MAGICAL madrigal memories will linger long after Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir hosted a visiting youth choir from the United States at Pembroke Town Hall on Monday (April 7).

The 50-strong Mountain View High School Madrigals from California — aged 14 to 18 — wowed the audience with their exquisite close harmonies, delivering an unaccompanied performance from their wide-ranging repertoire.

In a touching tribute to their hosts, the young American singers performed a note-perfect rendition of the Welsh classic Myfanwy, before joining the Pembroke choristers in a moving version of Calon Lân.

The local choir, under the baton of Musical Director Juliet Rossiter, responded with a trio of songs: African Prayer, World in Union, and, fittingly, Elvis Presley’s American Trilogy. Accompanist for the evening was Rev William Lambert, with Matthew John acting as MC.

Pembroke’s Town Crier, Gareth Jones, welcomed the visitors with his trademark booming voice, and the Mayor of Pembroke, Councillor Ann Mortesen, presented a town crest to the visiting choir’s musical director, Jill Kenny. Choir chairman Huw Morgan also presented a commemorative plaque, noting that in the choir’s 72-year history, this was believed to be the first joint performance with an American choir.

Earlier in the day, the Mountain View Madrigals had toured Pembroke Castle before travelling to St Davids, where they gave a performance in the Cathedral. The group spent two nights in Pembrokeshire, staying at a hotel in Tenby.

Thanks were extended to Choir Secretary Dave Powell, Gareth Morgan, and the Pembroke Town Hall team for their efforts in organising the memorable visit.

THE 2025 lawn bowls season for Llandeilo Bowling Club (LBC) has now commenced with the formal opening of the green on Saturday April 12.

With the weather remaining onside there was a big turnout for the opening with Llandeilo Town Council’s Mayor, Charlotte Morgan, bowling the first wood of the season with remarkable accuracy. Apologies had been received from Cllr Edward Thomas who was unable to be present due to ill health.

Before games commenced the traditional “spider” competition took place with everyone bowling simultaneously to the jack in the centre of the green. The fun competition was won for the second year in succession by Pat James.

The green was in excellent condition after the winter due to the hard work of volunteers and members bowled on all rinks for a couple of hours all trying to get their hand in before the season’s league competitions commence. Everyone then retreated to the club house for a sumptuous tea prepared by members with a raffle thereafter.

LBC President, Gareth James, congratulated the club’s short mat teams – Tywi (division 1) and Teilo (division 2) both of which had done extremely well in their divisions considering they were relatively new teams to the short mat league but both had proved forces to be reckoned with. It was hoped that now that the 2025 lawn bowls season had started LBC would again meet with success.

Deborah Mathews, Jamie Davies, and Doug Davies, captains of the ladies, mens and veterans teams respectively were wished well for the impending season.

The Mayor, Charlotte Morgan, who remained in the company of members for the afternoon, said that she had followed with interest LBC’S successes and it was hoped this would continue for the coming season. It was encouraging to see the club thriving and in regular use with a cross section of age groups enjoying the facilities.

LBC will be holding an open day on Sunday 27th April from 2pm onwards. No previous experience is necessary. Bowls and free coaching will be provided. All you need is flat footwear. LBC looks forward to welcoming you.

POLICE APPEAL FOR WITNESSES TO FATAL COLLISION

A MAN has died following a two-car collision on the A40 near Treffgarne, Pembrokeshire.

The crash happened at around 12:40pm on Friday (Apr 11) and involved a silver Citroen Picasso and a black Audi A1, which were travelling in opposite directions.

Emergency services, including Dyfed-Powys Police and the Wales Air Ambulance, attended the scene, and the road was closed for several hours. Tragically, the driver of the Citroen was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have now launched an appeal for witnesses and are asking anyone who may have seen the vehicles prior to the crash, or who may have dashcam footage, to come forward.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We’re appealing for any witnesses to the collision, anyone who saw either of the cars before the incident, or who might have dashcam footage of the vehicles, to get in touch.”

Witnesses can contact police via the website, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, sending a direct message on social media, or by calling 101. The reference number to quote is 158 of April 11.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

The name of the deceased has not been released at this time.

Photo caption:
Air support: Wales Air Ambulance attended the scene of the crash on Friday (Pic: Herald)