LOCAL Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz has welcomed representatives from LINK to Pembroke Dock for discussions on the urgent need for a dedicated banking hub, following the closure of Lloyds Bank in the town last year.

The visit follows a sustained community campaign led by Mr Kurtz, which has gathered more than 1,500 signatures in support of establishing a banking hub in Pembroke Dock. As a result of this campaign, LINK has reopened its assessment and is now reviewing whether Pembroke Dock and the surrounding communities meet the criteria for a hub.

Mr Kurtz convened the meeting with LINK alongside key local representatives, including Stephen Thornton of the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Chamber of Trade, Cllr Gareth Jones, Mayor of Pembroke, and Sarah Scourfield, Clerk to Pembroke Dock Town Council. Cllr Michele Wiggins, Mayor of Pembroke Dock, also expressed her support for the campaign but was unable to attend.

Speaking following the meeting, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “I am pleased that LINK are demonstrating the seriousness this campaign deserves by visiting Pembroke Dock and undertaking a thorough review of whether there is a clear need for a banking hub.

“I have consistently made the case that Pembroke Dock cannot be considered in isolation. Pembroke and neighbouring communities must be factored into the assessment, particularly given the rural nature of the area and limited public transport connectivity.

“This is a truly community-led campaign, and I am pleased to have helped bring partners together to make the case. We now await the outcome of LINK’s review and keep our fingers crossed that will see a much-needed banking hub established in Pembroke Dock.”

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD is inviting nominations for some of the festival’s most prestigious honours. Nominations are open until 1 April for the Sir TH Parry-Williams Medal, the R Alun Medal and the Science and Technology Medal.

A fund was established in 1975 to commemorate Syr TH Parry Williams’ contribution to Eisteddfod activities. This year marks fifty years since the medal was first presented to honour individuals who have carried out outstanding work in their community. This year’s award is given by Menter Iaith Sir Benfro for voluntary work to support young people in Wales.

Encouraging people to nominate outstanding individuals who have contributed to their community, Betsan Moses, the Eisteddfod’s Chief Executive, said: “The closing date for some of our most prestigious awards is fast approaching. I know that there are many in Wales who fully deserve the honour.

“This year is an important one as we celebrate fifty years since the Syr TH Parry-Williams Medal was awarded for the first time, in memory of someone who did so much during his life for the language, our culture and the Eisteddfod. We’re grateful to Menter Iaith Sir Benfro for donating the medal this year and encourage people to nominate.”

The R Alun Medal was first awarded last year at the Wrexham Eisteddfod in memory of the late R Alun Evans who was a key figure in developing the festival. The medal is presented to a person who has made a real contribution to supporting, sustaining and enriching the culture of their local area. The 2026 medal will be presented in memory of Martyn and Meryl Lloyd.

The Science and Technology Medal is given in memory of Dr Glyn O Phillips for the first time this year, he was the first winner of the medal and a pioneer in his field. For over twenty years, the medal has recognised the contribution of individuals who have made an impression in the field of science and technology through the medium of Welsh.

The Eisteddfod hopes that nominations will come from across Wales again this year to celebrate those people who have made a real difference in their communities and had an impact in their fields.

MILFORD HAVEN’S Torch Theatre has been awarded a £7,500 grant by Milford Haven Town Council, continuing a long tradition of support for community arts at the iconic venue.

Established in 1977 with significant backing from the Town Council, the Torch Theatre remains one of only three building-based professional producing theatres in Wales. It is widely recognised for its in-house productions as well as its extensive youth and community programmes.

The theatre, which operates as a charity, receives public funding through the Arts Council of Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council, alongside support from local businesses and organisations including Milford Haven Port Authority. Leaders at the venue say funding remains essential to maintaining its broad programme of events and activities for the community.

Chelsey Gillard, Interim CEO and Artistic Director at the Torch Theatre, said: “Being awarded grants such as this one from the Town Council helps us to deliver quality arts to the people of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire and further afield.

“We are very grateful for this continued support and appreciate the work of the Town Council to ensure important provision is supported across Milford.”

The Torch hosts more than 2,000 events and activities each year, attracting over 100,000 visitors. Its community facilities include The Junction, home to the Torch Youth Theatre and a rehearsal space for professional productions. The main auditorium seats 300 people, while the Studio Theatre accommodates 102. The Joanna Field Gallery showcases local exhibitions, and Café Torch serves meals throughout the year.

Ms Gillard added: “We do so much more than what audiences see on stage. Just to name a few of our regular activities, we run a very popular Youth Theatre for ages seven to eighteen, facilitate relaxed environment screenings and shows, host a Welsh learners’ group, Coffi Cymraeg, and hold regular clothes swaps.

“The Torch is also home to Welsh National Opera’s critically acclaimed Cradle Choir for people living with dementia and lots of high-quality classes for adults with disabilities run by Arts Care. All this activity relies on our team of brilliant volunteers and support from grants, trusts and donations.

“This grant will go towards ensuring these activities can continue — thank you.”