The success of an Aberystwyth University alumnus at the 2018 National Eisteddfod will be celebrated at an evening of poetry and music at Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Thursday 22 November.

Gruffudd Owen, the winner of the National Eisteddfod Chair, will be a guest at Cicio’r Bar, a new series of poetry and music evenings established by Eurig Salisbury, Acting Head of the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies, and Dr Hywel Griffiths, winner of the 2015 National Eisteddfod Chair and a lecturer at the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences.

Joining Gruffudd will be winner of the Prose Medal at this year’s National Eisteddfod, Manon Steffan Ros.

As well as poetry readings from Eurig and Hywel, Gruffudd will read a selection of his work including excerpts from his winning Eisteddfod entry. Manon will perform as part of the Blodau Gwylltion duo, with guitarist Elwyn Williams.

Eurig Salisbury said: “Across the country, great nights are being held which provide a platform for Welsh poetry and music. That is the idea behind Cicio’r Bar – it will bring all the excitement of the poetic scene to the town in the form of a series of regular evenings over the year. What better way to do that than by congratulating and celebrating the success of two of the main winners of this year’s National Eisteddfod?”

Originally from Pwllheli, Gruffudd graduated in Welsh from the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies at Aberystwyth University in 2007 before going on to complete an MPhil degree in Aber in 2011.

Now an editor on the popular BBC Cymru soap opera Pobl y Cwm, Gruffudd had a very successful Eisteddfod in Cardiff Bay, winning both the Siwper Stomp and the main Stomp Werin prize as well as the Chair.

His winning work, on the theme of ‘Porth’ (Gateway), was described by the competition’s adjudicators as one that “took our breath away – not because it’s refined or rich, not because it’s extremely elaborate and multi-layered – but because it is so trenchant in the way it deals with experiences which are a way of life for the digital generation.”

Manon Steffan Ross is originally from the Ogwen Valley. Her prize-winning and best-selling novel Llyfr Glas Neboreceived high praise by the Prose Medal adjudicators. Sonia Edwards said: “Sometimes, in a large impressive race, a horse appears from nowhere and overtakes everyone and everything.  It sets itself apart from the others and stays there until the very end.  This creates excitement and sends shivers down the spine.”

Tickets for Cicio’r Bar are £7 and are available from the Arts Centre Box Office or online. The evening takes place in the Arts Centre’s Performance Studio on Thursday 22 November 2018 and starts at 7:45 pm.

The second in the series will be held on Friday 8 February 2019.

Links:

Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies
https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/cymraeg/

Aberystwyth Arts Centre
https://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/

Cicio’r Bar
https://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/talks-spoken-word/cicior-bar

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Aberystwyth University is one of five UK Universities to have partnered with the British Council to offer scholarship opportunities to Malaysian students.

The ‘GREAT Scholarships 2019 – Malaysia’ scheme encourages and supports individuals to pursue higher education in the UK. 

The scheme is jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign, the British Council, and participating universities in the UK. It provides funding opportunities to prospective students from a selected number of countries who will enrol into UK universities in the autumn of 2019. 

The inaugural GREAT Scholarships 2019 – Malaysia scheme offers ten taught postgraduate scholarships to qualifying Malaysian students, totalling almost £100,000.  

The UK attracts more than 17,000 Malaysian students every year, most of whom head to the UK to pursue their undergraduate studies. In recent years, trends suggest that a growing number of Malaysian students are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK. Currently, the number of postgraduate students accounts for about 15 per cent of the total number of Malaysian students in the UK. 

Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, said: “Aberystwyth University has had strong academic links with Malaysia for many years and the GREAT Scholarships scheme will further strengthen the unique bond between us. With our long-standing reputation for teaching excellence and world-leading research, we are delighted to be part of this inspiring collaboration with the British Council and look forward to welcoming postgraduate students from Malaysia to join our international academic community.”

The four other UK universities which will offer opportunities under the scheme are Queen’s University Belfast, the University of Kent, the University of Stirling, and the University of Warwick. 

Sarah Deverall, Director of the British Council in Malaysia said: “Postgraduate studies in the UK are more appealing as the duration of the programmes are relatively short. Most UK postgraduate degrees take only one year to complete, making the overall cost much more affordable compared to other countries.  Malaysia is a key country for the five universities that have chosen to partner with the inaugural GREAT Scholarships 2019 – Malaysia. These universities have been welcoming Malaysian students to their campuses for years and they value the diversity and academic contribution that Malaysian students bring.” 

The GREAT Scholarships are only available for one-year postgraduate taught programmes in the UK for the 2018/19 academic year. Malaysian students intending to apply for the scholarships must have received an offer of entry from any of the five participating universities mentioned above and must satisfy all entry requirements for the chosen course as stated by the respective university. 

For more information about the GREAT Scholarships 2019 – Malaysia, please visit: www.britishcouncil.my/study-uk/scholarshipsE

Photo:Left to right: Dr Marco Odello (Aberystwyth University), Ms Andrea Fordham (Queen’s University Belfast), Mr Imran Hashim (University of Warwick), Ms Sarah Deverall (British Council) and Ms Sue Hopkinson (University of Kent) at the launch of GREAT Scholarships 2019 – Malaysia in Kuala Lumpa on 21 October 2018.Credit: British Council

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The team at Jenkins Bakery have started releasing their range of Christmas products.

The festive goodies are being released at intervals to Jenkins Bakery shops.

Jenkins Bakery operations director Russell Jenkins said: “Christmas is a great family time and, as your traditional, quality family baker, we like to think we know what products work best over the festive period.

“We wish our customers a very Happy Christmas and hope they enjoy our festive products.”

Christmas goodies include –

Victorian Christmas Pudding

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Viennese Mince Tartlets

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Puff Mince Pies

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Christmas Slab

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Christmas Cake, 6.5 inch, traditional

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Christmas Gift Cake

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RICE KRISPIE SANTA

£1.20

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CHRISTMAS CAKE SLICE

£1.20

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YULE LOG ENDS

£1.15

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MARZIPAN DAINTIES

£1.50

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TRUFFLE PUDS

£1.20

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TRUFFLE LOGS

£1.20

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SANTA BISCUITS

£0.95

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ELF BISCUIT

£0.95

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RUDOLPH CUP CAKES

£1.20

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CHRISTMAS TREE BISCUITS

£1.15

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FESTIVE MUFFIN

Price to be confirmed.

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Householders in Newcastle Emlyn and the surrounding areas are being urged to have a clear out.

A waste and tyre amnesty is being held at the mart car park on Saturday, December 1, from 8am-12pm.

Most household waste can be taken along including, unwanted furniture, carpets and mattresses, electrical items such as fridge-freezers and televisions, as well as black bags.

A maximum of four domestic tyres can also be disposed of; however, tractor or lorry tyres will not be accepted.

The following hazardous waste items will not be accepted e.g. paint (only empty paint tins accepted), fluorescent tubes, batteries, chemicals, gas bottles, asbestos, trade waste, construction waste, agricultural waste, glass e.g. panes of glass or furniture containing glass.

Residents are advised to please separate their waste and to bring proof of address or they will be refused entry.

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Arrangements over the Christmas holiday period for bus services operated on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council, including the Carmarthen Park and Ride, Bwcabus and Carmarthenshire’s Dial-a-Ride have been made available.

• Monday, December 24– Normal services will operate except evening journeys on services 129, T1, and X13 will terminate early.
• Tuesday and Wednesday December 25 and 26 – No services
• Thursday, Friday and Saturday December 27, 28 and 29 – Normal services will operate but with Saturday timetables on services 124 and 128
• Sunday, December 30 – Normal Sunday services
• Monday, December 31 – Normal services will operate except evening journeys on services 129, T1, and X13 will terminate early.
• Tuesday, January 1 – No services
• Wednesday, January 2 – Normal services will resume

For information on bus services which are operated commercially or on behalf of other County Councils, please contact the bus operators directly or Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or at www.traveline.cymru

Passengers wishing to book journeys for travel on Carmarthenshire’s Dial-a-ride services on December 27, 28, 29, 31 and January, 2 2019 must do so on 01267 228 326 by 12 noon on December 24.

Passengers wishing to book journeys for travel on the Bwcabus service during the holiday period should note that the call centre opening hours may be reduced on some days during the holiday period – for further details contact 01239 801 601 or go to www.bwcabus.info

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It’s going to be a busy few weeks for the young choisters from the Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers and Angelicus Celtis.

They are staging ‘The Magic of Christmas’ at 7pm on 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).

Tickets are going fast for the Gorseinon event.

The 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 – all under the legendary baton of John Hywel Williams MBE.

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 £7 and available from 01792 893631, 07795 236807, Church Members or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/themagicofchristmas

Doors open 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 magnificent anniversary of the Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers and embrace Christmas in magnificent style.

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.

Once again, John Hywel Williams MBE will be in charge of the proceeedings.

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.

Meanwhile, in other news, the Hywel Girls’ Choir and Hywel Boy Singers are again planning their ‘Operation Christmas Love’.

This has the goal of delivering a goodwill gift and a song to those in need of a smile this Christmas.

Members of the public are being asked to nominate ‘someone in need of a smile this Christmas’.

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.

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

‘Christmas by Candlelight will feature 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 Bury Port concert are £15 and are available from Cadno Travel or from the following phone numbers – 07795415411 and 07900893150.

Llanelli District Music and Drama Club have a special evening at the Lliedi Suite, Selwyn Samuel Centre on Friday, November 30 (7.30pm).

They will be presenting A Fine Romance, with Tony Jacobs and Catherine Sykes and Jim Barry at the piano.

The evening will feature music and songs by George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin.

Tickets are £10 (students £5) and are available from Barrie Lewis, Market Precinct, Llanelli, phone 01554-772594 or at the door.

Crwbin Silver Band are getting ready for Christmas.

Their 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.

Côr Meibion Llanelli Male Voice Choir members are also looking forward to the festive season.

‘Christmas With The Choir’ will be held at 7pm on Saturday, December 1, at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli.

The choir’s special guests will be Burry Port Town Band and the St John Lloyd School Choir.

Also in December, The West End At Christmas returns to the Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen with their brand new concert for 2018!

Stars from the West End present a magical evening of entertainment featuring hits from the musicals and the best of Christmas songs.

The talented cast have starred in many West End productions and national tours including Les Miserables, We Will Rock You, South Pacific, Singing in the Rain, Starlight Express, Phantom Of The Opera, Wicked, Godspell, Joseph and Cats . . . to name but a few!

The West End At Christmas will at The Lyric 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. It promises to be a fun night.

Finally, in case you missed the news about Russell Watson . . . 

His Carmarthen concert has been re-scheduled to Tuesday November 27 at the Lyric.

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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