“CHIN MUSIC” has two meanings. One refers to idle talk. The other is a brushback throw in baseball or cricket, aimed at unsettling the batter. Both describe Rich Hall’s comedy—sharp, quick, and intimidating, yet effortlessly off-the-cuff. If you’ve never seen him live, now’s your chance—he’s coming to the Torch Theatre, and he never disappoints. Ever.

A master of stand-up, music, and improvisation, Rich Hall has been a comedy heavyweight for decades. The American comedian first rose to fame in the 1980s as a sketch performer, appearing on shows such as Fridays, Not Necessarily the News, and Saturday Night Live. In the UK, he’s a familiar face on QI, Live at the Apollo, and Have I Got News for You. He’s also a prolific writer, having penned articles for The Guardian and The Sunday Times, as well as starring in his own BBC Radio 4 series, Rich Hall’s (US Election) Breakdown.

“We always love a good night of comedy, full of belly laughs here at the Torch Theatre,” said Jordan Dickin from the venue’s marketing team. “Following a very long winter, a night of comedy is just what’s needed to brush away the cobwebs—and Rich Hall is the man to do just that.”

Rich Hall will take to the stage at the Torch Theatre on Thursday, April 17, at 8:00pm. This will be his only performance in West Wales during his 2025 tour.

Tickets: £18
STRICTLY 14+ (contains strong language and adult content)
Book now: www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

SOUTH WALES POLICE is facing growing scrutiny after refusing to disclose the identity of an officer who misused force computer systems over two years, leaking sensitive information to members of the public.

The officer, known only as ‘Officer F,’ received a criminal caution for illegally accessing police data but was not prosecuted. His identity was also kept secret during a misconduct hearing, despite similar cases in which officers have been publicly named and prosecuted. The force claims anonymity was granted due to concerns about the health and well-being of a child unrelated to the officer’s actions, but legal precedents suggest this does not justify withholding the name.

The Herald has pressed South Wales Police for further transparency, asking how the decision aligns with open justice principles. The force has cited Regulation 59 of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020 as the basis for its decision, stating that the misconduct hearing was held in public but with the officer’s identity protected. However, past legal rulings, including Khuja v Times Newspapers (2017), have reinforced that distress or reputational damage alone is not sufficient grounds for anonymity in such cases.

Other police officers guilty of similar misconduct have been named and prosecuted. Former South Wales Police Inspector Joseph Jones was jailed for two months for misusing police records, while ex-North Wales PC Andrew Nuttall was sentenced to unpaid work for similar offences. Unlike them, Officer F’s identity remains protected, raising concerns about consistency and transparency in the handling of police misconduct.

Paul Fisher, Head of News at South Wales Police, responded to The Herald’s request for Officer F’s identity, stating that no media challenges were made before or during the hearing. However, the force has not clarified whether press organisations were proactively informed that anonymity was being considered, ensuring they had a fair opportunity to challenge the decision.

The Herald, alongside Wales Online, has written to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools to challenge the decision. Both organisations believe in the right to report and the importance of holding those in authority accountable.

This case raises fundamental questions about public confidence in policing. Open justice ensures that those who misuse their positions of power can be scrutinised by the press and the public. Without proper transparency, the public cannot be assured that police officers who abuse their authority will face meaningful consequences.

CELTIC FREEPORT AT MILFORD HAVEN AND PORT TALBOT TO DRIVE UK ECONOMIC GROWTH MISSION

THE CELTIC FREEPORT has been officially launched, bringing significant inward investment to South West Wales and taking a major step towards creating thousands of new jobs, the Welsh Government announced this week.

It also re-affirmed its commitment to £26 million of UK Government investment.

The freeport, covering the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot, is set to play a crucial role in the UK’s clean energy future. It spans multiple industries, including clean energy developments, fuel terminals, power generation, heavy engineering, and the steel sector.

Businesses operating within the freeport area will benefit from substantial UK and Welsh Government tax breaks and customs exemptions to encourage investment. The initiative is expected to attract £8.4 billion in private and public investment, generate 11,500 new jobs, and contribute £8.1 billion in economic value (GVA) to the region.

The freeport was launched at an event in Cardiff, attended by Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens and Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning.

“Significant step towards a renewable energy superpower”

Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said: “This Government has a Plan for Change focused on delivering economic growth and ensuring the UK becomes a renewable energy superpower. This announcement is a significant step towards achieving those ambitions.

“The Celtic Freeport will create up to 11,500 well-paid, highly skilled jobs and could leverage up to £8.4 billion in investment.

“The UK Government has committed £26 million to the freeport, alongside significant incentives from both the UK and Welsh Governments. I am very pleased to see two governments working in partnership to deliver for the people of Wales.”*

“A vital cog in the UK’s low-carbon economy”

Rebecca Evans, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said: “The official opening of the Celtic Freeport sends another clear signal to the world that the industrial heartlands of South Wales are a vital cog in the UK’s low-carbon economy.

“We are already seeing real enthusiasm across the region and beyond to capitalise on the skills and job opportunities that this new industrial age will provide. The Welsh Government will be at Celtic’s side, offering major tax reliefs to attract business investment.

“The Freeport will also be able to use future non-domestic rates revenues to fund vital infrastructure and skills projects, benefiting Port Talbot and Milford Haven for generations to come.”

Freeport projects already making progress

Following the successful launch, Luciana Ciubotariu, CEO of Celtic Freeport, highlighted the rapid progress of key projects: “The Celtic Freeport is making significant strides forward with milestones such as planning consents for LanzaTech’s sustainable aviation fuel production plants, RWE’s Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant, and the launch of the Milford Haven CO₂ Project.

“Other major developments include H2 Energy and Trafigura’s West Wales Hydrogen project securing a hydrogen CfD, Haush establishing a green energy HQ, and the approval of wind turbine developments to expand Dragon Energy’s Renewables Park.

“These initiatives, alongside investments in battery energy storage by RWE and port infrastructure at Port Talbot, are accelerating South Wales’ reindustrialisation and driving a decarbonised economy rich in evolving and new industries.”

A cleaner, greener future

The Celtic Freeport aims to establish a green investment and innovation corridor, driving inward investment, skills development, and national decarbonisation. Key focus areas include:

• Floating offshore wind (FLOW) in the Celtic Sea
• Hydrogen economy and sustainable fuels
• Carbon capture and storage
• Cleaner steel production
• Low-carbon logistics

As one of 12 Freeports across the UK, the Celtic Freeport will play a pivotal role in the UK Government’s Growth Mission, supporting the transition to green industries and creating thousands of high-quality jobs for local communities.

(Cover image: Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens – Speaking at the Celtic Freeport event in Cardiff)