Entertainment

The importance of the horse in Welsh history

Published

5 months ago

September 4, 2024

It is estimated that there are over 400 breeds of horses in the world. While many are bred for racing and beauty, some are alive just for their hardiness and ability to work. In Wales, some of the toughest of these were named pit ponies and are a symbol of the industrial heritage of the country. In this article, we discuss the importance of the horse in Pembrokeshire and Welsh history.

The pit pony

From the 18th to the mid-20th century, the pit pony was a staple of Welsh mining. These horses, ponies or mules were used to work underground and have been recorded as being used as far back as 1750. This horse would generally work an eight-hour shift each day. They would haul coal in tubs, living on a diet of hay and any scraps the miners fed them. In some instances, they were even stabled underground.

This horse came from a range of breeds. Welsh horses were the most common, but Shetlands, Devons and Dartmoor breeds were also used. Even larger horses like Cleveland Bays were used in some instances.

Way outside Pembrokeshire, but worth a visit nonetheless, is Sultan the Pit Pony. Resting in Caerphilly, from the ground it seems like a formation of small hillocks. Yet from far away, the Sultan takes shape and is a fantastic earthen sculpture to commemorate the pit ponies.

Ffos Las

Ffos Las racecourse is a fitting tribute to the country’s link between the horse and its industrial heritage. The track was the first National Hunt racecourse built in the United Kingdom for 80 years when it opened in 2009. Previously, it had been the site of an open-cast coal mine, that was left without a purpose once mining there had ceased.

Racing has now become bigger than ever, and Ffos Las is one of the few courses that is based in Wales. Recent developments in communications, such as the ability to watch races through streaming technology, have increased popularity and Ffos Las is thriving. Even the ability to participate in racehorse ownership has been made much easier, due to online syndicates. They allow racehorse ownership for attractive entry prices, providing all the information members need to follow their horses to Ffos Las and beyond. Thus, the industry is in a boom period and Ffos Las is one of many UK courses at the forefront of this.

The horses that built the henge

To the northeast of Pembrokeshire in Eglwyswrw is Carn Goedog. For many, it may look like quite an unremarkable rocky outcrop in the Welsh wilderness. Yet modern methods of analysis have managed to trace it as the place where the materials for the famous Stonehenge were mined. This is believed to have happened around 2500 BC. Weighing two to five tonnes each, it is unlikely these stones would have been moved without the help of Welsh horses.

In the age of petrol and electric transportation, the horse may not play as important a part in the economic structure of the country as it once did. Yet it remains a strong image, a metaphor for Welsh work ethic and spirit. Wherever the Welsh work hard and maintain their identity, the horse will be there to guide them.

Entertainment

Sir Bryn Terfel launches search for future singing stars

Published

14 hours ago

January 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

OPERA star Sir Bryn Terfel is calling on the world’s most talented young singers to compete for a title that could propel them to international stardom.

The renowned bass-baritone described the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as “a wonderful opportunity” for budding performers to launch their careers on the global stage.

Sir Bryn, from Pantglas, near Penygroes, Gwynedd, will headline the Eisteddfod’s closing concert on Sunday, July 13, at the International Pavilion. He plans to perform songs from his latest album, Sea Songs, alongside acclaimed folk group Fisherman’s Friends and Welsh folk singer Eve Goodman.

The concert will also feature the final of this year’s Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, which has been a highlight of the festival since its launch in 2013. Last year, Singaporean soprano Shimona Rose claimed the title in a thrilling finale against Welsh soprano Manon Ogwen Parry.

Prestigious prize

Sponsored by Pendine Park through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT), the competition awards the winner the Pendine Trophy and a £3,000 cheque. The runner-up will receive £1,000.

The closing date for entries is Thursday, February 20. Entrants, aged 19 or over, must submit an audio recording and proof of age with their application. They will perform a seven-minute programme in the preliminary rounds and a ten-minute programme in the final, featuring works from oratorio, opera, lieder, or song, sung in their original language.

Sir Bryn said: “The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is a fantastic opportunity for talented young singers. It provides a real launchpad for careers onto the global stage.”

A global stage

Llangollen Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director, Dave Danford, said this year’s competition final, held during the closing concert, would give contestants the chance to perform on the same stage as Sir Bryn.

“The competition provides a valuable stepping stone for young singers pursuing professional careers,” he said. “So far, we’ve received entries from China, Nigeria, England, and Wales. The selection panel will choose the competitors after the February 20 deadline.”

The competition was conceived by Pendine Park proprietors Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, who praised the extraordinary talent it continues to attract.

Mr Kreft said: “The standard is phenomenal. This year’s contestants also have the thrill of sharing a stage with Sir Bryn, one of the opera world’s true giants.”

Exciting concert lineup

The Eisteddfod’s evening concerts promise something for everyone. Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey opens the season on Tuesday, July 8, with hits from The Who and his solo career, including a Q&A session with fans.

On Wednesday, July 9, a special concert, Uniting Nations: One World, will mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The event will feature Karl Jenkins’ One World performed by an international massed choir, including the Stay At Home Choir.

Thursday, July 10, sees BRIT Award-winning artist KT Tunstall perform her iconic album Eye to the Telescope with a live orchestra, marking its 20th anniversary. On Friday, July 11, Il Divo makes its Llangollen debut, delighting fans with their classical crossover repertoire.

For details on the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition and tickets, visit international-eisteddfod.co.uk.

Caption:
Sir Bryn Terfel performing at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. (Pic: Supplied)

Entertainment

Celebrate Chinese New Year with a blockbuster line-up at Vue Carmarthen

Published

3 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

VUE CARMARTHEN is kicking off the Chinese New Year in style this January with an exciting mix of Mandarin cinema, featuring the latest blockbusters and a special anniversary screening of the iconic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

25th Anniversary of a Classic
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Ang Lee’s martial arts masterpiece Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which returns to the big screen on January 24. Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film, the visually stunning epic tells the tale of a young Chinese warrior in 19th century China who steals a legendary sword, embarking on a journey of adventure and discovery.

Blockbuster Mandarin Films
In addition to this celebrated classic, Vue Carmarthen will screen two major Mandarin releases on January 31:

Detective Chinatown 1900: The latest instalment in the popular Chinese detective comedy series. Set in San Francisco’s Chinatown in 1900, the story follows an unlikely detective duo as they unravel the mystery of a woman’s murder, clearing the name of an accused Chinese man in the process.
Creation of the Gods 2: The Battle at Xiqi: The second instalment in the Fengshen Trilogy. This epic fantasy adventure immerses viewers in a mythical world where gods and immortal warriors clash in a monumental battle between two armies.

Celebrating Mandarin Cinema
Michelle Kardoun, General Manager of Vue Carmarthen, expressed her excitement about the event:
“We’re thrilled to ring in the Chinese New Year by celebrating the finest in Mandarin cinema, which is enjoying a remarkable surge in global popularity. We’re especially excited to welcome back the record-breaking Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon—a trailblazing film that paved the way for Mandarin cinema and firmly established the genre on the global stage.”

Join Vue Carmarthen for an unforgettable celebration of Chinese New Year and Mandarin cinema.

在 Vue Carmarthen 与一系列精彩电影共庆中国新年

为庆祝即将到来的中国新年，Vue Carmarthen 将于今年一月呈现一系列精彩的华语电影，包括最新大片以及经典名作《卧虎藏龙》的特别纪念放映。

经典重映：25 周年纪念
今年恰逢李安导演的武侠经典《卧虎藏龙》上映 25 周年。这部作品曾斩获四项奥斯卡大奖，包括最佳外语片，将于 1 月 24 日重返大银幕。影片讲述了 19 世纪的中国，一名年轻的武士偷走了一把传奇之剑，踏上了充满冒险与发现的旅程。这部视觉震撼的史诗电影堪称全球武侠电影的巅峰之作。

华语电影大片连映
除了经典重映，Vue Carmarthen 将于 1 月 31 日放映两部备受期待的华语大片：

《唐人街探案 1900》：深受喜爱的《唐人街探案》系列最新力作，故事发生在 1900 年的旧金山唐人街。一桩女性谋杀案将一名华人男子推向嫌疑人的风口浪尖，而一对非传统侦探搭档将联手追查真凶，揭开真相。
《封神之战：西岐之战》：封神三部曲的第二部作品。这部奇幻冒险大片带领观众进入一个充满英雄与神祇的世界，两个军队之间的史诗级大战即将展开，甚至不朽的战士也加入了战斗。

致敬华语电影
Vue Carmarthen 总经理 Michelle Kardoun 表示：
“我们非常高兴以华语电影的最佳代表作品庆祝中国新年。近年来，华语电影在全球范围内的人气大幅飙升，而《卧虎藏龙》的回归更是令人激动。这部开创性的影片奠定了华语电影的全球地位，为观众呈现了一场文化与艺术的盛宴。”

加入 Vue Carmarthen，一起欣赏华语电影的非凡魅力，欢度中国新年！

Entertainment

A new year but the same January traditions

Published

6 days ago

January 21, 2025

Staff Writer

December is a fairly extravagant month for most, with many people overspending on groceries, eating out, engaging in more frequent social gatherings, and purchasing numerous gifts However, January is often much more steady, with people trying to compensate for their indulgence in December by cutting back on their spending.

Whilst January is a time for steady living, it doesn’t mean it has to be a dull month! There are plenty of ways you can keep January in Pembrokeshire interesting without breaking the bank. Here are a few things you can do both offline and online to keep busy whilst reducing your spending after the holiday period.

Online entertainment

Nowadays you can find almost anything online, from things to watch to games to play. The internet offers endless possibilities for entertainment. Similarly, you can visit any country you like on the TV via YouTube, or you can learn a new hobby without expensive lessons.

Try online gaming

Online gaming is an excellent way to occupy yourself. Whether you prefer a simple racing game or want to completely immerse yourself in a fantasy world, there is something for everyone. Gaming with others online is also a great way to stay connected without the need to go out and spend money.

You could even take the thrill of gaming up a notch and try online casinos. Online slots can be a fun way to pass the time and playing for real money could add some excitement to your evenings. And those winter-themed slot motifs will sure make you feel better.

Binge watch a new TV series

Starting a new TV series can be very exciting, and with plenty of affordable streaming services available such as Netflix or Disney Plus, it’s easy to find a show, or several, that will keep you engaged for the entirety of January.

New hobbies

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start fresh and trying a new hobby is a good place to start. There are plenty of hobbies that involve little to no cost, such as baking, gardening, running, and reading. These are just a handful of low-cost hobbies you could take up.

Group activities

Consider doing group activities with friends which will allow you to split the costs. You could compete in a bake-off or ‘come dine with me’ style competition. Alternatively, if you still fancy going out, places like Thorpe Park or Go Ape offer group discounts which can help to reduce expenses.

You can still have fun and cut back!

By being a little more strategic, you can still enjoy January even whilst cutting back after an expensive December. From online gaming to trying new hobbies, you can keep busy without spending a fortune.