News

Downton Tom backs college’s new venture

Published

11 years ago

March 10, 2014

DOWNTON ABBEY actor and Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama graduate Tom Cullen has spoken of his support for the College’s new project to take its prestigious Young Actors Studio to West Wales, offering creative opportunities and professional actor training for young people in Pembrokeshire.

“It’s fantastic that young aspiring actors in west Wales will now have the chance to discover what being an actor is all about. Equipping themselves with all the skills needed as an actor whilst working with professional practitioners in a collaborative environment and having an absolutely great time doing it,” says Royal Welsh College graduate Tom.

Students will be offered the opportunity to audition for the acting course in March or to attend open-entry Theatre Workshops. Auditions are on Saturday, March 8 at Pembrokeshire College. Students will take part in a group workshop and perform a prepared audition piece for lecturers from Royal Welsh College.

“Drama school is an amazing route into the acting profession and the Royal Welsh College is undoubtedly one of the best drama schools in the country,” continues Tom. “Young Actors Studio will simply give these young people a fantastic learning and help make sure that young people who want to get into the profession are prepared for that.”

Fellow graduate, Merlin star and former Young Actors Studio mentor Alex Vlahos agrees: “I can honestly say that I have never been more proud of the Royal Welsh College than with their work for Young Actors Studio. The skills, the advice and excellent classes taught by world class acting teachers are invaluable, not only for aspiring actors but also for nurturing other skills for future life. I believe that Young Actors Studio is a perfect gateway on the first step towards applying for drama school. During my time as mentor there, I saw the students start as young children and then by the end of their time, mature into confident adults.”

Young Actors Studio in Pembrokeshire will officially launch in April 2014 with sessions for both Acting Courses and Theatre Workshops taking place every Saturday from April 26.

All this training is delivered by professional actors, directors, choreographers and industry professionals from both theatre and television. The Young Actors Studio currently provides weekly training at the highest level in Cardiff for around 150 talented 12-20 year olds.

For details on the free workshops, and the Young Actors courses go to www.rwcmd.ac.uk/yas.

Young Actors Studio in Pembrokeshire is made possible through its partnership with Valero, the world’s largest independent refining company and Pembrokeshire’s most significant employer.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.