News

Pet food company donates to animal organisations

Published

6 years ago

June 17, 2020

A PEMBROKESHIRE pet food company is doing its bit to support charities and animal organisations through the Covid-19 pandemic as they struggle to stay afloat during such uncertain times.

Burns Pet Nutrition, a natural pet food company that already helps over 40 animal welfare organisations every year, has donated tens of thousands of pounds worth of pet supplies to over 20 rescue centres, charities and community groups across the UK during the outbreak.

The family firm, which specialises in producing high quality dog food made up of all-natural ingredients, has supplied thousands of bags of pet food and treats equating to more than £30,000.

Across the country, not-for profit animal organisations have been hit hard by the lockdown, having seen their main sources of income come to a dramatic halt with the closure of charity shops, cancellation of fundraising events and pausing of all fostering and adoption activity.

Wanting to support those struggling with the financial fall-out from the current Covid-19 crisis, Burns has chosen to make food donations to organisations, ensuring the animals in their care are well fed while helping to reduce the financial strain they are under.

The company has donated food to a range of local rescue centres including Pembrokeshire’s Greenacres Animal Rescue, Llanelli-based Hope Rescue, Cardiff Dogs Home, Powys Animal Welfare, Greyhound Rescue Wales and Powys-based Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary, which has dogs in its care. Further afield, it has provided donations to London-based Mayhew Animal Rescue, Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption (MADRA) in Northern Ireland, West Cork Animal Welfare Group and Alley Cats Burnley and Pendle.

Burns has also provided donations to various therapy and service dog schemes including Hampshire Search & Rescue Dogs, B.W.Y Canine Ltd – a specialist supplier of detection dogs – and Support Dogs UK, a national charity which provides assistance dogs for individuals with medical conditions including disabilities, autism and epilepsy.

As well as supporting animal organisations, Burns has committed to helping communities in Wales who may be struggling to feed their pets following impacts to their livelihoods as a result of the pandemic. It has helped to support a number of community groups including the Swansea Council’s Food Bank initiative and Tenby United RFC’s support scheme.

To date, Burns has provided over 300 bags of pet food and treats to the Scarlets Community Foundation, an initiative which sees the Scarlets Rugby club team up with local grassroots clubs to deliver care packages to vulnerable people in the region.

The company also provided over £9,000 worth of food to ‘Street Paws’ – a registered charity made of up of veterinary volunteers who provide free vet care and food for dogs living with people who are homeless, vulnerably housed or in extreme poverty. Burns’ food packs have since been distributed to vulnerable individuals in 24 towns and cities across the UK including Cardiff, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and York.

John Burns, Founder of Burns Pet Nutrition, said: “The last few months have been a very difficult period for animal organisations and vulnerable people across the country. The impact of coronavirus has been unprecedented, and the result is that many charities and vital community initiatives have been struggling to cope with the financial obstacles that the outbreak has brought.

“It’s imperative these people and companies receive support to help them through this challenging time. The work of animal rescues and animal support services is truly commendable and it’s imperative to us that we do something to help them survive. We want to do whatever we can to help those struggling during this terrible time and so giving away our food to those in need goes without question”

Michelle Southern, Founder of Street Paws said: “Street Paws Charity supports the most vulnerable in our society and their dogs. Since the lockdown, rough sleepers have not had the public support or donations of food that they rely on every day. Our teams have continued to support them delivering dog food and other essential medications. To have this support from Burns is incredible and means that we have enough food for everyone who needs it.”

News

Wales name squad for Six Nations opener against England

Published

28 minutes ago

February 5, 2026

Herald Sport

Lake to captain side at Twickenham as Macleod set for tournament debut

WALES national rugby union team have confirmed their starting XV for the opening match of the Six Nations Championship, with captain Dewi Lake leading the side into Saturday’s clash with England national rugby union team at Allianz Stadium Twickenham.

Kick-off is at 4:40pm, with live coverage on ITV1 and S4C.

Lake starts at hooker and anchors a front row that includes Nicky Smith at loosehead and Archie Griffin at tighthead, the latter having made his international debut against England during the 2024 campaign.

Dafydd Jenkins partners Adam Beard in the second row, while Josh Macleod earns a first Six Nations start at openside flanker. He is joined in the back row by Alex Mann on the blindside and Aaron Wainwright at No. 8.

Tomos Williams is selected at scrum-half alongside fly-half Dan Edwards.

In midfield, Eddie James makes his second Test start at outside centre, pairing with Ben Thomas. Out wide, Josh Adams and Ellis Mee are named on the wings, with Louis Rees-Zammit returning at fullback for his first Six Nations appearance since 2023.

Bench strength

Wales opt for a six-two split among the replacements.

Tomas Francis is set to make his first international appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with Liam Belcher and Rhys Carre providing additional front-row cover.

Harri Deaves, Ben Carter and Taine Plumtree complete the forward options, while Mason Grady and Kieran Hardy offer backline reinforcement.

Tandy: “We want to attack the game”

Head coach Steve Tandy said the occasion and rivalry would bring extra intensity.

“Wales v England is always special given the history between the two nations,” he said.

“We know they’re playing some outstanding rugby and they’re in great form, but representing Wales means everything to this group.

“The squad have trained brilliantly this week. We want to get out there, attack the game and give the best account of ourselves. Opening the Six Nations at Twickenham is historic and we can’t wait.”

Speaking about Macleod’s selection, Tandy added: “Josh has had tough luck with injuries, but the way he’s come back — his leadership, his preparation and the intensity he brings — has been excellent. It’s great to see him get this opportunity.”

Community

Community exhibition showcases ateb customers’ creativity at Torch Theatre

Published

43 minutes ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW pop-up exhibition celebrating local history, identity and creativity is set to open at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven, showcasing artwork created by customers and partners of ateb Housing Association.

The free exhibition brings together a year’s worth of creative work produced through the Wales REACH project, which encourages participants to explore Pembrokeshire’s heritage while building confidence, skills and social connections.

Through workshops, visits and shared activities, residents have developed a varied collection of personal and community-focused pieces reflecting their own experiences and the stories of the county.

Among the featured works is Museum in a Bag, a reflective look at identity and self; REACH for the Landsker Line, which examines Pembrokeshire’s cultural divide through Norman castles and the Welsh language; and REACH Back in Time, a textile sculpture inspired by the history of Milford Haven.

An interactive scroll will also be on display, inviting visitors to add their own memories and reflections, alongside an oral history recorded by an ateb customer and disability rights advocate, offering a powerful first-hand account of life and resilience.

Organisers say the project has had clear benefits beyond the artwork itself.

Rex, an ateb customer who took part, said: “I have enjoyed the planned sessions – being able to get out and about and take part in the activities where possible. I also enjoyed the social aspect, mixing with other residents, sharing our local knowledge of the area and learning new facts.”

Another participant, Joan, added: “It has revived my school-level love of history. I am loving all the given work with interest.”

Project Officer Anne Kerr-Hughes said she had seen noticeable improvements in wellbeing and confidence.

She said: “We’ve noticed so many positive changes – from people trying new things and learning new skills to gaining the confidence to travel independently. One lovely outcome has been more residents using the local bus service after trips to the archives in Haverfordwest. It’s been heart-warming to see.”

The Wales REACH project has been supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with partners including Open University in Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru and People’s Collection Wales.

The exhibition runs from Tuesday, February 10 to Saturday, February 14, with visitors welcome to drop in during opening hours.

Entry is free and open to all.

Entertainment

Community film season launches at Torch Theatre with audience-picked programme

Published

46 minutes ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Grant from Ffilm Cymru Wales helps bring affordable independent cinema to Pembrokeshire

A SEASON of independent films chosen by local audiences is coming to Milford Haven this spring, as the Torch Theatre hosts a special programme designed to celebrate bold storytelling and community cinema.

Running from February through to mid-April, the Community Choices season has been made possible thanks to Wales-wide grant funding from Ffilm Cymru Wales. The scheme supports independent exhibitors to bring diverse and inspiring films to screens across the country.

At the Torch, audiences were invited to take part in programming workshops to help select the titles themselves. The final line-up reflects a mix of Welsh-language work, environmentally themed films and stories that break down social and economic barriers, ensuring something for all tastes.

Chelsey Gillard, the theatre’s Artistic Director, said: “We asked you, the people of Pembrokeshire, what films you wanted to see at the Torch – and we listened. There’s a terrific variety in this season, from family favourites to powerful dramas. We’re very grateful to Ffilm Cymru Wales for the funding that allows us to bring these wonderful films to the big screen, and we look forward to giving everyone a warm Torch welcome.”

The programme opens with Mr Burton on Sunday, February 8 at 4:15pm, followed by Flow on Tuesday, February 17 at 4:45pm. Fantastic Mr Fox screens on February 19 at 4:45pm, with Moonlight closing the month on Friday, February 20 at 6:15pm.

March’s line-up includes Born Free on March 4 at 2:15pm, Earth on March 12 at 11:00am, Sinners on March 15 at 7:00pm, Booksmart on March 22 at 2:00pm, and Gwledd (The Feast) on March 27 at 8:00pm.

The season continues into April with I Swear on April 2 at 2:00pm, One Battle After Another on April 5 at 4:00pm, and This is Spinal Tap on April 12 at 4:00pm, bringing the Community Choices series to a close.

All tickets are priced at £4 and include a free tea or coffee, helping to keep the screenings affordable and accessible for everyone.

For tickets and full details, visit the Torch Theatre website or call the box office on 01646 695267.