Community

Haverfordwest: Gallery brings the ‘woodland into the workshop’

Published

8 years ago

May 4, 2017

THE VC GALLERY at High Street in Haverfordwest held a bluebell workshop on Wednesday (May 3), and drew their interpretations of the wild flowers.

Members of The VC Gallery had gone out into the woods to pick Spanish bluebells amongst other different types of wildflowers, in an attempt to ‘bring the woodland into the studio.’

The Herald spoke to Pete Jones, who regularly hosts workshops at The Gallery. He said: “Bluebells say ‘May’ to a lot of people, especially in Pembrokeshire. In the past, we’ve tried to organise workshops, but they’re only around for a few weeks.”

When asked what the purpose of the workshops is, Mr Jones said: “One of our main aims is to break down isolation and social exclusion. We have 12 people in today, which is small workshop, but there can be up to 18-20 people.

“They’re all from different walks of life, and some are not used to sitting around with each other, but everyone gels together really well into a friendship group.”

After being asked about the subject of next week’s workshop, Mr Jones said: “Next week’s workshop is a bit of a pirate workshop, centered around Black Bart: He was a pirate from Haverfordwest, and he terrorised the Caribbean and Africa for around eight years, so there’s a workshop looking at his career.

“We’ll also be doing maritime tattoos and images of the regent, which was one of his ships that was registered in Milford Haven.”

Mr Jones has been with The Gallery for almost three years, and initially met founder of The VC Gallery, Barry John at the old studio.

Mr Jones said: “It was a 15th century cellar. The only thing it really had going for it was an active haunting!

“I started off as a service user – I suffer with depression myself, and I found the best treatment for my own depression was helping people. It’s a sustainable recovery – I’m always going to down here helping people.”

The Herald also spoke to regular attender of The VC Gallery workshops, Robert Hackett, who was also celebrating his 59th birthday.

He told The Herald that the workshops help him to cope with his mental health, and finds it a great way to expand his art work repertoire.

If you would like to attend The VC Gallery workshops, you can do so every Wednesday between 12.30pm and 2pm.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

57 mins 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

10 hours 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.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

12 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.