Community

The Torch Theatre is calling on all creative adults

Published

2 years ago

July 19, 2024

IT’S never too late to get writing, appear on stage or learn all about directing. This summer, the Torch Theatre welcomes people 18 and over to come along and take part in Show Off! – an adult only series of creative sessions as part of its Summer School offer.

No previous experience is necessary to join these relaxed and accessible weekly evening sessions across the month of August, which aim to build on your creative skills. Led by Torch Artistic Director Chelsey Gillard and Youth and Community Senior Manager Tim Howe, the course concludes with a showcase performance in the Torch Studio.

This year the Torch is excited to able to offer two places completely free of charge on a first come, first served basis. These have been supported by a generous donation from one of last year’s participants. The donor was keen to help others access this valuable provision and said:

“I loved that there was an acting class for adults and was so grateful for that. It was really fun, I particularly enjoyed the theatre games and the final performance, despite the nerves! I went into it not really knowing what to expect but told myself that being “good” at acting was irrelevant. And it reminded me that the joy is in the playing, the creating, the trying of new things.”

Tim added: “We’re so excited to be running our friendly and welcoming adult summer school again this year and cannot wait to meet another group of fantastic participants! Chelsey and I are particularly pleased that we are able to offer two places completely free thanks to the support of one of last year’s participants. All of us at the Torch know the value to health and wellbeing that regular creative moments provide, and to have two spaces funded by someone who knows about that benefit first hand is such a brilliant endorsement of what we do. It’s a fantastic opportunity for two lucky people!”
Sessions will be held during the evening on Thursday 8, 15, 22 and 29 August 6.30pm – 9pm and Saturday 31 August from 10am to 9pm (including a showcase performance in the Torch Theatre Studio space).

Last year Marcela Ayala took part in the Adult Creative Sessions and she hasn’t looked back having taken part in the Torch Theatre’s productions of Private Lives as well as taking on a role supporting the delivery of the Torch Youth Theatre.

“The summer school meant I could re-connect with my inner child through games in a safe place. I had so much fun by interacting and creating characters with my peers. I never felt judged by the drama leader, on the contrary, he gave me the confidence to carry on to free myself from my own judgement,” said Marcela.

“This kind of safe place is so important to grow confidence. Sometimes we think we are not good enough or do not have many strong points to stand out among the crowd, but it might be that here at the Summer School you find your “weak” points are the ones, that audience members love and feel connected with, and that is amazing. I would love others to be part of the same experience, giving yourself a chance to have fun,” concluded Marcela.

To book your place in Show Off or for further information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

Community

Milford Haven firefighters prepare for key assessments

Published

9 minutes ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ON-CALL firefighters at Milford Haven Fire Station have been put through their paces as part of their weekly drill night.

The crew’s development firefighters were pictured carrying out a “drill by numbers” squad exercise ahead of upcoming assessments.

New firefighters spend their first 24 months in a development period, which is split into four stages and focuses on different operational skills and competencies.

At the end of each stage, firefighters attend a divisional training centre where their progress is assessed against the standards required by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Over the next two weeks, members of the Milford Haven crew will take part in a Stage 2 interim assessment and a Stage 4 final assessment.

One firefighter is hoping to complete the final stage and qualify as a fully competent firefighter.

The station said Wednesday nights remain an important part of training for the on-call crew, helping firefighters maintain the skills needed to respond to emergencies across the Milford Haven area.

Community

Armed Forces Day exhibition opens at VC Gallery’s new Riverside home

Published

6 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A UNIQUE exhibition bringing together military history, art and veterans’ stories will open to the public in Haverfordwest as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations later this month.

The VC Gallery will host a special open day at its new Riverside Gallery on Saturday, June 27, inviting the community to explore an exhibition featuring works from the Imperial War Museum alongside historic wartime artefacts, trench art and pieces connected to celebrated Welsh artist Augustus John.

The event will also showcase contemporary artwork created by Armed Forces veterans who served in conflicts including Korea, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Organisers say the exhibition highlights not only military history and remembrance, but also the role creativity can play in supporting mental health, wellbeing and recovery.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet members of the VC Gallery team and learn more about an ambitious new project aimed at supporting veterans, families and the wider community.

The exhibition combines nationally significant historical works with personal stories of service and resilience, offering a rare opportunity to view military history through the eyes of those who experienced it.

Families are particularly welcome, with guided family art tours available by advance booking.

The event begins at 10:00am and takes place at the VC Riverside Gallery in Haverfordwest.

Anyone wishing to reserve a place on a guided family tour should email [email protected].

The VC Gallery said it is looking forward to welcoming visitors as it commemorates Armed Forces Day while celebrating the power of art, heritage and community to bring people together.

Community

Government hails rural 4G boost as Tenby signal concerns continue

Published

24 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MINISTERS have hailed the rollout of dozens of 4G mast upgrades across rural Wales, but recent concerns in Tenby show mobile coverage remains a live issue in Pembrokeshire.

The UK Government says a further 11 mast upgrades have been switched on in Wales this year through the Shared Rural Network, bringing the Welsh total to 55.

The scheme is aimed at improving mobile coverage in hard-to-reach rural areas, helping residents, businesses and visitors stay connected and access help more quickly in an emergency.

Areas benefiting from the latest upgrades include Nant Gwynant in Snowdonia, Capel y Ffin near Abergavenny, Manafon near Welshpool, and several locations across Powys.

Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said the programme was helping bring “every part of the UK into the digital age”, while Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said reliable coverage was vital for rural communities and economic growth.

However, the announcement comes amid continuing concern about mobile phone coverage in Tenby, where residents and businesses have raised concerns about poor signal and mast-related issues.

Although the latest UK Government upgrades focus mainly on remote rural areas, the problems reported in Tenby highlight that connectivity remains a pressing issue in Pembrokeshire, particularly in coastal communities which see huge seasonal increases in visitor numbers.

Reliable mobile coverage is increasingly seen as essential for tourism businesses, delivery drivers, emergency services, residents and visitors who rely on phones for payments, bookings, navigation and safety.

The Shared Rural Network is a partnership between the UK Government and mobile network operators. Across Great Britain, more than 140 publicly funded 4G masts have now been activated.

The programme is due to continue until January 2027.