THE Torch Theatre in Milford Haven is delighted to be the recipient of the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund, part of Pembrokeshire County Council’s regeneration programme, in order to deliver a term of expressive arts sessions at Milford Haven Community Primary School.

Torch Theatre’s professional team has begun working with the school’s year 5 pupils on a playwriting and theatre design project. This exciting creative activity has been created to support the school in the development of young people’s Languages, Literacy and Communication skills.

“We’re incredibly pleased to be working with Milford Haven Community Primary School on this project and could not be doing it without the support of Pembrokeshire County Council and the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund,” said Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch.

Tim continued: “We know that providing this opportunity for the students and staff will have a meaningful and lasting impact. Not only will our young people improve their literacy skills, but we also hope it will give them aspirations to be part of the creative sector. Who knows one day they could be writing plays for the Torch Theatre.”

Playwright Katie Elin Salt and Theatre Designer Ruth Stringer are giving lessons each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at the school. The students are hoping to create an epic play which combines famous authors with technology. It promises to be filled with dramatic twists as well as spectacular sets and costumes all created by the young people themselves.

At the end of the 11-week project, the young people will share their hard work in a performance for their friends and family in the Torch’s studio theatre.

One of the pupils undertaking the project said: “I have really enjoyed working with the Torch Theatre this term as the Torch has helped me understand how a play is put together. My favourite part was making the oven and microwave to be used as props with Ruth, I also enjoyed making the script with Katie and Tim.”

“The pupils have thoroughly enjoyed their sessions with Katie and Ruth. Some of our young people already have experience of working with Tim, through the Torch’s youth theatre program, so have been delighted to welcome him into their school environment. Working alongside each other we have been able to run a magical thread that joins our Interdisciplinary Learning topic with the skilled professionals’ areas of expertise, providing thought provoking connections with our wider learning,” said Rhian Johnson, Year Group lead for Year 5 at the school.

Rhian continued: “The children have created some fantastic scripts and are now in the process of creating props to aid the performances of their forthcoming show; Famous Authors. It’s a wild ride of contemporary and classic children’s literature combined with the latest technology – they can’t wait to get back into the workshops after half term!”

Alongside the project part of the funding is supporting additional free teacher training sessions for teachers across Pembrokeshire and beyond. These will take place at the Torch in both the Autumn and Spring terms, with theatre professionals delivering activity around creative writing, lighting, sound and theatre design.

Tim concluded: “One of the founding principles of the Torch almost 50 years ago was to provide educational opportunities for our community through the arts. That approach continues today with this project. It is our ambition to be an essential part of the educational landscape in Pembrokeshire and across west Wales.”

Narberth 4 – 0 Neyland
Narberth stormed to a dominant 4-0 win over Neyland, with Chris Brown delivering a sensational hat-trick. Ifan Rees also found the back of the net, rounding off a commanding performance that keeps Narberth firmly in the promotion race. Neyland struggled throughout, unable to contain the home side or create meaningful chances.

Broad Haven 1 – 6 Merlins Bridge II
Merlins Bridge II overwhelmed Broad Haven with an emphatic 6-1 victory. George Mabuzane dazzled with a hat-trick, while Jack Ashman and Josh Knapp also scored, alongside an unfortunate own goal from the hosts. Owen Sheppard provided a consolation for Broad Haven, but they were comprehensively outplayed by the dominant visitors.

Hakin United II 7 – 2 Lawrenny
Hakin United II dismantled Lawrenny in a thrilling 7-2 encounter. Evan Rutherford was unstoppable, netting four times, with Corey Riley, George Wheeler, and Thomas Evans adding to the scoreline. Lawrenny’s Kye Bradbury and Charlie Arthur found the net for the visitors, but their contributions could not stem the tide of Hakin’s relentless attack.

Solva 1 – 4 Camrose
Camrose secured an impressive 4-1 victory at Solva, powered by a brace from Jordan Raymond. James Williams and Joe Haworth, with a coolly converted penalty, also scored for the visitors. Kieran Price grabbed a goal for Solva, but Camrose’s sharp finishing and strong team performance ensured a comfortable win.

Johnston 6 – 1 Carew II
Johnston dominated Carew II in a resounding 6-1 triumph. Joey George and Craig Bendall each scored twice, while Ryan Doyle and Steve Mills completed the tally for the hosts. Carew’s Sam Goodwin managed to score their lone goal, but Johnston’s attacking prowess proved too much to handle.

Fishguard Sports 9 – 1 Monkton Swifts II
Fishguard Sports delivered a masterclass, thrashing Monkton Swifts II with a stunning 9-1 victory. Luke Thomas and Haydn Hughes both registered hat-tricks, with Ieuan Llewellyn adding a brace. Greg Hughes rounded off the scoring, while Monkton’s only mark on the game was an own goal, as Fishguard showcased a near-flawless performance.

A FISHGUARD RNLI volunteer has become the first crew member at the station to clock 200 hours at sea in 2024, the RNLI’s bicentenary year.

Jessica Rogers, who joined the crew in September 2021, serves on Fishguard’s Trent-class all-weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII and the D-Class inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson.

This year has been a milestone for Fishguard RNLI, with over 30 service launches, the addition of a full-time coxswain, and the introduction of a tiered training scheme. Jessica’s achievement highlights the station’s commitment during this historic year, which marks 200 years since Sir William Hillary founded the RNLI.

Jessica has excelled in her training, achieving Tier One and Tier Two crew qualifications for both lifeboats, enabling her to operate as a fully competent crew member on either vessel. She is now advancing her skills as a helm and navigator. Her dedication has resulted in over 200 recorded hours at sea—the highest seen at the station in eight years.

These hours include 35 hours responding to 15 rescue shouts, with the remainder dedicated to training, including supporting other crew members during exercises. Beyond her sea hours, Jessica contributes as the station’s Lifeboat Training Coordinator, ensuring all crew training is up to date.

Professionally, Jessica is a self-employed podiatrist in Fishguard. Her clients are familiar with her RNLI commitment, with lifeboat news often a topic of conversation during appointments. On occasion, her pager has gone off mid-treatment, requiring her professional judgement to prioritize her clients’ safety before responding to a shout.

Jessica’s milestone coincides with the RNLI’s 200th year, showcasing the dedication of volunteers who have supported the lifesaving charity for two centuries. While Jessica is the first to surpass 200 hours at Fishguard in 2024, a handful of other crew members are expected to achieve this milestone by year-end.

Earlier this year, Jessica, her husband Cedwyn Rogers, Florian Caroff, and Jake Thomson were recognized for completing 100 hours at sea, each receiving commemorative glassware crafted by full-time coxswain Gemma Gill. Gemma is now creating a special memento to mark Jessica’s 200-hour achievement.

Gemma Gill, full-time coxswain at Fishguard RNLI, said: “I am incredibly proud of our team, especially Jess for reaching this significant milestone during the RNLI’s bicentenary. Jess’s 200 hours afloat are just part of her contribution—she’s also dedicated countless hours to training, fundraising, and community events. Thank you, Jess, and all our Fishguard crew, for your unwavering commitment.”

Jessica Rogers reflected on her achievement: “I was surprised to learn I’ve spent so much time at sea this year! I love being part of the Fishguard crew, and as they say, time flies when you’re having fun.

This milestone isn’t just my achievement—it’s thanks to the hard work of RNLI staff and volunteers, as well as the generous support of our donors. I look forward to continuing my training and becoming an even more valuable crew member in the years ahead.”

Fishguard RNLI’s year of milestones underscores the dedication of its volunteers and the enduring legacy of the RNLI in saving lives at sea.