News
Filming starts for Under Milk Wood
THE HERALD is playing an active part in the new production of Dylan Thomas’s classic ‘Under Milk Wood’, with Dai Garland, a Herald employee, assisting on set in S4Cs forthcoming film.
The play is set in the fictional fishing village of Llaggerub and centres on the aspirations and hopes of the inhabitants as they go about their daily lives. It was initially written as a radio play and later became a stage play, and in 1972 was a star-studded film with the late Richard Burton. This latest feature film comes from producer/director Kevin Allen, who directed surprise Welsh-hit ‘Twin Town’. The director is shooting the film over the next four weeks, in both English and Welsh, in Solva. The harbour will be a key location and the production will feature many locals as extras, who were the lucky ones to be chosen from the 200 or so who auditioned back in May of this year. Its lead is played by Rhys Ifans, with Welsh singer Charlotte Church also starring. Allen is also writing the screenplay, along with Ifans, Michael Breen and acclaimed poet Murray Lachlan Young. Murray has been quoted as saying: “I’ve always loved reading the play – it’s a very special piece of literature – but I have generally been disappointed with so many theatrical renditions. I feel they’ve always missed the sexually charged gravitas within the text and, of course, the religious politics; it is so often reduced to a piece of panto-style entertainment. “We will not be going there. As far as cinematic interpretation, it will be unrecognisable from the 1972 original. We are taking a more metaphysical approach to creating an original dreamscape and will be staying away from a literal interpretation. As we’re using the same cast for both Welsh and English versions, the majority of the actors will have to be bilingual, like Rhys. I have met him a couple of times, and when he read some of the lines, he blew me away. It’s inspired casting.” The Herald’s Dai Garland described his involvement: “I was very lucky to have a phone call, as chairman of the Pembrokeshire Vintage and Classic (Motorcycles) Club, from one of the set designers who asked if I could supply a motorcycle from the period. I thought it would be an easy task but she wanted a specific bike, which wasn’t easy, but we managed to find one, a new Hudson Auto Cycle from 1954. “It’s a low powered engine, 49cc, and it’s not really designed for Pembrokeshire roads, so they are hard to find around here. She also asked me to collect some other things including 13 old church pews which they have inserted into a chapel and it looks fantastic. They are making sure they have everything from the period. You wouldn’t even believe you were in Solva.” The film is due for release later in the year, with the Welsh version being screened on S4C over the Christmas period
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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