Latest news with #Torch
Pembrokeshire Herald
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Peppa Pig heads to the Torch for a cinema adventure full of family fun
PEPPA PIG is back on the big screen this half term with a brand new adventure – and this time, there's a new baby in the family! The Peppa Meets the Baby Cinema Experience is coming to the Torch Theatre, promising an oinktastic outing for children and their families. Join Peppa, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig as they prepare for the arrival of a new sibling, with plenty of laughs, mischief, and touching moments along the way. This special cinema experience features 10 brand new episodes, six catchy new songs, and music videos that are perfect for singing and dancing along with your favourite piggy pals. Expect house renovations, car shopping, and plenty of heartfelt family fun. 'This is the perfect first cinema trip for little ones,' said Anwen Francis of the Torch Theatre marketing team. 'We just adore Peppa Pig here at the Torch – she always brings smiles to faces young and old. We're so excited to welcome families to enjoy her latest adventure.' Screenings of Peppa Meets the Baby will take place at 12:30pm on Friday, 30 May; Saturday, 31 May; and Sunday, 1 June. Ticket prices are: Family (4 people) – £24, Adults – £7.50, Concessions – £7, and Under 16s – £6. For more information or to book, visit or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
Western Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Memories of the trawler Lord Suffolk in Milford Haven
He told us he was from Pembroke Dock, and it was his first ever visit to the Torch. He said he'd been looking out of the theatre's windows at the docks area, and remarked how different it all was to when he was a fisherman, sailing out of Milford in the 1960's, on the trawler Lord Suffolk, when Sandie Shaw was Number 1 in the charts with Always Something There to Remind Me, I knew it must have been 1965. And I also knew that thanks to the brief encounter this week's TRM would include a few facts and figures about the Lord Suffolk. I knew I had a photo of the trawler in my vaults somewhere and after a bit of delving, here's a snap of her taken after she'd been converted from steam to diesel in 1959. Built in 1929 in Lowestoft: 115 tons, 92 feet long. Local owners included J.C. Llewellin (Trawlers) Ltd and Norrard Trawlers. Landed at Milford at various periods from March 1948 to December 1969. Skippers included: Jack Chenery, Tom Long, J. Read, Noel Delf, Arthur James, John Donovan, and Jack Clarke. Interestingly coincidental, when I was a youngster living in Vicary Crescent, skipper Noel Delf and his family lived opposite us, and his sons Michael and Noel junior were pals of mine and part of our gang of reprobates. Here's a picture from those days taken down Wards Yard of a few of 'our gang' with dogs, and Michael Delf is the lad standing at the back, on the right. Michael Delf, son of the Lord Suffolk skipper Noel Delf is standing on the right (Image: Jeff Dunn) I will forever have one memory of skipper Noel which occurred in 1953 at our Crescent's street party for the Queen's coronation. Apparently, Noel had a bet with my dad that he wouldn't 'dress up in drag' for the occasion, the wager being a mugful of whiskey. Here's how I described it in my charity book Memories are Made of This: "My father emerged, somewhat sheepishly, from my parents' bedroom, and gingerly descended the stairs. "He was wearing a bright, flowered dress, high heels and had enough make up on to fill a pantomime dame's drawers! "He was 32 years of age, fit as a fiddle and built like the proverbial brick 'outhouse'. I could see his muscles rippling under the cotton dress and he hadn't shaved his arms." I still remember the look on Noel Delf's face as he handed my dad his 'prize' and I'm not at all surprised that my dad knocked it back in one swig. Meanwhile, back on the Lord Suffolk. Like many other trawlers, in 1939 she was requisitioned by the Admiralty and converted to a minesweeper. Here are a few of the WW Guardian news cuttings which followed: "August 1949. A deckhand trimmer on the Lord Suffolk, George Plummer, was rescued unhurt from Milford Docks on Wednesday evening after falling into the water. His cries were heard by a watchman, Mr Donnelly at 10.15pm and a life belt was thrown. Plummer was pulled out with the help of Docks PC Palmer, none the worse for his adventure." "January 1956. So fresh was the catch landed on Thursday morning by the drifter trawler Lord Suffolk that some of the fish were alive and wriggling as they were sold. The drifter, in charge of skipper Noel Delf, which had fished for only 3 days and brought in 72 kits made 941." "October 1963. When a Dutch merchant seaman lost his wallet overboard on a voyage to Northern Ireland he gave up all hope of recovering the documents and papers it contained. On returning to Holland, to his utter astonishment, he found his wallet waiting for him at his home. It had been brought up from the deep sea bed in the nets of Milford trawler Lord Suffolk and sent back to the owner by post with the contents intact. The Lord Suffolk found the wallet in the cod-end whilst they were fishing on the Chicken Grounds off the Isle of Man. The Lord Suffolk trawler (Image: Jeff Dunn) "Skipper James handed it in to the company office on the docks. The contents, which were remarkably well preserved, were found to include the merchant navy identity documents of the Dutch seaman, Mr. A. A. Verdonk, with the assistance of the mate of a Dutch dredger then working out of Milford harbour, the wallet was returned back to the owner in Holland." The final news item is from a WWG of March 1972: "Thick fog in the harbour was the cause of the Milford trawler Lord Suffolk running into the partially constructed Amoco jetty off Gellyswick. She got jammed and was lucky to escape sinking. "The trawler, in charge of skipper Jack Clarke, Shakespeare Avenue, was on her way to land her catch on the morning tide. The harbour was blanketed by very thick fog when the Lord Suffolk ran into the eastern end of the massive jetty and got jammed there. A spokesman for Norrard Trawlers, the vessel's owners, said: "It was a very serious situation. The tide was rising fast and the ship could have sunk. Her skipper told me that he was blowing the siren for a long time to attract attention to their plight, but because of the fog there were a lot of other ships' sirens being sounded, and I suppose the Lord Suffolk's went un-noticed. "The skipper eventually sent up a distress rocket and the Conservancy Board launched and a Wimpey tug went to the trawler's assistance and got her off the jetty. The Norrard director added: "The Lord Suffolk's foremast is down, her deck and deck rails on the bow section are badly damaged, and her mizzen mast is also damaged. She will be out of operation for some time undergoing repairs." The ship landed her catch the same day and made 1070. "The harbourmaster, Captain Guilford Dudley, stated: "At about 4am on Thursday the Signal Station duty staff heard a ship's siren sending the "Y" call, which means "I require assistance." The launch Skomer (coxswain Harold Price) went to investigate, joined by the pilot cutter Grassholm. They found the trawler Lord Suffolk jammed underneath the Amoco jetty on a rising tide. With the help of a Wimpey tug the Skomer got the trawler off the jetty and escorted her into Milford Docks." In 1976, the Lord Suffolk was sold for breaking up. I'm grateful to my fellow rock 'n' roll fan from Pembroke Dock who was instrumental in helping me to show how true Sandie Shaw's words were, there is indeed "Always something there to remind me." That's all from me, hope you've enjoyed another flashback. I leave you with these words of wisdom from Maurice Goudeket: "I get up before anyone else in my household, not because sleep has deserted me in my advancing years, but because an intense eagerness to live draws me from my bed." Take care, please stay safe.
Western Telegraph
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Torch Theatre in Milford Haven announces summer schools
The theatre has gained a reputation over the years for its summer holiday activities for children and young people. Now, with its adult school, the Torch caters to everyone aged seven and over. The summer schools are designed to fill August with exciting activities and memories to last a lifetime. Tim Howe, senior manager of youth and community at the Torch, who creates and runs the summer schools, said: "Come and join the fun-packed creative sessions which include performing in our studio theatre for family and friends. "We've got opportunities for adults and children to get inspired and to be artistic. "With danger in the land of make believe, putting on a play in a week, and a whole range of writing, performing and direction skills being explored, we know there's something for everyone." Mr Howe added: "Led by professionals with world-wide reputations and training at the top drama schools, our summer schools are open to everyone. "There's no audition necessary and you don't even have to have any previous experience. "We aim to make reasonable adjustments to our delivery to ensure that each activity provides the best fit for everyone, so that you can make the most of your experiences." The summer schools comprise of Dramatic Detectives for Year 3 to Year 6 (ages 7 – 11), Playmakers for Year 7 to Year 13 (ages 11-18), and Show Off! for ages 18 and above. Dramatic Detectives involves creative play and storytelling to solve a series of strange crimes in the land of make believe. Sessions are run daily from 10am to 3pm, Monday, August 4 to Friday, August 8. Playmakers challenges participants to learn a play in a week, with involvement in all creative decisions. It runs from 10am to 4pm, Monday, August 11 to Friday, August 15. Show Off! is an adult summer school for both novices and those wanting to brush up on their skills. Weekly evening sessions conclude with a showcase performance in the studio theatre. Sessions are from 6.30pm to 9pm, Thursday, August 7, 14, 21, and 28, with the showcase performance on Saturday, August 30. Mr Howe concluded: "Our summer schools are incredibly popular so book early to avoid disappointment. "You can visit our website for further details or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267 who will be more than happy to help. "We cannot wait to welcome you to the Torch's summer of creativity."
Pembrokeshire Herald
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Something for everyone at the Torch Summer School
WITH the summer holidays on the horizon, the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven is once again preparing to open its doors for a season of creativity, performance and fun. Whether you're planning an exotic getaway or opting for a staycation closer to home, the Torch's popular Summer Schools promise to fill August with exciting activities and memories to last a lifetime. Over the years, the Torch Theatre has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality summer programmes for children and young people. Now, with the addition of an adult summer school, the Torch is proud to offer something for everyone aged seven and over. 'Come and join our fun-packed creative sessions, which include performing in our studio theatre for family and friends,' said Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch. 'We've got opportunities for adults and children to get inspired and express themselves artistically. With storytelling adventures, plays produced in a week, and workshops on writing, directing and performance, we know there's something for everyone.' Mr Howe added: 'Led by professionals with international experience and top drama school training, our summer schools are open to all. There's no audition, and no previous experience is needed. We're committed to inclusivity and will make reasonable adjustments so that everyone can enjoy a fulfilling experience.' The Torch Summer Schools 2025: Dramatic Detectives For Year 3 to Year 6 (ages 7–11) A series of mysterious crimes has rocked the land of make-believe. But what happened, who's responsible, and can it be stopped in time? Through creative play and storytelling, children will work together to crack the case. Sessions run daily from 10:00am to 3:00pm, Monday 4 to Friday 8 August. Playmakers For Year 7 to Year 13 (ages 11–18) Take on the exciting challenge of learning and performing a contemporary play in just one week. Participants will get involved in every aspect of the production – from casting and costumes to props and music. Sessions run from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday 11 to Friday 15 August. Show Off! Ages 18+ Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, the adult summer school offers a supportive environment to explore writing, performance and direction. The programme concludes with a showcase performance in the studio theatre. Evening sessions run from 6:30pm to 9:00pm on Thursdays 7, 14, 21 and 28 August, with a final performance on Saturday 30 August. Tim concluded: 'Our Summer Schools are always incredibly popular, so early booking is recommended. You can find more information and book your place at or call our friendly Box Office team on 01646 695267.' What are you waiting for? Try something new this summer – and make the Torch Theatre part of your August adventure.
CBS News
20-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Demonstrators protest Trump at Miami's Torch of Friendship to speak out against administration's actions
Protesters gathered around the U.S. on Saturday to speak out against the latest actions by the Trump administration, including right here in South Florida. Martin Vidal brought a crowd to Miami's Torch of Friendship because he said he wanted to get his elected officials' attention. "I call them damn near everyday, whether they listen to me. Probably not my specific congresspeople," Vidal said. Vidal organized what he called a "mobilization" against the latest policies by the Trump administration. He told CBS News Miami that's the goal of the 50501 movement that's behind these protests. Vidal said he's suspicious of the president's tariff policies. "To put 'em on and take 'em back off looks like market manipulation or a campaign move," he said. "I have no idea." Organizers said this is one of 500 protests like this that happened around the country . The groups here slammed the administration's handling of the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case . Abrego Garcia arrived in the U.S. from El Salvador illegally in 2011. He was living in the U.S. under a protection order granted by an immigration judge in 2019. Officials in the Trump administration admitted the U.S. mistakenly deported the Maryland man to a prison in El Salvador. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the U.S. government must facilitate his return, and a lower court has ordered the government to bring him back. Vidal said if the Trump administration doesn't follow court orders, a constitutional crisis could be coming. "The country runs to a degree on faith. It requires good people to stand up for the rule of law," he said. "You can't write something down on paper and expect everyone to obey when the time comes to enforce it." John Carlos Oliver said he has Venezuelan immigrant friends who may lose temporary protective status (TPS) through an executive order by the president. The program protects certain immigrants from deportation back to countries in conflict or other extraordinary circumstances. A federal judge has temporarily put that order on hold. Oliver said his friends are being treated differently lately. "I have friends that have been racially profiled even as a U.S. citizen, just driving and going about their day and facing that harassment," he said. "It's unfortunate." Vidal said the crowds will only grow if their voices aren't heard by their representatives.
