Community

Local artist of the week – Will Mills x Hijac

Published

10 years ago

April 12, 2016

AFTER growing up in Tenby, 21-year-old rapper Will Mills moved to the big city of London to study advertising, where he met his DJ, Hijac. The Herald spoke with the two musicians while they were visiting Pembrokeshire this week.

They’ve just been booked to play Secret Solstice in Iceland this Summer, where they will be joining names such as Action Bronson, Die Antwood, Radiohead and Lady Leshur.

Will has always loved telling stories, creating and performing and music has always been the easiest outlet for that.

However, he feels that rapping as a profession is so far away from who he is: “Sequential, seaside, town bound, country – I guess I like to break those kind of boundaries. I like to shock.”

Initially, when Will started creating music, he did not rap. He told us: “I made noises with my mouth that Niall, my twin brother, could spit to.

“The first ever line I heard of his was ‘Born, born 1995, it was a hard time kiddin’, beach side house by Tenby we were livin’. We didn’t produce anything for another few years. It was all videos at the start; mobile phone, three megapixel type stuff.”

Jac (Hijac) realised that he wanted to pursue music when he started to hate the idea of committing himself to a job he didn’t like.

“The dream was to pursue a career in a hobby,” he told us, “I became so obsessed with it – it became ridiculous. I’d be on the toilet, listening to new music on Soundcloud just to get my fix.”

Not long after, Jac created his first song ‘Feather-riots’.

“I’d paid a guy off Gumtree £20 an hour to teach me over Skype. I’d like to thank him for this, but I can’t remember his name. We never stayed in touch.”

When Will first started rapping he found that he sounds was very London based, after he’d been to see Wiley in Cardiff.

“Bringing a genre like that to Pembrokeshire is really difficult,” Will said, before stating that he hadn’t achieved the sound he’d been looking for until now.

“Only now can I listen to a track of ours and think, ‘I’d listen to this myself’. Since moving to London I’ve really had the chance to escape those beach-esque, laidback tones and create something I’m proud of – something that pops.”

Jac’s tastes are constantly changing, and his music follows that pattern as a result. Originally, the DJ only made Moombahton, a kind of slowed down version of Reggaeton, but he has since experimented with House, Trap, and testing BPMs.

“I enjoy merging different aspects of genres together,” he commented.

We asked the boys how they would describe their music, to which they replied: “You can definitely dance to it; it’s high energy stuff. I don’t think South Wales has been witness to it before. It’s very different and it’s been harder than it should have been to find a club that accepts it.”

During their live show, Will and Jac always try to project a mix of emotions.

“The goal is to make the audience laugh, dance and cry all in one night. There’s a beginning, middle and end to every show.”

“How does playing in west Wales differ from playing in London?” we asked.

“People tend stare a lot more in Wales, maybe they’re more awake. You can be in London and the audience will lose themselves. Sometimes playing in Wales can feel like you’re holding an assembly, but I like it. It’s attentive. I know they’re listening.”

Will then went on to discuss west Wales’ music scene, stating: “It’s definitely unique right now, but I wish it was easier to infiltrate.”

“It’s so much harder than it should be to get a voice. Maybe if some of the more popular clubs took locals in to play I’d like it. Don’t get me wrong, If you have a guitar, and you can attract a crowd by doing a few covers then you’ll be fine.

“The venues are all so afraid. That’s why I like West Coast Arts in Penally. They’re a celebration of music. Their success as a club takes a back seat. We need this.”

Both of the musicians would like to advise those thinking of creating their own music not to refine themselves.

“I’m as capable as the next guy. I just have to mould myself that way. Try everything. Just have a go,” they said.

We went on to ask: “What has been the most memorable response to your music?”

Will replied: “Probably Annie’s, my girlfriend. We played a local pub over Christmas. She knew every single word. Those gaps where I’d forget, she’d fill. That was amazing.”

“The face of disgust when I showed my friend the first song I created,” Jac said, “I didn’t tell him it was mine. That’s true judgement.”

Will told us that we should definitely be listening to local musician Rye Milligan.

“He’s been there since the start. He uses a loop to fuse so much together. His guts and his presence on stage is undeniable. I caught up with him in London a few months back. We’re the same age, so I guess we’ve had the same experience. We’ve seen improvements in each other and always been honest.”

Community

Pub reopens with VIP club launch and free drink offer

Published

1 day ago

February 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POPULAR Pembrokeshire pub is reopening its doors this week with a new loyalty scheme aimed at rewarding regular customers.

The Griffin Dale Pembrokeshire will reopen for the season on Thursday (Feb 26), with owners Sian and Simon promising roaring fires, fresh seafood and a warm welcome for returning customers.

To mark the reopening, the team has launched a new Griffin VIP Club, designed to give regular visitors small perks throughout the year.

The scheme includes a loyalty drinks stamp card, occasional meal offers, discounts on drinks, birthday treats and early access to events and promotions.

As part of the launch celebrations, customers visiting on reopening day will receive a complimentary drink along with 20% off food and drinks during a special “Thirsty Thursday” promotion.

The owners said the club was intended as a simple way of giving something back to loyal customers rather than a formal membership programme.

“We’re so excited to be reopening for the season and welcoming everyone back,” they said. “It’s just our way of saying thank you to those who support us and pop in regularly.”

Customers interested in joining the VIP Club can sign up at the bar when visiting the pub.

Business

Bosherston Bistro 10pm alcohol licence granted by council

Published

2 days ago

February 25, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to allow the selling of alcohol as late as 10pm at a rural beauty spot former village tearoom which objectors fear will “create an absolute nightmare” exacerbating an already growing issue with antisocial behaviour from holidaymakers, has been given the go-ahead.

At Pembrokeshire County Council’s February licensing sub-committee, members considered an application by Sarah Jane Partridge and Robert John Secrett for a new premises licence at Bosherton Bistro, Old World Cottage, Bosherton.

A report for members said it was proposed the premises, formerly a tearoom called ‘Ye Olde Worlde Café’ would open 8am-10pm, selling alcohol from 9am on and off site, seven days a week in the village.

Since the proposal for the site, close to the village pub The St Govan’s Inn, was publicised, 13 objections were received, including Stackpole and Castlemartin Community Council.

In its submissions, the community council said it “will cause a significant public nuisance in the residential area”.

It said the ordinarily tranquil Bosherston, with its neighbouring beauty spot attractions of the lily ponds and St Govans currently has four well-established camp sites “which already frequently cause late night disruption, littering and anti-social behaviour caused predominantly by intoxicated individuals”.

It went on to say: “Instances of aggressive behaviour and trespass are already prevalent within the village by visitors under the influence of alcohol.”

Concerns raised by members of the public included fears of “an increased problem with drunkenness, drink driving and antisocial behaviour,” and it would “make life for the residents in the immediate area an absolute nightmare”.

Robert John Secrett and Sarah Jane Partridge

Speaking at the meeting, applicant Sarah Jane Partridge said they shared “the same fundamental aims as the residents,” with the scheme “not about creating a drinking venue but a food-based family bistro”.

She stressed that campers were already able to buy alcohol from the pub, or bring their own to the campsites, adding the 84-cover bistro would introduce safeguarding measures around the sale of any alcohol; off-site sales consisting of ‘gift-set’-style alcohol craft packages rather than “cans of lager”.

Objector Rik Guly said there had been many public order incidents over the years in the 36-home village relating to visitors from the campsites, as well as empty beer bottles, tampons and tins littering the area, one farmer also having his ‘honesty box’ stolen on several occasions; the application “effectively throwing a catalyst for more alcohol consumption and more public disorder”.

He also raised concerns it could restrict access along the narrow road to the nearby coastguard building for emergency services.

Another objector Clare Strudwick said “almost half the village” was objecting to the scheme which would cause “unacceptable public nuisance”.

Representing the community council, local county councillor Steve Alderman, who once farmed in Bosherston himself, said post-Covid visitor interest in the area had been raised “immeasurably,” with huge numbers attracted to the area.

He said that, while “antisocial behaviour, both physical and verbal” and “a complete lack of respect for what is a marvellous-looking village” was “society’s fault,” the resident’s had a right to enjoy their quality of life.

After the committee deliberated, chair Cllr Tony Wilcox said they had considered the range of objections but considered they were “not of sufficient seriousness to consider rejecting the application”.

The licensing application was approved, objectors hearing that decision could be appealed within 28 days.

Community

Police step up community engagement in Milford Haven neighbourhood

Published

3 days ago

February 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS in Howarth Close, Milford Haven, may have noticed an increased police presence in the area on Tuesday (Feb 24), as officers carried out door-to-door visits to promote a new community messaging service.

Members of the Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team spoke directly with residents to encourage sign-ups to Dyfed-Powys Connects — a free email alert system designed to keep communities informed about local policing matters.

The service provides updates on crime, antisocial behaviour, policing activity, community events and crime prevention advice tailored to specific neighbourhoods.

Officers say the initiative aims to strengthen communication between police and the public, helping residents stay informed about issues affecting their area.

Residents can sign up to the free service online at: https://orlo.uk/3POxP