JUST checking, but did I ever tell you the story of the B Hag?

No? Well, make yourself comfortable and grab a cup of tea because here goes . . .

What’s a B Hag? Well, don’t go down the road of imagining a Roald Dahl BFG or a creation by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

A ‘B Hag’, or (to be perfectly correct) BHAG, is an acronym dating back to the days when I was important enough to attend national senior management conferences.

It stands for Big Hairy Ambitious Goal.

When I was a company director, we were encouraged to reach for the stars. The theory being that, even if we didn’t quite get there, we would climb a few mountains along the way.

In the same vein as the David Hughes ‘Ambition is critical’ micro-poem on the forecourt of Swansea’s railway station, being ambitious was seen as a virtue rather than a sin.

Which all, rather neatly, leads me begin a rant against the keyboard warriors who are now having a pop at Llanelli’s ambitions to become a city.

The critics have piled in by labelling the city bid as ‘embarrassing’, ‘ridiculous’ and ‘an early April Fool’s Day joke’, with one even suggesting that Llanelli barely qualifies for village status.

My response to all those nay-sayers is: Where is your civic pride? Where is your ambition? Where is your passion for the place? Where is your desire to fulfil the Ymlaen Llanelli (Forward Llanelli) motto? Who is going to lead the charge to talk the place ‘up’, other than Llanelli folk themselves?

Yes, it is easy to criticise the place and get locked into that deadly death spiral of negative debate which bemoans the state of the town centre and the lack of a major accident and emergency unit at Prince Philip Hospital.

Yes, it is easy to parcel up Llanelli’s woes and park them at the door of Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire County Council.

But there’s a bit more to Llanelli folk than just moaning minnies and I’d like to suggest there is a silent majority who have it within themselves to pull the town up by its bootstraps.

It is worth going a bit Biblical in the debate and quoting from Luke 4:23 and the line, ‘Physician heal thyself’.

In other words, it’s time for Llanelli people to exert their own strength and take more responsibility for the town’s appearance and profile in the wider world.

Applying the Miracle Gro plant food to the first green shoots of recovery are the members of Llanelli Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

The Chamber has consulted key figures, including politicians and billionaire businessman Doug Perkins (Specsavers) – and they have been encouraged to formally apply for city status.

The bid will be officially launched on March 30 and Llanelli Town Council members have added their voice to the city call.

A successful bid would see Llanelli join an elite club of seven other cities in Wales – Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bangor, St Asaph, St Davids and Wrexham (granted city status in 2022).

Traditionally, city status is associated with having a cathedral or a university, but those factors are not seen as a barrier to a Llanelli bid, which would rely on the advice of Government ministers to King Charles III.

The Chamber hopes the city move will raise Llanelli’s profile across the UK and lift ‘people’s low expectations of their quality of life in Llanelli’.

And Llanelli Town Mayor Nick Pearce is bullish at the prospect –

“It’s an exciting prospect and a wonderful opportunity to further develop the sense of pride that we should all share for Llanelli. Like many other places, Llanelli’s post-industrial transition has been long and painful – we have been seeing a slump in the town’s fortunes for quite a while.

“If successful, I think we will look back on getting city status as the turning point in those fortunes. It serves as a timely reminder that Llanelli, town and rural, is the most significant conurbation in west Wales.

“Never mind punching above our weight, let’s start punching our weight! I do hope everyone can get behind this bold and ambitious initiative.”

There are, of course, other green shoots coming to the surface in Llanelli – a £15.5 million regeneration project for Llanelli town centre and other projects where people are starting to re-engage with a sense of civic pride, such as Llanelli Rotary Club’s Litter Out Of Llanelli project.

There are also the things we forget because they are part of the daily fabric of life in Llanelli – the area is home to the biggest TV company outside of ‘The Beeb’ in London, home to a world famous rugby club, a world-class Millennium Coastal Park, a football team on the verge of Welsh Premier League status, the finest out-of-town shopping complex in the west . . . and major tourism attractions such as the wildfowl and wetlands centre.

Personally, I’d be quite happy to include other attractions in the bid as they all form part of the Llanelli town and rural area. For example, Pembrey Country Park and Ffos Las racecourse (possibly renamed Llanelli racecourse to add to our UK-wide profile).

Andre McPherson, the deputy leader of Llanelli Town Council, is also upbeat – “This decision has the potential to elevate Llanelli’s standing, attract investment, and stimulate growth, paving the way for a brighter future.

“The elevation to city status can serve as a catalyst for economic advancement, attracting businesses and boosting job opportunities. This status upgrade can also enhance Llanelli’s appeal as a tourist destination.”

So, in short, my message to the people of Llanelli is simple: Don’t be a gloom-monger or a Harry Potter dementor, draining the hope and joy out of every situation. Accept the challenge; take some civic pride. Take on the challenge of a Big Hairy Ambitious Goal and support the Llanelli city bid!

Finally, it is not often that I get the chance to quote the famous 16^th century Florentine diplomat, author, philosopher and historian Niccolò Machiavelli, but his words fit with my theme –

“Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not to suffer.”

This column was also used in the Llanelli Star –

TV COPS ARE ON THE PHONE MORE THAN ON THE BEAT

I intended telling you about the Olympic trampolinist who, immediately after his long-term girlfriend left him, married on the rebound.

But I’ve parked it in the layby of undeveloped articles, because I’ve created a new TV cop series.

Yes, there’s already too many ‘police procedural dramas’ (as they are referred to in TV Land), but when I tell you my idea, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it.

You might also wonder, “Surely a busy man like Phil Evans has better things to do with his time?”

The idea came to me after watching one of those 1950s, black and white “Scotland Yard” films – based on true stories – on Talking Pictures TV, just before I watched a new ITV cop show.

I won’t bother naming it, because, with honourable exceptions, the titles and storylines of all TV cop shows are pretty much interchangeable.

In the “Scotland Yard” mystery, the crime was solved by detectives doggedly sifting through evidence; uninformed officers making endless door-to-door enquiries; and information received from ‘coppers’ narks’.

This was in stark contrast to the modern show, in which every scene included a moment when a cop either made or took a call on their mobile or received a text/WhatsApp message.

Whatever information was exchanged moved the story on to a crime scene, or a new suspect, or (yawn) the main cop’s home where some predictable domestic drama was unfolding.

As mobile phones play such a major part in today’s cop shows, I’ve  created the ultimate TV crime fighter of the future . . .

Inspector Keypad!

He’s a street cred, no nonsense, man-size phone with arms and legs, which makes him really mobile.

And he solves crimes by communicating with the mobile phones of criminals, purely by thought waves.

If you think that sounds ridiculous, just remember that the exploits of a detective called Vera, who has an annoying manner, a battered old hat permanently welded to her head and, in reality, would have retired 20 years ago. She’s regularly watched by seven million people!

And don’t get me started on the bonkers “Midsomer Murders”!

—————————

Words never fail me

Those sharp-witted readers among you will undoubtedly realise that my newspaper column has been going strong since June 2014.

When I was unexpectedly approached to become a regular contributor to this esteemed local paper, I was taken aback and honoured.

Honestly, I hadn’t even considered adding column writing to my already impressive repertoire!

At first, I wasn’t sure if I could consistently deliver content with stringent deadlines. And let’s not forget, the media devours material at an astonishing pace.

And then there was the issue of technology: how many ink ribbons would I require for my ancient typewriter each week? It was a conundrum, to say the least.

But I’m delighted to say that I embraced the challenge.

The incredible letters and positive feedback I receive (not just from readers in Wales, but also from as far as Canada and America) make it all worthwhile.

During my travels, I encounter a myriad of captivating characters with fascinating stories.

Without them, this space would probably be overrun with more adverts than you can shake a stick at.

So, here’s to the power of words and the colourful tapestry they weave!

TWO Carmarthenshire Theatres/Theatrau Sir Gar venues will be playing host to the popular Bronwen Lewis, who is bringing her ‘More from The Living Room’ tour to The Lyric in Carmarthen and Ffwrnes in Llanelli.

Following her hugely successful 2022 tour, Bronwen will be back, recreating the magic of her virtual gigs live on stage.

Bronwen will be performing a new selection of her favourite songs intertwined with endearing storytelling.

The multi-instrumentalist and Tik-Tok sensation showcases a varied repertoire including a new selection of her original songs.

The Welsh singer-songwriter has a wonderfully warm style that sits between Country, Pop, Folk and Blues. She is proudly bilingual and received international acclaim during her time on BBC’s The Voice when she brought Tom Jones to tears. Bronwen also starred in and sang the theme song ‘Bread and Roses’ in the BAFTA Award Winning film ‘Pride’.

The Lyric concert is on January 27. The Ffwrnes concert is on February 17.

In Ammanford, in February, The Miners’ Theatre will welcome the folk group called Pedair.

This week, the theatre announced the show was a sell-out.

Pedair draws on the talents of four of Wales’ most prominent folk artists –  Gwenan Gibbard, Gwyneth Glyn, Meinir Gwilym and Siân James.

As groundbreaking international artists, they thrive on collaboration and the thrill of live performance. With harps, guitars, piano and percussion, their music has captured the hearts of audiences with their sweeping vocal harmonies, fresh interpretations of the Welsh folk tradition, and intimacy of songwriting.

Their first recordings, having emerged during lockdown, gained instant popularity.

Having won the Welsh Album of the Year Award 2023 with their much-anticipated debut album, Pedair’s creative synergy is only beginning to reach its full potential.

The concert is on February 9.

Also in February, The Lyric will be playing host to the touring production of The Elvis Years.

Now in its 20th year, The Elvis Years, led by original West End lead Mario Kombou, will be on its biggest ever tour of the UK.

The stunning show takes the audience on a fantastic journey through all the years The King ruled the airwaves.

With a full cast of West End talent, a spectacular set, breath-taking lights and awesome video content, Mario and the band deliver more than 50 golden greats, charting the rise and rise of the boy from Tupelo – from the early hits That’s Alright Mama, Don’t Be Cruel and I Got Stung all the way through to the legendary Las Vegas concerts with In the Ghetto, The Wonder of You and of course Suspicious Minds.

With more than 12 costume changes, Mario brings the essence of Elvis to every song from every era – the Ed Sullivan Show featuring A Fool Such As I, the Frank Sinatra TV Special including It’s Now or Never, the Hollywood years with Return to Sender and Viva Las Vegas, and the legendary ’68 Comeback Special with If I Can Dream.

The Elvis Years will be at The Lyric on February 23.

Ffwrnes Theatre in Llanelli has been picked as a venue for a touring production of Verdi’s Macbeth.

One of Shakespeare’s greatest plays is also one of Verdi’s greatest operas.

Mid Wales Opera is staging its first-ever production of Macbeth as the culmination of its Shakespeare Season.

You will be able to experience a gripping tale of power, manipulation and tragic descent as Macbeth, a valiant general, succumbs to his wife’s persuasion, leading to a ruthless quest for the Scottish throne.

Verdi’s magnificent score, with its sweeping melodies and intricate harmonies, propels the psychologically thrilling narrative, whilst Act 4 introduces a modern twist with the haunting chorus of refugees.

The opera will be sung in English. The Mid Wales Opera company will be accompanied by Ensemble Cymru and a large cast will be supplemented by community choruses.

The opera will be staged at Ffwrnes on March 19. Tickets are £20 and £18.

Macbeth will feature Welsh Soprano Mari Wyn Williams and Canadian-born Jean-Kristof Bouton.

Carmarthen-based ladies choir A Choired Taste have resumed rehearsals during their 10^th anniversary year.

The choir is conducted by Sarah Kirby and has built up an excellent reputation throughout west Wales during the last 10 years.

The choristers are particularly proud of their fundraising work for local charities.

Future rehearsal dates are – (Mondays, 7-9pm) on January 29, February 5 and 19 and March 4 and 18.

A choir spokesman said: “It is our 10th year anniversary so there’s lots of exciting things to come this year. New members are always welcome, aged 15-plus.

“It’s a great way to meet friends, be involved in the community, start a new hobby, make you feel good.”

The choir rehearses in Christ Church Hall in Carmarthen.

If you want to find out more, email achoiredtaste2014@gmail.com

You can also check out the choir’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/achoiredtastecarms

A Llanelli-based company called Scarlet Musical Theatre Productions will be making a much-anticipated debut next month.

The classic coming-of-age rock musical Spring Awakening will be the first full-scale production for Scarlet Musical Theatre.

The show is being staged at Stiwdio Stepni at Ffwrnes Theatre in Llanelli on February 22 and 23.

With music by Duncan Sheik and a book and lyrics by Steven Sater, Spring Awakening is based on the controversial 1891 German play by Frank Wedekind.

Spring Awakening contains partial nudity and sexual content, as well as explicit language. It is recommended for an audience of 16 and over.

Tickets for the February performances in the intimate Stidwio Stepney space are £12.

In March, a brand new musical, produced by National Theatre Wales, is coming to Llanelli.

Feral Monster is described as a ‘banging new musical about an unremarkable teenager’.

It will be staged at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli, on Wednesday, March 13 (7pm).

Feral Monster is written by Bethan Marlow and directed by Izzy Rabey, with music by Nicola T Chang.

The cast features Lily Beau, Carys Eleri, Geraint Rhys Edwards, Rebecca Hayes, Nathaniel Leacock and Leila Navabi.

Tickets are available from Carmarthenshire Theatres, Theatrau Sir Gar, or from the website at – https://www.theatrausirgar.co.uk/

LET me be totally frank: I’m appalled, irritated, exasperated, wounded, infuriated, slightly tearful and a more than a little angry.

In short, I’m upset.

The lightning bolt news that Louis Rees-Zammit is quitting Rugby Union to try his hand at playing American Football came as a massive shock.

Why, oh, why didn’t he give me a ring to ask ‘my’ opinion before making such a bold move?

The 22-year-old will be getting on a plane to Miami, Florida, today, without getting the benefit of my massive sporting knowledge.

I’m gutted.

He’s missing out on my personal experience of American Football – and I’m also miffed because I felt we had started to build a close connection.

Let me explain . . .

Have you ever heard of the theory of six degrees of separation?

It’s simple really. The theory says that we are all linked by chains of acquaintance . . . and we are just six introductions away from any other person on the planet!

In short, I am less than half a dozen handshakes away from Vladimir Putin – should I want to shake the naughty scamp’s hand.

With LRZ, I’ve come very close to shaking his hand.

My son occupied the apartment above LRZ’s in Cardiff.

One evening, LRZ’s takeaway meal was delivered to Lloyd Junior’s door rather than the rugby star’s apartment.

Possible legal action prevents me from disclosing whether the takeaway was consumed ‘on site’ or re-delivered to the correct address.

Doubtless, there are people out there who will reject the six degrees of separation theory, saying that it is impossible in a world of nearly eight billion people.

But evidence gathered by computing giants Microsoft (some 15 years ago, in fact) suggests that it is true.

And, of course, anyone who has played the parlour game Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon will know it to be true.

As an aside, the actor Kevin Bacon actually thought the six degrees craze would die out, but when it didn’t he launched a website, sixdegrees.org, bringing together people interested in helping good causes.

But . . I digress . . . the six degrees thing isn’t my main bone of contention with LRZ.

Of much more importance is the fact that LRZ has missed the opportunity to access my knowledge of American Football.

More than 40 years ago I was part of the revolution which brought American Football from its native United States of America to Britain

Indeed, back in the 1980s, at 5’6’ and 10 stone six pounds, I took the field of play as a triallist for the Swansea Dragons American Football team.

At the time, the words rushing, red zone, sack, offensive line, incompletion, drive and end zone meant nothing to me.

The lexicon of American Football could have been written in Hungarian, such was my level of comprehension of the sport.

But all that was to change when my then sports editor, a man with a wicked sense of humour, called me aside one afternoon.

“You play rugby, don’t you? American Football’s roughly the same thing. Get up to Morfa and write 2,000 words by Thursday.”

True, I played rugby (frequently and usually badly) for Nantgaredig RFC in the Towy Valley.

But, I had a suspicion (probably soundly based on fact) that American Football was an entirely different thing.

The Swansea Dragons were based at the old Morfa Stadium, across the river from where the Swansea.com stadium now stands.

My knowledge of the game was not extensive, but I did, at the very least, count an American Football player as a friend.

Albie Evans (now, sadly, no longer with us) was a former New Dock Stars and Llanelli Wanderers rugby union player who had, remarkably, found himself with the New England Patriots in Boston in 1971.

The genesis of this particular Albie adventure lay in a stunt pulled by a Boston

radio station, who staged a ‘Superfoot’ competition in the UK to find the very best goal-kickers.

Albie was one of the winners and found himself on a plane to the USA. He returned with stories galore.

Probably the most important and relevant story was the one which explained that a career as a goalkicker in American Football was less likely (than any other on-field position) to end in serious injury.

The dangers of playing American Football had been flagged up to me before the Swansea trial.

I studied the names of famous American Football players of the time. There was a man called John Riggins – a player nicknamed The Diesel for the comparison to a runaway train. And, of course, there was William “The Refrigerator” Perry.

Neither were on the field the night I trialled at Morfa Stadium – but there were a few lookalikes.

They were helpful in the kit room, where the ‘armour’ of the day represented a bigger challenge than assembling an IKEA desk without an allen key.

The helmet itself was a two-man job. Basically, it was a case of placing the helmet on your head and then getting someone with a bicycle pump to inflate the bladder inside to the point where your head felt like it was going to explode.

My trial instructions were simple: ‘You’re a wide receiver.’

The words cheered me a little as the word ‘wide’ suggested I would be well away from any trouble.

The one thing no-one explained to me is that when you are ‘contained’ within all the so-called ‘safety gear’ you can’t actually see a lot. Your peripheral vision is drastically reduced.

In rugby, when you see the tackle coming you can brace for impact. In American Football, you don’t always see the express train coming down the track.

My trial lasted nine seconds.

I spent the rest of the trial session on the physiotherapist’s treatment table and was promptly carted off to A&E at Morriston Hospital for X-rays. I ‘escaped’ with a badly twisted and bruised ankle.

More than 40 years later, I am still mentally scarred by the experience.

But I still think it’s sad LRZ is departing today without getting some first-hand American Football knowledge from yours truly.

I’m less annoyed than I was when I started writing this column, so (on behalf of most sports fans) I’d like to wish LRZ ‘pob lwc’ in Florida. I think he’ll need it.

LESS NEWS WOULD BE GOOD NEWS

Breaking news!

I’m joking!

I just wanted to grab your attention . . .  like rolling TV news presenters do when the male and female duo (was that format hammered out through an act of Parliament?) become as bored with noodling around with a news story as viewers are of listening to it.

First, the presenters selflessly give you their thoughts on a news story, then bring in an expert to give their six penn’orth, then, in the interest of ‘balance’, bring in someone with an opposing view. And on it goes . . .

Before those of you who ‘Work’ (forgive my loud sniggering!) from home know it, breakfast TV has finished and it’s time for ‘Elevenses’!

Aware they’ve probably sent viewers who aren’t (‘Cough’!)‘Working’ from home into a glassy-eyed zombie state, the presenters suddenly announce, “We have breaking news!”

This causes non-home workers to pay attention and ‘home workers’ to drop their digestive biscuit into their third mug of coffee of the morning, splashing supermarket-brand Latte down the front of their dressing gowns.

Yes, there are occasions when that ‘Breaking News’ is important.

But nine times out of 10, it’s not.

Stories about court cases involving reality TV ‘celebs’ or which football players have been dropped from Saturday’s match trivialise the intended impact of ‘Breaking News’.

The early evening news on BBC TV and ITV, including UK news, World news, sport and the weather is done and dusted in 30 minutes. That’s pretty much how it’s been for decades.

Look through old editions of the Radio Times and you’ll see some teatime news bulletins only lasted 15 minutes, as did regional news.

People also got their news from their papers and the radio – just as we are today.

Nobody thought, “I’m not well-informed enough. Gimme news 24 hours a day!”

I realise it’s much too late now, but I question the need for several TV news channels and wouldn’t miss them if they were all taken off the air so we didn’t have to hear the self-important views of presenters and pundits.

Because I’m old enough to remember when newsreaders just read the news.

——————————-

TAKING STEPS TO GET FIT

Last autumn, a friend of mine who (shall we say *****) was “a little overweight” and told me he’d decided to do something about it.

His timing wasn’t perfect as we were enjoying a meal of chicken tikka masala, onion bhajis, poppadoms and garlic naans.

It was the weirdest Italian restaurant I’ve ever eaten in.

Rather than take out a gym membership or sign-up for the London Marathon he was going to follow the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of walking 10,000 steps a day.

Last week, I saw him strolling along Fabian Way, Swansea, and it was obvious he’d put on weight rather than lost any, so I decided to attract his attention in my usual subtle, diplomatic manner.

“Oi! Chubster!” I shouted – and, fair dos, his head spun around in my direction.

I couldn’t shake his right hand as it was gripped around a half-eaten Greggs pastie – and my right hand contained a half-eaten Greggs sausage roll.

I said, “I thought you were going to walk 10,000 steps a day?” as l brushed little flakes of pastry from my chin.

He explained, “I intended to. But I couldn’t find one building in this city with 10,000 steps to walk up and down.”

Which sort of made sense…

I did some research into this ‘10,000 steps a day’ idea to see if it was another number randomly picked out of the air like the ‘Five pieces of fruit a day’ advice of a few years back.

It started in 1964 when the Kyushu University Of Health And Welfare in Japan discovered that by walking 10,000 steps a day, a person could walk off 20% of their daily calorie intake.

So…if we took 50,000 steps a day we could walk off 100% of our daily calorie intake.

Trouble is, if we walked 50,000 steps every day, at the end of the first week we’d end up in Hereford.

I wonder if there’s a Greggs there?

THERE’S been a warm welcome in Llanelli for the return of a singing group tailored specifically for people with dementia, their friends and families.

The Welsh National Opera’s Cradle Choir initiative was launched at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli, last year.

It has now returned to action after the festive break, with the first session held yesterday (Tuesday).

Future sessions are on Tuesdays for the next six weeks.

Welsh National Opera (WNO) is partnering with Carmarthenshire Theatres (Theatrau Sir Gar) and Ffwrnes for the project.

The Cradle Choir initiative expands on existing choirs in Milford Haven and Llandeilo.

WNO Cradle Choirs are for people living with dementia, their friends and families and aim to provide fun, inclusive sessions where daily challenges and cares can be left at the door and connections made and enabled through the joy of community singing.

Cradle Choirs have proved to be significant hubs for social connection within the community. They encourage participants to step out of their typical daily routine with a dose of singing.

The Cradle Choir project is part of the wider WNO Cradle scheme which seeks to raise awareness of the disease within schoolchildren, through a variety of workshops.

Sessions in Llanelli are led by David Fortey (Cradle Choir Vocal Leader) and pianist Mark Jones, who will incorporate a wide range of music from stage and screen to folk songs and popular music.

After the sessions, there are refreshments and an opportunity to socialise with other members of the choir.

WNO Producer Jennifer Hill said: “Members of our existing choirs in Milford Haven and Llandeilo tell us how much they value the companionship and fun they have singing together on a weekly basis and so being able to further extend the reach to another area and a more urban setting is very exciting.

“We’ve been very lucky to have support on the ground from fantastic people and organisations who are embedded in their communities and hope to be able to add to their amazing work.”

If you would like to find out more about the Cradle Project or are interested in joining one of the choirs, please contact Jennifer Hill at jennifer.hill@wno.org.uk

Sessions in Llanelli are at 2pm on the following dates – January 23 and 30, February 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Meanwhile, Ffwrnes Theatre in Llanelli has been picked as a venue for a touring production of Verdi’s Macbeth.

One of Shakespeare’s greatest plays is also one of Verdi’s greatest operas.

Mid Wales Opera is staging its first-ever production of Macbeth as the culmination of its Shakespeare Season.

You will be able to experience a gripping tale of power, manipulation and tragic descent as Macbeth, a valiant general, succumbs to his wife’s persuasion, leading to a ruthless quest for the Scottish throne.

Verdi’s magnificent score, with its sweeping melodies and intricate harmonies, propels the psychologically thrilling narrative, whilst Act 4 introduces a modern twist with the haunting chorus of refugees.

The opera will be sung in English. The Mid Wales Opera company will be accompanied by Ensemble Cymru and a large cast will be supplemented by community choruses.

The opera will be staged at Ffwrnes on March 19. Tickets are £20 and £18.

Macbeth will feature Welsh Soprano Mari Wyn Williams and Canadian-born Jean-Kristof Bouton.

Meanwhile, Carmarthen-based ladies choir A Choired Taste have resumed rehearsals during their 10^thanniversary year.

The choir is conducted by Sarah Kirby and has built up an excellent reputation throughout west Wales during the last 10 years.

The choristers are particularly proud of their fundraising work for local charities.

Fortnightly rehearsals started this week. Future rehearsal dates are – Mondays, 7-9pm) on January 29, February 5 and 19 and March 4 and 18.

A choir spokesman said: “It is our 10th year anniversary so there’s lots of exciting things to come this year. New members are always welcome, aged 15-plus.

“It’s a great way to meet friends, be involved in the community, start a new hobby, make you feel good.”

The choir rehearses in Christ Church Hall in Carmarthen.

If you want to find out more, email achoiredtaste2014@gmail.com

You can also check out the choir’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/achoiredtastecarms

In other news, a Llanelli-based company called Scarlet Musical Theatre Productions will be making a much-anticipated debut next month.

The classic coming-of-age rock musical Spring Awakening will be the first full-scale production for Scarlet Musical Theatre.

The show is being staged at Stiwdio Stepni at Ffwrnes Theatre in Llanelli on February 22 and 23.

With music by Duncan Sheik and a book and lyrics by Steven Sater, Spring Awakening is based on the controversial 1891 German play by Frank Wedekind.

Spring Awakening contains partial nudity and sexual content, as well as explicit language. It is recommended for an audience of 16 and over.

Tickets for the February performances in the intimate Stidwio Stepney space are £12.

In March, a brand new musical, produced by National Theatre Wales, is coming to Llanelli.

Feral Monster is described as a ‘banging new musical about an unremarkable teenager’.

It will be staged at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli, on Wednesday, March 13 (7pm).

Feral Monster is written by Bethan Marlow and directed by Izzy Rabey, with music by Nicola T Chang.

The cast features Lily Beau, Carys Eleri, Geraint Rhys Edwards, Rebecca Hayes, Nathaniel Leacock and Leila Navabi.

Tickets are available from Carmarthenshire Theatres, Theatrau Sir Gar, or from the website at – https://www.theatrausirgar.co.uk/