Community

Artists commissioned to re-examine legacy of Haverfordwest-born Thomas Picton

Published

4 years ago

October 6, 2021

National Museum of Cardiff

TWO new artists have been commissioned to examine the legacy of Sir Thomas Picton. The National Museum in Cardiff have commissioned two artists, Gesiye, and collective Laku Neg, in the hopes that the works will give a platform to those who were originally left out of Picton’s history.

A portrait of Picton, done by Sir Martin Archer Shee, has been a part of the museum’s collection since 1907. The new works will be part of the ‘Reframing Picton’ project being undertaken by the museum, and the Sub Sahara Advisory Panel.

Portrait of Sir Thomas Picton – by Sir Martin Archer Shee

The planned new works will look at colonial representations that existed in the National Museum’s galleries, and look at black experiences.

Sir Thomas Picton is a 19th Century slave owner and Governor of Trinidad, who had previously been labelled as a hero of the Battle of Waterloo, where he died following a gunshot wound to the head in 1815.

Picton was known to abuse the slaves he owned, and was considered a tyrant whilst he was alive.

Gesiye’s work will include her tattooing people as part of the project. Videos and photos of those will then be displayed in the museum.

Gesiye, from Trinidad and Tobago, has said: “I envision this piece as a ritual, a healing opportunity for black Trinidadians to reconnect to self, to this island and to each other.

“This work is not an attempt to rewrite history, it is a disruption of the narrative that is so often held up as a singular truth.”

Laku Neg, which means ‘Black Yard’ in Creole, consists of people of Trinidadian heritage, who live and work in the UK.

Their piece will be an installation that will include music and sculpture. It will be about victims of Picton’s regime in Trinidad, two girls named Louisa and Present in particular.

Laku Neg said they intend to provide an “ancestral work” that will present a “360 degree view of Welsh history”.

They added: “We aim to create an immersive installation, illuminating a story that did not make it across the Atlantic intact,

“In representing the Caribbean and its connection with colonial powers, we hope to prompt searching conversations about power, heroism and truth.”

Dr Kath Davies, the museum’s collections and research director, says she is looking forward to seeing the works on exhibition in the museum.

“We hope that it generates conversation about how we share the different perspectives and histories of Wales in a modern-day museum,” she said.

Fadhili Maghiya – director of the Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel

Fadhili Maghiya, the director of the Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel, was called on by the museum back in 2020 to examine the future of the Picton portrait.

He said: “The deeper you look into history, any kind of history, the more facets of truth are revealed,

“And it is important who does the looking, because we all come with lived and learned knowledge that shapes our vision.

“It’s no secret that history has rarely been written by people of colour.

“We are now in a time when we are taking ownership of our narrative and stepping from the footnotes of history into the centre.”

The commissions followed a callout to artists by the National Museum back in January 2021. Over 50 responses were received, the majority of which were artists that had a direct link to Trinidad.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

12 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.

Further information is available on The National Lottery Community Fund website.