Entertainment
Things to do during your commute
Commuting plays a big role in many people’s day-to-day lives. In 2022, the UK took an average of 119 trips per person for commuting purposes, showcasing just how much time we spend travelling to work.
Entertaining yourself during a commute can be a struggle, particularly when travelling on public transport. Whether you travel by train or bus, here are some tips on how to stay entertained while also being productive with your time.
Listen to audiobooks and podcasts
Podcasts have become all the rage in recent years, with endless options to choose from. You could get updates on the latest news stories or tap into something that offers a sense of escapism. For some, this might involve podcasts centred around culture, sports or music.
Alternatively, you might prefer audiobooks. Chipping away at a gripping fiction or non-fiction book can be hugely fulfilling for many people who prefer long-form content. If you don’t have a specific book in mind, browse through the many round-ups online to see which books you gravitate towards. Crime, sci-fi, thriller, romance and other genres await.
Play mobile games
Mobile games are a great option for anyone seeking different forms of travel entertainment. With so many options available, you’re bound to find something you enjoy. You could choose from puzzles, strategy games and more. Popular examples include a virtual take on classic casino games such as roulette.
Learn a new language
Learning a new language has endless benefits and what better time to dabble in your language skills than during your commute? You can create flashcards or use apps to help you master new vocabulary during this time.
Some people may find it helpful to listen to a podcast or watch a video in another language. As long as you’re absorbing something one way or another, you’ll learn faster than you think. Short, regular exposure to a new language can work wonders. Outside your commute, you can put your learning commitments into action at a class, with a friend or on holiday.
Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques
For many, commuting time is an excuse to switch off and settle their mind. Perhaps you need to stay calm and collected before an important pitch that day. Or, perhaps you need to get yourself in the right headspace after a busy day at work before coming home to your family. Either way, this is your chance to take time for yourself. In a time where technology is everywhere, you might treasure these moments.
Practicing mindfulness each day can feel difficult if you live a busy lifestyle, so savour these moments during your commute and try some meditation or breathing exercises if you feel comfortable doing so.
Entertainment
A gripping drama at the Torch Theatre: Tachwedd is a journey through time and myth
THIS autumn, theatre enthusiasts have the opportunity to experience something truly remarkable. The Torch Theatre in Wales will host the English-language premiere of Tachwedd, a thought-provoking drama by Jon Berry, before it heads to the London stage. This unique production, which promises to leave a lasting impression, blends history, mythology, and contemporary struggles to explore deep themes of land, identity, and destiny.
Set in the heart of Bethesda, North Wales, Tachwedd spans centuries, from the 1700s to the present day. The play examines the pressures faced by a modern Welsh family, from a mother’s fight to pay the rent to a town grappling with the aftermath of mass layoffs. At its core, Tachwedd reveals how history, violence, and dispossession have shaped the land and the lives of those who inhabit it.
The play, directed by Jac Ifan Moore and produced by Phoebe Stringer Productions and Theatre 503, flips the typical “state-of-the-nation” play on its head. It weaves religious fervour, royal hunting parties, and national anxiety into a powerful, contemporary piece of theatre. The script delves into the consequences of decisions that reverberate across time, with the land itself becoming a fractured character that reflects the turmoil experienced by its inhabitants.
The stellar Welsh cast, including Bedwyr Bowen, Saran Morgan, Carri Munn, and Glyn Pritchard, will take to the Torch Theatre stage on the 25th, 26th, 27th, and 28th of September. All performances will start at 7pm. With an age guidance of 14+, audiences should be aware that the play includes explicit references to sexual violence and rape, adding to the intensity and realism of the themes explored.
Don’t miss this unforgettable production, which promises to resonate deeply with audiences long after the curtain falls.
Tickets are priced at £12, and given the limited run, theatre-goers are encouraged to book early. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Torch Theatre Box Office on 01646 695267 or by visiting torchtheatre.co.uk.
For further information and press images, please contact Anwen Francis (Marketing, Press & Communications) at [email protected] or call 07854 772640.
Entertainment
A guide to the most entertaining experiences in Pembrokeshire
Wales is known to contain plenty of beauty within itself, but one area is highly deserving of such praise. In the southwest of the country, along its stunning coastline, lies the county of Pembrokeshire. Here, you’ll be taken aback by how diverse and compelling the landscape is, ranging from sandy beaches to high sea cliffs. But, if you’re a lucky local or a simple visitor, you might be wondering what you can do beyond enjoying the vistas available. In this case, you have found yourself in the right place.
Top coastal activities to try
With such an impressive coastline, it’s not surprising that you can enjoy plenty of fishing. Here, the bulk of your catches will comprise of bass, mackerel, and wrasse. Fishing overall is a very relaxing option that has been gaining traction in recent years even amongst younger generations, as advised by The Guardian. We can even see this in the rise of fishing-themed games such as the Fishin’ Bonanza slot found on the mobile bingo app. If you haven’t heard of this app before, it’s an online casino platform where you get the chance to play a variety of slots, live casino, and bingo.
For those seeking a more thrilling experience, we have coasteering, another great choice thanks to the landscape of the area. In fact, this recreational activity is said to have been first practiced commercially in Pembrokeshire. For those who haven’t had the pleasure of coasteering before, it simply entails activities that happen on the foreshore, such as cliff-jumping, exploring caves, and rock-hopping. However, we do suggest that this is only done with experienced professionals nearby.
Alternatively, you can go paragliding, which is a great option for people who want to look at the coast view from above. We would recommend this to people who aren’t afraid of heights, as even season pros may find this quite exhilarating. But if you’re a complete beginner, you don’t have to worry as you can get lessons from the Pembrokeshire Paragliding.
Cultural and historical sites to visit
Apart from the wonderful coastline, there are plenty of cultural and historic sites you can visit. Starting with the impressive Pembroke Castle, a sprawling mediaeval castle originally built in 1093, which has gone through several rebuilding and restoration phases throughout the next centuries. It is open to the public, so you can explore the castle with free guided tours included in the admission price. And with the fact that the castle was the birthplace of Henry VII, Britain’s only Welsh King, you can expect plenty of highly interesting exhibits.
Speaking of the Tudors, a must-visit is the Tudor Merchant’s House, the oldest house still standing in Tenby. Although this has nothing to do with the royal family per se, this three-story 15th-century stone townhouse will certainly take you back in time. As a historic house museum, it has been carefully preserved for current and future generations with fine reproductions of era-appropriate furniture.
If you want to explore Pembrokeshire even further back in time, then the Pentre Ifan is a great option. This ancient manor dates back to the Neolithic era, or New Stone Age, containing the biggest preserved Neolithic dolmen in the country. The running theory is that this was originally a communal burial, which formed the courtyard where rituals and ceremonies took place, however, this is not fully confirmed.
Pembrokeshire truly is a one-stop-shop for all kinds of experiences, ranging from recreational to historical. So, if you live here, consider yourself quite fortunate. And if you’re planning a trip to Wales and don’t know which area to visit, well, you’d be quite remiss not to place this county at the top of your bucket list.
Community
Crymych Arms pub saved by the community is to expand
A PEMBROKESHIRE village pub which reopened its doors last year after being bought by the community has now been given permission for a restaurant extension and outdoor seating area.
Last December, the Tafarn Crymych Arms reopened after being closed in September 2021 when its current owners retired and put the pub up for sale.
Crymych Football Club coordinated the community purchase of the historic pub in the heart of the village, with volunteers raising more than £200,000 to buy the pub. They also secured a significant Community Ownership windfall from the UK Government.
A dedicated team had helped with repainting, wiring, moving the furniture and pool table, and sorting all issues ready for reopening.
Speaking at the time, former county councillor Cris Tomos who had helped with the purchase process “It is hard to believe that it was just one year ago from now, on December 13, 2022 that the first public meeting took place at the Crymych Market Hall to see if there was any interest within the community to take on the challenge of raising the funds and organising the process of purchasing and reopening the Tafarn Crymych Arms.
“The tremendous support over the following months soon demonstrated that people have missed having the traditional pub at the heart of the village.”
Since that successful reopening, Tafarn Cymunedol Crymych, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, has applied to Pembrokeshire planners for a dining room extension and external seating area.
The scheme was supported by Crymych Community Council which said: “We are pleased to see an application to develop a community resource.”
An officer report for the application said: “The proposed development is to erect a flat roof extension to the front of the building to create a dining room extension and lobby entrance area.
“A formal enclosed seating area which is partially raised would also be created to the front of the public house. The retention of pavement to allow pedestrians to walk across the front of the development, outside of the seating area is to be included within the scheme.”
The application was conditionally approved by Pembrokeshire County Council planners.
-
Health1 day ago
Man dies following nine-hour wait for ambulance in Pembroke Dock
-
Health1 day ago
Ambulance error admitted in 999 call before Pembrokeshire mother’s death
-
Crime4 days ago
Man arrested following violent Incident in Pembroke Dock
-
Crime5 days ago
Dock police continue search following multiple assaults incident
-
News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire’s new MP votes to cut the Winter Fuel Payment
-
Education4 days ago
Whitland School goes into lockdown following threats to pupils
-
Crime3 days ago
Man with limited mental capacity sees child grooming conviction overturned
-
Crime6 days ago
Police appeal for witnesses following violent incident in Narberth