Community

‘Extremely moving’ concert is first in two years for Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir

Published

4 years ago

April 18, 2022

A NEW page turned for Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir in its 70th anniversary year when choristers staged for the first concert in over two years – at Tabernacle Chapel, Pembroke, on Tuesday (Apr 12) – member of the audience complimented the professionalism of the repertoire, saying that the music was ‘extremely moving’, and that it was nice to see the choir performing again after so long.

During the enforced absence from concerts due to the pandemic much has changed for the choir and there were a number of ‘firsts’ at Tabernacle. A new leadership team of Musical Director Juliet Rossiter and Accompanist Carole Rees directed operations and there was a debut as MC for First Tenor Matthew John.
Also making their debuts were two recruits since the choir re-started rehearsing last autumn -First Bass Rob Mathias and First Tenor Peter Halifax.

Peter also took a solo spot, his variation on ‘The Lord’s Prayer’, accompanying himself on guitar, and he accompanied regular soloist Ron Rees who sang ‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen.

There were two solo spots by Alyson Griffiths on flute – Easter themed pieces ‘Come and See’ and ‘I Walked In The Garden’, and the ever special ‘Panis Angelicus’.

MD Juliet was very pleased with this first staging after such a long lay-off. “We had some nice compliments on our programme. Choristers have worked well and hard over recent months and this was a good start. We have several more concerts booked for this year and are very much looking forward to these.”

The choir was welcomed and thanked on behalf of the Tabernacle community by The Rev Stella Hayton and the ladies of the chapel provided excellent refreshments afterwards.

Thanks to them were expressed by choir chairman John Hillier.

Pictured above: Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir returned to the stage at Tabernacle Chapel, Pembroke. Choristers were joined by Musical Director Juliet Rossiter, Accompanist Carole Rees and Assistant Accompanist and soloist, Alyson Griffiths. (Martin Cavaney Photography)

Community

Family pay tribute to teenager who died during Duke of Edinburgh expedition

Published

4 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of an 18-year-old man who died after entering the River Wye during a Duke of Edinburgh expedition have paid tribute to a “loving” young man who will be “dearly missed”.

Umar Dumbuya, from London, died in Glasbury, Powys, on Tuesday, June 30.

Dyfed-Powys Police have issued a photograph of Umar and a tribute from his family following the tragedy.

His family said: “We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother and grandson. There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family.

“Umar was a loving boy and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

“Umar loved spending time playing basketball, attending the gym, and being with friends and family.

“We will always remember Umar for his kindness, warmth and sense of humour. His death has left a devastating hole in our family, and we now ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Community

Hywel Dda reaffirms commitment to Armed Forces community

Published

7 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HYWEL DDA UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD has reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces community by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

The covenant was signed at the Wales National Armed Forces Day 2026 event, held at Pembrey Country Park on Saturday, June 27.

It was signed on behalf of the health board by Armed Forces Champion and Independent Board Member Michael Imperato, alongside Lisa Gostling, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Workforce and Organisational Development.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly. It supports serving personnel, veterans, service leavers and their families, with a veteran defined as anyone who has served for at least one day.

By re-signing the covenant, Hywel Dda says it is continuing its role as an Armed Forces friendly employer and healthcare provider across west Wales.

This includes supporting the recruitment and employment of veterans, recognising military skills, providing additional support for reservists, offering flexible working for service families, working with partner organisations, supporting cadet groups and Armed Forces charities, and improving access to healthcare for veterans.

Anyone currently serving, or who has previously served in the Armed Forces, can find out more about the support available through Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Armed Forces Covenant pages.

Staff who are part of the Armed Forces community can also access support through the health board’s Armed Forces Staff Network by contacting [email protected].

Community

British Empire Medal ceremony held at County Hall

Published

7 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AN INSPIRATIONAL Pembrokeshire woman has been presented with the British Empire Medal at a special ceremony at County Hall.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, presented the BEM to Mrs Lynne McCutcheon during the ceremony, which was held in the Council Chamber on June 22.

Mrs McCutcheon received the honour for services to disadvantaged children in Nepal and India.

The British Empire Medal is awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown. It recognises sustained local contribution, or innovative and high-impact work within a community.

Mrs McCutcheon was honoured in recognition of her 22 years as funding trustee and chairman of New Futures Nepal, through which she has helped transform the lives of disadvantaged children, many of them living with disabilities.

Her voluntary leadership has supported care, education and opportunities for vulnerable young people, helping to create lasting change and improve thousands of lives.

Mrs McCutcheon said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, but it really reflects the efforts of many people.

“My heartfelt thanks go to fellow trustees, partner charities in Nepal and India, and all the donors, volunteers, friends and family whose support has made our work possible.

“I accept this recognition on behalf of everyone who has trusted us to change lives and bring hope to those most in need in Nepal.”

Mrs McCutcheon was joined at the ceremony by family and friends, along with Council Chairman Cllr Delme Harries.

Miss Edwards said: “It was both an enormous privilege and a huge pleasure to present Pembrokeshire resident Mrs Lynne McCutcheon with her British Empire Medal for her many years of commitment to helping disadvantaged children and young people in Nepal.

“Her dedication to supporting and improving the lives of these young people, ensuring that they all have better futures in Nepal, is truly inspirational. I warmly congratulate her on her very deserved honour.”