of the community at The VC Gallery. His shows are inspiring and a lot of mental health organisations have taken a huge interest in his work.”

Mr Portwood has also received international recognition, and his work will be sent to Italy to go on display in March.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

18 hours 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

19 hours 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)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).