Community

VC Gallery study Van Gogh’s ‘pivotal’ work

Published

9 years ago

March 16, 2017

Tom Sinclair

Cross-generational learning: Looking at Van Gogh’s ‘pivotal’ Starry Night

THE VC GALLERY at High Street, Haverfordwest, held a Van Gogh workshop yesterday (Mar 15), in order to study his work and incorporate it into their own art.

Starry Night was projected for everyone to take inspiration from, and a vase full of beautiful sunflowers from Tussie Mussie Flowers was available for people who wanted to draw still life.

The Herald spoke to Pete Jones, who led the session. He said: “Van Gogh suffered with mental health and depression, and used his art to self medicate to some extent.

“It’s quite a strong aesthetic as well. He always used a good pallete of bright colours through most of his work. We’ve not got the opportunity to use his technique and the materials he used.”

Speaking of the Sunflower Series, Mr Jones said: “The sunflowers are pretty much Van Gogh’s most famous image. Today’s workshop is a great opportunity to have a go at still life and drawing floral forms.”

Sunflowers: Studying Van Gogh’s famous work with help from Tussie Mussie Flowers

For those who decided to take inspiration from Starry Night, they began by painting their canvases sky blue, and painted their own interpretation of the night sky, with it’s deep blue and gold colours. Those who wanted to draw still life, started off drawing in pencil onto card, and later added charcoal.

Speaking to The Herald, Barry John MBE said: “What we want to achieve is the diversity of his art at this workshop within the Gallery, to give people access to lots of different materials, and ways of painting and seeing how art is produced.

“Van Gogh’s Starry Night is a pivotal piece of art, and it’s really refreshing to see cross-generational participation.”

He continued: “Besides Starry Night, Van Gogh was very productive during his short career. One of his famous paintings was the Sunflower series, and today’s workshop, alongside our sponsor PLANED is Tussie Mussie Flowers, who have provided us with their vibrant sunflowers for this workshop.”

Speaking about Tussie Mussie Flowers, he said: “They are a very cool and supportive member of the community, and for us to have the sunflowers for this workshop is fantastic.”

The Herald also spoke to Charlee from Tussie Mussie Flowers, who said: “We’ve happy to let The VC Gallery borrow our flowers. The VC Gallery is wonderful, and we’re thrilled to have helped.”

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

47 minutes ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

20 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days 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.