World War One concert a fitting commemoration to the anniversary of the Great War





The programme for this World War One centenary concert staged by Llanelli Rotary Club 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, Llanelli.
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.
The concert was in aid of the British Legion's Poppy Appeal in South West Wales.
The President of Llanelli Rotary Club Hywel Bassett opened the proceedings and 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'.

IAN ROBERTS

Photos:
A selection of scenes from the night as taken by photographer Andrew Windsor.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Former Gower MP Gareth Wardell the guest speaker at Llanelli Rotary Club

Image
Former Gower MP Gareth Wardell was the guest speaker at the weekly meeting of Llanelli Rotary Club held at the Stradey Park Hotel. Mr Wardell gave an illuminating address, weaving comparisons between his job as a politician and his late father's job as a Tumble barber. It was an amusing, highly-entertaining and thought-provoking address. Mr Wardell, now 69, won the Gower constituency seat in a Parliamentary by-election in 1982. The Labour MP held the seat until his retirement in 1997. He now works as a public affairs consultant in Wales. Mr Wardell's Parliamentary term was largely in opposition to Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Government. But his did make a significant contribution by being the youngest MP to chair the Welsh Affairs Select Committee. Mr Wardell recognised that in the 'fame stakes' he may have played second fiddle to his father, Jack, who was one of the UK's oldest barbers and who cut and styled hair for almost 80 years. Jac
Read more

'Class of 1980' from Burry Port enjoy reunion

Image
There was a big class reunion held in Burry Port at the weekend. Members of the Class of 1980 from Porth Tywyn (Burry Port junior) School got together at The Coasting Pilot pub. The reunion was organised by Christine Rees and same 22 members of the original class of 28 turn up to discuss their old schooldays. One ‘Class of 1980’ member was Burry Port businessman Owain Davies. He said: “We all have very happy memories of our time in school. We had a fantastic teacher in Mr Heddwyn Jones, who now lives in Four Roads. “We were very fortunate to have the same teacher for three years and we were a very happy class. Mr Jones was an inspiring teacher and we all got on every well and we are all still good friends. “Heather Thomas (now Heather Osmond) made it from Surrey, but she was trumped by Gail Morris, who flew in from Ohio in the United States for the reunion. “It was a fantastic evening at the Coasting Pilot with good food, good wine and good company. We even recreated the class
Read more

Lauryn Davey is making her mark in athletics - but needs sponsors

Image
Ammanford-based Lauryn Davey is making a major mark in the world of Welsh athletics. At just 16, she is the best all-round athlete of her age in Wales. She's chalking up Welsh championship victories and has been honoured by her club, the Carmarthen Harriers. Lauryn's been earmarked as a future international star, but knows the road to the big championships is difficult, demanding and expensive. Ammanford businessman and well-known comic entertainer Phil Evans has launched a campaign to get cash backers for Lauryn's athletics career. "Everyone in the area is hugely proud of her achievements in athletics to date," said Phil. "But we also want to see her go on and do bigger and better things. "Together with some friends, I am helping find ways of generating much-needed sponsorship cash for Lauryn. "She has massive potential to succeed on the international stage and I am sure a little bit of financial help will help to smooth her
Read more