Entertainment

First-hand experiences from the Welsh Guards told in new film

Published

6 hours ago

October 21, 2024

MARKING a decade since the withdrawal of British combat troops from Afghanistan, a new documentary Helmand: Tour of Duty– airing on BBC Two, BBC Two Wales and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday, October 30 at 9pm – tells the intimate, dramatic and revelatory story of ten Welsh Guards deployed to the frontline of the war in Helmand Province in 2009.

It was a period which became known as the British Army’s bloodiest summer in more than half a century. At a time when UK press coverage of casualties was peaking and the fate of the war in Afghanistan hung in the balance, the Welsh Guards were tasked with pushing back an evolving Taliban insurgency whose battlefield tactics increasingly centred on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and intense, close quarters combat. It’s an era marked in Britain’s national memory, but the experience of those on the frontline, both then and in the years that followed, is little understood.

Now, in their own words, and sharing their experiences for the first time on camera, the band of brothers, alongside their wives and mothers, reveal the realities of war, revisiting some of the most impactful, bloody and life changing moments.

Jonathan Jenkinson, Colour Sergeant in the Welsh Guards in 2009, recalls an incident where one of their vehicles hits an IED: “When that vehicle goes up and you see the guys just flying in the air, it’s horrendous. The Taliban, they started opening up on us, firing at us. There was fuel, ammunition everywhere. It was chaos.”

Their bond was unbreakable, yet during their six-month deployment, the regiment took unprecedented casualties, losing a man at nearly every military rank up to Lt. Colonel, while many others suffered life changing injuries.

Speaking about the bond of the Welsh Guards, Gavin Evans, Sergeant, said: “We’re all cut from the same cloth if you like, a big family, we know what our upbringings have been like. We know what our surrounding areas are like, and we just look out for each other.”

Echoing this, Steven Peters, Platoon Sergeant, said: “You get that feel of being part of a team, it’s a brotherhood. You have that connection, and that bond stays strong for a lifetime.”

Told as a gripping week by week narrative, the film also explores the ongoing impact that the tour has had on the rest of many of their lives 15 years later, with the cast reflecting on how they have processed events, particularly in the context of the Taliban resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021.

The 80-minute film has been co-commissioned by BBC Factual and BBC Cymru Wales, directed by Hannah Lowes edited by Tom Dixon Spain and Exec Produced by Hamish Fergusson and Gwenllian Hughes. It is a co-production between Passion Pictures and Kailash Films. It has been commissioned by Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning for BBC Documentaries and Nick Andrews, Head of Content Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales. The Commissioning Editor for BBC Factual is Tom Pullen and the Commissioning Editor for BBC Cymru Wales is Julian Carey.

Community

Pembroke & Monkton Local History Society talk and coffee morning

Published

2 days ago

October 19, 2024

Richard Lewis

JOIN PEMBROKE & Monkton Local History Society on Saturday November 2nd in Pembroke Town Hall for a fascinating talk by distinguished Tudor author Nathen Amin, who will be introducing his latest book ‘Son of Prophesy: the Rise of Henry Tudor’.

Born in Pembroke Castle, Henry VII has a special interest here, his statue standing proud on Pembroke Mill Bridge. Good news also, that work on the proposed Henry Tudor Centre has now recommenced and will hopefully become a reality in the spring of 2026.

It is fitting, and long overdue, that Pembroke should have a Centre dedicated to Henry Tudor. As England’s most celebrated royal dynasty, it’s often overlooked that the Tudors have their origins in rural Wales, far from the urban centres of English power where they dared to become great. When Henry Tudor won the English crown by defeating Richard III in battle, he was a stranger to the people he now ruled, an ‘unknown Welshman’ in the words of his defeated foe. In his native Wales, however, Henry had long been championed as the Son of Prophecy, a foretold national messiah who would free his oppressed people from their lengthy misery. How had this remarkable situation come about?

In this lucid and riveting account, Nathen Amin deftly explores how this redoubtable Welsh family thrived during lean years of political chaos, national instability, and inter-generational bloodshed to leave behind a complex legacy that changed the face of England and Wales forever. It is a passionately told tale of treachery, cunning, love, and heartbreak. From Penmynydd to Bosworth, this is the enthralling, action-packed story of the Tudors, but not as you know it.

Nathen Amin is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and an experienced public speaker, having presented talks on the Beauforts, Wars of the Roses, and Henry VII, for more than fifty societies and book festivals. He has also featured on British, Australian and German radio and television, as well as in print and online media across the UK. There will be an opportunity for book signing following the talk.

Doors open at 10am for coffee and an opportunity to visit the Museum and Council Chamber, which are situated on the first floor of the Town Hall – a lift is available for disabled access. Everyone is welcome to attend (you do not have to be a member) and entry is free.

For more information, visit the Pembroke & Monkton Local History Society website or keep up to date with their activities on Facebook.

If you have any queries, contact [email protected]

Entertainment

Get ready for the return of ‘Kingdom of the Elves’ at Bluestone this Christmas

Published

2 days ago

October 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

BLUESTONE National Park Resort is excited to announce the much-anticipated return of its festive event, Kingdom of the Elves. Making a comeback for the first time since 2019, the magical Christmas experience will run from 4th November to 2nd January, transforming the resort into a winter wonderland with new seasonal experiences for all the family to enjoy.

Guests visiting this year’s Kingdom of the Elves can dive into a range of complimentary activities, including the Jingle Jive, a fun-filled celebration with Christmas characters, festive games, a disco, and singalongs. Little ones can also enjoy Polar Postal, where Santa’s elves will collect their special letters, and Christmas Countdown, a daily celebration with the elves as the big day draws nearer.

Extra activities on offer include Santa’s Lodge, nestled in the trees, and the Elf School Journey, where guests can learn festive skills, uncover Christmas secrets, and graduate with festive joy. The fun can begin with the Elf Breakfast, a lively buffet featuring singing, dancing, and plenty of fun alongside the playful elves who bring the Kingdom of the Elves to life.

Recently voted the third-best resort in the UK and Wales’ top resort by Which?, Bluestone is a five-star self-catering destination spread across 500 acres of the Pembrokeshire countryside. Known for its seasonal makeovers, the resort promises to offer guests of all ages a magical Christmas, calling it the ‘ultimate Christmas experience.’

The festive magic will extend throughout the resort, with elves spreading cheer across the Blue Lagoon water park and the Serendome, the UK’s largest ‘umbrella’ and entertainment hub. Alongside the festive activities, Bluestone’s popular adventure offerings will still be available, and for those seeking a peaceful escape, the award-winning Well Spa will be open throughout the season.

Rebecca Rigby, Operations Director at Bluestone, said: “The Bluestone team is thrilled to welcome Kingdom of the Elves back to the resort. Our ‘Christmasland’ event was hugely successful over the last few years, but Kingdom of the Elves has always held a special place in our guests’ hearts.

“This year, we’re pulling out all the stops to make the festival even more magical. With exciting new events and mischievous elves spreading festive cheer from the moment guests arrive, it’s the perfect way for all ages to embrace the Christmas spirit. We can’t wait to turn on the Christmas lights and let everyone experience the magic.”

Last year, the resort added 80 new platinum lodges to its accommodation lineup, each designed to house up to eight guests and offering complimentary access to an electric buggy. Bluestone is looking forward to welcoming even more multi-generational families this festive season with these spacious new lodges.

In addition, Bluestone has enhanced its sustainability efforts with the launch of a new solar farm in September 2024. Set to provide 30 percent of the resort’s annual electricity, it will help power this year’s magical Christmas lights for the first time.

For those looking to book a Kingdom of the Elves stay, a four-night midweek break starts from £360, while a three-night weekend break starts from £495 (based on a two-bedroom lodge, sleeping up to four people).

To find out more or to book your Kingdom of the Elves break, visit: www.bluestonewales.com.

Entertainment

Step into the roaring ‘20s and solve the mystery that echoes through time

Published

3 days ago

October 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ARE you a Murder Mystery fan?

Would you like to solve a crime?

On Thursday 31 October you can be the next Poirot as The 1920’s Murder Mystery: The Roaring Twin’Ties comes to the Torch Theatre.

The evening will be a fun interactive murder mystery set in 1920s America.

In an underground speakeasy, the famous Deadly Double cocktail is the must have drink.
With the recipe locked away in owner Marty Lynch’s safe, and business thriving,
nothing could possibly go wrong…that is until Marty’s twin brother Harry turns up,
with two detectives on his tail.

The Midweek Murder Mystery Club, established by a group of friends – directors
Jordan, Dan and Gabby, will appeal not only to Murder Mystery fans but also to fans
of puzzles and escape rooms. This particular Murder Mystery is a comedy, so if
you’re a fan of a bit of slapstick and farce then you’ll enjoy this one.

Held on Thursday 31 October, the evening will consist of a welcome drink and a two-
course meal courtesy of Café Torch.

“If you’ve never been to a Murder Mystery event, then it’s very easy to enjoy. The
characters will interact with you so make sure to ask lots of questions and get
involved. Don’t’ worry – you don’t have to solve it, it’s all about the experience. We
also encourage everyone to dress up in their best 1920s outfit and to get stuck into
the evening!” said Jordan, who will also be taking part in the event.

The Murder Mystery is located in a make-believe Club run by the charismatic
showman Marty Lynch, that he co-owns with his twin brother Harry. The Club is very
popular as the best singer in town, Pearl Parker, is their resident Cabaret singer,
along with her backup singer Lizzie. All seems to be going well until a detective with
a chip on his shoulder and his bumbling sidekick arrive… and all hell breaks loose!
Jordan added: “Join us for an immersive dining experience, featuring glam,
suspense, food, music, comedy and a night to remember! Don your best flapper
dress or dapper suit and let the intrigue begin!”

This will be the Midweek Murder Mystery Club’s first event at the Torch Theatre and
here in Pembrokeshire. Based in Carmarthen, the Club as performed all over
Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Aberystwyth. The Club also has its big Halloween
event coming up at St Peter’s Civic Hall on Saturday 2 November.

The 1920s Themed Menu includes a cocktail on arrival, – a French 75. Main Course:
Pork chops with mushrooms and wine served with pretty duchess potato and greens;
spinach, sweet onion and camembert tart served with a side salad or shrimp cocktail.
Dessert: Vanilla white chocolate mousse; pineapple upside down cake; cheese plate,
chutney and crackers.

The 1920’s Murder Mystery: The Roaring Twin’Ties comes to the Torch Theatre
Cafe on Thursday 31 October at 7pm. Ticket price, to include a two-course meal
and a welcome drink: £50. To book your tickets or for further information, contact the
Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.