News
Plastic-fantastic: Town turns pink for Barbie Film premiere

ON FRIDAY (Jul 21), a Haverfordwest cinema transformed its cinema goers into a vibrant sea of pink as the newly opened Palace Cinema hosted a dazzling ‘Come on Barbie Let’s go Party’ event to mark the premiere of the latest Barbie film, starring none other than Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
Eager to join the Barbie extravaganza, the audience embraced the theme wholeheartedly, donning their most fabulous pink attire and forming a line that snaked around the block, all eager to be part of the Barbie party at the Palace.

This event was no ordinary movie night, mind you! Alongside exciting prizes for the best-dressed Kens and Barbies, the Palace Cinema pulled out all the stops to ensure an unforgettable experience. Patrons were treated to a fun-filled photo booth, bubbly pink fizz, scrumptious popcorn, and even delectable frozen cocktails, exclusively for the over 18 crowd. And believe it or not, all of this extravagant fun came at a mere £6 per ticket! Bargain hunters, rejoice!
Laughter and excitement filled the air as Pembrokeshire’s Kens and Barbies came together for the eagerly anticipated film, which has garnered heaps of praise. The Independent raved about it, granting it an impressive five stars, while Rotten Tomatoes boasted a stellar 90 percent score. Critics were quick to commend the film’s empowering feminist themes and delightfully subversive humor, which led some to describe it as a “near miraculous achievement.”

The story unfolds as Barbie and Ken embark on a journey of self-discovery following an existential crisis, and audiences were left spellbound by the heartfelt and witty narrative.
For those who haven’t yet joined the Barbie brigade, fear not! The film will continue gracing the screens of the Palace Cinema until Thursday, July 27. However, be warned, the 12.30 showing today has already sold out! So hurry, secure your tickets before it’s too late!
The Palace Cinema’s triumphant return this spring was nothing short of a cinematic fairytale. Earlier fears about its future were laid to rest when the enterprising independent cinema operator, Sinema Palace Ltd, stepped in to breathe new life into this iconic century-old venue. Under their enthusiastic management, the cinema has undergone a remarkable transformation.
The cinema’s interior now shines like never before, thanks to a tasteful renovation of the foyer. Screen 2 received a major upgrade, with bigger and comfier seats that offer moviegoers more legroom, ensuring they can relax in style. The entire screen was recarpeted, ensuring a plush and inviting ambiance.
And that’s not all! The dedicated team at the Palace Cinema has even grander plans to refurbish Screen 1 and other public areas, including the much-appreciated loo spaces, in the very near future. Clearly, this cinema is committed to providing its patrons with the ultimate movie experience.
For film enthusiasts eager to join Barbie’s latest adventure or simply enjoy a fantastic cinematic outing, make your way to Haverfordwest’s Palace Cinema. For further details and ticket bookings, visit haverfordwestcinema.co.uk.
Remember, tickets are a steal, priced at just £5 or £6, and be sure to bring some cash along, as the cinema currently operates on a cash-only basis. Happy movie-watching!

News
Tenby councillors seek new member to fill vacancy

TENBY TOWN COUNCIL is inviting residents to put their names forward to fill a vacant seat on the council following the resignation of a councillor.
The council will be filling the role by co-option, rather than holding a by-election. This means that eligible individuals can apply directly to be considered, and councillors will then vote to select a new member.
Anyone interested must be over the age of 18 and meet standard criteria such as living or working in the Tenby area.
The vacancy is in the South Ward. The successful candidate will join the remaining members of the council in representing the town on local issues.
Those wishing to be considered should submit a letter or email outlining their interest and suitability for the role by 12:00 noon on Friday, July 5, 2025.
Applications should be sent to the Town Clerk, Andrew Davies, at Tenby Town Council, The De Valence Pavilion, Upper Frog Street, Tenby, SA70 7JD, or by email to [email protected].
The co-option will take place at the full council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2025.
Business
Much-loved Narberth restaurant Madtom closes and goes on the market

A POPULAR restaurant in Narberth has closed its doors and is now up for sale.
Madtom Land & Sea, known for its fresh seafood and highly rated dining experience, announced the closure this week, bringing an end to six years of trading in the bustling Pembrokeshire town.
The team behind Madtom shared the news on social media, saying the decision had been made “with a heavy heart” and that it was “time to slow down a little, gather our thoughts and focus on the next chapter.”
The restaurant, which boasts more than 300 Tripadvisor reviews and a near-perfect Facebook recommendation rating, has now been listed for sale. Interested parties are encouraged to get in touch to arrange viewings.
The statement thanked customers and staff, saying: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past six years, and to our fantastic team—we couldn’t have done it without you.”
The announcement prompted an outpouring of messages from loyal customers and locals.
Kevin Clarke wrote: “Amongst the best dining experiences in Pembrokeshire. Good luck for the next chapter.”
Sue James-Davies said: “Very sorry you are closing but wish you all the very best for the future. Narberth won’t be the same without you.”
Caroline Husecken added: “So sad that you have closed—you will be so missed by us all in Narberth. You have been a huge asset to the town.”
The business is currently being marketed via private enquiry.
Community
West Wales marchers press on as Egyptian authorities crack down on Gaza protest

No reports of Pembrokeshire detentions as international participants face violence and deportation
ACTIVISTS from Pembrokeshire taking part in the Global March to Gaza remain on course to reach the Rafah border crossing on Sunday (June 15), despite a sweeping crackdown by Egyptian authorities on demonstrators from across the world.
The Herald understands that no members of the West Wales delegation, including Jim Scott and Tasmin Nash, have been detained, and Scott remained active on social media as recently as Friday morning.

However, disturbing scenes have emerged from Cairo and beyond, where activists from countries including France, Spain, Turkey, Canada, and the UK have had their passports confiscated, been forcibly removed from checkpoints, and in some cases physically assaulted by men in plain clothes. Footage circulating online shows demonstrators being kicked and dragged away, while some tried to defend themselves by throwing water bottles.
According to organisers, at least 40 protesters had their passports seized and were held in the heat without being allowed to move. Others—around 15 activists—are being held in hotels under restriction.
Among those confirmed detained are:
- Paul Murphy, Irish MP
- Faruk Dincer, Turkish MP (reportedly injured during arrest)
- Hala Rharrit, former US diplomat who resigned in protest over Washington’s handling of the war
Murphy posted: “We have had our passports confiscated and are being detained. It seems Egyptian authorities have decided to crack down on the #GreatMarchToGaza. We are refusing to board the deportation bus.”
The Global March to Gaza involves over 4,000 people from 80 countries, including a delegation of West Walians who set off from Al Arish on Friday morning for a 30-mile, three-day trek across the Sinai desert, aiming to reach Rafah on Sunday.
A separate 2,000-strong convoy travelling from Tunisia was also stopped by security forces in eastern Libya on Friday.
Despite the chaos, Jim Scott, a tree surgeon from Mathry, and CND Cymru delegate, has not reported any arrest or obstruction, telling supporters on Thursday night: “I’m OK. Safe for tonight. But an insane day. Completely insane.”
Tasmin Nash, an art curator and mother of four from Pembrokeshire, also remains unconfirmed among any detained. Speaking earlier this week, she said: “I cannot rest. I cannot stay silent. Now is the time to mobilise our passion and humanity. We are united for justice and solidarity for Palestine.”
The crackdown reflects Egypt’s tense balancing act. As the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel and a major recipient of US military aid, Egypt has attempted to publicly call for peace while suppressing grassroots pro-Palestinian actions within its borders.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that he expected Egypt to “halt demonstrators at the Egypt-Israel border”, adding that their arrival would “endanger the security of IDF soldiers” and would not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, Israel has allowed limited aid into Gaza since last month, but international aid groups and UN agencies warn that the volume is nowhere near sufficient to meet the needs of the population. The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic.
Organisers of the march have called on embassies to intervene to secure the release of detained protesters, stressing: “We are a peaceful movement, and we are complying with Egyptian law.”
The Herald will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the West Wales delegation nears Rafah.

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