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Showing posts from March 30, 2025

Worth a visit: Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire

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IT’S right up there as one of my favourite family outings - a wander around historic Kidwelly Castle. Sure, there’s a decent health warning about climbing the ramparts, stone walls and spiral staircases, but children (and adults) love exploring. Our family’s most recent visit was in March, 2025. Here’s a few photos - and some words to explain what the castle is all about. Kidwelly Castle is a formidable stronghold, proudly overlooking the River Gwendraeth in the historic ‘Black Cat’ town of Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire. Kidwelly Castle's story begins in the early 12th century, around 1106, when it was established by the Normans under Roger, Bishop of Salisbury. Its strategic location was crucial for controlling the surrounding territory and securing Norman influence in the region. The castle's initial form was a more basic earth and timber structure, a "ringwork." This early fortification laid the groundwork for the more substantial stone castle that would develop over...

Latest On Song column – March 19

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THERE’s a special Spring Concert being planned for the end of the month in Llanelli. It will feature Cor Meibion Elli male voice choir and will be held on Saturday, March 29, at the town centre Parish Church of St Elli at 7pm. Meibion Elli will be under the baton of celebrated musical director Eifion Thomas, with accompaniment by Aled Maddock. The choir will be supported by some young up-and-coming artists, including Betsan Daniel, who is studying at Ysgol y Strade, Llanelli. Betsan is a new recruit to Loud Applause Rising Stars (LARS), the Llanelli-based charity which works to mentor and develop young musical talent in south Wales. Other new recruits to LARS include Nia Card (Kenfig Hill), Hannah Edwards (Cardiff), Jasper Hollett (Gower), Scott Holmes (Port Talbot), Connor Horton (Carmarthen), Max Morris (Cilgerran)) and Ela Mai Williams (Penarth). Tickets for the Parish Church concert are £10 and are available from Llanelly House or from Hywel Houghton-Jones on 07826 930 396 or at th...