A NEW theatre production exploring the joys, pressures and complexities of modern motherhood in Pembrokeshire is set to premiere in Haverfordwest next month.

Pembrokeshire writer Ceri Ashe, known for Bipolar Me, 99er, Farmers Townies & Grocles, has teamed up with comedy writer-producer Angharad Tudor to create Enjoy Every Minute / Joia Bob Munud, a community-rooted performance commissioned by SPAN Arts and Unlimited.

The project grew out of the pair’s own experiences of motherhood and mental health, and began with a series of creative workshops held in 2025 for mothers of children aged four and under. Thirteen free places were offered to local mums with no previous creative experience, with weekly sessions taking place at Milford Haven Library and the Pill Social Centre.

Participants took part in poetry, storytelling, singing and movement sessions, with children welcome but the focus firmly on giving mothers time to explore their own creativity and wellbeing.

Ceri Ashe and Angharad Tudor said: “While we valued mother-and-baby groups, we felt something was missing in Pembrokeshire — a space for mums to explore creativity, connect honestly, and take time for themselves. To see it grow into a fully-fledged creative project rooted in the community has been a true pinch-me moment for us both.”

The resulting stage production features a cast of professional Pembrokeshire actors including Anna Monro, Anna Collcyz, Maya Jones, Tessa Ryan, Ceri Ashe, Cathy Davies and Janine Grayshon, alongside a chorus of community singers.

Alternative lyrics to well-known nursery rhymes — written by mothers who took part in the workshops — form part of the performance, capturing the humour and realities of parenting life.

The show blends poetry, storytelling, music and physical performance, aiming to offer an honest and heartfelt portrayal of motherhood while celebrating resilience and community connection.

A British Sign Language-interpreted performance will take place during the 4:00pm showing.

• Creative team:
• Director: Ceri Ashe
• Assistant Director: Siobhan McGovern
• Musical Director: Sara Benbow
• Movement Director: Tessa Ryan

The performances will take place at Albany Hall in Haverfordwest on Saturday, March 14, with shows at 12:00pm and 4:00pm. The production runs for approximately ninety minutes.

Tickets operate on a pay-what-you-can basis starting at £5, with free tickets available for carers.

SPAN Arts, a Narberth-based community arts charity with more than thirty years of work in Pembrokeshire, commissioned the production as part of the Unlimited Partner Commissions programme, supported by National Lottery Awards for All funding.

For tickets and information visit span-arts.org.uk or call 01834 869323.

Fourth annual run raises donations for Tenby charity

SAUNDERSFOOT Runners have once again demonstrated the strength of local community spirit after hosting their fourth annual Food Bank Run in aid of The James Criddle Foundation, a Tenby-based food bank.

The popular event attracted a strong turnout of runners and walkers of all abilities, with participants gathering at Wiseman’s Bridge on Sunday morning. Although early rain threatened to dampen proceedings, the weather cleared just in time for the 10:00am start, with even a hint of sunshine greeting those taking part.

Undeterred by puddles along the Heritage Trail towards Pleasant Valley, participants completed multiple laps of the route, collecting discs which were later exchanged for raffle tickets. Alongside generous food donations, the raffle helped further boost support for the Foundation’s work helping local families.

Organisers paid special tribute to Wiseman’s Bridge Inn for once again providing shelter before and after the event, ensuring donations stayed dry and offering much-appreciated refreshments to participants afterwards.

The James Criddle Foundation was established in 2022 in memory of James Criddle, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident while living in Bali. His mother, Rachael, one of the Foundation’s organisers, said the event continues to reflect his legacy.

“James would have been so proud of what has been achieved in his name,” she said. “We love working with Saundersfoot Runners on the annual Food Bank Run — they are one of our biggest supporters and their support means such a lot to local families, particularly at this difficult time of year.”

The Food Bank Run concept was originally created by Sarah Don through her running club in Fareham, Hampshire, as a way to collect donations for a local food bank. Following its success, the initiative grew into a national — and later international — movement in 2023, after a Facebook group encouraged clubs across the UK and beyond to organise similar events for their own communities.

Organisers say details of the 2027 Saundersfoot event will be announced on the Saundersfoot Runners Facebook page in due course.

RESIDENTS across several south Pembrokeshire communities have reported encounters with a suspicious cold-calling van, prompting warnings for householders to remain vigilant.

Reports shared on local community groups describe a man arriving uninvited at homes in areas including Llanteg, Pembroke Dock, Penally, St Florence and Saundersfoot over recent days.

One resident in Llanteg said she saw the driver get out of the van and head towards the rear of her property before being challenged. She said he claimed he was looking for homes with large gardens to sell items from the van, before leaving quickly when questioned.

The incident has been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police. Other residents have since reported sightings of what is believed to be the same vehicle, including along Hopsill Lane in Saundersfoot.

Some householders alleged the driver offered discounted garden furniture or plants, sometimes claiming he was working locally for hotels or venues and needed to sell surplus stock before returning to England.

The vehicle is described as carrying branding for “Greengrove Garden Centre,” which appears to correspond to a company registered in Cranleigh, Surrey in 2024.

A website linked to the business advertises teak garden furniture and lists a mobile contact number, but contains limited information about any physical retail premises. The Herald has contacted the company for comment.

There is currently no suggestion that the registered company itself is involved in any criminal activity, and it is not known whether the vehicle seen locally is legitimately connected to the business.

At this stage there is also no confirmation that any criminal offences have taken place. However, police and trading standards authorities regularly advise residents to be cautious of unexpected doorstep sellers, particularly where individuals attempt to access private areas of a property or use persuasive sales tactics.

Residents are advised not to allow unknown callers into their homes or gardens, to verify businesses independently, and to report suspicious behaviour via 101, or 999 in an emergency. Quote police reference number DP-20260219-148.

Anyone with information, dashcam footage or vehicle registration details is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police quoting the reference number.

Photo caption: Residents shared images of the van on social media after reports of cold-calling across south Pembrokeshire (Pic: Facebook).