News
Whitland Male Choir’s first Post Lockdown Concert
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.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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