The talented Corran Singers will feature in a special concert at St Peter’s Church, Carmarthen, next month.

The Laugharne-based choir will be singing to raise much-needed funds for Carmarthen’s historic church.

The concert is on Friday, March 27, at 7pm. Tickets are £7.

The Corran Singers choir was formed in 1994 by people who loved choral singing.

In October 2005, the choir went on their first choir tour to Pipriac, in Brittany, singing in Pampont Abbey, and Pipriac Church.

Membership currently stands at 43.

In the 26 years of the choir’s history, their philosophy has remained unchanged – they sing for the joy of singing, they give their services free of charge and have raised thousands of pounds for charitable causes along the way.

The choir has built up a varied repertoire. Aiming to appeal to all ages, their music ranges from the Faure – Cantique De Jean Racine, The Trumpet shall Sound, a choral anthem, to songs from West End musicals and more traditional Welsh items, Y Tangnefeddwyr, Gwcw Fach to the Teddy Bears’ Picnic and the African National Anthem.

The Corran Singers are led by musical director Heather Jenkins.

They have produced two CDs, entitled Every Morning When I Wake and Evening at Sundown, both named after words from the writing of Dylan Thomas, the world famous poet, who lived in Laugharne.

In October 2008, the choir toured France, visiting Paris and on to Caen, giving two concerts, one in St Catherine’s Church in Honfleur and the other in the Eglise Reforme Church in Caen. In 2013, the choir visited Cork, Ireland, singing in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and St Anne’s Church Shandon. In 2016, the choir visited Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and the Welsh Church of London and St James’ Church Paddington.

Tickets for March 27 are available from the Church Wardens at St Peter’s, A Dean Carpets & Flooring (by the train station) or by phoning 07974 772393. Tickets can also be purchased online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk

The choir will be helping preserve the rich history of St Peter’s, the much-loved church in the centre of Carmarthen.

St Peter’s is first recorded in the Chronicles of Battle Abbey, when it was donated to Battle Abbey, along with a monastic house known as Llandeulyddog, in about 1110.

Llandeulyddog was founded in the 6th Century and it is thought that St Peter’s is the sole survivor of a number of churches, associated with the monastery, which once stood within the walls of the old Roman town of Moridunum.

St Peter’s would have been a simple timber church in this period and not the impressive stone building it is today. As a church, it has served Carmarthen for more than 1500 years.

The church is home to the tomb of Sir Rhys ap Thomas, who was instrumental in the accession of the Lancastrian Henry Tudor to the throne when he became King Henry VII in 1485.

There is also an interesting story behind the organ at St Peter’s.

The organ was ordered by King George III (1760-1820) and was intended for Windsor Castle. It was built by George Pike England but was never installed in the Castle for reasons unknown.

It was bought for St Peter’s Church by private subscription and erected in the south end of the gallery in 1796. In 1851 it was moved to the north transept, which involved the destruction of the medieval arch between transept and nave. In 1865 it was rebuilt by J. W. Walker and moved back to the north end of the gallery.

It was finally placed in its present position in 1886, although the present casework dates from a rebuild of 1896.

The organ underwent a major reconstruction in 1958 when the detached console was fitted and the action was electrified. The rebuilding in 2001 was undertaken as a result of the subsidence that was affecting its foundations and the opportunity was taken to update the action with electronic components and add additional stops.

In other news, musical links which have been developed between Carmarthenshire, Cardiff and Hungary took a novel twist earlier this month during Welsh Language Music Day.

A popular café in central Budapest, Hungary, surprised guests with a new name – Y Tair Cigfran – Welsh pop music and a bilingual drinks menu on the fifth annual Dydd Miwsig Cymru (Welsh Language Music Day).

Having hosted Welsh Language Music Day events with live bands in previous years, Budapest café Három Holló (The Three Ravens in English) went one step further, adopting a Welsh-language name and a specially curated music playlist for one night only.

Visitors to Y Tair Cigfran were invited to enjoy a “coffi” or a “cwrw” as they browsed a special edition bilingual drinks menu.

To the surprise of locals and tourists alike, the venue featured Welsh-language hits throughout the night, with a range of songs from the likes of Super Furry Animals, Cate Le Bon and Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci playing in the background.

Those ordering food and drinks at the counter were also encouraged to put their language skills to the test, thanks to basic Welsh phrases and a Hungarian phonetic guide by Welsh-Hungarian information hub Magyar Cymru.

The unusual “rebrand” was arranged by Welshophile music fan and record collector László Záhonyi, in partnership with Három Holló café and Balint Brunner, Editor of Magyar Cymru.

László Záhonyi, who has been organising Welsh Language Music Day events in his native Hungary for several years, said: “I fondly remember the moment I came across the Welsh language for the first time.

“I was reading The Pendragon Legend, a novel by Hungarian writer Antal Szerb, and he claimed the Welsh language had a wonderful sound, like something from another world. Before I knew it, I’d fallen in love with Welsh culture and boasted the biggest Welsh-language record collection in Hungary.

“I don’t understand much of the lyrics, but that doesn’t stop me. I just listen to the tune and let the words stay a mystery – a story from another world, just like Szerb said it!”

Next month, Hungarian and Welsh families will come together in Cardiff for an annual celebration of their close cultural ties.

Held in the Urdd Hall of the iconic Wales Millennium Centre, the fourth Welsh-Hungarian Concert and Folk Dance Event is set to take place on March 14, to tie in with St David’s Day and one of Hungary’s national holidays.

The concert series is organised by Hungarian-born classical singer Elizabeth Sillo and the Kodály Violin School of Carmarthenshire, directed by Dorothy Singh.

Over the years, many acclaimed Welsh and Hungarian folk artists, the 1st Hungarian Hussar Banderium UK and members of the National Chorus of Wales have all joined the initiative.

Három Holló (The Three Ravens), in downtown Budapest triples as a bar, an art gallery, and a concert venue. Named after the favourite watering hole of Hungarian poet Endre Ady, it is renowned by Hungarians and tourists alike for its variety of events.

Magyar Cymru is a hub for Welsh-Hungarian news, events and stories, launched in 2019 by Editor, Balint Brunner. You can follow Magyar Cymru on Facebook and Twitter (@MagyarCymru).

• If you have news about the choral or concert scene in Llanelli, email robert.lloyd01@walesonline.co.uk or rlloydpr@btinternet.com

Scarlets will take on Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park on Friday evening (7.35) showing three changes to the side that took the field against the Ospreys on Boxing Day.

All the changes come up front with Werner Kruger replacing Samson Lee at tight-head prop, Fijian international Tevita Ratuva coming in for Sam Lousi at lock and Uzair Cassiem taking the place of Blade Thomson at No. 8. Lee, Lousi and Thomson are named among the replacements.

Head coach Brad Mooar has given a vote of faith to the same match-day 23 that registered a record 44-0 victory over the Ospreys.

With Johnny McNicholl still nursing an ankle injury, Leigh Halfpenny, Ryan Conbeer and Steff Evans continue in the back three.

Evans’s derby double took his try tally to six in the Guinness PRO14 this season and the winger now has an impressive strike rate of 44 tries in 108 appearances in a Scarlets jersey.

Steff Hughes remains the one ever-present this season and again links up with Wales international Hadleigh Parkes in midfield.

Angus O’Brien, on the back of successive man-of-the-match performances, partners Gareth Davies at half-back.

Kruger joins Wyn Jones and skipper Ken Owens in the front row, while Jake Ball packs down alongside ‘Tex’ Ratuva in the second row. Aaron Shingler and Josh Macleod start alongside Cassiem in the back row.

Scarlets sit third in the Conference B table, four points ahead of the Blues after nine rounds of action.

Scarlets forwards coach Ioan Cunningham said: “It’s a massive challenge, we had a difficult time at the Arms Park last year so we know how tough it is going to be.

“They are a good side, well coached, but we are excited by the challenge and the prospect of playing in front of a packed crowd in the capital. The Conference standings also add an extra spice to it.”

Scarlets team v Cardiff Blues (Cardiff Arms Park, Friday 7.35pm ko)
15 Leigh Halfpenny; 14 Ryan Conbeer, 13 Steff Hughes, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 Steff Evans; 10 Angus O’Brien, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Wyn Jones, 2 Ken Owens (capt), 3 Werner Kruger, 4 Jake Ball, 5 Tevita Ratuva, 6 Aaron Shingler, 7 Josh Macleod, 8 Uzair Cassiem.
Reps: 16 Phil Price, 17 Ryan Elias, 18 Samson Lee, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Blade Thomson, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Ryan Lamb, 23 Paul Asquith.

Unavailable because of injury
Jonathan Davies (knee), Rhys Patchell (shoulder), James Davies (back), Rob Evans (neck), Johnny McNicholl (ankle), Dan Jones (ribs), Tom Phillips (hand), Kieron Fonotia (calf), Tom Prydie (hamstring), Dan Davis (foot), Joe Roberts (knee).

Crocus, cyclamen and pansies have been named amongst seven of the best plants for blooming autumnal gardens.

The gardening gurus at GardeningExpress.co.uk have revealed their top plants for brightening up autumnal days.

Others include heather, dahlia, winter aconites and aster.

Whilst spring and summer are the seasons most closely associated with gardening, British households can still enjoy thriving backyards throughout autumn and well into winter if the right plants are chosen.

From delicate pansies to bold and low-growing heather, these are the plants you should opt for to keep your garden looking fresh and inviting as the temperatures drop.

A spokesperson for GardeningExpress.co.uk commented: “As the days start to get shorter and a little bit colder, this doesn’t mean that we have to stay cooped up in the house and neglect the outdoors – at least not just yet.

“There are some tough little plants and shrubs that can survive the changing weather, braving the cold and wind to bring a splash of colour and brighten breezy autumnal days.

“Choose the right plants, and autumn gardens can be a spectacular sight.”

Heather

With pink, white or purple petals, heather is a brilliant plant for low-growing texture and it looks great in pots too. They handle bad weather particularly well and have a long flowering season, from November to March.

Crocus

The autumn weather forces crocus blooms out through the fallen leaves among the lawn and their upright, cup-shaped flowers look great in pots and borders. Still, occasionally they can be spoiled by autumn weather so plant them beneath trees and shrubs where they will be protected from heavy rains.

Winter aconites

These cheery plants look a lot like buttercups with their lovely yellow flowers and are suited to growing underneath deciduous trees and shrubs. They prefer rich, moist soil in shady parts of gardens.

Pansies

Pansies are a gardener’s staple all year round. Many varieties stop blooming when it gets really cold, but then you can opt for special winter-flowering pansies which will keep going until late spring. These are ideal for filling pots and window boxes for a flash of colour to be seen from indoors.

Dahlia

The striking blooms of these plants start to open in summer, but are at their best from August to September, bridging gaps in borders as other perennials begin to tire. Dahlias are best for working in borders and as they come in a range of sizes and exotic colours, they’ll work with almost any colour theme.

Aster ‘Little Carlow’

Sprays of small lavender-blue daisies throb in late summer and autumn, particularly in evening light. They like lots of sun and good, well-drained soil.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen are well-loved heroes that can be brought to flower from autumn all the way through to spring. The flowers come in red, pink and white shades and look fantastic in pots or planted under trees, but cyclamen hederifolium is the usual choice for autumn flowers. Its silvery, marbled leaves follow the sugar pink and white blooms, remaining unscathed through winter weather before dying back for a dormant summer.

A charity fashion show is being organised by the Rotary Club of Pembrey and Burry Port.

The ladies fashion show will be held at The Ashburnham Hotel, Pembrey, on Wednesday, October 16.

The event will feature fashion wear by Nanette Fashion, of Gwendraeth Store, Kidwelly.

Tickets are £5 and include a drink on arrival.

Proceeds go to the local branch of Tenovus Cancer Care.

Tickets are available from The Ashburnham Hotel, Pembrey, telephone 01554 834455, Nanette Fashion, telephone 01554 890206, or from any Rotary Club member.

The Society of Editors has welcomed the decision by the courts to refuse to order journalists to hand over their notes to counter-terrorism investigators.

The Met Police had sought an order for material from the Times, Sky News, ITN and the BBC from their conversations with 19-year-old “Isis bride” Shamima Begum after she was discovered in Syria earlier this year.

But an Old Bailey judge has ruled that the news providers cannot be compelled to hand over their unpublished notes to the police.

“This is an important decision in protecting both the rights of journalists to protect their sources but also to ensure journalists are not put in increased danger when they are pursuing stories where there is a risk of reprisals,” comments Ian Murray Executive Director at the Society of Editors.

“Anyone giving an interview or information to the media should do so in the knowledge journalists cannot be forced to reveal sensitive information they discover. Journalists also need to be assured they will not be seen as seeking information to then pass on to the security forces.”

At a hearing at the Old Bailey last month, lawyers for the Met applied to have unpublished material from interviews carried out by The Times, BBC, ITN and Sky News handed to counter-terrorism command under the Terrorism Act 2000.

All of the outlets resisted the application, arguing it would undermine their journalists’ ability to cover foreign conflicts.

Gavin Miller, for Sky, ITN and The Times, said the order would deprive journalists of their neutrality and place them at risk by making them de facto actors of the state.

Ms Begum was one of three girls from Bethnal Green, east London, who left the UK aged 15 in February 2015 and travelled to Syria to join Islamic State.

She was tracked down when nine months pregnant with her third child by Times correspondent Anthony Loyd in a refugee camp in northern Syria.

Ms Begum, who has since been stripped of her British citizenship, later gave interviews to broadcasters including the BBC, ITN and Sky News.

While most Brits will spend the majority of their hard-earned cash and spare time on their back yard, homeowners are being encouraged to invest in their front gardens too.

Outdoors experts at BillyOh.com have compiled a list of seven tricks and tips to help homeowners reinvent their front yard, maximising their property’s kerb appeal – and potentially its value.

Seven Tips to Maximise Kerb Appeal

Homeowners are being encouraged to make the most of their outdoor space by investing in their front gardens.

Most Brits will spend the majority of their hard-earned cash and spare time in the back yard, whilst front gardens are left neglected and unloved.

So outdoors experts at BillyOh.com have compiled a list of seven tricks and tips to help homeowners reinvent their front yard, maximising their property’s kerb appeal – and potentially its value.

Advice includes adding a gate for extra security, painting the front door to add personality and utilising space by using wall climbers.

Researchers have found that planting greenery can help combat pollution and increase the value of property. This trend is replacing the paved driveways which is a common site nationwide.

A spokesman from BillyOh.com explained “The first impression of a house is the front garden, so is a great opportunity for homeowners to show individuality and personality.

“Paved driveways without greenery lack identity and can make a house feel cold and unwelcoming

“Increasing kerb appeal does not have to be stressful and can be achieved easily, a new lick of paint and introducing a variety of plants can do wonders, with little cost or effort need.

“Homeowners should first know what image of themselves they want to present to the world and then translate that when planning the garden.”

Here are BillyOh.com ‘s seven top tips for maximising kerb appeal:

Add a gate

Placing a gate at the entrance of the garden alongside being an additional security measure can also add a warm and welcoming for guests and sets the tone of the garden.

Refresh

Rather than putting in a new pathway a cheap and quick alternative is to instead use a power wash to give the existing footpath a good scrub. Add gravel to hide paths that are past saving.

Enhance with an Arch

Putting an arch over the pathway is enticing and adds dimension to the area. Train plants like beech or hornbeam to make an evergreen arch, in winter the bare branches provide a strong structure.

Variety of greenery

When deciding on greenery, include a mix of different leaves and foliage to add dimension and interest. Stick to low maintenance plants such as hostas and lady ferns which thrive in shaded areas. Perfect for all seasons so no risk of looking bare or dull in colder periods.

Utilise space

For residences with a smaller front garden such as townhouses, wall climbers should be considered. Taking no floor space and growing directly onto the outer walls of the house. Greenery can be introduced no matter how small the area.

Harmonise colours: When adding colour into the garden from front doors to plants and flowers choose complementary colours to unify the garden as one whole. This is an incredibly effective and easy way to add kerb appeal.

Upgrade the door :

The main focal point of the house is the front door; a lick of paint refreshes the home and draws the eye alongside polishing existing hardware. Before going for a bright colour consult with residents and ensure that it is appropriate for the location.