News

Magician makes it into elite Magic Circle

Published

8 years ago

October 5, 2017

TOM LUDDINGTON (stage name Tom Thumb Magic) has recently become the only Magician in Pembrokeshire to be a full member of the prestigious Magic Circle in London.

To become a member of the most secretive club in the world, magicians have to be put forward by two existing members who have known them for at least a year. After an initial interview and period of apprenticeship, candidates then have to pass an exam which involves performing magic to around 50 members at the Magic Circle headquarters near Euston in London.

Three judges then meet at council to decide if the magic and presentation were good enough to award full membership.

Tom said: “I was delighted to pass the exam. I have met some wonderful magicians at the Magic Circle over the past few years, and I’m proud to now be part of the same club as the biggest names in Magic such as Derren Brown, Dynamo and David Blaine.

“It’s not easy to get in, but once you are in you have access to a huge library of magic books and resources – and of course other members are happy to share many of their secrets and to work together to take the art of magic to the next level at club meetings and events. Being a member has already taken my magic to the next level again.”

Tom’s style of magic is known as ‘close up magic’ where the magic happens right in front of you and often in the hands of the audience. Having a magician at your wedding or party has become really popular again due to successful magicians appearing on shows like Britain’s Got Talent and Pen and Teller’s Fool Us.

Tom has been performing magic professionally for over 10 years, but this boost has given him the confidence to go full time as a Magician:

He continued: “I love all styles of Magic, and I perform intimate parlour shows and up on stage – but my favourite style is ‘close up’ magic. There are no TV camera tricks, or smoke and mirrors to hide behind and people love that. I’ve spent well over 10,000 hours perfecting my illusions and invested everything in magic so that I can create in others a real sense of amazement and wonder. I believe magic done well can be something really special as well as being great fun. It’s a great feeling to be able to share magic with people. A dream job for me.”

As well as performing at weddings and parties, Tom is the resident magician at the award winning Grub Kitchen Restaurant in St Davids – now taking bookings for Christmas Parties with added Magic.

Tom also runs workshops and private lessons in London and Pembrokeshire coaching ‘bona fide students of magic’ in the art of illusion and wonder.

Local Government

Pembroke’s Henry Tudor Centre awarded £249,813 National Lottery grant

Published

3 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council, in partnership with the Henry Tudor Trust, has secured a £249,813 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the creation of the new Henry Tudor Centre at South Quay, Pembroke.

The Centre will bring to life the largely untold story of Henry Tudor – the son of Pembroke who carried the Welsh language to the English court and ultimately claimed the greatest prize of all: the crowns of Wales and England. His victory in 1485 established the Tudor dynasty, one of the most influential in British history.

The new attraction will explore Henry’s Welsh heritage, his formative years in Pembroke, and his lasting impact on the national story, Welsh identity and wider British culture.

Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will help develop the Centre ahead of its opening in Spring 2027. The grant will also support a one-year Community Programme Coordinator role to deliver an events programme, establish a volunteering scheme, and create educational resources for local schools.

The Henry Tudor Centre forms part of the wider regeneration of South Quay, which also includes a new library, community café, and an integrated healthcare, social services and supported employment hub in the adjoining buildings.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said:
“Thanks to National Lottery players, these prominent listed buildings beside the magnificent Pembroke Castle have been rescued from dereliction and given a new purpose. The new centre will celebrate Henry Tudor’s deep connection to Pembroke and will be a major draw for visitors. It is a key element of our wider regeneration of Pembroke town centre.”

Andrew White, Director for Wales at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“We’re proud to support Pembrokeshire County Council and the Henry Tudor Trust in bringing the story of Henry Tudor to life. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will not only shine a light on Wales’ rich heritage and cultural identity, but also create a vibrant hub for learning, volunteering and community engagement in the heart of Pembroke.”

Crime

Man accused of Milford Haven burglary and GBH remanded to Crown Court

Published

16 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared in court charged with burglary and inflicting grievous bodily harm, following an incident at a flat in the town earlier this week.

Charged after alleged attack inside Victoria Road flat

Stephen Collier, aged thirty-eight, of Vaynor Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, Dec 5). Collier is accused of entering a property known as Nos Da Flat, 2 Victoria Road, on December 3 and, while inside, inflicting grievous bodily harm on a man named John Hilton.

The court was told the alleged burglary and assault was carried out jointly with another man, Denis Chmelevski.

The charge is brought under section 9(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968, which covers burglary where violence is inflicted on a person inside the property.

No plea entered

Collier, represented by defence solicitor Chris White, did not enter a plea during the hearing. Prosecutor Simone Walsh applied for the defendant to be remanded in custody, citing the serious nature of the offence, the risk of further offending, and concerns that he could interfere with witnesses.

Magistrates Mr I Howells, Mr V Brickley and Mrs H Meade agreed, refusing bail and ordering that Collier be kept in custody before trial.

Case sent to Swansea Crown Court

The case was sent to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Collier will next appear on January 5, 2026 at 9:00am for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing.

A custody time limit has been set for June 5, 2026.

Chmelevski is expected to face proceedings separately.

News

Woman dies after collision in Tumble as police renew appeal for witnesses

Published

17 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for information after a woman died following a collision in Tumble on Tuesday (Dec 2).

Officers were called to Heol y Neuadd at around 5:35pm after a collision involving a maroon Skoda and a pedestrian. The female pedestrian was taken to hospital but sadly died from her injuries.

Dyfed-Powys Police has launched a renewed appeal for witnesses, including anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV footage, or any information that could help the investigation.

Investigators are urging anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have captured the vehicle or the pedestrian on camera shortly before the collision to get in touch. (Phone: 101 Quote reference: DP-20251202-259.)