Some of Wales’ long-forgotten hymn tunes are being brought vividly back to life this month, thanks to award-winning singer, songwriter and composer Lleuwen Steffan and her unique collaboration with the National Eisteddfod of Wales.

Performing as ‘Tafod Arian’ (Silver Tongue), the collaboration pays homage to the lost voices of the past, and infuses these timeless melodies with some highly contemporary electronic arrangements.

The project originated in 2012 when Lleuwen was working on a music project at St Fagan’s National History Museum where she came across some long-forgotten recordings of hymns which had been left in the sound archives.  None of these hymns could be found in the official hymn books nor the older hymnal editions, possibly as the result of their informal, conversational lyrics, or because they often delved into the world of addiction, mental illness and the darker side of the psyche.

But now these unpublished and unknown hymns will be heard for the first time in over a hundred years when Tabernacl Chapel, Maenclochog, will be one of 50 Welsh chapels to be visited by Tafod Arian.

With translations and insights, the tour breathes new life into archive recordings, ensuring these cherished sacred songs rightfully claim their place in today’s spotlight. Lleuwen masterfully combines electronic and acoustic instrumentation, seamlessly blending the past with the present, and takes the stage alongside a dynamic quintet of international musicians including Sioned Webb and Gethin Elis from Wales, and Nolwenn Korbell and Brieg Guerveno from Brittany.

Despite the hymns’ long-distant past, the music is firmly in the present as Lleuwen uses various instruments to provide angular electronic accompaniment as well as her soulful vocals and guitar.  She provides translations and explanations as she proudly puts the archive recordings of the lost |Welsh hymns on centre stage.  As a result, these sacred songs are being passed on orally rather than via the hymn book which is precisely how Welsh folk music was conveyed.

The long-forgotten hymns will be heard once again in all their glory at Tabernacle Chapel, Maenclochog on Sunday, November 17 at 6.30pm.

Four Pembrokeshire rowers have begun the final countdown to their 3,200 mile row from Lanzarote to Antigua as part of the C-MAP Atlantic Dash.

On January 23, 2025, Janine 70, Polly 50, Sophie 32, and Miyah 24 – otherwise known as the Cruising Free Atlantic Rowers – will take to the seas in their 10-metre long ocean rowing boat in a bid to raise funds for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, and Emily’s Entourage. 

Janine, at 70, is aiming to set the record as the oldest woman to row any ocean. She emphasised that age has never been a barrier for her. 

“People have been asking how I feel about undertaking the row at my age, but I’ve never let my age stop me from doing anything,” she said.

Meanwhile Sophie has a personal connection to this mission, as she lives with Cystic Fibrosis. Her goal is to become the first person with this condition to row an ocean.

Reflecting on her journey, Sophie shared, “If you had told me five years ago that I would be well enough to participate in this challenge, I wouldn’t have believed you. I’m so grateful to be able to access new drugs that have improved my health and have enabled me to become involved with such an extraordinary challenge. But there are still other people living with Cystic Fibrosis who have been unable to access this treatment, and raising awareness and improving access for all people with CF is a huge motivational factor.”

Miyah, the youngest member, is excited about the wildlife they might encounter while rowing. She said “It’s a heck of a challenge, but we have been amazed by how many people have got behind us and our cause.” As a water sports instructor, her skills will be vital during the expedition.

Polly, who works for the NHS, highlighted the importance of their mission: “Hospice at home services are a vital part of end-of-life care, and I have witnessed the good work that they do in local communities.”

With a well-planned strategy, the team will row in shifts, allowing two members to rest while the others row, however the women are preparing for the considerable mental challenges that await them, with mental resilience amounting to 70 per cent of an Atlantic rower’s output. As a result, the team has been training with experts to build their mental toughness which is essential for facing the challenges ahead.

To prepare for their journey, the women are not only training physically but are also gathering essential supplies. They will carry 1,000 dehydrated meals, advanced communications equipment, a water desalination machine, and even a fridge on their 10-metre boat. The team is now actively seeking financial support to cover their equipment and transportation costs, expressing gratitude for the backing they have received from local businesses, including their key sponsor, Bluestone National Park Resort. William McNamara, Bluestone’s Chief Executive, stated, “When we heard about this challenge, we were inspired by the team’s courage and determination. Supporting this journey was an easy choice, and we’re behind them every mile.”

With the voyage scheduled for Thursday (23 Jan) next year, the team is eager to share updates and experiences from their adventure. Sophie said “For me, this row isn’t just a crazy personal adventure, it’s also a chance to re-imagine the future of cystic fibrosis and bring hope that one day, everyone with CF will be able to cruise free through life.”

You can support Sophie, Polly, Janine, and Miyah on their journey by donating to their GoFundMe page.

A NURSE has been suspended for 12 months after striking an elderly patient during a challenging incident at Withybush Hospital.

The suspension followed an incident in May 2022 on the trauma and orthopaedic ward, where nurse Primrose James, described as experienced and respected, was assisting an 80-year-old man known as Patient D. The patient, who had been recovering from a broken hip for six months, had a history of lashing out at staff.

A healthcare assistant who witnessed the event reported that James had struck the patient across his face and tapped his cheek after he had hit her. Recalling the incident, the assistant told the panel: “Primrose was standing beside the bed when she struck him across the face and then tapped him on the cheek, telling him off for hitting out.”

Reflecting on the incident, Ms. James expressed regret, noting her intention was never to harm patients. “This was a difficult encounter in a fast-moving situation,” she stated. “Knowing his history of aggression, I should have anticipated he might strike out, but I reacted instinctively in the moment.”

ALLEGATIONS REVIEWED

At the Nursing and Midwifery Council hearing, Ms. James faced multiple allegations. Two were substantiated: that she struck the patient and tapped his cheek. Allegations that she had acted further aggressively by pressing on his forehead and making unprofessional comments were dismissed as unproven.

The panel acknowledged Ms. James’s previously unblemished 16-year career, her extensive experience with dementia patients, and her immediate remorse following the incident. It was noted that Patient D’s aggressive behaviour was a recurring issue on the ward, and despite staff regularly facing his outbursts, no measures had been implemented by senior staff to manage the situation.

NEED FOR SUPPORT

In its decision, the panel criticised the lack of support for managing Patient D’s behaviour, stating: “Staff had reported ongoing assaults, yet action to address the patient’s aggression was lacking.”

While the panel determined that Patient D suffered no physical harm, they raised concerns about the potential for psychological distress to the patient and his family.

12-MONTH SUSPENSION

The panel ultimately ruled that a 12-month suspension was necessary to reflect the seriousness of the misconduct, despite Ms. James’s previously clean record and her remorse over the incident. The panel remarked: “This was an isolated incident involving a challenging patient, but a suspension order is warranted to underline the gravity of the incident.”

Ms. James’s suspension is subject to review at the end of the 12 months.