Entertainment

Popular dinosaur park gets permission to keep facilities open

Published

12 months ago

June 26, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to allow a south Pembrokeshire dinosaur park attraction to keep some of its facilities running has been given the thumbs-up by county planners.

In an application before Pembrokeshire County Council planners, Simon Meyrick of The Dinosaur Park, Gumfreston sought a certificate of lawfulness to keep three operational buildings at the park, a tourist attraction near Tenby which first opened in the mid-90s.

The certificate relates to three building at the park: a Covered Eating Area, a ‘Dinos Fun House,’ and an ‘Arachno Web’.

An application for a certificate of lawfulness allows an applicant to stay at a development if they can provide proof of occupancy or use over a prolonged period, normally in excess of four years.

A supporting statement, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, said each building had been continuously operated since at least April 2020, a period of more than four years, for the purposes of seeking the certificate of lawfulness under the ‘four year rule’.

It added: “The covered eating area has been present almost since the opening of the Park in 1994; completion would therefore have been in 1995 / 1996 when it was used as an amphitheatre and home to puppet shows and fossil hunts. Over the last 3 / 4 years the same structure has been re-purposed to form a covered eating area reflecting a changing set of priorities, firstly to act as protection from rain and sun reflecting climate change and secondly, to provide more space for families to sit in a more open environment while variations of Covid are still present.”

It said the ‘Arachno Web’ was issued with a Certificate of Conformation (European Rope Course Association) in July 2018, and the ‘Dino Fun House’ was constructed at the beginning of 2020 after the required timber had been delivered by Farmplus in November 2019.

“Whilst there is a history of planning consents relating to the establishment of the Dinosaur Park and its development over recent years, no specific consents have been sought or granted for either the Covered Seating Area, the Dinos Fun House or the Arachno Web. This application seeks to remedy the lack of those specific consents,” the statement added.

A report by officers, granting the certificate, stated: “It is considered that based on the evidence available, on the balance of probability, that the buildings / structure edged red have been in operational use for a period in excess of four years preceding the date of the application for this certificate, and is subsequently immune from enforcement action.”

Entertainment

South Hook boosts Torch Theatre with new sound and screen tech

Published

4 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE TORCH THEATRE in Milford Haven has received a major upgrade to its audience experience thanks to support from South Hook LNG Terminal.

A brand-new projection screen and sound desk have been installed in the theatre’s Main House auditorium, funded by South Hook as part of its continuing commitment to support local charities and community organisations.

“We are proud to support such a valuable asset for our community,” said Hamad Al Samra, General Manager at South Hook. “The Torch Theatre provides a wealth of cultural and educational opportunities for people across Pembrokeshire.”

**New screen unveiled: Hamad Al Samra, General Manager of South Hook, and Chelsey Gillard, Artistic Director & Interim CEO of the Torch, pictured on stage with team members from both organisations.**

The Torch, a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status, remains at the heart of Pembrokeshire’s cultural scene—hosting a diverse programme of live performances, cinema, and community events.

Chelsey Gillard, Artistic Director and Interim CEO at the Torch, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support South Hook has given the Torch over a number of years. This generous funding has allowed us to update key equipment in our Main House auditorium that is used daily for both live performances and cinema screenings.

“The new sound desk and projection screen will allow us to continue welcoming audiences and community groups to enjoy everything the Torch has to offer. Diolch yn fawr.”

This latest investment is part of a wider programme of improvements at the venue aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and high-quality entertainment for the region.

COVER PHOTO:

Sound desk upgrade: Hamad Al Samra with Chris Harries (Finance Manager), Chelsey Gillard, and Andrew Sturley (Senior Manager – Technical/Production).

Entertainment

TV presenter Ruth Dodsworth awarded OBE for work supporting domestic abuse survivors

Published

3 days ago

June 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

‘This is for every single person who held my hand on that journey’

ITV presenter Ruth Dodsworth has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list, receiving an OBE for her tireless work supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

The 50-year-old broadcaster, who lives in south Wales, said she felt “deeply honoured” and vowed to continue raising awareness of abuse issues, saying: “I promise to use this wisely, and to keep talking about domestic abuse until one day hopefully we won’t have to.”

Ms Dodsworth, who has previously spoken out about her own experience of domestic abuse, said the award was not just for her—but for “every single person who held my hand on that journey”.

Her ex-husband was jailed in 2021 for coercive and controlling behaviour and stalking. She has since become a high-profile advocate for reform and support, sharing her story to encourage others to seek help and leave abusive relationships.

Reflecting on her life since leaving the relationship six years ago, Ms Dodsworth said: “If all of this can help just one person, then it’s worth it. It’s not an easy journey, but there are really good things out there when you find a way out. This is one of them.”

She joins a number of Welsh recipients in this year’s honours, including nurse and Commonwealth Games bowls captain Anwen Butten, who receives an MBE for services to nursing and sport, and Llanelli fundraiser Idwal Davies, 98, who receives the British Empire Medal for decades of community work.

The King’s Birthday Honours recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to public life across the UK.

Photo caption:
Recognised for her bravery: Ruth Dodsworth awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List (Pic: BBC)

Entertainment

Breaking barriers through movement: Let Life Dance comes to the Torch Theatre

Published

5 days ago

June 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Inclusive dance performance to challenge perceptions and celebrate the human spirit

THIS June, the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven will play host to Let Life Dance — a powerful, moving, and visually striking dance theatre production featuring both disabled and non-disabled performers.

Created by Humans Move, an emerging inclusive dance company aiming to be disability-led, the show promises a heartfelt exploration of life’s challenges and the transformative power of connection. With a diverse cast and a spirit of compassion and inclusivity, Let Life Dance invites audiences to reflect on the resilience and beauty of the human experience.

Choreographed by award-winning artist Jessie Brett, the performance delves into what happens when individuals go against their own nature. It asks: how can we truly let life dance through us in a world that so often imposes restrictions, barriers, and struggle?

Audiences will follow the performers’ journey through chaos, interference, and personal growth — ultimately arriving at a space of surrender, trust, and shared humanity. Original music by composer Jered Sorkin weaves through the piece, underscoring its emotional depth and uniting the cast like pieces of a puzzle in perfect balance.

“There is something to be learnt from every human experience,” said a Let Life Dance spokesperson. “This work celebrates our differences and reminds us that each of us plays a part in creating a more compassionate world.”

Let Life Dance will be performed for one night only on Tuesday, 24 June at 7:00pm. Tickets are priced at £15 (£14 concessions) and are available from the Torch Theatre Box Office on (01646) 695267 or via www.torchtheatre.co.uk.