Plas Llanelly House hosts afternoon of reflections on Netherlands trip

Reflections on a ground-breaking trip to honour links between Llanelli and a city in The Netherlands were the order of the day at Plas Llanelly House.

There was a full house for an afternoon which mixed music and memories for the team from Loud Applause Rising Stars.
‘Rising Stars’ is the charitable wing of Loud Applause Productions and works to help mentor up-and-coming singers and musicians and give them experience of the concert stage.
The team from Rising Stars were invited to attend World War Two commemoration events in s’Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) in The Netherlands.
And the success of the trip was outlined in a photo presentation by Loud Applause Rising Stars Trustee Mrs Susan Roberts.
Loud Applause Rising Stars took two of their young singers, Thomas Bytheway and Callum Rhys Williams, to s’Hertogenbosch.
They were accompanied by Rising Stars Ambassador Mark Llewelyn Evans and accompanied by Andrew Pike, musical advisor – and a team of Rising Stars supporters.
Mrs Roberts said in her presentation: “We were given a wonderful welcome by the people of s’Hertogenbosch, who are keen to recognise and remember the achievements of Welsh soldiers who liberated their city in World War Two.
“We were given a civic welcome at the Town Hall and were given the honour of taking part in a sell-out concert at the spectacular Hieronymus Bosch centre in the middle of the city.
“It was a huge success. Mark Llewellyn Evans was a great hit and our Rising Stars representatives Thomas and Callum did our charity and Wales proud. They were a credit to their families and teachers.”
The presentation afternoon, in the palatial setting of the Tea Room at Plas Llanelly House, also saw Thomas and Callum reprise their performances in s’Hertogenbosch.
It also featured an emotional performance of Tell My Father by Mark Llewellyn Evans. The performance moved many to tears in s’Hertogenbosch and Mark’s performance had the audience reaching for their hankies once again.
The afternoon also saw the announcement of new Bursaries by Loud Applause Rising Stars. These Bursaries have been supported through membership contributions and fundraising events and with help from the St Elli Masonic Lodge and the Llanelli Old Boys and Graig Former Pupils Association.
The recipient of the St Elli Masonic Lodge Bursary was Joseph Cavalli-Price.
The winner of the Llanelli Old Boys and Graig Former Pupils Association Bursary was Keely Morgan.
Joseph and Keely were also awarded a Friends of Loud Applause Rising Stars Bursary.
Friends of Loud Applause Rising Stars awards also went to Callum Rhys Williams and Nia Rees.
The event was attended by Friends of Loud Applause Rising Stars and representatives of the St Elli Masonic Lodge and the Llanelli Old Boys and Graig Former Pupils Association.
The High Sheriff of West Glamorgan, Louise Fleet, also attended and spoke about the support Rising Stars will provide at a forthcoming charity concert.
The concert, at Margam Orangery on Sunday, July 16, will see Loud Applause Rising Stars represented by Samuel Morris, Jack Owens and Callum Rhys Williams.
The concert is in aid of Crimebeat, which is the charity of the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan. It provides grants for community projects which improve the skills and quality of life of young people in West Glamorgan.
Tickets and coach transport (if required) available from Cerith Owens Tel 07854 303 918.



Thomas Bytheway, Mark Llewellyn Evans, Callum Rhys Williams and (back row), musical advisor Andrew Pike, Loud Applause Rising Stars Chairman Cerith Owens and Trustee Susan Roberts



Loud Applause Rising Stars Chairman Cerith Owens, Mark Llewellyn Evans, Callum Rhys Williams, Trustee Susan Roberts, Thomas Bytheway, musical advisor Andrew Pike.



Mark Llewellyn Evans singing Tell My Father at Plas Llanelly House.



Mark singing Tell My Father at the war memorial in s’Hertogenbosch.



The Loud Applause Rising Stars team at the close of the concert in s’Hertogenbosch.



Mark Llewellyn Evans singing in s’Hertogenbosch.



The packed auditorium at the Hieronymus Bosch centre in s’Hertogenbosch.