The busy ladies of Côr Curiad Choir in Llanelli are looking forward to another big year of charity fundraising.

The choir’s main event this year will be on Saturday, April 6, at Ffwrnes Theatre in Llanelli.

Their special guest will be TV star and X Factor winner Sam Bailey and her band.

The evening will also feature Ysgol y Strade pupil Martha Morgan and Angharad Elise Thomas, who runs her own drama company called The Hive in Llanelli.

Sam Bailey was born in Bexley, East London. Growing up, she enjoyed singing for her friends and family but never believed she was destined for stardom.

When she was younger, Sam entered talent competitions but always wanted to impress people by herself, rather than being talked up by family and friends.

However, her family did have a major influence on her musical career – her grandfather was a singer in a group called ‘The Four Vinos’ and her father was also in a band, so she was often in the company of musicians.

One of her earliest success stories was winning a ‘Search For A Star’ talent competition in Crayford Town Hall, Bexley as a 16-year-old. She went on to attend Bexley Arts College and Dartford’s Miskin Theatre to further develop her talent. 

Though singing was a passion, Sam admits that her first love in life was football. She played professionally for a number of clubs including Millwall Lionesses, West Ham, Crystal Palace and London Women.

Before she stole the hearts of the nation by winning the 10th series of The X Factor at Christmas 2013, Sam worked as a prison officer at HM Prison Gartree, as well as performing on cruise ships, in clubs and at music festivals for several years.

Despite her obvious nervousness during her first X Factor audition, she blew the judges away with her rendition of Beyoncé’s ‘Listen’, receiving a standing ovation and leading Gary Barlow to describe her voice as “incredible”. 

Under the mentorship of Sharon Osborne, Sam became a clear favourite on the show, dazzling audiences and judges alike with her stunning voice and natural stage presence.

She received more than a million votes over the course of the final weekend and was crowned winner of the show.

Following her triumph, her debut single, ‘Skyscraper’, reached Christmas number one and her debut album, The Power of Love stormed to the top of the UK album charts in 2014.

Sam is one of the most talented performers in the music business and her first headline tour in 2015 received rave reviews.

Sam lives in Leicester with her husband Craig, and their three children – Tommy, Brooke, and Miley. 

All proceeds from the Llanelli Côr Curiad concert will go to Marie Curie Wales.

The compere will be TV and radio personality and ‘local hero’ Kev Johns MBE. Tickets are £32 and £28.

Côr Curiad musical director Alex Esney said: “It’s the first time Sam has performed in Llanelli, so we are very excited.

“We are hoping to smash our charity fundraising target of £20,000 by the end of this year.

“We are also organising a Halloween themed ball for Marie Curie Wales, with the date and venue to be confirmed. 

“We are also planning our usual Stradey Castle Christmas events, dates to be announced later in the year. 2019 will also see a new Christmas concert at St Elli Parish Church in Llanelli.

“Our Christmas craft fayre at The Diplomat Hotel in Llanelli will be in November, plus we have an Autumn Leaves service in Burry Port on December 5.

“Côr Curiad will be celebrating 25 years in 2020, so, by popular demand, we will be having another Côr Curiad Calender Girls calender ready for 2020!”

In Llandyfaelog, the ‘boys’ of Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi have been hatching their plans for 2019.

Concert dates include – 

February 1, Llandybie Church.

October 12, Annual concert at the Gwenllian Centre, Kidwelly. The choir will be joined by Mynydd Mawr Choir and guests Trio and Piantel, with compere Eirian Wyn.

November 17, National Botanical Gardens of Wales, Llanarthne.

In other news, The Miners’ Theatre in Ammanford will be staging a St David’s Day Concert on Friday, March 1 (7pm).

The popular Cor Meibion Dyffryn Amman will share the stage with three highly-talented young musicians from the Ammanford area – clarinettist Catrin Soons and the beautiful voices of Neve Summers and Osian Clarke. The guest accompanist will be Joseph Cavalli-Price.

Ffwrnes Theatre in Llanelli always stages a hugely-popular St David’s Day concert. This year it will be held on Saturday, March 2.

The concert will feature the world-famous Morriston Orpheus Choir, conducted by Joy Amman Davies, and Côr Lleisiau’r Cwm, under the baton of Llanelli’s Catrin Hughes.

Sharing the spotlight will be two highly-talented young singers from the Loud Applause Rising Stars stable – mezzo soprano Nikkila Thomas, from Llanelli, and tenor Osian Clarke, from Tycroes. 

Wednesday, March 6 (7.30pm) will see the appearance of Gruffydd Wyn at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli.

Gruffydd is a talented Classical crossover artist who hails from Anglesey, North Wales.

A singer from an early age, he has dedicated his life to following his dream of becoming a world class vocal performer.

Gruffydd has recently seen success as a finalist on the talent show ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, where he received Amanda Holden’s Golden Buzzer.

During the series, he received widespread acclaim for his big voice and professional performances under pressure, with judges’ comments such as ‘Epic, phenomenal and outrageously good’ and Simon Cowell calling him ‘The musical version of Rocky’.

If your taste veers to pop and folk, then you’ll enjoy Barbara Dickson in concert at The Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen, on Friday, March 8 (7.30pm).

Barbara will perform a wonderful range of material, drawing on her folk roots as well as performing globally known hits such as The Caravan Song, Another Suitcase in Another Hall plus lots more.

The Lyric will also be the venue for one of the UK’s longest-running musical theatre concert tours – Beyond the Barricade (Saturday, March 23, 7.30pm).

The show features past principal performers from Les Miserables.

It will deliver more than two hours of the best of Broadway and the West End and, of course, end with a stunning finale from Les Mis.

The concert features David Fawcett (Valjean) Andy Reiss (Enjolras and Resident Director for the National Tour of Les Miserables) Katie Leeming (Eponine) and Poppy Tierney (Cosette), together with a live band who capture the feel of the original orchestrations of the chosen musicals.

To this day every musical note is still played and sung live – very rare indeed.

Beyond the Barricade gives musical theatre songs a bold concert format treatment – but with the conviction and intention to deliver the material as if the audience are watching the original performance. This incredible concert is now in its 19th successive year.

April sees the spotlight fall on local theatre group Curtain Up at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli.

They will be performing Broadway and Beyond on Wednesday and Thursday, April 3 and 4 (7pm start).

Broadway and Beyond will be an evening of musical songs from the wonderful world of the stage and your favourite movie films – from La la land, Les Miserables, Chess, Avenue Q, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and many more.

Tickets will be £12 and in aid of Alzheimer’s.

April will also see performances of The Passion Of The Christ, to be performed on Good Friday, April 19, and Easter Saturday, April 20.

The acclaimed voices of the Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers, Angelicus Celtis and friends will present The Passion of The Christ, a blend of varied choral and vocal works, blended with narration and theatre to be held in South Wales over Easter weekend 2019.

This unique performance will present a dramatic retelling of the story of the life and crucifixion of Christ bringing together associated choir and vocal ensembles blending music and poetry from Bach, Barber, Jenkins, Mozart, Webber, Telemann, Dylan Thomas, Elizabeth Browning, Emily Dickson, Langston Hughes and Mary Oliver to name but a few.

The Passion will include opportunities for solo singers, duet, trios, small group chorale and main choir and different roles associated with the life and crucifixion of Christ. Auditions for these singing opportunities will be held in in the Llanelli area during the weekend of January 19. Singing auditions for will be open to the general public, both young and adult voices (soprano, alto tenor, bass) and open to both choristers of the Hywel choir and singers beyond.

If you are interested in learning more about the auditions for The Passion of the Christ, please register your interest by contacting Jeremy Williams at jeremywilliams@me.com

Robert Lloyd works as a media consultant – www.rlloydpr.co.uk

If you have any news about the choral scene in Llanelli, the please contact him on 07777 683637 or email rlloydpr@btinternet.com

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Comedian Phil Evans is from Ammanford. He is known as the man who puts the ‘cwtsh’ into comedy. This column appears in the South Wales Evening Post, Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star. Website – www.philevans.co.uk

…………………………

I thought I’d give you the benefit of my meticulously-researched analysis of the current Brexit situation.

Just kidding!

While the ‘B’ word isn’t the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning, I’m reminded of it as soon as I start feeding my pet pooch his kibble – they’re both dog’s breakfasts.

Talking of food, as one of my hip and trendy readers with your finger on the pulse of what’s happening, you’ll be aware we’re well into ‘Veganuary’ the month, when we’re encouraged to give up meat, dairy and fish.

If we give up drinking tea next month, will it be referred to as ‘Feb-No-Brew-Up-Ary’?  

Maybe not…

I was staggered to hear that a well-known chain of High Street bakers (I’m not allowed to name them, but it rhymes with ‘eggs’) have started selling vegan sausage rolls. 

Presumably, made with real vegans. Yum!

I was double-staggeredto hear on the very same daythat a fast food chain famous for their burgers and fries has started serving children’s vegetarian ‘Happy Meals’ containing yellow split peas, rice, sun-dried tomato pesto and herbs.

It’s a great idea, but how many children will be ‘Happy’ to hear that?

Again, I can’t name the company in question but it’s the same as the old man who had a farm in the children’s song.

I’ve never understood why that song hasn’t been banned by teachers.

Because every time the word ‘FARM’ is mentioned, it’s spelt out as ‘E.I.E.I.O’. which must cause confusion among kids struggling with the complexities of English grammar

However, I was treble-staggeredto learn the ‘Vegetarian Happy Meal’ contains 209 calories while the normal chicken nugget ‘Happy Meal’ only has 173!

That fact got my mental wheels turning (luckily they’ve recently been steam cleaned!) and a load of thoughts came to me.

The main one being . . . “What part of a chicken is a nugget?”

I’d ask Old MacDonald but he can’t even spell ‘FARM’…

…………………. 

Operation Snap:

I was amazed to read this week that the police road safety campaign, Operation Snap, has received 2,300 items of dashcam footage of video or pictures relating to driving offences, all taken by members of the public.

This has apparently led to action being taken in more than 650 cases in Wales over the last year, including 100 fixed penalty fines, 83 court prosecutions and 90 drivers sent on awareness courses.

I know, from speaking to friends and family that this way of catching these drivers out has a very mixed reaction.

I have seen friends get very irate on social media when a speed camera is lying in wait in a lay-by to catch unsuspecting drivers speeding.

Personally, I do like speed, but am reminded that the speed limit is there for a reason!

Being unable to handle a car or motorcycle at high speed is known to cause so many accidents and surely any measure that will slow drivers down is a good thing, if it means our loved ones are getting home safely every day? 

Not a week goes by when there is not a bump on the M4, so I’m all for backing anything that makes our roads a safer place.

This topic is not everyone’s cup of tea, but do let me know what you think…

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

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Toby Wells, a trainee at one of South West Wales’ leading independent accountancy firms Clay Shaw Butler, has successfully passed his Chartered Accountant exams and has now qualified as a Chartered Accountant.

Toby started with Clay Shaw Butler in July 2015, after studying at Swansea University and gaining a 1st class BSc degree in Accountancy and Finance.

Toby is 24 and from Bynea, Llanelli. He was a pupil at Coedcae School before attending Swansea University. He is a big fan of the Scarlets and a keen golfer.

Mark Jones, Director of Clay Shaw Butler, said: “We are delighted with the results that Toby has achieved. These are some of the most difficult professional qualifications in the world.

“We are very committed to providing opportunities to the next generation of accountants, we have recently taken on two new trainees and a further five are studying towards their professional qualifications. I would like to wish them all the best of luck as they work towards becoming qualified with us.”

Clay Shaw Butler has a long history of helping young people to enter the accountancy profession and has helped a number of students and school leavers – a commitment that is recognised by the firm holding the Investors in People Award.

Photo above:

Toby Wells, right, with Clay Shaw Butler director Mark Jones.

About Clay Shaw Butler:

Clay Shaw Butler is a unique, innovative firm of accountants that aims to deliver the highest possible standard of expertise through a team of Qualified Chartered Accountants, Chartered Certified Accountants, Chartered Tax Advisers, experienced senior staff, trainee accountants and business consultants.

Established in Carmarthen more than 40 years ago, the firm’s portfolio of clients has increased significantly with clients based locally, across the UK and overseas.

The team is made up of 24 professional staff (including three administrative staff members). They have a combined experience of more than 250 years and include Welsh speakers at all levels. The firm holds the Investors in People Award.

Weblink – http://www.clayshawbutler.com

The team at Clay Shaw Butler can be contacted on 01267 228500.

The firm is on Twitter. Look for @clayshawbutler.

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An illegal dog breeder has been handed a suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay over £200,000 after selling sick puppies with false pedigree and veterinary papers.

Dylan Huw Thomas, of New Inn, Llandeilo, was caught running a fraudulent dog breeding business by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Trading Standards team, who carried out a lengthy investigation over a number of years to bring him to justice.

Thomas, 59, deliberately mis-led his customers, selling puppies across the country – some of which were severely ill and required immediate veterinary treatment, and including one chocolate Labrador who had to be put down.

He claimed to be a registered breeder when he was not, adulterated lineage documents and veterinary cards to cover his tracks, and often hid behind a false identity.

Several concerned customer of Thomas contacted the local authority after becoming concerned at the welfare of puppies they had bought from him, or about the paperwork that came with them.

Customers say he would appear ‘nervous’ or ‘shifty’ and evaded their questions.

Adverts would often state that puppies were raised at home amongst family and children, when in fact it has been difficult to trace exactly where the puppies have come from.

He would travel to his customers with the puppies saying he happened to be in their area, and if asked where the puppy’s mother was would say she was ‘under the weather’.

Following the Trading Standards investigation, and in the face of overwhelming evidence, Thomas pleaded guilty to 14 separate offences under the Fraud Act 2006 and the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981.

He was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (December 20, 2018) where His Honour Judge Geraint Walters handed him a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered him to pay £215,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Passing the sentence, he told Thomas: “You went into this business with your eyes open when farming was difficult. Easy money – you were deceiving people you were dealing with.”

Cllr Philip Hughes, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Public Protection, praised the Trading Standards team for their thorough investigation which helped bring Thomas to justice, and said he hoped this case would act as a deterrent to other illegal breeders.

“Dylan Huw Thomas deliberately mis-led his customers and made a lot of money through selling puppies without proper welfare checks and documentation,” he said.

“This is a serious crime with serious consequences, and we’re glad we were able to bring him to court and see this sentence handed down.”

He added: “This should be a lesson to anyone who breeds dogs – breeding and selling without proper licensing, documentation and regard for the welfare and wellbeing of puppies and their mothers will not be tolerated.”

The council has urged people to ensure they carry out proper checks before purchasing a puppy advertised for sale to avoid funding the illegal dog breeding trade.

They advise that people should see mum and puppy together at the place of breeding, documents should be thoroughly checked, and enquiries should also be made with veterinary practices and local authorities.

 Related links:

• Trading Standards
• Animal welfare

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Ben John has confirmed his retirement from rugby following a year out of the game after suffering a series of head injuries.

The 27-year-old last played on Boxing day 2017, against the Scarlets, when he left the action shortly before half-time following an aerial collision.

That was the third such incident to affect Ben during 2017, leading him to announce he was taking an extended 12 month break from the game.

His service to his home Region was recognised when he was presented with his shirt at the end of season dinner in April, as one of the players leaving at the end of the campaign.

Now, having established himself as a personal trainer in London, Ben has opted to hang up his boots permanently. He said:

“It’s taken so long for me to recover, after thinking about it long and hard, the best decision for me, the only one really, was to retire. 

“Rugby has been my life but I realise that my long term health is more important so, in the end, my decision was an easy one, particularly having spent time outside of the game and recognising there is life away from the rugby pitch.

“It hasn’t been easy for me over the last couple of years but I’m extremely grateful to everybody at the Ospreys, players, staff and fans, for the support I’ve had. They’ve been absolutely brilliant.

“I’m not going to be a stranger. The Ospreys are my team and this is my Region. I’ve already been back to watch the boys and I intend keeping in touch, supporting the Ospreys from the stand.”

The former Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr pupil’s early rugby days were spent at Loughor RFC.

He then represented his home region at age-grade level before graduating to the Principality Premiership with Aberavon, scoring eight tries in 60 matches for the Wizards.

Capped at all Wales age-grade levels, he went to the 2010 Junior World Championships in Argentina, just months after making his Ospreys debut in an LV= Cup win over Leeds Carnegie at the Liberty Stadium.

He made 79 Ospreys appearances, scoring 15 tries.

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Parents across Carmarthenshire are being reminded that they need to apply online for their child’s school place.

Admission to school is not an automatic process, applications must be made to the county council by January 31. Parents must apply online for nursery or primary places and will be informed of the outcome of the primary application on April 16, 2019 and nursery applications in October 2019.

If a child was born between September 1, 2015 and August 31, 2016, they could start full time school in September 2019, or January/April 2020.

Children who were born between September 1, 2016 and August 31, 2017, could start school part time in January, April or September 2020.

Applications can be made here

Applications can also be made on a phone or tablet, or for those without internet access they can contact their local school who will be happy to assist, or visit their local library to use the computers available there.

Education executive board member Cllr Glynog Davies said: “Although parental choice will always be a consideration, no child can be guaranteed a place at the school of their choice. However it is essential that applications are made before the closing date in order for their wishes to be considered. I would urge parents to get their primary and nursery online application forms in by the deadline in order to ensure their wishes are considered when school places are allocated.”

 Related Link:

• School Admissions / Changing schools

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