THIS May, award-winning live theatre and events company, The Production Garden, brings you The Mumford & Sons Story – Awake My Soul only at the Torch Theatre. The show recreates the incredible tale of the floor-stomping folk-rock band that in 2009, took the world by storm.

Four musicians, including Milford Haven’s very own Samuel Freeman, come together in tweed waistcoats, skinny jeans and bushy beards to celebrate the best of Mumford & Sons’ iconic music and their explosive rise to fame. This is a stomp and holler not to be missed!

“I was such a massive fan growing up. Their first two albums were the soundtrack of my sixth form. But they were also a huge influence for me as a musician and composer in theatre. Mumford & Sons taught me the power of fantastic storytelling. The sheer ability they had to make an acoustic guitar and double bass sound like the world’s biggest and loudest rock band gave me the confidence to write like that myself,” said Samuel Freeman, the double bassist of the band.

This spectacular quartet will have you on your feet, authentically performing Mumford & Sons’ distinct and original sound. You’ll be taken on a musical journey of the first two albums, Sigh No More and Babel, from their start in West London dive bars, to the group’s legendary Glastonbury gig and worldwide renown.

The show has recently received a stellar review at The Tivoli Theatre in Aberdeen being described as a “tribute band worthy of bearing their name.”

Sam concluded: “Matthew Emeny (Guitar) and I were lucky enough to recruit the exceptionally talented Josh Wells (Keyboard) and Stan Elliot (Banjo) to join us, and we locked ourselves away in a rehearsal room to capture the sound and essence of the ultimate Mumford & Sons tribute.

“We still must pinch ourselves really. Last year we put this show together almost as a laugh, got 14 gigs, jumped in a van and hit the road…a year on, the response has just been phenomenal. We are so grateful to everyone who has come along and had a blast with us every single night, and because of that, 2025 is looking so much bigger and better with incredible things to come!” 

After a debut hit tour last year, this spectacular band is back bigger and better than ever. With beautiful vocal harmonies and foot-stomping drums playing all of Mumford & Sons very best hits, including Little Lion Man, I Will Wait, The Cave, Roll Away Your Stone and many more. You’ll have a night to remember!

Tickets for The Mumford & Sons Story on Friday 9 May at 7.30pm are £23. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

WELSH WATER warns against dangers of unauthorised swimming in reservoirs: Llys y fran-36
With the Easter holidays upon us, Welsh Water is warning people not to risk their lives by unauthorised swimming in its reservoirs.

Every year in Wales, hundreds of individuals and families visit reservoirs and take to the water to swim, paddle, or use inflatables, putting their lives and the lives of others at risk, but unauthorised access to the water at reservoirs can kill and is never allowed.

Statistics show there is an average of 45 water related fatalities in Wales every year and the rate of accidental drowning in Wales is almost double that of the UK as a whole.

Reservoirs can be full of hidden dangers, including automatic machinery in the water that can operate at any time, and incredibly strong currents, that can pull under even the strongest swimmers. That’s why it’s best to only swim at the permitted reservoir sites.

The water also has freezing temperatures which can send swimmers into cold-water shock and there is a reduced chance of rescue in some areas due to the remote location of many reservoirs, often with little or no mobile reception.

The last few weeks have seen dry weather with plenty of spring sunshine, conditions that tempt some to take the plunge at reservoirs without realising the dangers involved.

Welsh Water’s Rangers patrol the company’s reservoirs, ensuring everyone is safe and dissuading unauthorised swimming in the water.

Maddy Rawlings, Head Ranger at Llandegfedd said: “We want everyone to enjoy the reservoir safely – which is why it’s important that any access to the reservoir only takes place during planned and life guarded activities or swim sessions. During my time as a Ranger at Llandegfedd, I have had countless encounters and incidents in which I have had to ask members of the public to leave the water due to the dangers involved, many of which they are unaware of. We aren’t here to spoil anyone having fun – we’re here to keep the public safe.’’

Private security companies have also been hired to help with this work.

Welsh Water do offer safe, supervised, and accredited open water swimming sessions at some Visitor Attraction sites across Wales. It also offers water sports, including paddle boarding and kayaking.

Jack Bailey, Activity Manager at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs in Cardiff said: “We know that open water swimming has great benefits for physical and mental wellbeing – but unauthorised swimming can pose serious risks. Always prioritise safety over spontaneity and book an organised open water swimming or cold water dipping session at one of our Welsh Water visitor attractions sites. We provide a safe way to enjoy the water, nature and the benefits they can bring.”

Welsh Water is part of Water Safety Wales, a group made up of organisations committed to working on water safety and drowning prevention in Wales.

Chris Cousens, Chair of Water Safety Wales said: “With the lovely weather we’ve been seeing, we know how tempting it can be to cool off in beautiful reservoirs. But even the strongest of swimmers can go into cold water shock and this can lead to drowning. We’re asking everyone to stay safe this summer by keeping out of the reservoirs. If you are in difficulty in the water, Float To Live – this means to relax and float on your back with your ears submerged in the water until the effects of cold water shock pass. You can them swim to safety or shout for help.

“If you see someone else in difficulty in the water in a reservoir, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Fire Service, tell the person in the water to Float To Live and throw them something that floats. Never go into the water to attempt a rescue yourself.”

For decades The Starboard Hotel has wined, dined and hosted countless visitors from its enviable position overlooking the Milford Haven waterway.

Now, after its doors have remained closed for several years, there is a chance that the Starboard Hotel will once again be brought back to its former glory after being put on the market with local estate agents FBM, Milford Haven.

The five storey, end-of-terrace property at 21 Hamilton Terrace enjoys panoramic views of the estuary and still retains much of its former retro decor and architectural features.

The iconic building spans five storeys comprising a bar, restaurant and disco with hotel accommodation consisting of 11 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, nine reception rooms and a self-contained flat.  It also has an enclosed garden to the rear.

“The Starboard Hotel is a property in a prominent position which offers endless opportunity,” commented FBM estate agents.

“The property has long been a cherished and memorable landmark within the community, evoking nostalgia and happy memories for so many people who have passed through its doors over the years.”

The Starboard Hotel has been set  at a guide price of £135,000 prior to being sold at auction. 

To view the property or to find out further details, contact the FBM office on 01646 691011.  Some  parts of the property have fallen into disrepair to the rear of the building, resulting in viewings having to be accompanied at all times.