Community

Ogi team up with gallery to bring connected art to Haverfordwest

Published

4 years ago

February 28, 2022

WALES’ home-grown broadband provider teams up with community arts champions ‘Breakout Gallery’ to brighten up Haverfordwest street-side broadband cabinets.

The call-out forms part of Breakout Gallery’s annual ‘Breakout Exhibition’ which turns the streets of Haverfordwest into a modern art gallery during the spring/summer months.

Around 25 cabinets will be transformed into ‘canvases’ for artworks based on the theme of ‘connections’.

Haverfordwest, Wales. (February 28, 2022) – Ogi, one of Wales’s fastest-growing companies, has partnered with Breakout Gallery to transform one of its first connected towns – Haverfordwest – into a modern art gallery using its network of fibre broadband cabinets as a blank canvas.

A familiar sight on our streets today, these typically green cabinets power the company’s ultrafast broadband revolution in the town, carrying a 10Gbps capable fibre optic network to homes and businesses across Haverfordwest.

The open call, part of Breakout Gallery’s annual ‘Breakout’ exhibition, invites artists from all disciplines to respond to the theme of ‘connections’.

As part of the annual exhibition, around 25 cabinets, varying in size around the town, will be transformed into canvases as part of the annual street art festival run by the local gallery.

Breakout Gallery Managing Director, Arthur Brooker, said: “The last two years has made exhibiting work and coming together almost impossible at times, yet we’ve managed to remain connected as a community.

“Working with Ogi, who are helping to drive real social and economic benefits across Pembrokeshire, is a hugely exciting opportunity for artists to bring their work to the county in a truly unique way. I’m excited to see Breakout making a welcome comeback to our streets this summer.”

Ogi’s Head of Brand and Engagement, Sarah Vining, said: “Community is at the heart of all we do here at Ogi. Recognising it’s been a difficult few years for most of us, we’re thrilled to support this project, helping to brighten Haverfordwest’s streets this summer.

“Designed to blend into the background, these big blocks of colour provide the ideal canvas for this project. The ‘connections’ theme is perfect for us as a broadband company too, and we hope this art will bring people together, just as our ultrafast services connect people digitally.

“I can’t wait to see the exhibition in all its glory later on this year.”

Chosen artists will receive a small fee to cover their time and materials, with the exhibition due to be installed in Spring 2022 as part of this summer’s Breakout Exhibition in the town.

For more information and to respond to the call-out please visit: www.breakoutgallery.co.uk

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

1 hour ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

9 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

18 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.”