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

Members of Llanelli Rotary Club staged a right Royal tea party to mark The Queen’s 90th. The event was held at Furnace Community Hall and attended by many Llanelli people who share The Queen’s 90th birthday year. “The Queen’s Tea was a marvellous celebration,” said Llanelli Rotary Club President Susan Roberts. “Rotarians joined with members of the community who are celebrating their 90th birthday this year. “We liased with Llanelli residential homes, care services and the community at large to get as many 90-year-olds as possible at the tea. “Some had to attend with their carers and some needed transport help to attend. But Rotarians rallied to the cause and helped create a memorable occasion which was hugely enjoyed by one and all. “We had a magician and entertainer on duty to keep the party spirit going and we had a great trip down memory land with songs from the past from a troupe led by Maxine Walters. “We also had a special Queen’s birthday cake gifted to us by the t...

The annual Summer BBQ is being held at Furnace Community Hall on Sunday, August 24. There'll be superb food, a well-stocked bar and music with DJ Rob Pendry. The fun starts from 2pm and all are welcome. £5.00 entry per person, pay on the day (no ticket required) Please help the committee and catering team by indicating your intentions on attending with expected numbers please. You can post a message on the Furnace Life Facebook page or send private message to Furnace Life member Elwyn Morgan. Check out the Furnace Life webpage - https://www.facebook.com/groups/239365122922999/278257559033755/?notif_t=group_activity

Côr Meibion Llanelli were honoured with a visit by three rugby legends at their rehearsal session at Furnace Community Hall in Llanelli. Llanelli rugby heroes Derek Quinnell, Terry Davies and Doug Williams paid a visit as a tribute to the long-standing cooperation between the Scarlets and the choir. The three stalwarts of the Scarlets Former Players’ Association paid tribute to the years of support given by Côr Meibion Llanelli to rugby in Llanelli. “Most recently,” said Mr Quinnell, “the choir members turned out to support the opening of the Scarlets Rugby Heritage Trail and the unveiling of the rugby posts and Phil Bennett icon at Sandy Water Park.” Mr Quinnell presented Côr Meibion Llanelli musical director Eifion Thomas with a special limited edition Scarlets souvenir plate. The former Llanelli, Wales and British Lions forward added: “It is a small token of our appreciation as former players for the sterling service and support you have given to the game of rugby in Llanelli down...

Cor Meibion Llanelli were in fine voice this week to welcome visitors from Berkhamsted and District Welsh Society in Hertfordshire. The visit was organised by Dr Roscoe Howells and Marie Duro. The society members were staying at the Stradey Park Hotel and made the short trip over to Furnace Community Hall to sit in on the choir's rehearsals.

Off to a committee meeting for Cor Meibion Llanelli at Furnace Community Hall.

Off to Cor Meibion Llanelli's rehearsal (flying visit) and then on to Carmarthen for a meeting of the Town AFC executive committee.

Off to rehearsals with Cor Meibion Llanelli at Furnace Community Hall. Visitors and new members welcome.

Côr Meibion Llanelli members have resumed their weekly rehearsals after the festive break. Rehearsals are at 7pm at Furnace Community Hall, Llanelli, on Mondays and Thursdays. Visitors and prospective new members are welcome to attend.

Splendid evening at the Cor Meibion Llanelli rehearsal session at Furnace Community Hall, Llanelli, this evening.

Just playing around with some video from last night. This is just a test, not meant to be treated as a 'concert performance' by Cor Meibion Llanelli.

Members of Côr Meibion Llanelli stood for a minute’s silence at their weekly rehearsals in memory of their retired accompanist, Gethin Hughes. The silent tribute followed an emotional speech to choristers by musical director Eifion Thomas. He said: “Without a shadow of a doubt, Gethin was a phenomenon. “His contribution to the musical life of Llanelli and the wider community of Wales was immense. “He provided a platform for people to perform, from the very young to the not so young.” Mr Hughes, who died days before his 76th birthday, was the principal accompanist for Côr Meibion Llanelli from 1997 to 2007. He performed at venues around the world and during a colourful career made friends with a whole host of famous faces and celebrities. His charity work earned him the MBE. He died while on a cruise of the North Cape and Norwegian Fjords aboard the Crown Princess liner. His body was returned to Southampton on Saturday for a post-mortem before being returned to Llanelli. Mr Thomas told ...

Welsh author Peter Griffiths was the special guest at one of Cor Meibion Llanelli's rehearsal evenings at the Furnace Community Hall in Llanelli. Mr Griffiths is a native of Cynheidre, but now lives in Denver, Colorado. His latest book, the historical novel Tongue Tied, is published by Y Lolfa. Mr Griffiths was, in his own words, "schooled at Five Roads Primary, honed at Llandovery College, and finished off at Lincoln College, Oxford." His actuarial training funnelled him into the investment business and a move to the United States in 1972. Yvonne, his wife, is from Bala. They spend several months each year in Wales visiting family and friends. Mr Griffiths is a big fan of Cor Meibion Llanelli and presented members of the choir with copies of his book, Tongue Tied, "by way of appreciation for all the hours of pleasure they have given." Picture: Members of Cor Meibion Llanelli on the balcony at Furnace Community Hall with, front row, musical director Eifion Thoma...

Peter Griffiths, a Welsh exile currently living in Denver, Colorado, visited his old friends at Cor Meibion Llanelli at their rehearsal session at Furnace Community Hall, Llanelli. The author presented copies of his book, Tongue Tied, to members of the choir. Peter Griffiths at Cor Meibion Llanelli rehearsal

Cor Meibion Llanelli welcomed some special visitors to their rehearsals last week. The choir staged a ‘master class’ for more than 40 pupils from the Queen Elizabeth High School in Carmarthen. The session was the idea of Cor Meibion’s new assistant accompanist Sarah Thomas (who teaches at QE High) and musical director Eifion Thomas. Mr Thomas explained: “Sarah is thrilled that so many boys at QE High are interested in singing and joining choirs. “So we thought it would be a good idea to stage a ‘master-class’ at one of our rehearsal sessions at Furnace Community Hall. “The boys went along with the idea and more than 40 of them took part in rehearsals and we were able to put them through their paces with a variety of different songs. “It was a hugely rewarding experience for the choir and I hope the youngsters enjoyed the experience and that they will go on to enjoy their singing for many years to come. Who knows? Perhaps some will now be joining Cor Meibion Llanelli?” Meanwhile, Cor Me...

Just back from Cor Meibion Llanelli's rehearsals at Furnace Community Hall. Their version of American Trilogy blew me away!

Wedi7, the S4c magazine show were at Cor Meibion Llanelli rehearsals at Furnace Community Hall tonight. The item should appear on tomorrow night's programme. For more pictures, see http://picasaweb.google.com/robertapvincent/CorMeibionLlanelli2010#

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen . . . maroon blazers, more than 60 very careful users – and they’re all going for a song! Cor Meibion Llanelli (Llanelli Male Voice Choir) members are making a massive wardrobe change. And they are looking for a home for their old blazers. “We are making changes to our ‘uniform’,” choir secretary Fred Elias said. “The maroon blazers have served us well over the years, but it is time for a change. So they are on their way out of our wardrobe. “The blazers, which bear the choir crest, are still in good condition, however, and it seems a shame to see them going to the bin or recycling centre “So we wondered whether there were any other groups or organisations out there who might be able to make good use of them? “In total, we have more than 60 blazers and they still have plenty of years use left in them. “They do, of course, come in varying sizes – from the smallest first tenor to the biggest second bass! “We are quite happy to give them free of charge ...

Cor Meibion Llanelli (Llanelli Male Voice) had a VIP visitor to one of their rehearsal sessions at Furnace Community Hall, Llanelli. Joanne Pijuan, a publisher, editor and columnist from Iloilo City in the Philippines, was visiting Llanelli as part of a Rotary international vocational exchange. Joanne, 37, said: “Listening to a traditional Welsh male voice choir was a very moving experience. I am now a fan of the choir and will follow their journey with interest from the other side of the world.” Choir chairman Mel Harries welcomed Joanne to the rehearsals (held every Monday and Thursday at Furnace, 7pm). He said: “It is good to know that the choir’s fame spreads far and wide and that a visiting journalist was so interested that she made a special effort to drop in on our rehearsals.” Visitors and potential new members are welcome at Cor Meibion Llanelli rehearsals. If you would like further information about the choir, then contact secretary Fred Elias on 01554 741027 or email llanell...