Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Two members of the West Wales Loud Applause Productions 'Rising Stars' team joined Carmarthen baritone Mark Llewellyn Evans on a special trip to mark an emotional and enduring link between The Netherlands and Wales. The trio journeyed to s’Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands for events commemorating the liberation of the town in World War Two. The two ‘Rising Stars’ were Thomas Bytheway and Callum Rhys Williams, who are both part of the charitable wing of Loud Applause Productions, a group dedicated to mentoring and training young singers and musicians across South Wales. Mark Llewellyn Evans is an Ambassador for ‘Rising Stars’ so he took the lead role in the Welsh contribution to the commemorative events. The Welsh link with s’Hertogenbosch was formed back in October, 1944, when the 53rd Welsh Division spent five days in brutal fighting to liberate the town from the Nazis. The chief executive of s’Hertogenbosch City Council Jan de Wit said: “It was wonderful to...

Two members of the Loud Applause Productions 'Rising Stars' team are on their way to The Netherlands to sing at a prestigious event. Thomas Bytheway (above) and Callum Rhys Williams (top) will join Loud Applause Ambassador Mark Llewellyn Evans at special events in the famous town of s'Hertogenbosch. The town has great links with Wales from World War Two and always includes Welsh artistes in concerts designed to mark the wartime liberation of the town. On the 22nd October 1944, the 53rd Welsh Division returned southwards from Nijmegen to capture the town of s'Hertogenbosch. For the next five days it was involved in some brutal fighting advancing to and then capturing the town. The 53rd Division finally liberated s'Hertogenbosch on the 27th October. Loud Applause Rising Stars (LARS) were honoured to receive an invite to perform in the town on the 26th and 27th October. They will join events under the baton of the conductor of the s'Hertogenbosch m...

There was a memorable musical summer soiree staged at Llanelly House - possibly the biggest social occasion held at the historic mansion for more than 150 years. The event was staged by Sue Roberts, one of the trustees of Llanelly House, and her husband Peter. It marked something of a first for Llanelly House, with characters from the building's history 'coming to life' for the occasion. It was also an opportunity for guests at the soiree to tour the house and view the new interactive digital features which have been installed in Llanelly House. The music for the occasion was organised by Cerith Owens, the director of Llanelli-based Loud Applause Productions. The soloists for the evening were Jordan Williams, Keely Morgan, violinist Simmy Singh and harpist Ffion Elin Williams. With the staircase of the Great Hallway at Llanelly House as their stage, the musical entertainment provided an elegant accompaniment to a unique social occasion, which also feature...