COLOURFUL choristers filled Pembroke Castle with festive spirit during its Christmas Fayre on Saturday, November 30.

Dressed in an array of Christmas jumpers, ties, and Santa hats, the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir delighted visitors with a programme of 12 songs, complemented by leading several beloved carols.

Musical Director Juliet Rossiter conducted the choir, ensuring their performance ran smoothly. Accompanying them for the second time was the Rev William Lambert, the choir’s new accompanist who has quickly become a valued addition.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, two members of Cor Meibion De Cymru joined the choir on stage for a rousing rendition of American Trilogy, marking a memorable conclusion to their set.

As 2024 draws to a close, the choir plans to bring joy to three local residential homes before taking a well-earned break. Practices will resume in January, and new members are warmly encouraged to join.

Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays at 7:00pm at St Teilo’s Church Hall, Pembroke Dock. Interested singers can contact Choir Secretary Dave Powell on 07572 080401.

PICTURED: Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir on stage at Pembroke Castle’s Christmas Fayre. (Picture: P&DMVC)

DYFED-POWYS POLICE declared a major incident across the counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys on Saturday afternoon (Dec 7) in response to significant disruption caused by Storm Darragh.

While the worst of the storm has now passed, the aftermath continues to affect communities in the region, with emergency services urging residents to exercise caution.

Superintendent Chris Neve addressed the public earlier today, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the coordinated efforts underway. He stated: “I have this morning declared a major incident for the counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys, which means that together with our partners, we can call on the resources we need to respond to the challenges brought by Storm Darragh. I’d like to reassure the public that at this time, Dyfed-Powys Police is still able to respond to priority calls for service. The safety of the public remains our top priority and I am urging everyone to take the warnings that have been issued seriously.”

Although the red weather warning has now lapsed, the force continues to deal with high volumes of calls related to storm damage. Fallen trees, power outages, and hazardous road conditions remain a concern. Residents are being reminded to travel only if absolutely necessary and to follow safety precautions, including allowing extra time for journeys, increasing following distances, and reducing speed.

Safety and support services

Authorities have provided a list of resources and contacts to assist residents during this period of recovery:

• Travel Updates: Follow @TrafficWalesN and @TrafficWalesS for real-time information.
• Weather Forecasts: Monitor @metoffice for updates.
• Flood Alerts: Check @NatResWales or visit the Natural Resources Wales website.
• Power Issues: Report power cuts or damaged lines by calling 105.
• Fallen Trees: Report obstructions through your local council’s website.

NHS Advice

If you feel unwell, NHS 111 Wales offers an online symptom checker and advice. For urgent but non-emergency medical assistance, call 111. In life-threatening situations, dial 999.

Community spirit appreciated

Superintendent Neve expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation, stating: “I’d like to thank our communities for their support at this time, and once again ask that you avoid unnecessary travel and follow all official advice to stay safe.”

As the region begins to recover, authorities and emergency services remain vigilant, working tirelessly to restore normality and ensure public safety.

Cover photo: St Patrick’s Hill Pembroke Dock (Image: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

PEMBROKESHIRE composer, writer and director, James Williams, has worked on every Torch Theatre festive show for the past 25 years. His first show at the Torch in Milford Haven was Christmas Cat and the Pudding Pirates back in 1998 and since then James has been lucky enough to work with several artistic directors and actors along the way.

This Christmas, James, an Associate Director of the Torch, has composed music for the Torch Theatre’s festive pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk as well as Little Red Riding Hood for the Sherman Theatre, written A Christmas Wish for Simply Theatre, Geneva and written and directed Snow White and the Seven Elves for Bluestone Wales.

“Composing for the Torch Theatre this year has been an absolute joy, with a lot of silliness. The script is just fantastic, and the songs are catchy, full of earworms that will stick in your head. We have some incredible singers, and the music is just banging, challenging, popping and a lot of fun with audience participation where people will feel part of the action. The ‘five a day song’ is definitely one you’ll remember,” chuckled James.

But having composed for so many festive pantos here in Pembrokeshire, from where does James get his inspiration?

“It all starts with the script, and I make sure that the songs are relevant to the actions on stage. I try to imagine what it would be like to be in that world and if I can get the character clear in my head, it all comes easily. It’s the words that are harder I find and it can be quite challenging,” explained James who moved to the Carew area from Cardiff just before lockdown.  

Over the years, James has worked for several other companies including NTW, WNO, Hijinx, Triongl, Give It A Name and Theatre Royal Plymouth. He’s the composer of the musical The Jolly Folly of Polly the Scottish Trolley Dolly and The Sheep Chronicles in collaboration with playwright Lesley Ross. He is director of the award-winning circus show Flown for Pirates of the Carabina and has directed the MAMT Showcase for RWCMD since the course inception in 2011.

With only five more years of enjoyment before James reaches a huge milestone of composing for the Christmas shows here at the Torch Theatre, Jack and the Beanstalk remains one of his favourites.

Jack and the Beanstalk can be seen at the Torch Theatre from Fri 13 – Sun 29 Dec 2024 with matinee and evening performances. Ticket prices: £23.50 | £19.50 Cons | £75.00 Family. Relaxed Environment Performance on Saturday 14 December at 2pm. BSL Performance – Tuesday 17 December at 6pm.

To book your tickets or for further information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.