News
Businesses shortlisted for awards
AN ARTS & BUSINESS CYMRU AWARD 2016 shortlist has revealed that four Pembrokeshirebased businesses are in line to win a coveted award in May.
On Monday (Mar 21), the shortlist showed that the Port of Milford Haven, The VC Gallery, the Torch Theatre and Bluestone Resorts have been recognised in the ‘Arts, Business & Young People’ category.
This award recognises partnerships that have harnessed the power of the arts to engage young people.
These four organisations join a total of 21 businesses and their arts partners which have been named as finalists for this year’s awards, and are now set to fight it out to win one of the sought-after trophies at the award ceremony.
As well as the winners of the eight award categories, recipients of the prestigious A&B Cymru Award for Philanthropy, The Admiral Business of the Year and the Hospital Innovations Arts Award, will also be announced on the night, for which there is no shortlist.
The 23rd Arts & Business (A&B) Cymru Awards 2016 will take place at the Wales Millennium Centre on Saturday, May 14. The ceremony and dinner is sponsored for the sixth year by Global Energy Company Valero, and will be presented by Nicola Heywood Thomas and Arfon Haines Davies. The awards trophies will be handed over by a range of Welsh celebrities.
The annual event celebrates companies and individuals who work with the arts to achieve core business objectives which, in turn, benefit people and communities across Wales.
The award winners will be chosen by an independent panel of judges who have expertise in practical art forms, sponsorship and business. They will each receive a specially commissioned trophy that was designed and made by Brecon-based sculptor weaver, Sue Hiley Harris, in collaboration with her son, artist Owen Harris.
A&B Cymru’s chief executive, Rachel Jones, said: “The partnerships nominated this year show the strength and diversity of the artistic community throughout Wales, and the finalists have all worked hard to develop relationships that extend beyond their sector and enhance the work within private enterprise.
“These awards are a great opportunity to highlight the fantastic work that businesses and the arts do together, and I’d like to thank all of our sponsors for supporting us in hosting these awards yet again. All of the finalists shortlisted should be immensely proud of their achievements, and I hope that this recognition encourages them to continue with their inspiring work.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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