News
Hollywood stars in Pembroke
RICHARD BURTON and Elizabeth Taylor may have portrayed a piece of history together in the epic 1963 film Cleopatra but they probably didn’t ever envision that more than fifty years later they would be portraying Tudors in Pembroke, the birthplace of Henry VII and the Tudor dynasty.
A refurbished Pembrokeshire eatery has made exactly that happen. The Dial Inn Hotel and Restaurant in Lamphey has incorporated these two truly iconic stars, as well as Britain’s own blonde bombshell Diana Dors, into their new bar area but yet still managed to ensure that the Tudor heritage of Pembroke is fully reflected in these new works of art.
Manager and art lover, George Hill (35), commissioned local artist Lee ‘Trashcan’ Minton (49), to paint portraits of the stars for three bar panels at the Inn, a quirky place renowned for its good food, character and beautiful décor.. The bar area already has three magnificent portraits of Henry VII, his wife Elizabeth of York, and the mother of Henry VII Margaret Beaufort, hanging proudly on the main wall. These are an immediate and striking feature for visitors entering the pub.
It was these three grand portraits that Pembroke based artist and tattoo artist Lee drew on for inspiration for his new portraits which he painted in acrylic on canvas. Lee has recreated his own version of the original Tudor portraits but has given them an intriguing twist by giving them with the faces of Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Dors. The transformation of the famous trio, who all have links to Wales, into Tudors, was unveiled this week and has already become a real talking point for customers of the Dial Inn.
George said, “The Dial Inn is proud to own these unique and cleverly constructed works of art. I commissioned Lee for the work because of his excellent reputation, but the portraits have completely exceeded my expectations. The response from our customers has been wonderful and I think they have encouraged everyone to want to learn more about the Tudors and their links to Pembroke”
Artist Lee, who also runs a tattoo studio on Main Street in Pembroke, is also delighted by the response so far. He said, “I really enjoyed the challenge of incorporating Hollywood icons into the theme of the pub and I am thrilled that George and his customers appreciate the twist I have given to the original Tudor portraits.”
The portraits are now on permanent display in the bar of The Dial Inn and somehow it seems fitting that the legendary stars are now permanently reunited in a way that is meaningful for Pembroke.
Community
Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby
SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.
Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.
The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.
Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.
Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.
As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.
For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.
With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.
Community
Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan
ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.
At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.
The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”
With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.
Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.
Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.
Charity
Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues
ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.
Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.
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