CARMARTHEN and District Youth Opera has been honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Services in recognition of its outstanding contributions to providing musical theatre opportunities for young people in the West Wales area.

Recognising outstanding examples of voluntary work, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from across the UK for many years. Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.

Established in 1979, Carmarthen and District Youth Opera has been a cornerstone of the performing arts community in Wales for over four decades. What began as a small group of dedicated individuals at Carmarthen’s Further Education Centre youth club has flourished into one of Wales’s most successful cultural societies, thanks to the dedication of volunteers.

Under the leadership of the late Elizabeth Evans MBE and her husband David, Carmarthen and District Youth Opera has grown from strength to strength, showcasing high-quality musical entertainment and earning accolades such as the Lord Snowdon Award for its first annual music production of “Snow White” in 1979. Over the years, Carmarthen and District Youth Opera has continued to captivate audiences with productions ranging from “Oliver” to “Jesus Christ Superstar,” garnering national praise.

Further major Lyric refurbishment works in the early 1990’s and later, gave a home to the Youth Opera with a venue and facilities in which it could deliver productions of the highest quality to an audience of approximately 500 people. For a period of 15 years, it functioned as an entertainment centre run voluntarily by the Lyric Trust, drawn from the Youth Opera’s supporters. The theatre is since owned and run by Carmarthenshire County Council as a venue for current and future generations.

Carmarthen and District Youth Opera’s impact extends beyond the stage, with many former cast members pursuing successful careers in music and dramatic arts. The organisation’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity has earned it widespread recognition, including from Her Majesty the Queen, the Emir of Qatar, and their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

As Carmarthen and District Youth Opera celebrates this prestigious award, it remains firm in its commitment to nurturing young talent and enriching the cultural landscape of Wales.

Councillor Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism said: “Carmarthen and District Youth Opera embodies the spirit of community and dedication to the arts that enriches our region. Receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Services is a testament to the unwavering commitment of its volunteers and the profound impact the organisation has on nurturing young talent. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued contributions to the cultural vibrancy of West Wales.”

GET ready to be swept away by the melodies of the West End as the Chess Brass Quintet takes centre stage at the Milford Haven Music Festival on Sunday, 26th May 2024.

Returning for their third captivating performance in Milford Haven, Chess Brass promises an afternoon of enchanting melodies and vibrant harmonies, set amidst the picturesque Lawns of Rathgate House.

Comprising five talented brass musicians – Ian and John on trumpet, Dickie on French horn, Phil on trombone, and Martin on tuba – Chess Brass brings a wealth of experience garnered from illustrious careers as freelance players in and around London.

Having refined their craft since departing from London music colleges in the late 80s, each member of Chess Brass has graced prestigious stages, collaborated with world-renowned orchestras, contributed to West End productions, and left their mark on many recordings. Beyond their professional endeavors, they generously share their expertise through teaching, nurturing the next generation of musical talent.

Despite the challenges of the Covid era, Chess Brass persevered, seizing opportunities to perform wherever regulations allowed, enriching the communities of Chesham and beyond with their musical prowess.

Their performance on Sunday, 26th May, promises to transport the audience on a journey through the captivating realms of West End shows and beloved musicals. With each note, Chess Brass Quintet invites attendees to immerse themselves in timeless melodies and infectious rhythms that have captured hearts around the world.

The event will be complemented by Traditional Afternoon Tea featuring Moët and Chandon Champagne from 2.30pm until 6.30pm, adding an extra touch of sophistication to an already magical afternoon. In addition to the musical extravaganza, attendees can enjoy Lawn Games scattered around the grounds of Rathgate House and participate in a comprehensive Charity Raffle.

A Limited Number of Tickets are still available at £30 each, inclusive of Champagne Afternoon Tea, from Ralph Rees – Telephone 07770 996280 or email [email protected].

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the brilliance of Chess Brass Quintet in the serene ambiance of Milford Haven. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music, camaraderie, and charitable spirit at the Milford Haven Music Festival 2024.

VOLUNTEER crew members of Little and Broad Haven RNLI were recently given back the keys to their station after an extensive refurbishment and expansion that was completed over winter.

Thanks to support from the RNLI the Little and Broad Haven lifeboat crew now have a base that is fit for their modern day lifesaving service. To celebrate, a team photo was taken to present the improvements to the wider public. During the refurbishment period the station remained operational 24-hours a day in temporary accommodation, but the crew are delighted to move the lifeboat and tractor back into its permanent new home.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Andy Grey commented: ‘After many years waiting for improved facilities at Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station the new refurbishment has finally been completed. Suffice to say, all the crew and officers are delighted with the results. At last we have a toilet and shower facility as well as a very modern and efficient crew changing area.

‘The crew meeting room upstairs has been upgraded and suitable for all our requirements. Similarly, the external wood panelling around the new build looks the part… truly a lifeboat station that the whole community can be proud of.’

An official opening is planned at a later date this year, which will also be part of the celebrations that are taking place this year to commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the RNLI lifeboat service being formed. There will also be an open day on Sunday 4 August where visitors will be welcome to take a peek at the newly refurbished station.

In the meantime, the lifeboat station is fully operational and provides the volunteer crew with a modern base for their lifesaving operations that can help them respond at any given moment, whenever they are needed to go and save lives at sea.

The crew are very grateful to Edward Perkins from Castle Photography and Framing in Haverfordwest for giving up his time and expertise to take the photo. They all donned their formal ‘Guernsey’ jumpers and wore their RNLI200 badges with pride.