Funding to strengthen film, TV and publishing sectors

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced a further £2.5 million for Wales’ creative industries, delivering fresh investment for the film and television sector and extra support for publishers facing ongoing financial pressures.

Creative Wales currently supports more than 3,500 businesses, employing over 35,000 people. The latest figures show the industry generated £1.5 billion in turnover during 2023 – up more than ten per cent on the previous year.

The additional funding comes shortly after the Government confirmed £2 million for Bad Wolf to deliver two new high-end TV productions, a move expected to generate £30 million of economic activity in Wales.

Since Creative Wales was launched, the Welsh Government has now committed £33.8 million across 70 productions, resulting in £419.7 million of investment back into the Welsh economy.

Wales’ creative strengths were showcased this week at the Wales Investment Summit, and again on Friday when the British-Irish Council placed “Creative” at the centre of its discussions.

Culture Minister Jack Sargeant said Wales had every reason to be proud of its creative talent.

He said: “The creative industries are a real success story for Wales. Whether it’s actors, storytellers, musicians, animators or games developers, our creative industries consistently put our nation on the global stage.

“Not only is the industry an important economic driver, but we are fostering the next generation of creatives by incentivising training and apprenticeship opportunities. We are committed to nurturing talent, supporting creative businesses and encouraging the creation of high-quality content that stands tall among other countries.”

Pembrokeshire’s only NCI lookout seeks more recruits to move to seven-day operation

HIGH above the coastline at Martin’s Haven, on the edge of the National Trust’s Deer Park, stands NCI Wooltack Point – the county’s sole National Coastwatch Institution station. Many visitors mistake it for a birdwatching shelter, but the team of trained volunteers inside plays a far more critical role.

From this exposed position they have a clear view over Jack Sound, the narrow and notoriously fast-flowing stretch of water between the mainland and Skomer Island. Tidal races here can reach 4–5 knots, drawing in kayakers, pleasure craft, walkers and wildlife spotters and creating conditions that change in moments.

The station is currently open five days a week, from Friday to Tuesday. The ambition is to extend cover to seven days, but that depends entirely on recruitment. With a small local population and the challenges of such a remote site, finding enough volunteers has never been easy.

Wooltack Point’s responsibilities differ from many other NCI stations, which are often based above busy beaches. Here, watchkeepers concentrate on offshore activity, using telescopes and binoculars to track boat movements, monitor the tide races and log anything out of the ordinary. They also keep a careful watch on the cliff paths, which attract large numbers of walkers and photographers. Visitors edging too close to the drop for a better view of seals, or dogs chasing seabirds towards the cliff edge, are among the recurring risks the team monitors.

The station operates to HM Coastguard standards, passing on information and assisting during live incidents. Volunteers also work alongside search and rescue teams and, where needed, the Border Force, providing what local managers describe as “an extra pair of eyes on a difficult stretch of coast”.

Running the facility is not cheap. With no government funding, the station must raise between £6,000 and £7,000 every year simply to keep the doors open. That covers communications, maintenance and essential equipment. Donations from local businesses, collection boxes and community fundraising efforts are what sustain the operation.

Access to facilities was once a barrier to recruitment, but the recent installation of a toilet has made longer shifts more manageable and has already encouraged new sign-ups.

No previous maritime experience is required. New volunteers receive full training at their own pace, beginning with an online course covering navigation basics, tides and chartwork, before progressing to supervised sessions at the station. Practical skills include logging procedures, emergency response and risk assessment. A fully funded VHF Radio Operator’s Licence is also available. Volunteers stress that no one is left to stand a watch alone until they feel completely ready.

The station holds optional training twice a month as well as informal social meet-ups, helping build confidence and maintain skills.

Phil, the deputy station manager, joined four years ago after retiring. “I always wanted to help on the lifeboats but never had the time,” he said. “This is my way of giving something back – and maybe being there on the day someone really needs us.” While there is always routine work to do, he adds: “A quiet lookout is a good day. It means everyone’s safe.”

NCI Wooltack Point is inviting anyone with spare time – whether weekly or occasionally – to get involved. More volunteers mean more hours covered, and a safer coastline for everyone who visits this dramatic corner of Pembrokeshire.

Those interested can contact the station through its website or Facebook page.

A YOUNG carer from Haverfordwest was among those welcomed to a special Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday (Dec 5), hosted by the charity’s patron, HRH The Princess of Wales.

Ambassadors, staff and young people supported by Action for Children were invited to the fifth annual Together at Christmas service, held to recognise and thank people across the UK who are showing love, compassion and community spirit in their daily lives.

Among the guests was sixteen-year-old Meghan, from Haverfordwest, who helps care for her younger sister, who has autism, OCD and a learning disability. She attended the event with Vikki Phillips from Action for Children’s Pembrokeshire Young Carers service.

The service brought together a 1,600-strong congregation, including Members of the Royal Family, and offered a moment to reflect on the importance of love in all its forms — within families, friendships, communities and even moments shared between strangers.

Meghan said: “Being invited to Westminster Abbey felt amazing – it’s something I’ll never forget. The carol service was so festive and uplifting, and it made me feel proud to be part of a community that cares so much about helping others. It was lovely to see everyone come together to celebrate love and kindness.”

Vikki Phillips added: “It was an incredible honour to be part of such a special occasion at Westminster Abbey. The service was a beautiful reminder of how love and kindness can transform lives, and it was inspiring to see so many people celebrated for the positive impact they make in their communities. For our young carers and families, moments like this show that their efforts and resilience truly matter.”

Action for Children said it was thrilled to have such dedicated young people and staff representing the charity at the event, demonstrating its commitment to building a more caring and connected society. Further details on guests can be provided on request.

The carol service was filmed for broadcast and will air as part of a special programme on ITV and ITVX on Christmas Eve.