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Annual music festival showcases outstanding young talent

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More than 400 young musicians compete at Pembrokeshire Valero Secondary Schools’ Music Festival

MORE than 400 young musicians took centre stage at this year’s Pembrokeshire Valero Secondary Schools’ Music Festival, with pupils from all eight county secondary schools, Pembrokeshire College and invited competitors from further afield taking part.

Individual and ensemble classes ran throughout the day, with performances ranging from classical and jazz to rock, percussion, vocals and multi-instrument ensembles.

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service, Philippa Roberts, said: “The atmosphere at this year’s Valero Secondary Music Festival was wonderfully supportive, allowing every pupil to shine.

“It was a great example of the Music Plan for Wales in action, with community, schools and Pembrokeshire Music Service working together to give young people outstanding musical opportunities. Our thanks go to Valero for their continued support.”

Ryan Block, from Ysgol Bro Preseli, was named overall winner of the 2025 festival. Earlier in the day he won the Open Percussion class with a performance of War Pigs by Black Sabbath.

Other major class winners included:

  • Open StringsSeren Barrett, Greenhill, performing Humoresque by W.H. Squire.
  • Open JazzIestyn Barellie, Haverfordwest High VC School, performing Amazing Grace by Victor Wooten.
  • Open BrassCarys Rycroft, Ysgol Bro Gwaun, playing The Ash Grove by H. Round.
  • Open Piano & HarpLleucu-Haf Thomas, Ysgol Bro Preseli, performing Sonata No. 4 by Thomas Parry.
  • Open VocalsMia Burnett, Haverfordwest High VC School, performing Silent Noon by Vaughan Williams.
  • Open WoodwindGemma Armstrong, Ysgol Bro Preseli, performing the first movement of Poulenc’s Flute Sonata.
  • Open GuitarGeorge Penney, Milford Haven School, performing YYZ by Rush.
  • Open Vocal Ensemble – HHVC vocal trio Mia Burnett, Nyah McKee and Lois Capitao, with Joyful Joyful from Sister Act 2.
  • Open EnsembleTriawd ffliwt Bro Preseli, performing Boismortier’s Sonata in G (movements 1 & 2).
  • Open Rock & Pop BandThe Monarchs, Milford Haven School, with You Give Love by Bon Jovi.

Professional adjudicators Timothy Angel, Ben Richards, Sam Baxter, Catherine Hare, Gareth Kirby, Karin Jenkins, Rhiannon Pritchard, Jenny Weir and Joel Rees praised the standard of musicianship on display.

Vocal adjudicator Timothy Angel said: “The wealth of musical talent within Pembrokeshire Music Service is evident to see, and made my job both very rewarding and difficult.”

Piano and harp adjudicator Rhiannon Pritchard added: “Once again it was such a well-organised, fun event to be a part of, and the standard was so incredibly high.”


FULL RESULTS — SECONDARY VALERO 2025

(To keep this edition readable, results have been presented cleanly and in the original order.)


WOODWIND

Grade 3 flute
1st – Ella-May Kirby, MHS
2nd – Maegan Naoe, HHVC
3rd – Ella Howell, YHT

Grade 3 clarinet & sax
1st – Sasha Aulehla-Atkin, Caer Elen
2nd – Annabelle Jones, YHT
3rd – Aurora Phillips, MHS

Grade 4 woodwind
1st – Serena Ames, Redhill
2nd – Sapphire Cook, MHS
3rd – Imogen Holloway, YPD

Grade 5 woodwind
1st – Angharad Thomas, Bro Preseli
2nd – Matthew Picton, MHS
3rd – Arlo Jones, Greenhill

Grade 6 woodwind
1st – Tom Pounder, MHS
2nd – Teri Aulehla-Atkin, HHVC

Open Woodwind
1st – Gemma Armstrong, Bro Preseli
2nd – Isabelle Blyth, YPD
3rd – Harry Armstrong, MHS


BRASS

Grade 3 Brass
1st – Freddie Coleman, YPD
2nd – Isaac Phillips, Greenhill
3rd – Zoey Pyart, HHVC

Grade 4 Brass
1st – Luca Talbot-English, YBG
2nd – Angus Armstrong, MHS
3rd – Ioan Evans, Greenhill

Grade 5 Brass
1st – Ella-May Kirby, MHS
2nd – Eliza Wood, Greenhill & Logan Rowe-Davies, HHVC
3rd – Will Price, Greenhill
HC – Bronwen Corp, Bro Preseli

Grade 6 Brass
1st – Tristan George, HHVC
2nd – Tobias Edwards, HHVC
3rd – Harry Thomas, YPD

Open Brass
1st – Carys Rycroft, Bro Preseli
2nd – Eliza Wood, Greenhill
3rd – Ioan Bromby, Greenhill
HC – Archie Noyce, Greenhill & Kellan Rycroft, Bro Preseli


STRINGS

Grade 3 Strings
1st – Roberta Gale, YPD (cello)
2nd – Sophia Williams, YPD
3rd – Daisy Burnett, HHVC
HC – Roberta Gale, YPD (violin)

Grade 4 Strings
1st – Una McFarlane, Caer Elen
2nd – Chloe Jenkins-Simms, Bro Preseli
3rd – Benny Brett, HHVC & Nel Freeman, YHT
HC – Jakob Middlemist (HHVC), Lily Kingaby (YBG), Aaya Yunis (HHVC), Cecily Weaver (HHVC)

Grade 5 Strings
1st – Elena Gould
2nd – Isaac Frazer, Greenhill
3rd – Ruby Rapi, Bro Preseli
HC – Ella Howell (YHT), Eloise Barry (HHVC), Janelle Cabral (HHVC)

Grade 6 Strings
1st – Nina Powell

Open Strings
1st – Seren Barrett, Greenhill
2nd – Mia Burnett, HHVC & Cosmo Karenin, HHVC
3rd – Tom Bridger, HHVC
HC – Esyllt Corp, Bro Preseli


PIANO & HARP

Grade 3
1st – Poppy Hammersley, Bro Preseli
2nd – Bronwen Corp, Bro Preseli
3rd – Toby Armstrong, Bro Preseli
HC – Gareth Phillips, Bro Preseli

Grade 4
1st – Dev Saini, Bro Preseli
2nd – Toby Slowgrove, HHVC
3rd – Hywel Davies, Bro Preseli & Teifi James, YBG
HC – Isla Hounsell, YHT

Grade 5
1st – Steffan James, Caer Elen
2nd – Myla Spencer, YBG
3rd – Harry Thomas, YPD
HC – Poppy Llewellin, HHVC

Grade 6
1st – Ruby Kleinjans, YBG
2nd – Elena Gould
3rd – Mischa Orford, Redhill
HC – Abbie Collinson, Greenhill

Open Piano & Harp
1st – Lleucu-Haf Thomas, Bro Preseli (harp)
2nd – Lewis Lester-Payne, Pembrokeshire College
3rd – Iestyn Barrellie, HHVC & Lleucu-Haf Thomas, Bro Preseli (piano)
HC – Gabriel Blackwell, YBG


PERCUSSION

Drum Kit Grade 3-5
1st – Ptolemy Karenin, YBG
2nd – Griff Owens, HHVC & Dylan Mitchell, MHS
3rd – Isaac Vaughn, HHVC & Ifan Murphy, Caer Elen
HC – Haydon Straviniders, MHS

Open Drum Kit
1st – Ryan Block, Bro Preseli
2nd – Osian Ridgway, Henry Tudor
3rd – Taya Gardner-Thomas, HHVC
HC – Teilo Kite, YPD


JAZZ

Jazz Grade 3-5
1st – Erin Dando, MHS
2nd – Matthew Picton, MHS
3rd – Felicity Bettridge, MHS

Open Jazz
1st – Iestyn Barrellie, HHVC
2nd – Matthew Shaw, Greenhill
3rd – Tom Pounder, MHS


GUITAR

Open Guitar
1st – George Penney, MHS
2nd – Rosie Delaney, HHVC
3rd – Lewis Murray, YBG & Amy Rudder, HHVC


VOCALS

Musical Theatre & Classical (Years 7-9)
1st – Benny Brett, HHVC & Pixie Coast, HHVC
2nd – Alisha Panesar, HHVC & Erin Tilling, HHVC
3rd – Toby Armstrong, Bro Preseli
HC – Charlotte Riley, Caer Elen & Tilly Prevel, YHT

Pop Vocals (Years 7-9)
1st – Nancy Bhari, YHT
2nd – Annabelle Evans, YPD
3rd – Frazer Johnston, HHVC
HC – Lilla Gibbs, YHT & Holly Bowler, YPD

Musical Theatre & Classical (Years 10-13)
1st – Connie Lewis, YHT
2nd – Hollie Draper, YPD
3rd – Lois Capitao, HHVC
HC – Maisie Davey (YHT), Ozzy Evans (HHVC)

Pop Vocals (Years 10-13)
1st – Charlotte Bentley, HHVC
2nd – Izzy Roberts, MHS
3rd – Martha Bhari, YHT
HC – Sophia Jones (YHT), Owen Gibby (MHS)

Open Vocals
1st – Mia Burnett, HHVC
2nd – Millie Evans-Thomas, Greenhill
3rd – Ruby Panesar, HHVC
HC – Lilwen Ford (Bro Preseli), Bella Macare (Pembrokeshire College), Eva Rees (MHS), Nyah McKee (HHVC)


ENSEMBLES

Instrumental Ensembles up to Grade 5
1st – Ysgol Caer Elen String Trio
2nd – Violin, cello & piano trio (Elena & Roberta – YPD, Eva – Redhill)
3rd – YHT Woodwind Ensemble

Open Instrumental Ensemble
1st – Triawd ffliwt, Ysgol Bro Preseli
2nd – Deuawd Telyn a Ffidl, Ysgol Bro Preseli
3rd – HHVC Cello Quartet

Open Vocal Ensemble
1st – HHVC Vocal Trio – Joyful Joyful
2nd – YHT Vocal Duet
3rd – HHVC Vocal Duet

Open Rock & Pop Ensemble
1st – The Monarchs, MHS
2nd – Ysgol Bro Gwaun Rock Band
3rd – Rudz n Roses, HHVC
HC – Caer Elen Band 1 & HHVC Band 1


Pictured: Individual winners (Photo 1) and ensemble winners.

 

Community

The gentle giant behind the tattoos

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Pembrokeshire security worker Josh Davies praised for professionalism, kindness and proving first impressions can be wrong

JOSH Davies is hard to miss.

With tattoos across his head, face, neck and hands, he is the kind of man people notice before they know anything about him.

But those who know him, work with him, or have simply crossed paths with him after a long night on duty, tell a very different story.

They describe him as a gentleman. A grafter. A man with a big heart. Someone who would do anything to help another person.

Now Josh, who completed his Door Supervisor course with RM Training and Security Solutions last year, is being praised for the way he has built a career in the security industry and become a valued member of the team.

The Pembrokeshire-based company said Josh had gone “from strength to strength” since gaining his licence, working across licensed venues, events, customer-facing roles, response duties and other security work.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said: “From day one, Josh showed a natural ability for the security industry.

“Since gaining his licence, he has thrown himself into every opportunity presented to him, working across a variety of roles including licensed venues, events, customer-facing positions, response duties, and much more.

“There genuinely seems to be nothing Josh cannot turn his hand to. His willingness to learn, adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude have made him a valued member of the RM team.”

But it is not only his employers who have noticed.

After RM Training shared Josh’s success story online, dozens of people came forward to praise him, with many saying his appearance should never be mistaken for the man underneath.

One woman said she had met Josh on a Sunday morning after he had finished a night shift.

She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. Someone you would say from first impression of meeting, nice guy, good guy.”

Another person, who said she had known Josh since he was young and treated him like a son, said: “I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me in my life. He is one in a million.

“People look at him like a big boy, but he has got a heart and he will do anything to help anyone.”

Others described him as a “great bloke”, “absolute gentleman”, “sound bloke”, and someone who was “built to be a doorman”.

In an industry where first impressions, calm judgement and public confidence matter, RM Training said Josh’s professionalism had become one of his strongest qualities.

The company added: “What stands out most is his professionalism. Whether dealing with members of the public, clients, colleagues, or challenging situations, Josh consistently demonstrates the highest standards expected within our industry.

“He represents both himself and RM Training & Security Solutions exceptionally well at all times.

“We are incredibly proud to have Josh as part of the team and look forward to watching his continued growth and success within the security industry.”

Security staff are often seen only when something goes wrong, but much of the work involves preventing problems before they happen, reassuring the public, supporting event organisers, and knowing how to deal with difficult situations calmly.

Josh’s story has struck a chord because it challenges the quick assumptions people can make.

To some, the tattoos may be the first thing they see.

To those who know him, they are simply part of a man who has worked hard, taken his chance, and earned respect through his attitude and actions.

One supporter summed it up simply: “Life loves a grafter.”

Photo caption:

Josh Davies has been praised by RM Training and Security Solutions and members of the public for his professionalism and kindness (Pics: DarthMartyMedia).

 

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Artist explores memory, community and changing rural life in new Cardigan exhibition

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A NEW exhibition exploring memory, belonging and the changing face of rural life is opening in Cardigan.

West Wales artist Sue Dewhurst will present From the Outside Looking In at Oriel Cardi Bach, with the exhibition running from June 27 to July 30.

The collection brings together several new series of work reflecting on the people, places and traditions that shaped Dewhurst’s childhood in the 1970s.

At the heart of the exhibition are the Chapel Girls, a group of paintings focusing on women who might once have filled the chapels that dominated Welsh village life. In Dewhurst’s work, they are now seen finding new forms of belonging through shopping trips, bingo halls, dating apps, bottomless brunches and everyday rituals, while redundant chapels stand silent around them.

The exhibition also includes A Bit of a Do, a series inspired by weddings, family parties and village hall celebrations.

Among the familiar characters are the mysterious woman in her best hat who appears at every gathering, the accountant calculating buffet logistics, the retired nurse dancing barefoot long after everyone else has gone home, and Harry, a grumpy gent with a mysteriously missing fingertip that nobody dares ask about.

Dewhurst’s Ghost Town series will also feature, exploring the changing landscapes of northern mill towns and communities transformed beyond recognition. These works sit alongside expressive coastal paintings inspired by New Quay and the Ceredigion coast.

A further installation of miniature “party paintings” will be presented like treasured relics rescued from a forgotten village hall or working men’s club. Wrapped with handwritten stories and nostalgic memorabilia, the pieces invite visitors to remember people and moments that might otherwise disappear.

Sue said music also plays an important role in the exhibition.

She said: “Music is so evocative for me and can instantly transport me back to a certain point in time.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the lives we don’t usually celebrate – the women who held communities together, the odd characters who turned up at every family occasion, the places that shaped us and the memories that linger long after buildings and traditions have changed.

“This exhibition is really about looking back with affection and humour, while recognising that we are all, in one way or another, trying to find where we belong.”

Originally from Lancashire and now based near Llandysul, Dewhurst has spent more than thirty years working in the arts. She previously ran Oriel Haywire in Llandysul before its closure around eighteen months ago.

From the Outside Looking In opens at Oriel Cardi Bach, Cardigan, on June 27 and runs until July 30.

Visitors are invited to rediscover familiar faces, forgotten stories and the beauty found in ordinary lives.

.

 

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Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration

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LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK MARKED WITH MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND INCLUSION IN PEMBROKE DOCK

THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock was filled with music, laughter and energy as visitors came together to celebrate Learning Disability Week.

The event saw popular entertainer Bongo Clive lead a lively session of singing, drumming and participation, with those attending joining in throughout the day.

The gallery said the session had created a joyful atmosphere, with music helping to bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity and wellbeing.

A spokesperson for The VC Gallery said: “The smiles said it all. A huge thank you to Bongo Clive for bringing your incredible energy, enthusiasm and positivity to The VC today. You certainly had everyone moving to the beat.”

Learning Disability Week celebrates inclusion and the abilities, creativity and individuality of people with learning disabilities.

The Pembroke Dock event highlighted the role of community spaces such as The VC Gallery in supporting wellbeing, friendship and confidence through shared creative activities.

 

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