Community

Singing as good for you as yoga!

Published

10 years ago

February 10, 2015

IT’S OFFICIAL, singing in groups is the new black. And it’s good for you too.

If you’ve hummed along to Gareth Malone’s series The Choir, wiped away a tear at the Military Wives, or wondered how everyone at the Halifax Building Society can sing, you’ll have noticed that singing in groups is the new black. But did you know that it can be as good for you as yoga?

Singing has long been shown to boost our immune system and reduce stress levels, and according to one report, researchers at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, found that ‘choristers’ heartbeats synchronise when they sing together, bringing about a calming effect that is as beneficial to our health as yoga.” – And no need to touch your toes either!

According to the Heart Research UK website, the health benefits of singing are both physical and psychological.

Professor Graham Welch, Chair of Music Education at the Institute of Education, University of London, has studied developmental and medical aspects of singing for 30 years. He says: “Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting. And as with all exercise, it helps create a positive mental attitude: “Singing has psychological benefits because of its normally positive effect in reducing stress levels through the action of the endocrine system which is linked to our sense of emotional well-being.”

What’s more, Professor Welch confirmed that singing in a group is best: “Psychological benefits are also evident when people sing together as well as alone because of the increased sense of community, belonging and shared endeavour.”

If you’d like to give it a go, but don’t know where to start, why not dip a toe in the largest pop-up choir in Pembrokeshire, The Big Sing. The 150 strong sing-along is taking place during the Narberth A Cappella Voice Festival, on Saturday February 21 at 4pm at the Queens Hall, Narberth, hosted by Span Arts.

Led by Molara, the former singer of Zion Train, and leader of Pembrokeshire’s One Voice community choir, the supersized Big Sing is friendly, informal, completely free and served with tea and cake.

A rare chance for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the uplifting benefits of singing as part of a huge group, the Big Sing is also a good place to find out how to join your local choir so you can keep up the good work.

Community

Shire horses to visit Canolfan Bethlehem for heritage talk

Published

8 hours ago

May 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Special event explores Dyfed Shires’ journey from Pembrokeshire to Horseguards Parade

A PAIR of magnificent Shire horses will be the star attraction at Canolfan Bethlehem in Trefdraeth (Newport, Pembrokeshire) on Wednesday evening, 28 May 2025, as part of a special heritage talk titled The Dyfed Shires Story – From Pembrokeshire to Horseguards Parade.

The popular community talk series at Canolfan Bethlehem continues with a unique opportunity to meet two of the Dyfed Shire horses in person. The horses will be on display on the lawn in front of the chapel from 6:00pm, with the talk itself beginning inside the chapel at 7:00pm.

The evening’s speaker, Mark Cole of Dyfed Shire Horse Farm, will share the story behind the farm’s founding and the remarkable journey that saw its horses selected to appear in ceremonial duties at Horseguards Parade in London.

Canolfan Bethlehem is a thriving community-run centre based in the former Bethlehem Chapel, which was saved at auction in August 2024 thanks to an ambitious local fundraising effort. Supporters raised £146,000 to secure the building for £145,000, transforming it into a Welsh heritage, arts, and culture hub.

The project received vital support from PLANED, the Narberth-based community development organisation. PLANED’s Community Assets Coordinator, Cris Tomos, praised the initiative: “The Canolfan Bethlehem community enterprise shows what can be done when people come together to preserve key assets for future generations. It’s fantastic to see the growing support for these regular talks.”

***Important project:*** *Cris re-opening the doors of the chapel once purchased by local investors.*

Community

Tenby Coaster returns for summer season

Published

8 hours ago

May 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Open-top double-decker back on scenic Pembrokeshire route from Sunday

PEMBROKESHIRE’S popular open-top bus service is set to return to the roads this weekend, offering stunning views of the county’s coastline throughout the summer.

The Tenby Coaster, now in its fourth year of service, resumes its route between Tenby and Saundersfoot on Sunday (May 25), following a brief appearance over Easter.

The eye-catching blue and yellow double-decker, operated by First Bus, was the first of its kind to run in Pembrokeshire since the 1990s and has since become a firm favourite with both visitors and locals.

Each day, the bus travels from its Haverfordwest depot to the route’s starting point in Tenby, passing key attractions such as Carew Castle and Manor Wildlife Park—making it possible to enjoy an extended journey for those catching it early or late in the day.

Passengers can hop aboard the Tenby Coaster from the stop by the town walls in Tenby, with First Bus promising “breathtaking views and a scenic descent into Saundersfoot”.

The service will operate daily until September 6, with hop-on, hop-off tickets available for those wanting to explore along the way. Fares match those of other local services, with singles starting at £1.60, returns from £3.04, and group day passes for up to five people available for £17.50.

Contactless payment is accepted via the Tap On Tap Off system, and both Welsh Concessionary Travel Cards and mytravelpass cards are valid on the route.

More information is available at the First Cymru website.

Community

Public invited to explore Pembroke Port at Open Day and Stakeholder Meeting

Published

1 day ago

May 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MEMBERS of the public are being invited to go behind the scenes at Pembroke Port as part of a special Open Day and Annual Stakeholder Meeting hosted by the Port of Milford Haven.

The event will take place on Wednesday, 18 June, at Catalina House, Pembroke Dock (SA72 6JD), offering a unique opportunity to discover the inner workings of one of Wales’ busiest ports.

Running from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, the Open Day will include guided bus tours around the site, giving visitors a rare, close-up look at port operations and activities across the facility. Port staff, local business representatives, and partners from across the supply chain will also be on hand to discuss their work and answer questions.

From 6:00pm to 7:30pm, the Port’s Annual Stakeholder Meeting will be held, where attendees will hear updates from the Chair and Chief Executive, meet members of the Board and senior management, and take part in a Q&A session. Questions can be submitted in advance via email to [email protected].

Throughout the day, visitors can explore the wide-ranging roles of the Port of Milford Haven – from commercial marine services and energy sector support to community initiatives and leisure activities. A number of external organisations will also be present, including emergency services, marine experts, and conservation groups highlighting Pembrokeshire’s diverse wildlife.