Entertainment

Pembrokeshire artists get together to showcase work at The Torch

Published

2 years ago

June 27, 2024

ARTISTS showcasing their work at the Torch Theatre’s Joanna Field Gallery this July will exhibit artwork created from the 2023/24 Life Drawing and Oil Painting classes organised by Learning Pembrokeshire. These classes were held at two different locations in Pembrokeshire with Life Drawings at Dinas and the Introduction to Oil Painting held at Haverfordwest.
When the group of artists, now great friends, were invited to exhibit their works, they couldn’t possibly turn down such an opportunity, and this July people visiting the Joanna Field Gallery will be in for an artistic treat.

“The oil paintings are either still-life, portrait or landscape following the three terms of study. We are all amateur artists, and we all live in Pembrokeshire,” said Paul King one of the exhibitors.

The group of artists all have different levels of experience and different motivations and aspirations. For many, this will be their first time exhibiting their work at the Torch and they are all very enthusiastic.

Paul added: “The general feeling is one of great excitement but we’re also nervous and keen to put on a good show. The Joanna Field Gallery is a well-attended and high-quality gallery space which we wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to exhibit in, so we are delighted that we are taking part.”

He concluded: “As a group, we’d like to thank the Torch Theatre and Learning Pembrokeshire as well as Mark Deane, our tutor, and each other for group support.”

Mark Deane, tutor of the artists at Learning Pembrokeshire says that the ability to come together as a cohesive and supportive group has been truly remarkable.

“I am immensely proud to extend my heartfelt accolades to this exceptional group of learners who have participated in our life drawing and oil painting courses. Over the past year, each has brought their unique background and authentic motivation to our shared artistic journey, enriching our classes with diverse perspectives and experiences.

“The camaraderie and encouragement they have shown one another has created a nurturing environment where creativity and learning can flourish. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to guide them through the curriculum, and their enthusiasm and dedication has been a constant source of inspiration for me.

“This experience has resulted in astounding achievements, the success is a testament to the group’s hard work, collaboration, and mutual support. I literally could not have done it without them. Thank you for making this journey so rewarding and memorable.”
Artists taking part in the exhibition include Paul, King, Victoria Elliott, James Miall, Sheila Davies, Graham Howard, Kila Millidine, Terry Smith, Maggie Norwell, Anna Hatton, Tina Trowell, Aline Whitaker, Andy St. Pierre, Melissa Pettitt and Philipa Kohly.

The July Exhibition at the Joanna Field Gallery, Torch Theatre opens on Tuesday 2 July until the end of the month during Box office opening times. For further information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

Entertainment

The Hidden Risks of Fast-Paced Casino Games

Published

11 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Staff Writer

Casino games are inherently risky, no matter what style of game or the speed of play. However, fast-paced casino games are often considered riskier because people tend to place a higher number of bets, have less self-control, and find them more engaging which can increase the amount of time spent gaming.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the risks of fast-paced casino games and what options are available out there to encourage slower, more thoughtful gameplay.

The Risks of High Speed Gaming

Reduced Control

When gambling slowly, there’s more opportunity to place thoughtful and strategic bets. Whereas when playing at speed, it’s easy to make more impulsive decisions. It may also be harder to stop gambling during fast games, increasing the time spent on gambling, and therefore the amount of money placed on bets.

Increased Enjoyment

A lot of people gamble because they find it thrilling. A fast paced game can add to that, making gambling even more enjoyable and desirable. While this may sound like a good thing, the enhanced enjoyment can make it harder to step away when needed.

How to Manage the Risks

While there are risks, they can be managed. Here are just some of the ways to handle the risks that come with high speed gaming.

Set Strict Limits

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun and fail to realise how much time or money you’ve spent while playing. One of the most effective ways to ensure you keep your spending to a minimum is to set yourself time limits – and actually stick to them. This way you can maintain control over how much time and money you’re putting into gambling.

Consider Using Bank Blocks

Most banks allow you to block all gambling transactions, preventing you from spending any money on these platforms.

Turn Off Auto-Fill

A great way to slow down is to turn off auto-fill, whether that be for payment cards or passwords. This can help prevent impulsive decisions and keep your gambling to a more manageable level.

Always Gamble Responsibly

Most casino sites, such as MrQ Casino, have a wide range of games, including those that are fast paced and highly engaging. But it’s important to remember that while they can be fun, they do pose a significant risk and it’s crucial to keep safe and responsible gambling in mind at all times.

Entertainment

Green Man names five finalists for Rising competition

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIVE emerging acts have been shortlisted for this year’s Green Man Rising final, with the winner set to open the Mountain Stage at the sold-out Welsh festival.

The final will take place at Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff on Tuesday, June 2, hosted by BBC 6 Music’s Huw Stephens.

Now in its seventeenth year, the competition gives new artists from across the UK the chance to perform at Green Man, Wales’ largest music, arts and science festival.

This year’s finalists are Brighton school friends Glasshouse Red Spider Mite, Leeds dance-punk duo Kiosk, Heist or Hit signees The Slow Country, Tall Child — the project of London-based Nigerian/Indian musician Zha Gandhi — and bilingual English-Welsh band Cyn Cwsg.

Organisers said a record number of entries were received for the 2026 competition. The shortlist was chosen by an industry panel featuring representatives from Clash, DIY, NME, Dazed, Wonderland, The Quietus, So Young and BBC Radio Wales.

The winning act will secure the opening slot on Green Man’s Mountain Stage later this summer, along with a week of studio time at Prah Recordings and a physical vinyl release with Dinked Edition.

The runners-up will also appear on the Green Man Rising Stage, which has previously hosted acts including The Last Dinner Party, English Teacher, Westside Cowboy, Silver Gore, Adult DVD and Keo.

Each shortlisted artist will also receive a professional recording at the festival to help showcase their music to labels, agents and promoters.

Green Man managing director and owner Fiona Stewart said: “Launching talent is at the heart of Green Man and our incredible five finalists were chosen from a record breaking number of acts.

“When Rising was launched 18 years ago we could never have imagined how many artists have been supported in their early careers. Our industry panel will choose which band will open the Mountain Stage at Green Man 2026.”

Free tickets for the Green Man Rising final are available via Dice. Those attending will also be entered into a raffle to win two tickets to the sold-out Green Man 2026.

Entertainment

Contemporary art exhibition to mark reopening of Tenby Museum gallery

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION featuring work by well-known local artists and craftspeople will mark the reopening of Tenby Museum and Art Gallery’s temporary exhibition space.

The exhibition will run from Monday, May 18, to Friday, September 4, following the completion of an extensive renovation project at the museum.

Organisers say the collaborative exhibition will celebrate the creative talent of Pembrokeshire and the cultural importance of Tenby.

Curator Anita Schwartz said: “We are so excited to bring together such an inspirational collection of original pieces to showcase the creative talents of our local community.

“The artists featured exemplify the continuing cultural importance of this vibrant Pembrokeshire town.”

Artists exhibiting include Naomi Tydeman RI, John Cahill, Kim Carlow, Ivan Black, Guy Manning, Tom Sloan, Graham Hadlow, Alex MacDonald, Anna Warchus, Alec Lewis and Abigail Blaylock-Squibbs.

The exhibition will open with a private view on Friday, May 15, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, giving visitors the chance to meet the artists and view the museum’s recently refurbished galleries.

The event is open to all, but guests are asked to RSVP by emailing [email protected] by 10:00am on Thursday, May 14.

Works on display will include John Cahill’s North Pembrokeshire Landscape, which was awarded first prize in the Welsh Prize category at the Wales Contemporary Exhibition at Chelsea Barracks, London.

Other featured works include Anna Warchus’ Seaside Plate, Tom Sloan’s Tenby, Guy Manning’s Castle Hill and Naomi Tydeman’s Blue Moon, Newgale.

The exhibition takes place at Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, Castle Hill, Tenby, SA70 7BP.