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Carmarthen Youth Opera receives King’s Award for Voluntary Services

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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.”

Community

Special RNLI concert for choir member Dorothy’s 90th Birthday

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A SPECIAL concert was held in Pembrokeshire to honour a long-serving member of the Neyland Ladies Choir, Dorothy Beckett, on the occasion of her 90th birthday.

The event took place at St Mary’s Church, Hakin, where Ms Beckett, who has been a dedicated member of the choir for many years, was celebrated for her longstanding commitment to both the choir and her 74 years of fundraising efforts for the RNLI.

The concert drew a large crowd, with Ms Beckett’s family and members of the Angle Lifeboat RNLI among those in attendance. The church was filled to capacity, and all proceeds from the event were donated to the RNLI, a cause close to Ms Beckett’s heart.

Choir president Simon Hancock welcomed attendees and spoke warmly about Ms Beckett’s popularity, not only within the choir but also throughout the local community. During the evening, she was presented with a birthday cake, adding a personal touch to the celebration.

In addition to performances by the Neyland Ladies Choir, the Milford Haven Junior Town Band provided musical entertainment. The band performed a variety of pieces, much to the delight of the audience, and received enthusiastic applause. Solo performances from young talents Mali, Ella-Mae, and Olivia were highlights, while Faith and Nia offered support from the main band.

A former member of the Hakin Point RNLI group, Jan Mathias, paid tribute to Ms Beckett, thanking her for over 50 years of dedication and support to the charity. Representatives of the Angle Lifeboat RNLI, dressed in full uniform, presented Ms Beckett with a long service medal and flowers in recognition of her remarkable contribution.

The choir’s repertoire for the evening included a range of much-loved pieces, with a special performance of ‘Christopher Robin is Saying His Prayers’, in which Ms Beckett reprised a solo part, once again moving the audience with her heartfelt rendition.

A presentation entitled “This is Your Choir Life” was delivered by Noreen Hadfield, offering a touching reflection on Ms Beckett’s 30 years with the choir. Sheila Griffiths curated a slideshow of photographs, showcasing memorable moments and amusing stories from various choir tours and events over the years.

The evening concluded with a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ led by the choir, with Ms Beckett’s son, Adrian, expressing heartfelt thanks to both the choir and the Junior Band for providing such a wonderful beginning to his mother’s birthday celebrations.

The concert was a fitting tribute to Ms Beckett, whose commitment to her community, both through music and charity, continues to inspire.

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Community

Milford Haven Town Council’s remembrance events in November

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MILFORD HAVEN is set to honour the fallen with a series of events in connection with the annual Remembrance period this November.

Organised by Milford Haven Town Council, the events will include several services and moments of reflection to commemorate those who served and sacrificed during conflicts.

The remembrance events will begin on Sunday, 3rd November 2024, with a Dedication Service at the Memorial Gardens. The service will commence at 10:30am, with the main ceremony at 11:00am. Crosses will be placed in a special area in front of the First World War Memorial Plaque following the service.

The Annual Remembrance Day Service will take place on Sunday, 10th November 2024, at 11:00am at the Cenotaph on Hamilton Terrace. A parade will assemble at the Town Hall at 10:30am, stepping off at 10:45am, before proceeding to the Cenotaph for the service.

On Monday, 11th November 2024, members of the Royal British Legion will lead a two-minute silence at 11:00am to mark the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month. The gathering will take place outside Milford News/Best One on Charles Street, with participants assembling at 10:45am.

These solemn events provide an opportunity for the community of Milford Haven to come together in remembrance and respect for those who have given their lives in service.

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Community

Milford Haven gears up for Halloween extravaganza to benefit charity

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IN a bid to raise funds for Prostate Cymru and the community’s access defibrillator fund, the Milford Haven Business Circle is hosting a Halloween Market and a Medium & Music Night this October 31st, promising an array of activities for all ages.

The Halloween Market will kick off at the Pill Social Centre from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Attendees can look forward to a variety of stalls showcasing local crafts, delightful treats, and unique gifts, perfect for the festive season.

As dusk falls, the focus shifts to the Milford Haven RFC, where the Medium & Music Night will commence at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available for £5 per person and can be purchased online or at the door. The evening will feature Nathan Roberts, a gifted medium who will offer spiritual insights, and Chris Didcote, whose musical prowess is set to provide an enchanting backdrop.

Jaimie Gurney, Secretary of the Milford Haven Business Circle and a local photographer, expressed the importance of the events: “All proceeds will aid vital medical research and ensure our community is equipped to handle medical emergencies. We are counting on the generous support of local media, businesses, and individuals to help promote these worthy causes.”

The community is encouraged to support by sharing event posters, spreading the word, and participating in what promises to be a memorable day for a noble cause.

Halloween Market

  • Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Location: Pill Social Centre, Milford Haven

The Halloween Market will feature a delightful array of festive goods and activities for the whole family. All stalls will be local, offering a diverse range of products including handmade crafts, delicious treats, and unique gifts.

Medium & Music Night

  • Time: 6:30 PM onwards
  • Location: Milford Haven RFC
  • Ticket Price: £5 per person (available to book at HERE or at the door)
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