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College bands steal the show

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college bandsBUDDING musicians from Pembrokeshire College rocked up at Neath Port Talbot College (NPTC) last week to take to the stage in the popular music category of the South Wales Skills Competition.

With two College bands qualifying to play in the competition, all Level 2 and 3 Music Technology students travelled to NPTC to support their classmates. As part of the competition, each band had to perform one cover, one arrangement performed in an alternative genre to the original and one original composition. The bands were judged on their musicality, technical accuracy, difficulty of song choice and professionalism as well as their showmanship and style.

Attractive Young Ladies arrangement of The Doors ‘Riders on the Storm’ was the show stealing performance of the day but NPTC band, The Henry Jenkins Soul Band, pipped them to the gold position by closing the show with Bruno Mars’ ‘Runaway Baby.’

Tim Lambert, Music Lecturer, at Pembrokeshire College commented: “Both our bands played brilliantly and did the College proud. The Lamberts with an energetic version of melodic metal; and Attractive Young Ladies with a mixture of sunny ska and upbeat rap.”

Although disappointed not to pick up the gold medal after such a strong performance, Attractive Young Ladies brought the silver medal back to Pembrokeshire whilst The Lamberts brought home the bronze. Part of the WorldSkills UK initiative, Skills Competitions Wales are designed to promote the importance of developing a highly-skilled workforce and aim to boost high level skills in Wales. Supported by the European Social Fund, the Welsh Government is running a total of 32 Skills Competitions in 2014 in a range of sectors, from carpentry and hairdressing to automotive and patisserie.

Attractive Young Ladies and The Lamberts are now eligible to go forward to represent Pembrokeshire College in the WorldSkills UK Popular Music Competition with the aim of representing Team Wales at this year’s Skills Show. They may then be eligible to compete for a place in the team that will represent the UK at WorldSkills 2017. The competition takes place every two years in cities around the globe and is the largest international skills competition.

To find out more about creative courses at the College call admissions on 0800 9 776 788. If you are interested in seeing Attractive Young Ladies and The Lamberts play live come along to the College on Wednesday, April 9.The Merlin Theatre will be hosting ‘College Takeover’ where the winning bands will be playing alongside The Blitz, Rye Milligan, Kyle Kurthouse and Ellie Fountain. Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets are £3.50 available from College Reception or £5 on the door.

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Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

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THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

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Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

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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:

  1. Privates are private.
  2. Always remember your body belongs to you.
  3. No means no.
  4. Talk about secrets that upset you.
  5. 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.”

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Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

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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.

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