A SPECIAL afternoon celebrating Wales’ rich tradition of hymn singing and sacred music will take place at Canolfan Bethlehem on Sunday (Feb 15) at 3:00pm.

Organisers say the event, titled Caniadaeth y Cysegr, will honour a musical heritage that has shaped Welsh life for generations. Hymn singing has long echoed beyond chapels and churches, heard on rugby terraces, at community gatherings and in village halls – a living tradition woven into the fabric of Welsh identity.

Central to that tradition is the Cymanfa Ganu, the much-loved hymn festival which has played a vital role across Wales, particularly in north Pembrokeshire. While attendance has declined in recent decades, supporters say the spirit of congregational singing remains strong and deserves renewed celebration.

The afternoon will feature a talk by broadcaster and academic Ceri Wyn Richards, who will explore the poets, composers and musicians from Pembrokeshire whose work has made a lasting contribution to Welsh hymnody and sacred song.

During her distinguished career in television and radio, Richards produced Caniadaeth y Cysegr, the BBC’s longest-running religious programme, first aired in 1942 and widely regarded as the forerunner to Songs of Praise. Before retiring, she undertook an ambitious nationwide project to record every hymn in the Welsh hymn book with chapels, choirs and musicians throughout the country.

The event will also explore the strong links between hymn writing and places such as St Davids and Blaenwern, while reflecting on the legacy of influential figures including W. Rhys Nicholas, Waldo Williams and Eirwyn George. Organisers will also highlight the surprising connections between traditional hymn tunes and modern popular music.

A simultaneous translation service will be available, and the event is open to all.

Organisers added: “Everyone is welcome to join us for an afternoon of song, history and community as we celebrate one of Wales’ most treasured cultural traditions.”

Youth-led ‘Think Outside the Block’ toolkit rolled out to secondary schools across Pembrokeshire

A wNEW mental health and wellbeing resource designed by young people for young people has been launched in Pembrokeshire to mark Children’s Mental Health Week.

The county’s Children and Young People’s Rights Office (CYPRO) has unveiled Think Outside the Block – an interactive booklet and game aimed at helping pupils better understand emotional health and feel more confident talking about it.

The resource, launched this week (Feb 9–15), encourages open discussion, challenges common misconceptions and builds awareness around issues including anxiety, self-esteem, neurodiversity and general wellbeing.

Importantly, the project has been created by members of the Pembrokeshire Youth Assembly, working alongside CYPRO and the Primary Mental Health and School In-Reach teams.

The idea grew out of the county-wide “What Matters to You?” consultation, where young people identified mental health and emotional wellbeing as one of their top concerns. Participants said terms linked to mental health and neurodiversity are often used without clear understanding, which can create confusion and stigma.

Think Outside the Block aims to tackle that by using accessible language and interactive activities to help children explore key topics and develop the vocabulary they need to speak openly about how they feel.

Over the coming days, CYPRO will distribute the resource to secondary schools across the county. Staff will be able to use it in classrooms, youth settings and dedicated wellbeing sessions.

A spokesperson for CYPRO said: “This project has been led by young people, for young people. Their voices and experiences have shaped every part of this resource.

“We are delighted to share it with schools across the county and support meaningful conversations about mental health, emotional health and wellbeing.”

The Youth Assembly continues to play a central role in representing the views of young people locally, with this latest initiative described as a strong example of co-production in action..

Picture: Members of the Youth Assembly launch the Think Outside the Block resource (Pic: Supplied).

Party secures third county councillor in Pembrokeshire after by-election victory

PLAID CYMRU has gained the Fishguard North East seat on Pembrokeshire County Council after Billy Shaw topped the poll in this week’s by-election.

Shaw secured 253 votes — almost double that of the second-placed candidate — to be declared the new county councillor for the ward.

The win means Plaid Cymru now has three representatives on the authority, alongside Rhys Sinnett and Michael Williams.

The by-election was called following the death of former councillor Jordan Ryan, whose passing prompted tributes across the community.

Clear margin of victory

Official results show Shaw comfortably ahead of the field, with Caleb Churchill of the Welsh Liberal Democrats finishing second on 135 votes. Peter John of Reform UK came third with 95.

Labour’s Paul Howe polled 83, while independent candidate Teresa Tannahill received 79 votes. Brian Murphy of the Welsh Conservative Party took 69, and independent Adrian Tyrrell 35.

Turnout was 48.8% from an electorate of 1,537.

‘Now the hard work begins’

Councillor Shaw thanked residents for their support and said he was ready to begin work immediately.

He said: “I would like to thank all of the residents of Fishguard North East for electing me to represent them as their County Councillor. I take over the mantle after the passing away of the previous incumbent, Jordan Ryan, whose passing shocked us all. He was an excellent ambassador for Fishguard. Now the hard work begins.”

Ceredigion MS Elin Jones said Shaw knew the area well and would serve the community with “passion and integrity”.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth described the result as “a big win in Pembrokeshire for a true community champion”.

Councillor Shaw will now represent Fishguard North East residents at County Hall in Haverfordwest.