Entertainment

Please come to the Torch Theatre ‘One more time’ in next few months

Published

2 years ago

September 9, 2024

THE TORCH THEATRE in Milford Haven, is launching a new fundraising campaign – One More Time! The message is simple – if you came just ‘one more time’ to the Torch over the next few months that would help us massively to maintain our position as the centre for cultural arts here in Pembrokeshire.

Ben Lloyd, the Torch Theatre’s Executive Director, explains: “This time last year local people stepped up and supported us to raise much needed funds which helped to fill the shortfall left by cut backs in public funding. As a charity we are extremely grateful for the support we received and thanks to the generosity of our community we had a successful year. We’re not alone, we know many publicly funded arts organisations are in the same position. We now know that this situation is not going to change and we will need to raise funds every year. And so this year our ask is simple – whether you’re a regular visitor to the Torch, or you just come occasionally, or indeed if you’ve never been to Torch before, please consider coming One More Time! because each additional ticket is a vote of confidence in the value of the arts and the huge variety of events and activities we provide for our community.”

Supporting the Torch is more than just enjoying an evening of entertainment; it’s also being part of a creative community and culture. By attending the Torch Theatre, here in Pembrokeshire, for whatever it is you like to do – to see a film, watch a play, enjoy the opera or come to one of our creative workshops, you are directly contributing to the livelihood and the vibrancy of the community here in Pembrokeshire.

Ben added: “All local theatre is operating on a tight budget, and every ticket sale makes a difference in covering production costs, paying actors and staff, and ensuring the survival of the very theatre itself. Coming for one more event than you might normally do in a year will help ensure the success of current and future productions and all our community activities, keeping the local arts scene alive and thriving for us now but importantly, for future generations.”

The Torch has, for almost 50 years, been the local place where innovation often begins. It’s a space for experimentation, where new plays are tested and new talent is discovered – especially in our fantastic Youth Theatre. By coming One More Time, you’ll be supporting the next generation of playwrights, actors, and directors as well as all the creative activities we deliver for our community.

Attending a local theatre production isn’t just a transaction as Ben explains: “It’s an investment in your community’s cultural fabric. Each time you attend, you’re nurturing a creative environment that benefits everyone. Come one more time, bring a friend, and help keep the spotlight shining on local talent. Your continued support is the lifeblood of the arts, ensuring that the magic of theatre remains a vibrant part of our community for young and old alike.”

As well as the One More Time! campaign, there’s are other ways to show your support by becoming a Torch Member, making a one-off donation or giving a regular monthly donation, sponsoring a seat in your name for 10 years in our Main House, leaving a legacy in your will or, by giving your time and becoming a volunteer. Email [email protected] for more information or speak to the Box Office Team.

Entertainment

Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir to perform at Royal Welsh Show

Published

1 day ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE HAWKSTONE FARMERS’ CHOIR, winners of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, will perform at the 2026 Royal Welsh Show.

The choir will sing in the main ring on the afternoon of Monday, July 20, the opening day of the show at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.

Formed by Jeremy Clarkson as part of an advertising campaign for his Cotswolds-based brewing business, the choir has since grown into a national success story, using its platform to raise awareness of mental health within the farming community.

Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir to the Royal Welsh Show.

“Their performance on the Monday in the main ring, in front of thousands of visitors, will be a truly special occasion.”

He added that it would be the choir’s first official performance in Wales since winning Britain’s Got Talent, and said many choir members had strong links with the Royal Welsh.

Lead soloist Rosie Jones, a beef and sheep farmer from Mid Wales, said: “What an honour to be invited to sing at the Royal Welsh Show 2026.

“This fairytale journey just keeps growing, but the greatest thing to come from it is the community we’ve built within the choir and beyond.”

The Royal Welsh Show is one of Europe’s leading agricultural events, celebrating Welsh farming, food and rural life.

Picture caption:

The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir (Pic: Britain’s Got Talent / ITV).

Entertainment

Safe Online Gambling: Tips for Staying in Control

Published

2 days ago

June 16, 2026

Staff Writer

In many cases, online gambling is a harmless hobby. However, for others, gambling can become problematic without the right considerations. Thankfully, there are many ways to keep gambling habits restrained to prevent addiction. With that in mind, here are some safe online gambling tips to help you stay in control and keep gambling fun.

Set Financial Limits

Licensed operators must offer tools that allow people to set personal budgets. And from 30 June, they must also provide customers with an opportunity to set deposit limits, which refers to the amount a customer pays into their account over a set duration. These kinds of tools can be invaluable for people who struggle knowing when to stop or have a habit of chasing losses.

Similarly, most reputable casinos also have time limits, to ensure you aren’t spending too much time gambling. Additionally, if you feel you’ve lost control entirely, you can also self-exclude yourself from all sites by registering for an account with Gamstop Online.

Avoid Gambling Under the Influence

Gambling under the influence, after consuming alcohol for instance, can impair your judgement and lead to impulsive decisions. It’s essential that you only gamble while sober and when you’re not experiencing any particularly strong emotions, so you can make more informed, level-headed decisions.

This is especially true when using the fastest payout casinos or high intensity games, as it can be easy to get caught up in the fun, lose money fast, or make more impulsive decisions.

Know the Signs of Problem Gambling

When you gamble, you are taking a risk. Not just financially, but emotionally too. It’s important that you recognise the signs of problem gambling, so you can address any problems early to prevent further harm.

Some of the common signs of problem gambling include:

Frequently chasing losses
Using money intended for savings or essential expenses for gambling
Borrowing money from friends or relatives to gamble
Feeling agitated, angry, or anxious when not gambling
Having a preoccupation with gambling
Feeling out of control or impulsive when gambling
Not engaging in other hobbies or withdrawing from social activities
Concealing or lying to loved ones about gambling habits

Maintain Gambling Best Practices

To prevent your gambling habits from becoming a problem. Be sure to set yourself financial and time limits, avoid gambling when under the influence or when experiencing strong emotions, and get to know the early warning signs of problematic behaviour so you can address any issues quickly.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

2 days ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.