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Whitland Male Choir’s first Post Lockdown Concert

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Whitland Choir perform one of their ‘Socially Distanced’ rehearsals at the Garage of Bysiau Cwm Taf

Whitland Male Choir are returning to the stage for the first time since St David’s Day 2020 to star in Narberth & Whitland Rotary, Grand Charity Concert when they perform with Britain’s Got Talent Stars Richard and Adam at the Follies Theatre, Folly Farm on Saturday 9th October this year.

One of the oldest choirs in the country, Whitland Male Choir should have been celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2020. The pandemic meant this was not possible and as a result 19 Choir events have been cancelled in the last 18 months and they are delighted to have been invited to take part in this gala event.

It has been a difficult time for all of us and choirs have been no exception. From March of last year until the end of May 2021, they were unable to get together to practice and Choir spokesman David Thomas said that “However, for 12 months the Choir kept together with weekly online practices. It was not without its technical challenges for all of us, but it meant we maintained contact with each other and kept the camaraderie”.

“Our first get-togethers were socially distanced in the open air, firstly in the lovely garden of Choir Librarian Phil Garrod, then in the stand at Whitland Rugby Club and also in the grounds of Ysgol Dyffryn Tȃf before we were able to meet in the garage of Bysiau Cwm Tȃf, thanks to Clive Edwards. And we soon discovered the acoustics in the garage are superb”!

The Choir has raised many thousands of pounds in recent years. Their members are drawn from a wide area, embracing Whitland, Clunderwen, Llanboidy, Maenclochog, Haverfordwest, Narberth, St Clears and the surrounding areas. The Choir has competed in many competitions and has been successful at the National Eisteddfod and Gwyl Fawr Aberteifi (Cardigan eisteddfod).

The Choir are delighted that their first concert back is on home territory and they look to once again travelling further afield. In the past the choir has travelled abroad giving concerts at Tramore and Killarney in Ireland; Pipriac, St Gregoire and Rennes in Brittany.  They have also performed at the Royal Albert Hall, London; St David’s Hall, Cardiff and the M.E.N. Manchester not forgetting trips abroad to Vienna, Holland and the Cork Festival in Ireland.  The Choir has also enjoyed singing with other choirs over the years.

Mrs Hefina Jones was appointed Musical Director in 2018 after being accompanist for almost 20 years. Hefina is originally from Capel Iwan near Newcastle Emlyn and currently lives in Llangynin, St Clears.  Hefina works at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf, Whitland and is also a part time piano teacher.  She enjoys working with children to give them the opportunity to enjoy and develop their musical skills.  She obtained the A.L.C.M in 1993 and has accompanied various artists and choirs over the years.  She has conducted numerous singing festivals in the area, and enjoys singing in her spare time.

The Accompanist is Owain Williams, he is originally from Wiston, near Haverfordwest.  He attended Ysgol Glan Cleddau and Ysgol y Preseli, then went on to study professional music at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David in Carmarthen, graduating in 2013. Having worked at Nant y Ffin Hotel for many years, Owain is a familiar face to many and currently works as the County Organiser for Pembrokeshire YFC.  As well as accompanying Whitland Male Choir, Owain accompanies Bechgyn Jemeima, the Landsker Singers and Criw Harmoni.

Deputy Accompanist is Heather Jenkin Heather lives in Whitland and is a Foundation Phase teacher and music co-ordinator at Ysgol Caer Elen, Haverfordwest. Heather is also accompanist for Corlan, a mixed choir based in Llanboidy, a member of Parti’r Gromlech and is one of the organists at Tabernacle Chapel, Whitland.

Tickets for the concert, which are sure to be in great demand are now on sale and can be bought online at www.nwrotary.co.uk and also for cash at local outlets, Dales Music Shop, Tenby; Rock ‘n Rolla Boutique, Narberth and The Creative Cafe, High Street, Haverfordwest. They are also available from Chorister Huw Jones of Whitland Male Choir.

Charity

Shalom House adapts to community needs amid financial struggles

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A HOSPICE in St Davids is finding new ways to support the community after financial challenges forced changes to its operations. Shalom House, a well-loved facility on Nun Street, has shifted its focus in recent years, balancing healthcare provision with its founding mission.

Established in 2007, Shalom House was originally designed as a five-bed hospice offering respite and palliative care. Its creation was made possible by the donation of the property from Elizabeth de Guise, a novelist with a deep connection to Pembrokeshire. However, rising costs and funding shortfalls have led to significant changes in how the hospice operates.

In late October, the closure of St Davids Surgery prompted Shalom House to repurpose two of its rooms for use by a branch surgery. The facility is now home to a service staffed by practice nurses under Hywel Dda Health Board, ensuring local residents continue to have access to healthcare.

Balancing priorities

While the move has been welcomed by many in the area, it has come at a cost. Shalom House now operates with three respite beds instead of five, a change that has sparked concern among some supporters.

“We had to make a difficult decision,” a spokesperson for the hospice said. “Our primary goal is to serve the community, and this arrangement allows us to do so in multiple ways. The branch surgery provides vital medical care while helping us generate income to keep Shalom House open.”

The hospice continues to offer day-care services to several patients each week, with additional respite care provided as resources allow. Trustees are optimistic that full capacity can be restored in the future, depending on funding.

Community campaign brings hope

Despite the challenges, Shalom House has received overwhelming support from the Pembrokeshire community. A recent campaign, “Save Shalom,” has seen donations increase dramatically, offering a glimmer of hope for the hospice’s long-term future.

Local resident and campaign volunteer, Jenny Williams, said: “Shalom House means so much to so many people. It’s more than a building—it’s a lifeline for families across the county. We’re determined to do everything we can to keep it running.”

Looking ahead

The trustees are exploring new ways to raise funds and expand services, with plans to launch a series of community events next year. They have also expressed gratitude for the continued generosity of local residents, whose donations remain crucial.

“Shalom House has always been about Pembrokeshire’s people,” said the spokesperson. “Every penny donated helps us provide care and support to those who need it most. We’re confident that, with the community behind us, we can overcome these challenges.”

For more information about Shalom House or to make a donation, visit www.shalomstdavids.org.

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Entertainment

A Christmas spectacular at St Davids Cathedral delights audience

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A CHRISTMAS celebration of music and song enthralled audiences at St Davids Cathedral on Saturday (Dec 14), as the St Davids Cathedral Choir and Vox Angelica presented A Christmas Spectacular. The event, which began at 7:00pm, offered a festive evening of performances set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of one of Wales’ most iconic landmarks.

The concert featured the talented harpist Bethan Semmens, who captivated listeners with her intricate and emotive playing. A Cardiff native, Semmens studied at the Royal College of Music and has performed at prestigious events across the UK and internationally. Her contributions to the evening brought an enchanting touch to the programme.

The night was packed with beloved seasonal pieces, showcasing both choral and soloist performances. Highlights included the timeless Good King Wenceslas, Winter Wonderland, and festive classics such as The Twelve Days of Christmas. The Cathedral Choir delivered stirring renditions under the vaulted ceilings, with carols and arrangements that beautifully resonated throughout the space.

Special moments featured solos by Harriet Pearce and Sophie Cooke, who lent their voices to favourites like There Is No Rose and Balulalow. The audience was further treated to a moving arrangement of A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, performed in harmony with Bethan Semmens’ harp accompaniment.

A medley of carols encouraged audience participation, culminating in a joyful and spirited atmosphere. Families, friends, and visitors joined their voices for classics that brought warmth and festivity to the wintry evening.

The performance concluded with an uplifting recessional, leaving attendees with a sense of seasonal cheer. The Cathedral, adorned with Christmas trees and lights, provided the perfect setting for what many described as an unforgettable musical experience.

The Herald understands that A Christmas Spectacular was a resounding success, with plans already underway for next year’s event.

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News

Greyhound racing in Wales: Future hangs in balance as decision delayed until 2025

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THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’S decision to postpone a ruling on the future of greyhound racing until 2025 has sparked mixed reactions, with animal welfare groups voicing disappointment and industry representatives welcoming the extended timeline for discussion.

Welfare groups demand urgent action

Animal welfare organisations, including Dogs Trust, RSPCA Cymru, Blue Cross, Greyhound Rescue Wales, and Hope Rescue, have expressed dismay at the delay. The coalition, known as Cut the Chase, has long advocated for an end to greyhound racing in Wales, calling the postponement a missed opportunity to prevent further harm.

Their concerns mirror recent developments in New Zealand, where greyhound racing will be banned by August 2026 due to concerns over injuries and fatalities. Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, stated:
“The call to end greyhound racing in Wales has received overwhelming support from the animal welfare community, Members of the Senedd, and the public, with over 35,000 people signing a petition demanding change.

“It is unacceptable that so many dogs die or are seriously injured every year, all in the name of entertainment. Wales now stands alongside only a handful of countries, including England and Scotland, where this outdated and inhumane practice persists. The Welsh Government must take the only meaningful action to stop this cruelty: end greyhound racing once and for all.”

Public supports a phased ban

A consultation conducted by the Welsh Government revealed that 64.69% of respondents supported a phased ban on greyhound racing. Despite this, officials have opted to extend deliberations, with a final decision now expected in 2025.

Animal welfare groups highlighted troubling figures from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), which reported 359 racing greyhound deaths and 4,238 injuries in 2023 – a 47% increase in fatalities compared to the previous year. Concerns extend to off-track welfare, including reports of poor living conditions, inadequate nutrition, and lack of enrichment for retired greyhounds.

Industry defends its welfare standards

The GBGB has countered criticism by emphasizing welfare improvements at licensed tracks such as Valley Stadium in Wales. Mark Bird, GBGB Chief Executive, said:
“Valley Stadium’s licensing has brought significant welfare improvements, overseen by expert veterinarians and our national network of professionals. Racing greyhounds receive more oversight and protection than many pet dogs across Wales.

“We remain committed to working with the Welsh Government to promote and protect greyhound welfare through effective and proportionate regulation.”

Broader calls for change

The debate in Wales reflects a growing movement to end greyhound racing across the UK and beyond. In Scotland, a Proposed Prohibition of Greyhound Racing Bill aims to outlaw the sport, while New Zealand has committed to a ban, citing ethical concerns.

Decision delayed but debate intensifies

The Welsh Government has emphasized the need for thorough consideration before making a final decision. However, the delay has intensified divisions, with animal welfare groups urging an outright ban and the industry advocating for improved regulation as a viable alternative.

A final verdict is not expected until 2025, leaving the future of the sport – and the welfare of thousands of greyhounds – uncertain.

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