THE FIRST concert of the new season for Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir took place among friends made during a Christmas visit to Kensington Court in Steynton, Milford Haven.

After singing carols for residents in December, the choir was invited back to perform a full concert, which was warmly supported by those living at the home.

Musical Director Juliet Rossiter selected a varied programme that included songs from the musicals Les Miserables and Chess, along with favourites requested by residents, including Calon Lan. The choristers themselves were treated to a special rendition of Myfanwy.

Accompanist William Lambert also entertained the audience, performing three solo items. He concluded with the much-loved Morecambe and Wise classic Bring Me Sunshine, with residents and choir members joining in.

Deputy MC Ed Morris rose to the occasion with a lively selection of jokes, many aimed at different sections of the choir — something that may yet see his popularity questioned among his fellow singers.

Thanking the choir and musical team, Rosemary Cooper presented Juliet Rossiter with a donation on behalf of the residents.

Refreshments and cakes were enjoyed afterwards, thanks to volunteers Gail, Jackie, Gareth and Linda.

Choir rehearsals are held every Tuesday evening at 7:00pm at St Teilo’s Church Hall in Pembroke Dock. Anyone interested in trying male choral singing is welcome to come along and join what members describe as a friendly and welcoming fraternity.

TWENTY projects across Wales have received grants of up to £500 to hold events or services that enable communities to support people through grief or ill-health.  

£10,000 of funding was given to the projects which reached more than 500 people and included group sessions for bereaved children, creative workshops for those grieving the loss of loved ones through suicide and remembrance events for veterans.

The funding from Macmillan Cancer Support was delivered through Age Cymru in its role as secretariat of Compassionate Cymru. As well as directly supporting projects, the programme also brought organisations together to share, learn and grow their ability to support people through some of the toughest moments of their lives. 

Though Age Cymru primarily works to support older people in Wales, the Compassionate Cymru funding was available to any charity or organisation that supported people of all ages through dealing with grief and loss.

Sandy Bear is a children’s bereavement charity based in Pembrokeshire, but operates across Wales, providing one-to-one and peer-group support to ensure children and young people are able to understand death, to fully express grief; and to manage loss in a positive way that equips them for life in future.

Through the funding, around 50 bereaved children across Wales were able to attend group sessions run by the charity, giving them a safe space to explore their feelings and process their grief with other children facing similar challenges.

Lee Barnett, C.E.O, from Sandy Bear, said the sessions not only provided immediate emotional support but also helped the charity reach more children. “Children felt listened to, supported, and less alone in their experiences. Many reported increased confidence in talking about their loss, a greater sense of connection with others, and an improved understanding of their own emotions. For many children, this was their first opportunity to engage with specialist bereavement support in a structured, compassionate setting, which was invaluable.” 

Kelly Barr from Age Cymru who managed the project, said: “To lose a loved one is never easy, but for many people in Wales, they are trying to grieve while also dealing with profound personal or situational challenges. Whether that is mental health, financial or even just the circumstances of loss, where bereavement may be sudden or unexpected. 

“Thousands of children across Wales experience bereavement every year, and for them it can be a confusing and frightening experience, with many not knowing how to process the feelings they have or what life will look like for them after a loss.

“That’s why we are so proud to have been able to work with our partners at Compassionate Cymru and Macmillan to help make such a difference across Wales. The variety of events, workshops and support systems that were empowered by this funding was wonderful to see, and of course they would be nothing without the fantastic people and organisations behind them.”   

For more information about Age Cymru, you can contact your local Age Cymru office, call us on 0300 303 44 98, or you can go to www.agecymru.wales.

Community events planned in lead-up to June street festival

BUSINESSES in Milford Haven are preparing for the return of the town’s popular Founder’s Day celebration, with a series of fundraising events planned in the coming months to support the much-loved community festival.

Members of Milford Haven Business Circle are once again organising Founder’s Day, which will take place on Saturday (Jun 6) on Charles Street.

The event has become a highlight of the town’s calendar, drawing together local businesses, performers, families and visitors for a day of entertainment and celebration in the heart of Milford Haven.

To help fund the event, organisers have put together a programme of community fundraising activities in the lead-up to June.

The first of these is a Curry Night hosted by The Taste of Haven café on Charles Street on Saturday (Mar 21). The evening will begin at 6:00pm and promises a curry-themed dining experience in a relaxed and sociable setting. Tickets cost £25 per person and can be booked directly through the café.

Next on the calendar is the Big Bingo Bash at the Boulevard Theatre on Friday (Apr 11). The family-friendly evening will offer a lively take on traditional bingo, with prizes and entertainment planned throughout the night. Doors open at 6:30pm, with eyes down at 7:00pm. Organisers are also inviting local businesses to donate prizes to support the fundraising effort.

Music fans will also have the chance to attend “Alfie – The Elvis Experience”, taking place at the Pill Social Centre on Saturday (Apr 25). The event will feature a tribute performance celebrating the music of Elvis Presley. Standard tickets are £10, while a VIP table package costing £100 includes seating for six people, nibbles and a complimentary bottle of wine.

Tickets are available from Moon Goddess Emporium on Charles Street, Ambulance Friends on Charles Street, or online via Eventbrite.

Another highlight in the fundraising programme will be StyleFest 26, a charity fashion show celebrating local style and creativity. The event is being organised in partnership with Captured Soul Photography and will showcase collections from Elizabeth Christie Bridalwear, Chic Boutique and Haverfordwest Soroptimists, who are sponsoring the prom section of the show.

Standard tickets for StyleFest 26 cost £10, with VIP tables available for £100 including seating for six guests, nibbles and a complimentary bottle of wine.

Organisers say they are also keen to hear from additional boutiques, models and creative professionals interested in taking part in the show. Hair stylists, makeup artists, backstage volunteers and technical support are also being invited to get involved.

Alongside the events, community raffles are also helping to boost the fundraising campaign. Local business Patch has donated two hampers, with tickets available at The Taste of Haven. Captured Soul Photography is also offering the chance to win a performing arts portfolio photography session worth £400 through a raffle on its Facebook page.

Organisers say the growing programme of events reflects strong support from Milford Haven’s business community and they hope residents and visitors will come along to enjoy the activities while helping support preparations for Founder’s Day.

When the event returns in June, Charles Street will once again be transformed into a lively celebration of the town’s businesses, creativity and community spirit.