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

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Almost every day, doom-laden articles in the newspapers and sour-faced ‘experts’ on the telly warn us, with what seems to be lip-smacking relish . . .

“The High Street is dead. Everyone in the world now buys everything on line!”

If everyone is sat at home, hunched over their laptop or smart phone ordering everything from a 90-inch TV to an egg and cress sandwich (with the crusts cut off!) from a food delivery service, I have a question. 

When I visit a supermarket exactly who arethose people I have to queue behind for ages at the check-out?

Alien visitors from the far distant reaches of the galaxy looking for some ‘Buy One Get One Free’ bargains in the cheese aisle?

And when I venture into town to buy something, even if it’s only a coffee and a newspaper, there always seem to be plenty of people around. 

Admittedly, during the week and outside the school holidays, the majority of people out shopping, sat in coffee shops and restaurants and popping into travel agents to book their next holiday, tend to be retired.

The reason they, along with mums and their children make up the majority of week-day shoppers is because most people of working age are at work!

Many of them in shops!

Who-da thunk it?

That the High Street is alive and well was proven recently when the winner of the 2018 Great British High Street Award (thanks to the judges being so impressed by its bustling main street lined with family-run independent stores) was . . . drum roll, please . . . Crickhowell, Powys.

Residents love their town so much, 267 of them clubbed together to buy a pub, which was due to close down, rather than see a national chain store take it over.

It’s now been turned into three new independent shops.

So, the next time you go shopping, don’t go out of town. Go ‘into’ town.

If enough of you do, this time next year, your town’smain street might win the award.

…………………. 

Every week I get a chance to share a bit of me with you, which at times can be both challenging and colourful. Yet it’s a privilege for me in so many ways. 

Having said that, occasionally this newspaper editor does pull me up on a few things.

And there was me thinking that freedom of speech was now in abundance in these modern times. 

So, why do we read the newspapers when we are bombarded with news items from one source or another 24 hours a day, seven days a week? 

Well, maybe your reasoning is different to mine, but research suggests that we are addicted to gossip and negative news.

Could this be the reason that the majority of the population can’t keep secrets? 

This has certainly made me think about my back catalogue of stories, which on the whole are true, despite the slight exaggerated bits for comedic effect.

I’m sure you understand. 

Not that I’m complaining, mind you – as I love the fact that as part of my job people share events and stories with me.

Long may it continue. 

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

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It’s a very busy time for the young choristers from the Llanelli-based Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers – and the singing group Angelicus Celtis.

Fresh from a performance in Manchester Cathedral, they are set to bring their own style of Christmas Sparkle to West Wales.

They are staging ‘The Magic of Christmas’ at 7pm this Saturday, December 8, at St Catherine’s Church, Gorseinon.

And the following week (Saturday, December 15) they will be staging ‘Christmas Fantasia’ at Llanelli’s Ffwrnes Theatre (curtain up at 7pm).

The Gorseinon evening is billed as a chance to embrace the miracle of Christmas, portrayed through massed voices, congregational singing, music and narration, with the international broadcast and performance voices of the Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers and the acclaimed voices of the Angelicus Celtis.

The evening will also feature the Llanelli Choral Society, organist Huw Tregelles Williams OBE, percussionist Gareth Hamlin and narrator Jeremy Hywel.

The setting will be very festive inside the beautiful candlelit St. Catherine’s Church in Gorseinon.

Highlights of the evening will include great Christmas favourites such as the Hallelujah Chorus, Pie Jesu, O Holy Night, Star of Bethlehem, Ceremony of Carols, Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Benedictus, Gabriel’s Message, Carol of the Bells, Hark The Herald Angels Sing and O Come All Ye Faithful.

Tickets are £7 and available from 01792 893631, 07795 236807, church members or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/themagicofchristmas

Doors open at St Catherine’s Church at 6.15pm. 

The evening will be in aid of Church funds and initiatives.

The Christmas Fantasia at Ffwrnes Theatre on December 15 will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers.

The Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers will be joined by Angelicus Celtis, stars of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, the symphonic sounds of the British Sinfonietta Orchestra, organist Huw Tregelles Williams OBE, pianist Jane Jewell, percussionist Gareth Hamlin and narrator Jeremy Hywel.

Festive highlights will include magical moments from The Nutcracker, The Hallelujah Chorus, Pie Jesu, O Holy Night, Star of Bethlehem, Ceremony of Carols, Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Benedictus, Gabriel’s Message, Carol of the Bells, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, Sleigh Ride and Troika.

Tickets are £20 and are available from 07795 236807.

Doors open 6.15pm.

This Saturday also sees the Llanelli Chamber Orchestra performing their annual Christmas Concert.

It’s at Glenalla Civic Hall, Llanelli, on Saturday (December 8) at 7.30pm. 

The concert will feature music by Suppé, Beethoven, Mozart and Lehar. 

Tickets cost £5 and are available at the door, or by phoning 01554 772594.

Also taking place this weekend (Saturday, December 8) will be the annual Christmas concert staged by Burry Port Town Band.

The venue is the Memorial Hall in Burry Port, 7pm start.

The concert will also feature Burry Port Junior Band, Father Christmas and special guests.

Congratulations are also due to the band for winning the 2018 First Section Welsh League Championship title and the Ruby Protheroe Memorial Trophy at the SEWBBA Cardiff Contest.

Last week, the band also performed with distinction at Côr Meibion Llanelli’s annual concert staged at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli.

December will also see a special evening of Christmas music at The Miners’ Theatre in Ammanford.

Seasonal music and light-hearted fun are guaranteed at the December 15 concert in the cosy and intimate surroundings of The Miners’ Theatre.

The evening will be conducted and introduced by Welsh TV and radio personality Alwyn Humphreys. 

The evening is billed as ‘Christmas By Candlelight’ and will feature the Chamber Orchestra of Wales.

Meanwhile, there’s a special concert coming up in December to raise funds for Burry Port Lifeboat Station.

The concert will feature acclaimed soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, Gary Griffiths and Osian Wyn Bowen.

It is being held at St Mary’s Church, Burry Port, on Saturday, December 22 (7pm).

Tickets for the Burry Port concert are £15 and are available from Cadno Travel or from the following phone numbers – 07795415411 and 07900893150.

Tenor Osian Wyn Bowen is a Burry Port boy, so the concert will have special meaning for him – and baritone Gary Griffiths.

Currently Osian is an undergraduate student, studying under the tutelage of renowned Tenor, Adrian Thompson at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.

Osian has already performed in concert with Sir Bryn Terfel, soprano Rebecca Evans and tenors Aled Hall and Rhys Meirion.

Venues include the RWCMD Dora Stoutzker Hall, St. David’s Hall, The Principality Stadium, Wales Millennium Centre, Llandaff Cathedral, Venue Cymru, The O2 Arena, The Queen’s Theatre, London, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the Milford Haven Music Festival.

He has worked with some of Wales and the world’s best coaches and accompanists including, Jeff Howard, Simon Lepper, Joseph Middleton, Kathryn Harries and Dr. Laura Osgood Brown.

Choral performances and concerts include ‘Gloria – Vivaldi’, ‘Beethoven’s 9th Symphony’, ‘Mozart’s Requiem’, and ‘Stabat Mater – Szymanowski’.

Osian is also a popular soloist for various concerts and oratorios under the baton of Edward Rhys Harry the most recent being Saint Sëan Christmas Oratorio, Handel’s Messiah and Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes De Confessore.

Television appearances include S4C’s ‘Heno’,‘Les Mis – Y Daith’, Cyngerdd y 10 Tenor, Noson Lawen and BBC’s Songs of Praise.

Recent highlights include performing as part of trio in a live broadcast on BBC1 to mark the Passchendaele Centenary at Tyne Cot Cemetery in Belgium. The tribute to Welsh poet Hedd Wyn was performed in the presence of members Royal Family and European Ministers.

Other highlights include playing the lead role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables as part of the Urdd’s National Theatre company’s 10 Year Anniversary production at the WMC, Cardiff.

In addition to his busy schedule, Osian is a patron of the charity Welsh Hearts and is an active volunteer crew member of Burry Port Lifeboat Station.

During the course of his short singing career, he already has a number of awards to his name – 2017 and 2018 – Minnie Morgan Scholarship Recipient; 2018 – Douglas Rees Young Opera Singer of the Year – Finalist; 2018 – Geraint Morris Memorial Award – Winner.

In other concert news, here are a few of the events coming up in the next few weeks – 

• Ammanford and District Choral Society, conductor Mrs Indeg Thomas, are celebrating Christmas at Christian Temple Chapel Hall in Ammanford on Sunday, December 9, at 7pm. Soloist Huw-Ynyr Evans, presenter Mr Edwin Williams and accompanists Mrs Gloria Lloyd and Miss Catrin Edwards. Admission £5.
• Llandybie Male Voice Choir and Dinefwr Choir are presenting an evening of Carols and Readings on Friday, December 14 (7pm) at Llandybie Parish Church. Entry is Free, but a collection will be made at the end. By the way, Llandybie Male Voice Choir are in need of a Musical Director. Anyone who can help is asked to email Howard Beynon – howsonk@btinternet.com
• On Saturday December 15 Cor Merched Tybie will be holding their Christmas concert at Llandybie Rugby Club from 7pm.
• Llandyfaelog-based Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi are looking forward to their Christmas events. They include – Tuesday 11th December, Glanmorfa Care Home, Kidwelly, 6.30pm. Thursday 13 December, Towy Castle, 6.30pm. Tuesday 18th December, Red Lion, Llandyfaelog, 7pm. Thursday 20th December, Gwernllwyn Care Home, 6.30pm.
• Crwbin Silver Band Christmas Concert will be at Pontyberem Hall on Friday, December 14 (7pm). The concert will also feature Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth choir and wind band. Tickets are £8 (children £5) and will be available at the door or from band members.
• The West End At Christmas will be at The Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen on December 18.
• The Kidwelly Festival Ladies Choir will be performing at a Grand Christmas Concert and Vintage Fashion Show at Carmarthen Museum, Abergwili, on December 15 (6pm). Tickets are £10 adults and £5 children.

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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Parents with children starting secondary school in September who think they may be entitled to free transport are being urged to apply as a matter of urgency.

The number of applications received is lower than expected, particularly for those going to schools outside of Carmarthenshire such as Ysgol Bro Pedr, Bro Teifi, Preseli and Gwyr.

Anyone who leaves it too late could find that the bus nearest their home is already full and they will have to make their own way to a bus further away from their address or perhaps even wait whilst extra capacity is arranged, which can take weeks; or that if their application is refused and they want to go through the referral process, it may not be determined by the start of the new academic year.

The deadline to apply for a place is December 21.

For further information on the council’s school transport policy and to make an application please go to www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/schooltransport

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Cartrefi Croeso, Carmarthenshire County Council’s local housing company, is calling on property and construction consultants and contractors to join its register of approved partners.

Hundreds of affordable homes are to be built across south west Wales over the next few years, meeting the demand for low-cost rental and ownership options.

Formed by the council last year, Cartrefi Croeso has committed to supporting the local construction industry, giving strength to the existing workforce as well as providing opportunities for new jobs, training and apprenticeships.

It is looking to appoint partners and companies to deliver a range of services, including planning and development advisors; design consultants; cost consultants and quantity surveyors; project managers and employer agents; property engineers; and construction contractors who can deliver projects valued at £500,000 and over.

Cartrefi Croeso’s activities are focused on the Swansea Bay City Deal region which comprises Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea, and ideally partners will be based or have a substantive interest in these areas. 

Robin Staines, Managing Director, said: “We look forward to hearing from a range of organisations that want to work with us over the next few years to build and deliver hundreds of good quality affordable homes.

“Partners will need to demonstrate a positive attitude to social responsibility, quality and the environment, as well as having relevant technical expertise, organisation and capacity and good financial standing.” 

For further information, and to download an application questionnaire, visit www.cartreficroeso.cymru.

The questionnaire should be returned to info@cartreficroeso.cymru. The register is open for applications until 12pm, Friday, December 14.  

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Super Rugby Champions Crusaders Coach Brad Mooar will replace Wayne Pivac as Scarlets Head Coach.

Scarlets are delighted to confirm that Brad Mooar has been signed as the region’s new head coach for the 2019-20 season and beyond. 

44-year-old Mooar will join the West Wales region from the successful Super Rugby side Crusaders. 

Mooar will bring with him a wealth of coaching experience having been assistant coach at the Crusaders for the last three seasons, Head Coach at Mitre10 Cup side Southland Stags as well as attack and backs coach with South African sides Eastern Province Kings and Southern Kings in the Super 15. Eastern Province Kings were unbeaten Currie Cup Division 1 Champions during Mooar’s tenure.

The experienced coach leads on team attack as well as strategy and tactics at the Crusaders. Away from the rugby field Mooar is a qualified solicitor and was admitted as barrister and solicitor to High Court of New Zealand in 1997. He has been hailed for his inspirational leadership and excellent management skills.

Commenting on the news Scarlets General Manager of Rugby Jon Daniels said; “After a detailed and comprehensive search we are delighted to have secured an exceptional coach in Brad. As part of the recruitment process we have taken extensive references on all candidates and what came through loud and clear on Brad was that he is one of New Zealand’s best coaching prospects and destined for great things.

“We pride ourselves in appointing players and coaches that not only perform on the rugby field but also contribute to the ethos and environment of the club and our wider community. Brad’s rugby philosophy, leadership style and personality are everything we were looking for in a head coach. 

“Brad has been assistant coach with the Crusaders over the last three seasons helping the side to two consecutive Super Rugby titles. Brad has a great understanding of what is required for success and how to build a winning culture.

“Throughout the process we have been hugely impressed with Brad’s appreciation of Scarlets’ place in the community, his passion for developing players and the research he had done on our heritage.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming Brad and his family to West Wales, we’re excited for the future but we still have everything to play for this season which will remain our primary focus.”

Brad Mooar added; “The opportunity to take on the role of Head Coach at the Scarlets is simply too good to pass up and is both an exciting challenge for myself, and a fantastic opportunity for my family to experience life on the other side of the world. 

“The Scarlets is a rugby brand that’s known the world over, it is a winning club with an extremely proud history, passionate fans, and is aspirational in its goals. It is humbling to be offered the opportunity to take the reins after the great work Wayne Pivac has led, as he moves on to the Wales job.

“In addition to Scarlets’ on-field rugby pedigree, with a strong squad of talented and largely homegrown players, the club represents its wider community with great pride and dedication. My family and I are looking forward to being a part of the wider Scarlets community integrating into life in West Wales.”

Mooar progressed through the Canterbury age grades as a flyhalf, reaching Canterbury B level.  He played for Mid-Canterbury from 1997-1999 and then played overseas before returning to Christchurch to take up coaching.

His first coaching role was with the Christchurch Colts and then the club’s premier team from 2007 to 2011.  In 2011 he became the assistant coach of the Canterbury Colts. 

In 2012 he moved to South Africa to coach the EP Kings then become assistant coach of the Southern Kings Super Rugby side under Matt Sexton’s leadership.  He returned to New Zealand to take up the head coach and Director of Rugby role at Southland. 

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Carmarthenshire Council’s  annual Toybox appeal is underway and the council will be accepting donations up until Christmas Eve.

The earlier they land will make the work of the team easier.

Warm-hearted Carmarthenshire residents with a little extra to spare are being asked to help put a smile on the faces of families and children in need this Christmas.

Residents county-wide are being urged to help brighten Christmas for those deserving by donating presents, toiletries and food appropriate for ages 0-16.

Those kind enough to go out of their way and donate are being asked to leave gifts unwrapped as they can then be easily sorted by our hardworking team.

The donated gifts will be given to families who, for a number of reasons are unable to give their children the Christmas the rest of us perhaps take for granted.

Schools, family centres, social workers and youth workers identify those who are in greatest need of support.

Council staff are supported by volunteers to sort, wrap and deliver toys and hampers in the run-up to Christmas.

Cllr Mair Stephens said the Toybox and Christmas gift appeal was growing in strength year by year. “The amazing number of donations we receive over the busy festive period yearly is down to our generous residents county wide, with donations ideal for new-borns to teenagers we can’t be thankful enough. 
During a time of giving and receiving I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the businesses involved for their generosity and support, in particular Nolan, which has allowed the appeal to be hosted at their premises in Johnstown.”

Collection Bin Locations:

• Customer Service Centre, 3 Spilman Street, Carmarthen
• County Hall, Carmarthen
• Natwest Bank, Carmarthen
• Blas Myrddin at Parc Dewi Sant, Building 2, Carmarthen
• Block 1, Parc Myrddin, Carmarthen
• Cillefwr depot, Carmarthenshire County Council, Johnstown, Carmarthen
• Nant y Ci, Carmarthen
• Llandeilo Community Education Centre
• Tesco Ammanford
• Town Hall, Ammanford
• Pontyberem Hall
• Town Hall, Llanelli
• Hub, Llanelli
• Cathedral Hygiene, Unit 1, Dragon 24, North Dock, Llanelli
• Burns Pet Nutrition, Kidwelly
• Jennings Solicitors, Llanelli
• Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli
• Yr Atom, King Street, Carmarthen
• Llanelli Library
• Ammanford Library
• Carmarthen Library
• Leisure Centres: 
  Llanelli
  Carmarthen
  Ammanford
  Newcastle Emlyn
  Llandovery
  St Clears

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