Llanelli Rotarians raise £3000 for the British Legion Poppy Appeal

Llanelli Rotarians raised £3000 for the Royal British Legion through a memorable World War One centenary concert staged at Greenfield Chapel, Llanelli.
The money was handed over to Phil Flower, community fundraiser for the Royal British Legion in South West Wales, at the Rotary club’s weekly meeting at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli.
The President of Llanelli Rotary Club Hywel Bassett said he was delighted that the club had been able to support the work of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal in South West Wales..
He added: “The sum represents a sterling fundraising effort on the part of Llanelli Rotary and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the evening and who attended what was a memorable and very moving concert. In particular, I’d like to thank Rotarian Cerith Owens of Loud Applause Productions and the small sub-committee of Rotarians who made the event work like clockwork.”
The programme for the concert carried the bold letters, 'Lest we forget'.
The words were foremost in everyone's minds (musicians, singers, narrators and audience members) as a supremely fitting commemoration was staged at Greenfield Chapel.
It was an evening which tugged at the heart strings and brought a tear to many eyes.
It was a concert which told the story of World War One, with sensitive narration of poetry and prose linking the choral contributions.
Mr Bassett explained: "As a Rotary Club, we will soon be approaching our own 100th anniversary in Llanelli and we wanted to pay our own unique tribute to those who died during the war, those who were injured and those who took part, both at home and abroad.
"The World War One 100th anniversary events throughout the country and abroad have touched all our hearts. The poppy appeal remains one of the greatest charities we have and we are delighted to be supporting it."
Côr Meibion Llanelli provided many of the highlights of the night with a programme which included Llanfair, Now The Day Is Over, Tangnyfeddwyr, Gwahoddiad and Morte Christe.
The men teamed up with the ladies of Côr Curiad for a stirring You'll Never Walk Alone.
Côr Curiad, meanwhile, were on splendid form with May It Be, Amazing Grace, Wherever You Are, Lord Bless You And Keep You, Gweddi'r Arglwydd and Run.
Two young members of the 'Rising Stars' stable from Loud Applause Productions - Keely Morgan and Jordan Williams - threatened to steal the show with their solo spots.
Jordan sang Tell My Father and Anfonaf Angel, while Keely sang Nella Fantasia and A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square.
There was a wonderful opportunity for communal singing in the second part of the programme when Côr Meibion Llanelli musical director Eifion Thomas led the massed choirs and the audience in It's A Long Way To Tipperary and Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag.
Readings of poetry and prose were featured throughout the evening, with Llanelli Rotary Club past president Robert Lloyd and Rotarian Monro Walters providing two distinctive and emotional voices from the pulpit.
Andrew Pike served up a splendid solo on the Greenfield organ and the evening was brought to a close in rousing fashion by the 215 City of Swansea Squadron Military Marching Band.
The evening closed with the evocative Tribute To The Fallen led by Deputy Lord Lieutenant David Mathias.
It was an evening which stirred the soul. All who attended will 'never forget'.

Photo: Pictured left to right, Rotarian Cerith Owens, Rotarian Monro Walters, Llanelli Rotary president elect Sue Roberts, Phil Flower, community fundraiser for the Royal British Legion in South West Wales, Llanelli Rotary President Hywel Bassett, Rotarian Mark Evans and Rotarian Robert Lloyd.