News

Anti-tombstoning project uncovers script writers of the future

Published

6 years ago

July 6, 2018

PUPILS at Milford Haven School have been learning about the consequences of tombstoning and honing their skills as future scriptwriters.

The Port of Milford Haven and Cardiff Harbour Authority, along with funding from Arts & Business Cymru, commissioned Theatr na nÓg to perform the award-winning show ‘Would You Jump?’ in schools again this summer, but with the addition of scriptwriting workshops for Year 7 and 8 pupils.

The plays follow the story of a character who gives in to peer pressure from his friend and jumps into the water at Milford Marina. His sister jumps in after him and sadly sacrifices her own life to save him. Pupils worked with Sara Lewis, freelance writer and director, to create their own storylines that could be used as a sequel to ‘Would You Jump?’ producing some fantastic results that were performed by the pupils themselves and the professional actors.

Daisy Williams from Theatr na nÓg commented: “Working with the pupils in Milford Haven School was brilliant. They came up with some wonderful ideas and showed so much compassion for characters they’d only just met. Some of the lines that they scripted were beautiful, one of my favourites being ‘I smile weakly in success. Tom is lifted out of the water as I am pulled down to take his place. But I have no regrets’.”

The project is one of a number of initiatives that the Port of Milford Haven co-ordinates each year to highlight the dangers of tombstoning. The activity has historically attracted large numbers of young people to Milford Marina during the summer but many don’t realise that it carries many serious risks such as strong currents, cold water shock and the potential that sharp objects could be submerged in the water, hidden from sight.

The Port can and will prosecute anyone caught tombstoning from the area around Milford Marina, however it is hoped that by educating people it will deter them from risking their lives by jumping into the water from there.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.