Entertainment
Celebrate nature during Wales Outdoor Learning Week
PEOPLE from across Wales are invited to step into the great outdoors as a week-long celebration of outdoor learning returns.
Wales Outdoor Learning Week, held between 22 and 28 April, encourages teachers, education groups and families in Wales to embed outdoor learning into school and family life and reap the many benefits connecting with nature provides.
The event was launched by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in partnership with the Wales Council for Outdoor Learning in 2019.
This year’s theme highlights the benefits of being outdoors and promotes lifelong positive behaviours to help tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
People can take part at their school, by taking a walk in their local woodland, beach or park and sharing their experience online via #WalesOutdoorLearningWeek.
Members of the Wales Council for Outdoor Learning will be showcasing activities and ideas throughout the week, with some locally organised events available.
Clare Pillman, NRW’s Chief Executive, said:
“During Wales Outdoor Learning Week we want to encourage people young and old to connect with nature and the environment.
“This year’s theme centres on helping to promote lifelong positive behaviours, to help young people understand the impact of their actions around the climate and nature emergencies and how to make the right choices.
“Evidence shows that learning in the natural environment improves knowledge and understanding, helping us recognise the positive impact we can have on the environment, now, and in the future.
“Connecting with nature is widely recognised for its significant health and well-being benefits and outdoor learning is advocated by the Welsh Government as a key approach to delivering the Curriculum for Wales.”
Steph Price, Chair of the Wales Council for Outdoor Learning, said:
“Wales Outdoor Learning Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase all the excellent outdoor learning opportunities for educational settings, as well as for families and the wider public.
“Whether you want to learn something new, try a new activity or share your own love of the outdoors we are hoping the week will inspire people to connect with nature and help embed learning in, learning about and learning for, the natural environment within school and throughout life.”
Wales Council for Outdoor Learning members are among those looking forward to a busy and activity-packed week.
They include, UK Youth for Nature, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (BBNP), Cadw, Bangor University, Cardiff Met University, Antur Natur, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Conwy CBC Outdoor Centres, Centre for Alternative Technology, Pembrokeshire Outdoor Schools, Welsh Wildlife Trust, Field Studies Council, Outdoor Education Advisory Panel (OEAP), John Muir Trust, Llanelli Wetlands Centre, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Dŵr Cymru.
For more information visit Wales Outdoor Learning Week and Wales Council for Outdoor Learning
Entertainment
Dolly Parton ‘tickled pink’ by curiosity about her Welsh roots
DOLLY Parton has expressed her delight over the interest in her Welsh heritage, saying she is “tickled pink” about the curiosity. The country music star traced her ancestry to South Wales for a TV programme.
In a brief clip played on Radio 4’s Today Programme, Parton mentioned she couldn’t “give away all the secrets yet”. She added that “all the juicy details” will be revealed when her documentaries air later this year.
Parton, born in Tennessee, has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Her niece, singer Jada Star, found it “a lot of fun” to discover their Welsh roots.
“Finding out about that side of our family is really extraordinary,” Jada said. “Especially with everything we’re uncovering about our musical connections—how it’s always been with us—is wonderful.”
Jada suggested that some of Parton’s music, and her own, may have been inspired by their Welsh heritage. “A lot of music, especially from the Appalachians and east Tennessee where we come from, reflects where those people settled. The skill of hearing a story and then relaying it memorably, so it lives on forever, is a big part of Welsh music. These are stories passed down for centuries.”
Jada also mentioned she is currently learning Welsh and hopes to use it when she visits the country. “I’m trying my best. I’ve got that little owl on Duolingo working double time for me. I can do some morning and afternoon greetings. I’m trying not to butcher it, and I hope everyone can help me when I get there.”
This isn’t the first time the “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” singer has been linked to Wales. During a 2008 concert at the Cardiff International Arena, Parton reportedly told fans she had Welsh ancestry.
Entertainment
St Davids Cathedral Music Festival representatives attend Royal Garden Party
SIMON PEARCE, the esteemed Organist and Master of the Choristers at St Davids Cathedral, was honoured to attend a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The event, celebrating the UK’s Creative and Cultural Industries, featured an array of celebrities, stunning displays of spring gardens, and performances by the Band of The Marines.
Mr Pearce, who attended with his wife Katherine was appointed in 2022 as the Director of Music at the cathedral—a position he has held since 1998 in an assistant capacity—expressed his delight at the opportunity to represent the festival. “Every single moment was to be savoured,” he remarked, noting the “wonderful music, fantastic host of celebs, a sumptuous tea party, stunning gardens and Palace, and glorious British spring weather.”
The St Davids Cathedral Music Festival 2024 will open with a dazzling performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales on May 25. The orchestra will treat audiences to Mathias’s Festival Overture and Brahms’ Second Symphony.
Adding to the splendour, award-winning violinist Inmo Yang will grace the stage with his rendition of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto.
This year’s festival will also introduce several new performers. The Choir of Royal Holloway is set to debut on May 27, enchanting attendees with choral arrangements of orchestral classics. Local talent is also in the spotlight, with Pembrokeshire-born horn player Simon Lewis performing alongside Trio Preseli on May 26, showcasing works by Welsh composer Anthony Randall.
Adding a touch of environmental consciousness to the festival, clarinet virtuoso Emma Johnson returns on May 28 with her Orchestra for the Environment.
Their repertoire will include pieces by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Johnson’s own composition, ‘The Tree of Life’.
The festival will kick off with the 150-strong Children’s Festival Chorus on May 24, captivating audiences with their youthful energy and a live band.
Throughout the week, the cathedral musicians will feature prominently in several concerts, with the highlight being the full Cathedral choir performing Choral Evensong live on BBC Radio 3.
This prestigious invitation to Buckingham Palace came just two years after Mr Pearce’s official appointment as the Master of Choristers, a role in which he has pledged to continue enhancing the cathedral’s distinguished musical tradition.
At the time of his appointment, the Very Revd Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, as Dean of St. Davids, praised Mr Pearce’s exceptional talents, saying, “It has been a pleasure to enjoy the excellence of Simon’s playing and conducting over the years.”
Under his leadership, the Cathedral Choir and Choral Foundation have been furthering their well-deserved reputation for excellence. “St Davids Cathedral is a spiritually inspiring and beautiful place in which to make music,” Mr Pearce said, acknowledging the special connections the cathedral maintains with the local community, school, and the wider Pembrokeshire area.
Entertainment
Dinosaur fans should head to The Torch Theatre on July 31
DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE is back and even more ROARSOME!
Join our brave Rangers for another action packed Dinosaur Adventure in the all new and exciting show: TROUBLE ON VOLCANO ISLAND.
When the island’s ancient volcano becomes active, it spells danger for everyone – including the Dinosaurs!
It’s a race against time to help our Rangers and favourite Dinosaurs in this thrilling prehistoric expedition, to save Volcano Island from imminent disaster.
Meet the incredible Triceratops, the cheeky Spinosaurus, our cute baby dinos and the gigantic T-Rex as we follow in their huge footprints and journey across the island. We’ll encounter wild new species of Dinosaur whilst conquering exhilarating challenges at every turn!
This amazing, immersive and interactive show is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Remember to join us after the show for a free photo opportunity and meet the dinos!
“There’s trouble on Volcano Island, get ready for an explosively good time!”
Dinosaur Adventure Live will be visiting The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven on July 31.
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