TRIBUTES have been paid to the man whose name was synonymous with shopping and business in Llanelli, Mr TH Gilmore (Gil) Jones.

Universally known throughout the town as Gil or Gilmore, he died on Sunday, October 20, aged 82.

Gilmore won the Llanelli Star’s Community Champion award in 2010 – an honour which reflected his busy life in retail in the town and his wider interests in supporting community life.

Gilmore was President of Llanelli Chamber of Trade and Commerce between 2006 and 2009 and played a key role in supporting the Special Olympics Carmarthenshire club and his award-winning daughter Llinos.

His good friend Andrew Stephens, who succeeded Gilmore as manager of the St Elli Shopping Centre in 2014, said: “To say he will be missed is an understatement as Gilmore was part of the fabric of community life in Llanelli.”

Andrew, who is now a Llanelli Rural councillor, added: “Gilmore wore his heart on his sleeve and was 100 per cent committed to Llanelli and the people of the town and the area. He will be remembered for his sterling work on behalf of all businesses in Llanelli and for his commitment to help countless charities and community organisations in the town.”

A spokesman for Special Olympics Carmarthenshire said: “Gil’s passing has left a profound void and the club will never be the same as the heart of our community has gone with him.

“For more than 20 years, Gil worked tirelessly as a dedicated volunteer and treasurer. He was the guiding hand behind countless trips to competitions both here in the UK and abroad.

“Every detail, no matter how small, was never overlooked. When Gil organised anything, we all knew every T was crossed and every I was dotted. His meticulous nature was one of his defining traits and it was a gift he shared with us all.

“Gil’s main objective was clear to ensure that Llinos and all the athletes he so deeply cared for were given every opportunity to thrive. He worked endlessly to raise funds and, with his warmth and powers of persuasion, it was hard for anyone to refuse his request.

“Everyone who knew Gil held him in the highest regard. He was and will forever remain a true ambassador for Special Olympics Carmarthenshire – a man whose kindness and commitment are etched into our hearts.”

Former Llanelli Star and Carmarthen Journal editor Robert Lloyd said: “Gilmore was a much-loved family friend and neighbour who remained cheerful throughout a period of ill health.

“Back in 2010, I nominated Gilmore for the Community Champion award, and explained in the Llanelli Star that ‘if you’ve shopped in Llanelli for the last 30-plus years, then you will recognise Thomas Henry Gilmore Jones as a familiar face’.”

Robert added: “During his time at the St Elli Centre he made sure the shopping centre put the accent on community spirit – encouraging fun days, making sure people took a pride in the local shopping centre and supporting all sorts of community activities in the centre.

“For example, the Ty Bryngwyn Llanelli Hospice Christmas lights campaign in the run-up to the festive period was one of the highlights of Llanelli’s winter.

“Gilmore actively promoted the town at every available opportunity. He took time to care about the shopping experience in Llanelli.

“His support for all aspects of life in Llanelli and the helping hand he provided to the Special Olympics and to other charity and community groups in Llanelli was legendary.”

A native of Tregaron, Gil went straight from Grammar School in his home town to a trainee management position with FW Woolworth in Aberystwyth.

Over the next 17 years, he had a comprehensive grounding in retail management, working in 19 Woolworth stores across the country, including managing stores at Bingley, Yorkshire; Goole, Humberside; Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, and Radford Road, Nottingham.

He had a brief break in 1977-78 with partnership management of his own news agency, but he missed the retail business so much he became manager of the Coop in Bangor, north Wales.

Gil then took management positions in Coop stores at Bridgend, Swansea and Llanelli, where he stayed as manager from 1983-99, until the old Cooperative Retail Services (CRS) was dissolved.

He then made a seamless move to the new St Elli Centre, which had absorbed his old store, an outlet which later became a Wilkinson store.

In 2010, Gil became an area manager of various retail parks and retail units for a firm of managing agents. His portfolio extended from Bristol to Carmarthen.

Gil retired in 2014, but remained active in community life in the town, supporting the Special Olympics and the Llanelli Scarlets rugby region.

The funeral of TH Gilmore Jones (Gil) will take place on Friday, November 8 –

11.00am at Greenfield Church, Llanelli, SA15 1DJ, followed by burial at Llanelli and District Box Cemetery, Llanelli, SA15 3EX.

Any desired donations to Ty Bryngwyn Llanelli Hospice.

Gil is survived by his son Matthew and daughter Llinos.

Photo of Gilmore attached. Courtesy of the Llanelli Star.

THEY say every day is a school day. Just when you get to the age when you think you know it all, something new comes along to broaden your horizons.

A week ago, I didn’t know a thing about community benefit societies. Today, I well on the way to picking the topic as a Mastermind subject.

This bit of ‘fast-track’ education is all down to a random meeting with Dan Staveley, co-founder of Swansea’s Elysium gallery and artists’ studios.

We met to discuss a totally separate project in west Wales (more on that in a future column). At the end of the meeting, I was staggered at the progress made on the ‘Elysium project’.

The Elysium brand has already made its mark on the Swansea landscape, helping to breathe new life into High Street, in particular.

Now, Elysium has become a Community Benefit Society (a type of social enterprise), with big plans for a new city centre location, combining studios, a gallery, cafe, education centre and function rooms.

The plans centre on a building which holds a special place in the heart of many Swansea shoppers – the old JT Morgan store on Belle Vue Way, Swansea.

The store closed in 2008, but the building is now set for a new lease of life.

For those who don’t know the history of the arts project, Elysium was founded in 2007, by Dan Staveley and Jonathan Powell.

Elysium was created to support and promote the arts in Swansea and beyond with an emphasis on collaboration and community.

The Elysium mission statement is to provide a welcoming space where artists, art enthusiasts, and the wider community can connect, inspire, and engage with the transformative power of the arts.

Elysium is now Wales’s largest provider of artist studios.

Artist-led, Elysium lists its main objectives as –

‘Supporting Artists: We champion both emerging and established artists, providing them with the platform and resources to showcase their work and reach broader audiences.

‘Inclusive Community Engagement: We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that reflects and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our community.

‘Education and Outreach: Through a variety of programmes, workshops, and events, we aim to educate and inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds. We strive to make art accessible and meaningful to everyone.

‘Cultural Enrichment: We believe in the power of art to enrich lives and strengthen communities. By curating diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions and events, we encourage dialogue, reflection, and appreciation for the arts.

‘Sustainability and Innovation: We are committed to sustainable practices and innovative approaches that ensure the longevity and relevance of our gallery and studio artists.’

The next step in the Elysium story is a bold one – the organisation has become a Community Benefit Society, a move which has enabled it to launch a community share offer.

Elysium supporters are now being encouraged to buy shares and become a part of the Elysium success story.

Elysium co-founder Dan explained: “The community share offer is a way for the public to invest into their community.

“Elysium needs to move due to the state of some of our buildings and leases coming to an end. We need to secure the creative community to make sure those people that have studios with us can still carry on and produce work and have an income.”

The JT Morgan has been identified as the best building for Elysium.

The project has already secured £1.5m in funding. The community shares will provide the additional capital needed to help with the renovation of the building.

The plan is for Elysium to be operational (in part, at least) at the JT Morgan site by April 2025.

The community shares plan isn’t just about the feelgood factor of ‘donating’ money to the project.

Investors will get a 3% return on their money, their name on a wall in the foyer of the new premises and become members of the Elysium community benefit society. That means they can vote on key decisions in future annual meetings.

The initial phase of the development will focus on artist studios, with elements such as the gallery, education centre and coffee shop planned to open in April 2026.

The share offer pitch explains why the project is needed in Swansea –

‘Currently there is more demand for suitable creative workspace in Swansea than can be met. At present we are constrained by our current buildings, unable to provide enough suitable spaces that we see the demand and need for.

‘Elysium runs over 80 creative studio spaces, three gallery spaces, an education centre, coffee shop, bar and venue over four buildings around Swansea.

‘Over the last few years, it has become obvious that our spaces are becoming tired and will soon not be fit for purpose, with little room for investment due to the nature of the short-term leases our landlords provide.

‘A move to the old JT Morgan building would include a 30-year lease, giving us security we have not had before.

‘Crucially, we are facing the loss of two of our existing leased premises, with the leases for Orchard Street, 210 and 211 High Street soon running out. The buildings will be razed to make way for new development on Swansea High Street by our landlords. This will leave a massive hole in the creative sector of Swansea and leave many artists and businesses without premises and support.

‘The last few years have been challenging for small businesses in Swansea and across all of the UK. The pandemic, government decisions and the cut in funding for the arts have hit hard, however, despite this Elysium has become a successful, established, well-respected, inclusive and sustainable organisation.’

The list of sponsors and partners for the Elysium project is impressive. It includes the UK Government, Swansea City Council, the Architectural Heritage Fund, Arts Council of Wales, Welsh Government, the National Lottery, iCreate, Social Business Wales, Cwmpas and 4theregion.

To find out more about the Elysium share offer, go to the website at https://www.elysiumcommunityshareoffer.co.uk

Twitter: @rlloydpr

Email: robertlloydpr@rlloydpr.co.uk

Comedian Phil Evans is from Ammanford. He is known as the man who puts the ‘cwtsh’ into comedy. Website – www.philevans.co.uk

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THIS SPOOKY TRAIN TALE IS A FRIGHT NIGHT DELIGHT!

I’m no fan of the plastic Halloween skulls and rubber spiders the shops start displaying the day after Whit Monday.

However, I am an advocate for and promoter of Welsh talent!

So when a pal mentioned he’d put time and effort into writing a spooky children’s book (published in time for Halloween), I was only too pleased to bring it to your attention.

Aimed at readers aged from 9 to 15, “Joni Jones And The Ghost Train” was written by TV director and cameraman turned author Paul Leyshon and follows 11-year-old Joni Jones exactly a year after his older brother Cai (12) went missing on Halloween.

After discovering a ghost train, Joni believes it could be the key to the mystery of Cai’s disappearance and when Joni and his friends bravely board the spooky train it takes them to a parallel supernatural world haunted by plague ghosts from 1666 London, ghost pirates from 1780s Cornwall and World War Two fighter pilot ghosts battling over Swansea Bay.

The portal to them all is an old Welsh disused railway cutting, somewhere on the Aber to Carmarthen line.

Paul says, “Having spent decades wandering around fascinating historical sites for a living and bringing intriguing historical stories to life on the small screen, I had the idea of weaving that wealth of work into a fictional, paranormal, time-travelling story for kids.

“I remember the calendars of old Loughor and Gorseinon hanging in the house, and Gorseinon station always featured.

“As a boy I became obsessed with where the old station used to be, and how the old track ran up the Lliw river toward the direction of Gowerton, where it was replaced by a path in the woods.

“This stayed in my head, and a ghost train travelling down an old Beeching cutting became the inspiration for my book!”

It sounds like a cracker of a tale to me. Which makes it an ideal stocking filler for young readers with vivid imaginations this Christmas!

“Joni Jones And The Ghost Train” by PD Leyshon is published by PD Leyshon Publications and is available as an ebook.

You can find out more about Paul Leyshon on his website – https://www.paulleyshon.com

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The Haunted Hustle: A Businessman’s Costume Conundrum

This week, I’ve been graced with the honour of speaking at a prestigious business event.

I can already hear the applause ringing in my ears as I strut across the floor, exuding confidence and wisdom.

But wait! There’s a catch – a Halloween theme!

Yes, you heard that right.

Picture this: a room full of business moguls dressed as everything from vampires to spaghetti monsters, and there I am, the lone wolf without a costume.

What a delightful pickle!

So, for the past week, I’ve been locked in a battle of wits with myself, pondering the perfect costume.

Should I go as a classic ghost, draping myself in a sheet?

Let’s be honest, nobody wants to be the guy who shows up looking like a laundry accident.

Or perhaps I could channel my inner superhero? But then, I’d have to remember that I’m not actually saving the world, just trying to save face.

Every time I think I’ve got it figured out, I imagine the cringe-worthy moment when I walk into the venue and someone says, “Nice costume! Are you a lost office supply?”

The stakes are high, folks!

As I scour the internet for ideas, I stumble upon a plethora of ridiculous options, like dressing as a walking spreadsheet or a giant coffee cup.

While the thought of wearing a caffeine-fuelled costume is amusing, I fear I might blend in too well with the morning crowd.

In the end, I’m left with a dilemma: do I embrace the absurdity of the occasion and risk becoming the punchline of the event?

Or do I play it safe and let my personality shine?

Either way, I’m determined to make this Halloween business event one for the books, if only I can figure out what I’m going to wear!

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You can follow Phil Evans on Twitter @philevanswales and  www.philevans.co.uk

THE team at Scarlet Musical Theatre Productions are busy rehearsing for their next event – staging Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard.

Bridget Radford’s hard-working theatre group will be putting on four shows at the intimate Stiwdio Stepni at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli, from November 14 to 16.

There will be four shows – 7pm on November 14 and 15, with a matinee and evening show scheduled in for 1.30pm and 5.30pm on Saturday, November 16.

The promotional material for Sunset Boulevard says, ‘Join us for the masterful adaptation of the 1950 film noir classic, weaving a captivating tale of faded stardom and unrequited ambition.

‘At its centre is the enigmatic and complex Norma Desmond, a once-glorious silent movie star who clings to her past glory as ‘the talkies’ revolutionised the industry.

‘Her crumbling facade is a testament to her unyielding determination to reclaim her spotlight, even as her glamour and charm begin to fade.

‘As Norma navigates her downward spiral, she becomes entangled with Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter torn between his own ambition and his growing feelings for Betty Schaefer, a talented script reader.

‘The resulting love triangle is fraught with tension and complexity, as the three characters navigate the cut-throat world of Hollywood.’

Lloyd Webber’s musical has lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton.

The musical won Tony Awards in 1995 for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. In 2024, Sunset Boulevard won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.

The Llanelli show is being directed by Carmarthen’s Steve Elias, whose CV includes a whole host of West End shows. The musical director is Bridget Radford.

Cast members included Ashton Williams, Cai Francis, Carys Gower, Emily Kelly, Ffion Moore, Gareth H Evans, Holly Bradford, Jac Owens, Jenna Barnard, Joel Trinder, Justine Davies, Kim Darkin, Lewis Francis, Matthew Tucker, Millie Tanner, Rebecca Lewis and Rebecca Timbrell.

Tickets are £14 and you can book online at www.theatrausirgar.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 0345 226 3510.

Meanwhile, singer Aled Jones will be making a welcome visit to Carmarthen to perform at The Lyric Theatre on Thursday, November 14.

The show is billed as Aled Jones – Full Circle.

Aled Jones was the boy treble who captivated the world with his angelic voice. Selling more than seven million albums, Aled was the original, classical crossover star. His recording of Walking in the Air, from the animated film The Snowman, firmly established him as a household name and he has become an integral part of the nation’s festivities.

Equally at home on the classical stage, or starring in musical theatre productions in London West End, his credits include lead roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.

As a singer, Aled is in demand globally and has performed in the world’s most iconic venues, from London’s Royal Albert Hall to the Sydney Opera House.

A favourite with the Royal Family, he even gave a private performance to King Charles III in Kensington Palace. He is an award-winning television broadcaster and radio presenter who’s interviewed hundreds of A-List stars over the years.

He heads up BBC’s Songs of Praise and his own Saturday and Sunday morning shows on Classic FM.

Now, after 40 years in the business, he’s looking back on a remarkable career with a one-man show, that will feature never-before-heard music, tales from the decades and for the first time, his story told in his own words.

Tickets start at £30.50, with a VIP Meet and Greet priced at £70.50.

In other news, Llanelli’s Meibion Elli male choir are planning a fifth anniversary concert on Saturday, November 9.

It will be held at Greenfield Chapel and will feature Llanelli’s Samuel Wyn-Morris and the popular Llanelli-based Phil Harmonics ladies choir.

Meibion Elli will be under the baton of musical director Eifion Thomas, with Aled Maddock as the accompanist. The Phil Harmonics will be under leader Sara Richards and musical director Phil Thomas.

Tickets are £15 and can be purchased at Llanelly House with a percentage donation going to the Georgian tourist attraction for each sale.

Tickets can also be obtained through Davies Craddock Estate in Murray Street, Llanelli, with a percentage of their sales going towards the Ty Bryngwyn Hospice in Llanelli.

Tickets can also be purchased at Llanelli Docks Post Office and from choir chairman Mr Thomas on 01554 820644 or 07985136672.

Looking further ahead, Carmarthen tenor and BBC radio star Wynne Evans will be bringing his Christmas Special to Llanelli’s Ffwrnes Theatre on December 20.

The concert will feature the greatest Christmas hits and songs from Wynne’s debut album, A Song in My Heart, which shot straight to No1 in the classical album charts.

Now a household name, Wynne is a host on BBC Radio Wales and regularly features as Gio Compario in the Go Compare TV Commercials. He is currently on TV in Strictly Come Dancing.

Wynne has performed as the principal tenor with the Welsh National Opera, appearing at Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House, Opera De Lyon in Paris and The Metropolitan Opera House in New York. He received critical acclaim for his Royal Albert Hall performance as Piangi in the 25th anniversary concert of The Phantom of the Opera.

Performing an array of the most popular arias, musical theatre hits and popular classics, Wynne will be on stage with a live orchestra, choir and special guest vocalists.

Tickets are £40.50.

ALL together now! Panto season is coming around. Oh, no, it isn’t! Oh, yes, it is!
One of the most eagerly-anticipated pantomimes in west Wales is the show staged by Theatrau Sir Gâr / Carmarthenshire Theatres at The Lyric in Carmarthen.
This year, it is the turn of Beauty and the Beast, which will run from December 12-29.
The festive favourite promises to be a spectacular show filled with magical moments, plenty of laughs, and all the panto fun that families have come to love.
Following on from the success of last year’s pantomime (seen by nearly 8,000 local people), Beauty and the Beast will be produced in-house again by the Theatrau Sir Gâr team, in arrangement with the renowned pantomime producing company, Imagine Theatre.
This year’s Beauty and the Beast cast includes three Carmarthenshire-born cast members.

The line-up includes –
• Steve Elias as the hilarious and larger-than-life Dame Sylvia Scrub-it.
Steve is delighted to be returning to his hometown to take on the legendary role of the panto dame. After leaving Carmarthen for London in his late teens, Steve has carved out an impressive and highly successful career on the stage and screen. Steve was part of the original company for Billy Elliot and created the role of Mr Braithwaite. He also shared the stage with Patrick Swayze in the award-winning production of Guys and Dolls at London’s Piccadilly Theatre. Appearances in the West End productions of Oklahoma, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Showboat, to name just a few, have been career highlights. TV and movie roles include Grandpa in my Pocket, Holby City and Victoria Wood’s Midlife Christmas and Save the Cinema.
Ahead of his panto debut at the Lyric, Steve said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to be performing Dame Scrub-It in my hometown! Warning – she’s looking for love, a husband and diamonds…not necessarily in that order!”
• Carwyn Glyn as the lovable sidekick Sammy Scrub-it.
Another Carmarthen boy, Carwyn hails from Pontyates and may be better known to audiences as DJ in the long-running S4C / BBC Studio’s Welsh soap opera, Pobol y Cwm. Carwyn also recently appeared in a new feature film Dream Horse for Film4, alongside Damian Lewis and Toni Collette. Rugby fans will also be familiar with Carwyn’s dulcet tones, as he’s also the Matchday MC for the Llanelli Scarlets rugby region. Ahead of his appearance in Beauty and the Beast this December, Carwyn said: “I’m looking forward to coming home to the Lyric over Christmas!”
• Ceri-Anne Thomas as the beautiful and kind-hearted Belle.
Bridgend girl, Ceri-Anne, is thrilled to be stepping back into the blue gingham dress for her second time appearing in panto as Belle, following on from her successful run in Porthcawl Grand Pavilion’s production last year. “I’m looking forward to bringing this ‘Beast of a panto’ to the amazing community of Carmarthen. Growing up, Belle was always an inspirational figure as she’s not a ‘damsel in distress’ and I cannot wait to hopefully inspire the next generation of Belles whilst spreading Christmas cheer”.
• Alexandra George as the mystical Enchantress.
A former pupil of Queen Elizabeth High School, Alexandra appeared in many Carmarthen Youth Opera productions as a youngster growing up in the town. She’s excited to be stepping back onto the Lyric stage this Christmas to appear as the spellbinding Enchantress. Alexandra is no stranger to panto having played Lavinia Lifestyle in Jack and the Beanstalk at Royal Leamington Spa last Christmas and her other stage work includes The Thursford Christmas Spectacular.
“I’m so excited to be performing at the Lyric Theatre this Christmas in Beauty and the Beast. As a young girl I grew up performing with Merlin Youth Theatre and Carmarthen Youth Opera and those experiences defined who I am as a professional performer. I am over the moon to be able to come back to the Lyric and share this lovely show!”
• Neil Moors as the villainous yet charming Gaston.
After graduating from the Royal Academy of Music and Birmingham School of Speech and Drama Manchester native, Neil, has gone on to build an impressive CV of stage and TV credits. He’s appeared in Coronation Street, the West End production of Mama Mia, the UK tour of Rebecca The Musical! Great Expectations and has many pantomimes credits to his name.
Neil is very excited to be heading to Carmarthenshire to take on the role of Gaston this Christmas – he’s also very much looking forward to exploring this corner of Wales between shows with his two dogs.
• Jonathan Alden as both the dashing Prince and the fearsome Beast
Originally from Gloucestershire, Jonathan now calls Swansea home so it’s extra special for him to be performing his first panto in Wales this Christmas.
After graduating from the Guildford School of Acting, Jonathan has gone on to win roles in many prestigious productions including performing in the 25th Anniversary concert of Les Misérables at London’s O2, Phantom of the Opera, also the UK tours of Joseph & The Technicolour Dreamcoat and Billy Eliott. Jonathan has also played Bill Sykes in Oliver! Dave in The Full Monty.
“I am really looking forward to being part of Carmarthen’s panto this year! For me it’s so much fun to bring a good story, loads of laughs, festive fun and lots of audience interaction to people at Christmas! It’s often children’s first experience of theatre too, so that’s always fantastic!”
There will be a ‘relaxed’ performance of Beauty and the Beast on December 27 at 6pm and a BSL signed performance on December 15, 6pm. There are also selected daytime performances in the last two weeks of term for school audiences. Full details are available on the website or by calling the box office.
For ticket information and booking, please visit www.theatrausirgar.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 0345 226 3510.
In other news, Llanelli’s Meibion Elli male choir are planning a fifth anniversary concert on Saturday, November 9.
It will be held at Greenfield Chapel and will feature Llanelli’s Samuel Wyn-Morris and the popular Llanelli-based Phil Harmonics ladies choir.
Meibion Elli will be under the baton of musical director Eifion Thomas, with Aled Maddock as the accompanist. The Phil Harmonics will be under leader Sara Richards and musical director Phil Thomas.
Tickets are £15 and can be purchased at Llanelly House with a percentage donation going to the Georgian tourist attraction for each sale.
Tickets can also be obtained through Davies Craddock Estate in Murray Street, Llanelli, with a percentage of their sales going towards the Ty Bryngwyn Hospice in Llanelli.
Tickets can also be purchased at Llanelli Docks Post Office and from choir chairman Mr Thomas on 01554 820644 or 07985136672.

Comedian Phil Evans is from Ammanford. He is known as the man who puts the ‘cwtsh’ into comedy. Website – www.philevans.co.uk

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ALWAYS A POLISHED PERFORMANCE FROM MISTER SHEEN (SORRY MICHAEL!)

Just as it’s true that people with the most irritating ring tones are always the slowest to answer their smart phones, it’s also true I often create one article from two separate sources.

Thumbing through a back copy of a magazine in my dentist’s waiting room, I came upon a fascinating article titled “Why I Weep For Wales” by Roger Lewis, a well-respected author and literary critic.

It wasn’t an easy read, as Roger forensically dissected the many issues with modern Wales.

Born in Bedwas, he’s as entitled to his opinions as any of us – and can articulate them far better than I could.

Although somewhat depressing, I found it thought-provoking and had to agree with many of his comments about my country. You’d have had to been living in a cave for the last 25 years not to.

Then, blow me down! The following day I read an online newspaper interview with actor Michael Sheen, which was intended to promote his three-part series about the Prince Andrew/Emily Maitlis interview.

However, that was just one subject discussed, not all of them related to his acting.

Michael obviously talked about various aspects of his long career, but also shared his views on modern Wales,

While Roger Lewis’s article was excellent, Michael’s comments were more optimistic.

In 2019, Michael moved back to his hometown of Port Talbot where he’s involved himself in community matters while still maintaining his career.

His TV series “Staged” with David Tennant cheered us up during Covid; he also starred with David in the TV series “Good Omens”; and this year he played Nye Bevan on stage to great acclaim.

While fiercely proud of being Welsh, he appears ambivalent regarding Independence, perhaps aware that whatever he says might alienate those with an opposite view.

If you haven’t seen it, seek out the TV documentary “The Assembly”, in which he’s interviewed by a group of young neurodiverse people. No subject was ‘off the table’.

The true measure of this man’s modesty shines through when he’s asked the last question “What’s your name, again?”.

Without missing a beat, he replies “Michael”.

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The Legacy Lounge: Where Death Meets Delight (and Cake!)

In a world where discussing death can feel like the ultimate party foul, two local heroines are here to make it a little less spooky and a lot more sensible.

Enter Em Melrose and Kirsty Jones, the dynamic duo behind The Legacy Lounge, a place where conversations about mortality are as welcome as a warm cup of tea and a slice of cake (and we all know how much we appreciate that combo!).

Em, a life coach with a flair for thoughtful reflection, has danced with the heavy topics of grief after losing both parents and her husband in recent years.

Meanwhile, Kirsty, a wills and probate lawyer, has seen enough family disputes over estates to fuel a reality TV show.

Together, they’ve crafted a mission to encourage open, compassionate dialogues about death—yes, you heard that right—while preventing the chaos that can ensue when personal affairs are left in disarray.

The inaugural Legacy Fair, taking place on November 2 in Llanelli’s St Elli Shopping Centre (in the old Yankee Candle unit—because what better aroma to accompany discussions of legacies than nostalgia?), aims to break down the barriers of uncomfortable conversations.

It’s not just about wills and home protection, folks. Think adventures, unique memorial ideas, and celebrating lives rather than merely mourning them.

With a schedule packed with “fireside chats” (yes, real or metaphorical fires, depending on how deep the convo goes!) and an array of professionals ready to help you explore your legacy, The Legacy Lounge promises to be a space where warmth, understanding, and maybe even a few chuckles flourish.

So, grab your favourite mug and join Em and Kirsty in a gathering designed to make planning for the inevitable a little less grim and a lot more meaningful.

After all, who says talking about death can’t be a delightful experience? I will be there to find out!

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You can follow Phil Evans on Twitter @philevanswales and  www.philevans.co.uk