Entertainment

Ex-royal harpist Claire helps pull strings to inspire new generation

Published

3 years ago

October 24, 2022

The woman who convinced King Charles to reinstate the position of royal harpist after a century-long gap is aiming to inspire a new generation to play the instrument.

Renowned harpist Elinor Bennett is going on a 12-stop Wales-wide tour, The Dwylo ar Dannau’r Delyn (Hands on Harp Strings) and will be joining forces with former royal harpist Claire Jones, who hails from Pembrokeshire.

The concerts, masterclasses and workshops will take Elinor, the Artistic Director of the Wales International Harp Festival, to places where she has close personal connections.

Claire Jones, who was the Official Harpist to the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles, between 2007 and 2011, will be joining Elinor at Ysgol Preseli in her home village of Crymych on Saturday, November 19.

She became a household name for her acclaimed performance at the royal wedding for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and has performed over 180 times for the Royal Family.

The tour also includes dates in Pwllheli, Llangefni, Llanrwst, Swansea, Barry and Denbigh.

Elinor will also be going to Llangadfan in Powys where she has close family links and Aberystwyth where she studied for a law degree at the town’s university.

She will also visit Swansea, Barry, Crymych in Pembrokeshire along with Merthyr Tudful where she once lived and Llanuwchllyn near Bala where she spent a large portion of her childhood.

The tour, which follows a launch concert for the festival at Bangor University’s PJ Hall, will feature some her former students and colleagues.

As well as re-igniting interest in harp music following the Covid pandemic, the aim is to promote the fifth Wales International Harp Festival which will be staged at Galeri Caernarfon from April 5-11.

She will also be inviting harpists to take part in four competitions at the festival, with the aim of giving children and older harpists a platform to perform, receive comments from internationally esteemed harpists and make friends with young musicians from other parts of the world.

The closing date for applications for the competitions is January 2, 2023.

She will be stepping down as the festival’s Artistic Director after next year’s event.

Elinor said: “At each location on the tour I will be joined by either a former pupil or someone I have worked with in the past.

“We hope local harp tutors and teachers will bring their pupils along. Each event will last for about four hours and at the start there will be workshops and master classes where the youngsters can play together and then some solos.

“To close the event there will be a concert where I will play along with the guest tutor and perhaps with some of the youngsters if they wish. The concerts, of course, will be open to the public.

“And there will also be an exhibition of harps by the Vining company from Cardiff. They sell Camac instruments and are sponsoring the festival.”

According to Elinor, one of the aims of the tour is to encourage youngsters to learn how to play the harp.

“I have heard that fewer children and young people are taking up the harp and the tour will create an interest in the harp and raise awareness of the festival itself,” she said.

She added tickets for the tour are available online at www.walesharpfestival.co.uk and some local shops but will also be available on the door.

Elinor said when she started learning to play the harp in 1954 when there were very few harpists.

Born at Llanidloes in the former county of Montgomeryshire, her family later moved to Llanuwchllyn near Bala in Merionethshire.

Her father bought her first harp when she was just seven years of age though she did not begin lessons for another four years as her legs were not long enough to reach the pedals.

She said: “My father was very musical, as were my mother and grandfather. After we moved to Llanuwchllyn my father joined Cor Godre’r Aran. In 1949 they went to London to sing at the Dorchester Hotel, and while in the city he bought a harp for £30 and brought it back to Llanuwchllyn on the (London) Underground and the train.

After leaving school Elinor studied law at Aberystwyth but later applied for and won a scholarship to attend the Royal Academy of Music in London, studying with Osian Ellis, the acclaimed Flintshire-born harpist. After graduating she played with numerous orchestras at home and abroad.

Though known mostly for classical music she has also played with some of Wales’ most renowned rock musicians. She has recorded twelve solo albums and founded the Coleg Telyn Cymru (Harp College of Wales) and helped set up Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre in Caernarfon.

Finding herself seated next to the then-Prince of Wales at a dinner, she told him of the tradition of a Royal harpist but which had not been filled for more than a century.

“He was interested and asked me to send him a proposal which I duly did. That led to the revival of the tradition with the first being Catrin Finch in 2000,” said Elinor.

The fifth Wales International Harp Festival will bring together leading exponents of the instrument from around the world to Galeri Caernarfon next April.. Organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (Music Centre) it will feature concerts, masterclasses, workshops and lecture recitals.

Elinor said performances will be given by world-class artists representing various aspects of the harp spectrum.

These include the Latin-American harpist from Colombia, Edmar Castaneda, French harpist Isobel Moretti, who makes a return visit to Caernarfon and jazz harpis Deborah Henson-Conant from the USA.

The festival commission is a new work, Llechi (Slate), by harpist and composer, Math Roberts, with poetry by Wales’ National Poet, Ifor Ap Glyn.

Elinor said this has been written for a chamber ensemble and vocal soloists and will celebrate the unique culture of the slate-mining areas of Gwynedd, recently awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO.

“Participants in each of the categories in the four competitions are encouraged to create their own choice of programmes and include one or two items listed in the published syllabus.

“In the Youth and children competitions, equal scholarships will be awarded for the three top performances, to help talented young harpists to receive continuing expert tuition/

“Please join us over Easter in Caernarfon for a joyful and enriching experience.,” said Elinor.

Further details about the tour, the festival and the competitions are available on the Festival website www.walesharpfestival.co.uk

Entertainment

Favourite ways Pembrokeshire residents unwind while off work over the holidays

Published

1 hour ago

December 15, 2025

Staff Writer

Taking time off work over the festive season allows Pembrokeshire residents to slow down, enjoy moments of peace, and reconnect with activities that bring comfort and joy. With winter landscapes, cosy homes, and plenty of local traditions, the holiday break becomes a cherished opportunity to rest and recharge. From creative projects to outdoor adventures, locals make the most of their downtime with a blend of relaxation, mindfulness, and simple pleasures.

Baking holiday cookies

Baking is one of the most beloved ways Pembrokeshire residents spend their time off during the holidays. With extra hours at home and fewer work-related pressures, many turn to the kitchen to create festive treats ranging from ginger biscuits and mince pies to shortbread, cinnamon cakes, and colourful Christmas cookies. The process itself is deeply therapeutic, offering a slow, hands-on activity that feels both nostalgic and grounding. Some people enjoy the quiet rhythm of baking solo, pairing the experience with seasonal music or a hot drink, creating a cosy atmosphere that feels distinctly festive. The finished treats are often used for gifting, sharing with friends and neighbours, or enjoying during quiet evenings at home, making baking both a practical and comforting holiday tradition.

Digital entertainment

Digital entertainment becomes especially appealing during winter downtime, and many Pembrokeshire residents spend part of their holiday break enjoying online games. Casual mobile games and puzzle apps offer quick, low-effort fun, ideal for filling slow afternoons or relaxing before bed. Others enjoy playing more immersive console or PC games, especially when they finally have the time to dive into longer storylines or cooperative multiplayer sessions with friends who are also off work. Some residents also unwind with online casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker, appreciating the blend of strategy, entertainment, and convenience.

Digital casinos have advanced quickly over the past few years, and bettors who wager online can now find a wide range of games when they log on and fund their casino accounts in a variety of ways. For example, some players fund their accounts with a bank transfer, while others use e-wallets. Most players choose to use plastic cards, with many opting to play at credit card casinos so that they can fund their account using a credit card, because it’s quick and easy.

Digital entertainment offers a convenient and engaging way for people in Pembrokeshire to unwind during their time off, whether they prefer light mobile games or longer gaming sessions. With so many options available, residents can tailor their downtime to suit their mood, energy level, or schedule. For many, online gaming simply provides an easy, enjoyable escape during the quieter pace of the holiday break.

At-home spa days

Creating an at-home spa day is a favourite way for many Pembrokeshire residents to unwind when they finally have time off work. With simple touches like soothing music, soft lighting, essential oils, and nourishing skincare, people transform their homes into calming retreats. Whether it’s a DIY facial, a gentle exfoliation, or relaxing with a warm robe and a cup of herbal tea, the slower pace helps melt away built-up tension from the year. Many enjoy setting aside an afternoon specifically for self-care, allowing themselves to fully relax, reset, and feel restored during the holiday break.

Practising mindfulness

With work responsibilities temporarily on pause, many Pembrokeshire residents use the holiday period to focus on mindfulness and mental well-being. Practices like guided meditation, deep-breathing exercises, journaling, or gentle stretching become easier to incorporate when the pace of life slows down. Some people begin their mornings with a short meditation session, helping them feel centred before the day begins, while others wind down in the evenings with quiet reflection or gratitude journaling. Others choose mindfulness through creative activities such as drawing, knitting, or painting—tasks that encourage slow, intentional movement and quiet concentration. During a season that can be busy and emotionally demanding, mindfulness offers a grounding and restorative break.

Day hikes

Despite the chilly weather, Pembrokeshire’s breathtaking scenery continues to draw residents outdoors during their time off. Day hikes become a favourite way to unplug from screens and holiday busyness, offering fresh air, movement, and the calming effect of nature. Popular winter routes include stretches of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the rugged areas near St Davids, sheltered woodland paths, and quiet countryside trails around local villages. The crisp winter air and dramatic coastal views provide the perfect backdrop for clearing the mind and embracing the slower pace of the season. For some, hiking is a shared family activity, while others prefer the solitude of a peaceful solo walk. Regardless, it remains one of the most restorative holiday traditions for locals.

Making DIY holiday decorations

Creativity thrives when people finally have time to slow down, and many Pembrokeshire residents enjoy making DIY holiday decorations while off work. Using natural materials collected on walks—like pinecones, holly, driftwood, and evergreen branches—locals craft wreaths, table centrepieces, garlands, and homemade ornaments. Indoor crafts such as paper chains, painted baubles, and fabric decorations also fill many households with seasonal charm. These activities provide a fun, screen-free way to unwind while adding a personal touch to holiday décor. Families often turn DIY crafting into a shared tradition, while individuals enjoy the peaceful, satisfying process of creating something beautiful by hand.

A season of unwinding

Time off work during the holidays gives Pembrokeshire residents the chance to reconnect with hobbies, embrace cosy relaxation, and enjoy the region’s natural beauty. Whether staying warm indoors or exploring familiar paths, locals make the most of the peaceful winter break. The result is a season filled with simple joys, meaningful moments, and plenty of opportunities to recharge before returning to everyday routines.

Business

Computer gaming lounge plans for Tenby cinema submitted

Published

6 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

FORMAL plans to turn Tenby’s former Poundland and Royal Playhouse cinema to a retro computer gaming lounge have been submitted to the national park.

Following a takeover by investment firm Gordon Brothers, Poundland shut 57 stores earlier this year, including Tenby’s branch on White Lion Street.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Matthew Mileson of Newport-based MB Games Ltd, seeks permission for a change of use of the former Gatehouse (Playhouse) Cinema, most recently used as a Poundland store to a retro gaming lounge.

This follows a recently submitted application for a ‘CONTINUE? Retro Gaming Lounge’ sign on the front of the former cinema, ahead of the wider scheme for a retro gaming facility at the former cinema site, which has a Grade-II-listed front façade.

A supporting statement for the change of use scheme through agent Asbri Planning Ltd says: “The proposed retro gaming lounge will be inviting to all ages, including families, groups and individuals with no age restriction. The applicant has several similar premises across other parts of the UK and operates under a successful business model.

“This includes a fee being payable to enter the premises which thereby grants access to unlimited game time to all consoles/arcade machines. There will be no slot or coin-based reward games, so the proposal would not be considered/classed as gambling. The site will provide snacks and drinks (including alcohol) which will be canned/bottled drinks.

“The sale of such drinks would be ancillary to the overall function of the premises, and a separate alcohol licence will be submitted, accordingly.”

It adds: “The development would provide a much-welcomed addition to White Lion Rd which will improve the vitality and viability of the immediate area by promoting greater levels of footfall within the area and introduce greater variety to the shopping frontage at this location.”

It proposes opening hours of 10-10, Sunday to Thursday, and to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

The application, and the related signage scheme, will be considered by park planners at a later date.

Prior to being a Poundland, the site was the Royal Playhouse, which had its final curtain in early 2011 after running for nearly a century.

The cinema had been doing poor business after the opening of a multiplex in Carmarthen; in late 2010 the opening night of the-then latest Harry Potter blockbuster only attracted an audience of 12 people.

Entertainment

Freyja’s ‘Aquantis’ named winner of Torch Theatre’s festive design competition

Published

6 days ago

December 9, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TEN-YEAR-OLD Freyja from St Francis RC School has been crowned the winner of the Torch Theatre’s Design an Evil Sea Creature competition – beating more than 300 imaginative entries that ranged from cyclops creations to fanged dolphins and double-headed stingrays.

Her design, Aquantis, caught the eye of the judges and will now be brought to life on stage in this year’s Christmas pantomime, Rapunzel, at the Torch Theatre.

Freyja said she was “ecstatic” to hear the news.
“It was really good news to have. Drawing and creative writing is something that I enjoy and have a passion for, so to be given this opportunity and to win was incredible. I’d like to say well done to everyone else who entered – it was a fun competition to be part of.”

A sea monster with a story

So what exactly is the Aquantis?

“She was once a tiny kraken with a big heart,” Freyja explained. “She has special powers and shoots slime balls that can paralyse her victims – and during the paralysis phase they are completely under Aquantis’ control. She swims joyfully through the enchanting depths of the sea with a love of exploring every corner of the ocean.”

Freyja said her imagination and a recent snorkelling trip inspired the creature.
“My idea for the Aquantis came through my imagination, after deciding what backstory I wanted to create for her. I can’t say I’ve seen any sea monsters up close, but I’ve recently been snorkelling in the Red Sea so that helped give the Aquantis an edge. I’m really honoured to have been chosen and can’t wait to see it all come together on stage.”

Workshops inspire young artists

This year’s project was delivered in partnership with the Arts Society West Wales, whose representatives joined Torch Theatre professionals for day-long creative workshops in three Milford Haven primary schools. The aim was to help pupils imagine, design and model their own scary sea monsters.

The children’s enthusiasm and creativity were clear throughout the sessions, with dozens of colourful, sci-fi-inspired designs produced. All entries are now on display in the Torch Theatre Gallery.

Torch Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chelsey Gillard, said she was so impressed by the range of ideas that several of the friendlier creatures will also feature in Rapunzel, voiced by members of the Torch Youth Theatre.

Rapunzel this Christmas

Rapunzel runs at the Torch Theatre from Saturday 6 December to Sunday 28 December.
Tickets: £24.50 | £20.00 concessions | £78.00 family.
Relaxed Environment Performance: Saturday 13 December at 2:00pm.
BSL Interpreted Performance (Liz May): Tuesday 16 December, 6:00pm.