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

Feeling gloomy?

Depressed?

You’re not alone.

Unless you’ve just won the Lottery, many of us think that, so far, 2018 is a big disappointment.

There’s still a loud, unpleasant Trump in the White House.

Kim Jong-Un is still on the verge of exploding in a giant fireball of anger and Emmental cheese (his favourite food).

And Vladimir Putin, according to some newspapers, is planning to invade the UK.

As around 300,000 Russians already live in the UK and Russian businessmen own British newspapers and football teams, hasn’t it already started?

Perhaps we’d better learn the Russian for ‘Welcome’?

Dah-broh poh-zhahl-oh-vat!

Then, there’s the fast-moving revolution regarding how men should behave towards women, which spread from Hollywood to all corners of the world, including Fishguard.

While I agree there have been too many examples of powerful men – in all walks of life – taking advantage of younger women (and a change was overdue!), has it gone too far in the opposite direction?

I ask this because last week a lady on Breakfast TV claimed that winkingis now considered sexual harassment.

Hearing that, I phoned our local monastery to ask if they had any vacancies for a monk

And recently a well-mannered mate of mine opened a shop door to allow a young girl to enter the building, only to receive a scowl and a tetchy. “I can manage on my own!”

The way we’re supposed to behave and interact with each other today has become a social minefield.

Add to all these things the persistent wet weather we’ve been subjected to and it’s no wonder so many usually cheerful people are looking down in the mouth.

So, what can we do to offset this mounting mass of misery?

Don’t ask me.

I’ve just shaved my head. I now answer to the name of Brother Philip . . .

………………….

Capture that magic at every opportunity.

My very good friend and official show photographer, Rob Jones from Porthcawl, has taught me many valuable lessons over the years.

He is a firm believer that magic moments and memories must be captured and recorded on a regular basis.

At long last I’m now beginning to understand the importance of capturing memories of special occasions, family, friends and events that have helped shape us and turn us into the people we are today.

Looking back has so many benefits and often helps us relive feelings of joy and reflect on the good times of the people that we now so dearly miss.

Like everything else, though, there is always a down side.

Like the hair cut, clothes and (in my case) a slimmer version.

With dementia becoming more of a concern to many families, taking a trip down memory lane while looking through old photos can be such a blessing and often provides that much needed relief to the pain and suffering attached to this debilitating condition.

We may not yet have a cure for dementia, but our minds can still benefit and be stimulated by pictures of days gone by.

Don’t waste the opportunity.

You can thank me later.

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

Please again include www.philevans.co.uk

There’s a splendid concert coming up next month (October) featuring the much-acclaimed Tywi Valley musical duo, the husband and wife team of Aled Edwards and Eleri Owen Edwards.

What’s described as a ‘late summer concert’ is a popular tradition of Cantorion Llandeilo Singers and raises funds to finance the choir’s choral events during the rest of the year.

The concert is at Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, Llandeilo, on Saturday, October 6, with curtain-up at 7pm.

Cantorion Llandeilo Singers raise money for local charities through sponsorship and ticket sales. This year, the choir’s chosen charity is Tenovus.

The ticket price of £12 includes a finger buffet.

There will also be a licensed wine bar and a raffle.

Tickets are available from Peppercorn in King Street, Llandeilo, at the door, or by phoning 01558 685542.

You can expect to hear ‘Ar Lan y Môr’, ’Dim ond Ti’, ‘I’ll Walk Beside You’, ‘I Got Rhythm’ and ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man’.

There will be selections from Bernstein and Robat Arwyn from the Cantorion Llandeilo Singers and solos from three up-and-coming young singers who have received their musical education at Ysgol Bro Dinefwr.

Aled Edwards and Eleri Owen Edwards are well-loved Welsh international singing celebrities who have a farm at Cilycwm.

Aled and Eleri have a CD of uplifting and inspirational duets, “Dau fel ni” (Two like us).

The mezzo-soprano and baritone are both Blue Riband (David Ellis Memorial Prize) National Eisteddfod winners.

Aled triumphed at the National Eistedddfod held at Bala in 1997 and Eleri in 2013 at the National Eisteddfod at Denbigh.

They are the only married couple to have both gained the coveted Blue Riband.

Meanwhile, a Llanelli hospital choir, set up to celebrate the NHS 70th anniversary, is launching a campaign to find their next Musical Director.

The “Hospital Notes” choir was originally set up ahead of the anniversary celebrations in July, with members practising in their lunchtimes in hospital corridors and outside when the weather permitted.

All staff at Prince Philip Hospital were encouraged to take part with attendance from nurses,

domestic staff, consultant doctors, managers, associated professional support staff, laboratory staff, secretaries and even the chair of the Hywel Dda Health Board.

Sadly, due to other commitments the musical director who led the choir on the day is unable to continue in the role and Hospital Notes is now looking for a dynamic, modern, enthusiastic musical director to share their journey, principles and camaraderie

The 70th anniversary celebration day saw the choir performing renditions of “I will Follow Him”, “The Rose”, “Stand by Me”, “Let it Be”, “This is Me” and a particularly emotional rendition of Coldplay’s “Fix You”.

Since July, the Hospital Notes choir have been looking forward to singing again, with offers to sing at Thanksgiving events, Charity Balls, Christmas concerts.

The choir has also been asked to perform at a Nursing conference in Cardiff next year and in a 30th anniversary celebration of Prince Philip Hospital in 2020.

Anyone who is interested in taking up the role of Musical Director should contact Gemma Brown at: hospitalnotes@outlook.com

As mentioned in previous columns, the popular Voskresenije (Resurrection) Choir of St Petersburg are on their way to West Wales.

They will be performing at St Mary’s Church in Kidwelly on Wednesday, October 10 (7pm).

This is the choir’s second visit to the area.

The choir is a Russian ‘a cappella’ ensemble of eight singers (two sopranos, two altos, countertenor, tenor, bass and basso profondo). The conductor is Jurij Maruk.

Resurrection was founded by Jurij Maruk in 1993.

The repertoire of the ensemble includes Russian Sacred Music as well as folk music.

Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi Male Voice choir members are looking forward to events over the next few weeks.

On Sunday, September 30 (7pm), Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi will be staging a special concert at St Maelog’s Church in Llandyfaelog.

The choir will perform alongside a guest choir from Cornwall, the Tamar Valley Male Choir.

Other guest artists include soprano Llio Evans, with guest accompanist Kim Lloyd Jones.

Guest singer Llio Evans hails from the famous village on the island of Anglesey,

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

With her sparkling vocal tone and charming stage presence, Llio particularly revels in coquettish and comic roles.

Recent highlights include Iris (Semele) for Garsington Opera, The Little One in the revival of Music Theatre Wales’ critically-acclaimed production of The Golden Dragon (Eötvös) and her English National Opera debut as Celia in Iolanthe.

The President for the Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi evening will be Tinopolis TV company boss and founder Ron Jones.

Tickets are £7 and are available from telephone number 01269860996.

Proceeds from the evening will go towards St Maelog Church and the chemotherapy unit at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen.

On Saturday, October 13, Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi will join Carmarthen Male Voice Choir for their 60th anniversary celebration concert at the Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen.

On Saturday, September 29, Crwbin Silver Band will be performing at a Gala Concert at Salem Chapel, Llangennech with BBC Radio Cymru’s Beti George, Lleisiau’r Llan Ladies Choir, Côr Ysgol y Strade and soloist Ffion Haf Jones.

Crwbin Silver Band will be performing at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Llanarthne as part of the “Big Bands, Brass Bands and Concert Band Bonanza” on Sunday, September 30 from 11am to 1pm.

On Saturday, October 20, at 3pm, Crwbin Silver Band will be taking part in a Parade and Service in Llanarthne for the statue unveiling of World War Two hero DT Davies.

In other news, Côr Meibion Dinefwr Male Voice Choir will be holding their annual concert at Capel Newydd, Llandeilo, on Saturday, October 27 (7.30pm).

The special guests will be Côr Meibion Llandybie Male Voice Choir.

The conductor will be John Williams, the accompanist will be Sara Morgan and the chairman for the evening will be Eifion Davies.

Other special guests include tenor Osian Wyn Bowen, soloist Martha Harries and accompanist Gareth Wyn Thomas.

Admission is £8 and £3 for children and students.

Proceeds will go towards the choir’s funds.

On Saturday, October 13, there’s a special concert at Pontyberem Memorial Hall (7.30pm).

Sinfonia Cymru and and soloist Caroline Pether will breathe new life into well-known classics.

The concert will feature Eric Whitacre’s October Suite, Grieg’s Holberg Suite, Op. 40, Barber’s Adagio for Strings and Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

Sinfonia Cymru will be back in Pontyberem on Friday, March 8 (7.30pm) with a concert featuring cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason.

The concert programme includes – CPE Bach Symphony 1 in D major H663; Haydn Cello Concerto No. 1 in C major; Ives Unanswered Question; Beethoven Symphony No. 1, Op. 21.

The conductor for Sinfonia Cymru will be Jonathan Bloxham.

In October, one of Carmarthenshire’s finest will be returning ‘home’ for two special concerts.

John Owen-Jones is a Burry Port boy who has gone on to be an award-winning West End and Broadway star.

He will play Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli, on Wednesday, October 3 and the Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen, on Sunday, October 7.

John has played the lead role in The Phantom Of The Opera more than any other West End actor.

He was the youngest actor to ever play Jean Valjean in Les Misérables.

He will release his brand new album, called Spotlight, in the autumn.

In October, Carmarthen will also see another big name singer roll into town.

Russell Watson will be performing his new show, Canzoni d’Amore, at the Lyric on October 19.

Having sold more than seven million albums worldwide, Russell Watson is firmly established as the UK’s best-selling classical crossover artist of all time.

To date, his illustrious career has included performances for Her Majesty The Queen, The Pope and two US Presidents.

Russell is widely regarded as “The People’s Tenor”. Captivating to watch and enchanting to listen to, Russell Watson continues to wow audiences with his enigmatic and entertaining live performances.

The New York Times said of Russell Watson, “He sings like Pavarotti, and entertains the audience like Sinatra”.

Côr Meibion Llanelli Male Voice Choir members are looking forward to Christmas.

‘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.

The West End at Christmas

Also in December, The West End At Christmas returns to The Lyric theatre 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.

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

Scarlets Head Coach Wayne Pivac has given the latest on the region’s injuries ahead of this weekend’s Guinness PRO14 clash against Southern Kings at Parc y Scarlets.

He said: “James (Davies) has ruptured his PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), so I don’t think we’ll see him this side of Christmas.

“I guess with Will Boyde and Josh Macleod we’ve got three in the same position. They’d all been coming along nicely. To lose all three it has made it a little bit difficult.

“It’s a massive blow to lose James, especially with another two 7s out, it puts a real strain on the team. He’s a quality player, everyone knows that. He’s a big part of how we play the game.

“He’s become a leader in the group. He was stepping up nicely in that classroom role and as a senior player in the group. He’ll be sorely missed but it’s just one of those things. We can’t do anything about injury.”

Pivac is hopeful that both Boyde and Macleod will be available for selection for the first derby game of the season, against the Ospreys, next month.

Centre Jonathan Davies pulled out during the warm up ahead of the clash against Leinster but Pivac is hopeful that he’s ready to make a full recovery.

Pivac said: “Jon’s looking really good, he’ll take part fully in training this week and we’d hope to have him involved on the weekend.

“Leigh (Halfpenny) had a bit of a knock to an ankle, hopefully by the later part of the week he’ll be running around with us. I’d be very surprised if he’s not available for the Ospreys.

“Clayton (Blommetjies) will be involved in some shape or form this week. Steff (Evans) has been doing the work in terms of fitness and sharpness after coming back from quite a serious knee injury. There’s a good chance he’ll be involved on the weekend aswell. Rob (Evans) is probably on track for the Ospreys week as well.”

Scarlets welcome Southern Kings to Parc y Scarlets this Saturday, kick-off 18:30. 

‘Hands off Prince Philip Hospital!’

That’s the defiant message aimed at Hywel Dda University Health Board officials from Llanelli Rural councillors, who are ready to do whatever is legally necessary to safeguard and retain the existing suite of clinical services at Prince Philip Hospital.

The Rural Council is determined in its quest to prevent the downgrading of the hospital to a community hospital.

Up until now the council has taken a watching brief over affairs associated with the Health Board’s 12-week public consultation – ‘Hywel Dda – Our Big NHS Change’.

However, in anticipation of the Health Board’s extraordinary meeting due to be held and webcast from Carmarthenshire County Council’s Chambers tomorrow (Wednesday 26 September) – where a future health service model will be discussed for the region – Llanelli Rural Council has already begun preparing contingency plans to robustly challenge any model which does not support the retention of Prince Philip Hospital as a Local General Hospital.

Council Leader Councillor Tegwen Devichand said: “The council has considered various options depending on the direction of travel to be taken by the Health Board but they should have no doubt; the council is ready to act.

“We recognise that other stakeholders are also ready to challenge the Health Board so first and foremost the council expresses its appreciation and thanks for the passion demonstrated by the public and also the local lobby group SOSPPAN which the council has supported in gathering signatures for the petition recently submitted to Welsh Government officials at The Senedd in Cardiff.

“The council has been here before, back in 2012, when former Health Board officials attempted to remove Accident and Emergency services from Prince Philip.

“Had it not been for the solidarity demonstrated by the local community in taking the fight to the Health Board in the aftermath of proposals advocated in its previous public consultation on health services – ‘Your Health, Your Future’ then quite simply we wouldn’t have the current Front of House arrangements and Acute Medical Assessment Unit we rely on today at the hospital.

“The local lobbying and subsequent engagement with the former Health Board culminated in the autumn of 2015 with Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli, receiving £1.4million investment to improve services for people needing emergency medical and other unscheduled care.

“At the time, doctors and clinical staff, working alongside community representatives, including Hywel Dda Community Health Council, Llanelli Rural Council and lobby groups such as the Committee for Improving Hospital Services CIHS/SOSPPAN; were delighted with the outcome.

“The Front of House project focussed on six different areas of care – substance misuse, frailty, mental health, acute medicine, minor illnesses and minor injuries.  The aim was to ensure that people came into the hospital and saw the best person to provide them with definitive treatment as quickly as possible so I can’t understand why the Health Board is contemplating changing these arrangements.  It doesn’t make sense when you consider the large population base the hospital serves.  Furthermore, leading medical clinicians expressed the view at the time that the creation of a new ‘front of house’ would provide direct admission to the Acute Medical Assessment unit when patients were referred by a GP or arrive by ambulance.  This has led to the delivery of improvements to unscheduled care by reducing assessment times and allowing quicker access to a senior consultant for the sickest of patients.

“The Front of House project has proved to be a success and has been showcased as an exemplar model for other Health Boards and hospitals throughout Wales to follow.  To propose Prince Philip should be subjected to the scaling down of clinical services in the wake of what has been put in place at the hospital is totally unacceptable and doesn’t stack up financially bearing in mind the large amount of capital investment injected into the hospital.

“Rest assured, the public can expect the council to do everything in its power to look after their interests by safeguarding services at Prince Philip.  We will do this directly and through working with other community stakeholders if and when it is appropriate to do so.  Prince Philip must retain its status as a Local General Hospital.”

Hywel Dda University Health Board is celebrating today after winning a NHS Wales Award at the 11th anniversary of the awards.

A project on “Developing a virtual pulmonary rehabilitation (VIPAR) service model to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities“ won the Improving Health And Wellbeing and Reducing Inequalities award, supported by Welsh Local Government Association.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething, who attended the ceremony, said, “The NHS Wales Awards are a national showcase for excellence and celebrate best practice in improving patient care across Wales. It’s a great opportunity to learn from each other and recognise the inspiring innovation of our NHS staff. 

“Every finalist should be proud to be shortlisted for an award. I am humbled to see such passion and dedication to improving services provided across Wales. This is even more important and of even greater value with the increasing challenges that we face across our health and social care system”. 

Steve Moore, the Health Board’s Chief Executive said: “I’m incredibly proud of the team involved in this fantastic achievement! It’s because of the hard work, determination and enthusiasm of our staff to improve services and outcomes for our patients that initiatives like VIPAR are so successful. Congratulations to everyone involved!”

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) service has worked in partnership with Comcen and Polycom to develop a hub and spoke model of delivery using video-conferencing to link the hub (based at Glangwili General Hospital) to a spoke site (based in Tregaron Hall). This new way of working is successfully addressing the service’s staffing challenges, meeting patients’ needs, and upholding the principles of prudent healthcare.

The aim is to add up to another three spoke sites linking simultaneously to the hub site, creating a Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation (VIPAR) network.

Health improvements were gained by all participants attending the programme, with comparable results between the hub and spoke site participants. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score has decreased for both hub and spoke site, and post intervention hospital anxiety and depressions scores have also decreased.

VIPAR has been shown to be a feasible and safe service, popular with staff and patients, and one which both saves money and reduces environmental impact.

The NHS Wales Awards are organised by 1000 Lives Improvement, the national improvement service for NHS Wales delivered by Public Health Wales. The Awards were launched in 2008 to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the NHS and recognise and promote good practice across Wales.

Entries were received from a range of organisations, revealing a high standard of innovative and diverse work that is transforming patient care across Wales.

To read more about all of the winners visit www.nhswalesawards.wales.nhs.uk