Large sum raised at fundraising concert with The Salvation Army and Tenovus Choir

Major Stuart Ashman welcomed everyone to the concert, which began with Tenovus Choir, dressed in Black with turquoise ties and buttonholes, who sang as elegantly as they looked:  “Adiemus” and “How Long Will I Love You?”

Jo Fowler, Musical Director of Tenovus Choir, then played a saxophone solo: ”Moon River”. A magical musical performance.
Tenovus Choir followed with “I Wish I Knew Him” and, appropriately, “I Will Survive.”

Our programme notes included the following message from Tenovus Choir:

“The Cwmbran Sing With Us Choir is one of 15 choirs that exists across Wales for people affected by cancer, set up by Tenovus Cancer Care.
 Sing with Us began in 2010 when we set up a pilot choir in Pontypridd to find out whether singing can have a positive effect on our health and well-being. 

After getting great results from this 6 month study, we received funding from the lottery to set up choirs all across Wales. 

Three years later, we now have around 1,100 people singing in our choirs every week…The Cwmbran Choir was the fourth to launch in April 2012. The choir is a fantastic community of friends that always welcomes anyone with open arms, whatever their background; whatever their musical ability. 

As well as our weekly rehearsals, we love to perform at gigs, from research conferences, to supermarkets, to flash mobs, to weddings!
For more information about Sing with Us, or to donate, please contact the support line on 0808 808 101, or visit our website: tenovuscancercare.org.uk.”

Caitlin and Emma Barwell are local students and very talented musicians. 
Caitlin is in her first year at University, and is on a work placement in a primary school. Emma is studying for her A levels at Croesyceiliog School.

They also find time to attend Stagecoach where they study musical theatre. They have also taken part in shows at the West End and have achieved Grade 6 in performing arts award examinations. 

Accompanied by Matthew Dicken they gave a delightful rendition of “There is a New Song.”

Next to perform were Brass Ensemble, which is made up of about 50% of the Cwmbran Salvation Army Band  and ended the first half of the concert with the rousing “Men of Harlech” and the beautiful “The Rose”.

During the interval luscious light refreshments were available.

The second half of the concert was opened by Matthew Dicken who performed a Piano solo “Someone Cares” which featured a film of the Salvation Army activities, locally, regionally and internationally.
Matthew is an enormously talented local resident. 

He is a Welsh-medium primary school teacher, already possessing several degrees  he is now studying for a doctorate, reading psychology of personality development and professional psychological assessments within an educational setting. 

Matthew started to learn the piano at the age of six. Matthew has been a member of the Salvation Army in Cwmbran for many years and plays in the band as well as being one of the church’s pianists. 

Since 2013 he has been national advisor to the Salvation Army’s territorial leadership and cabinet. Amazingly Matthew is also a highly acclaimed children’s author; he has published four books aimed at higher achieving pupils around 10-12 years. Matthew has now been commissioned to write a trilogy of historically based novels for children. 
Matthew is certainly living life to the full and in the service of his church and community.

Caitlin and Emma Barwell then sang the very appropriate number “Thank You for the Music.”

Tenovus Choir also delivered two very positive musical messages with two numbers: “I Can See Clearly” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
The world famous Salvation Army March “Southdown” was the next performance by Brass Ensemble, followed by the poignant “An Irish Blessing”.

Jo Fowler’s next Saxophone Solo was “Feeling Good “ (Nina Simone.)
Before the final choral number Major Stuart Ashman asked us to “Pause for Thought”, during which he introduced himself as an Essex Boy and a fan of Ollie Murs; but also  a lover of  Welsh music! 

Major Ashman reminded us that the clocks were to go forward that night and Summer Time will be arriving, which he humorously defined as the season when “Rain will be warmer!” 

Major Ashman then encouraged us to imagine a Time Machine, as we had been going forward in time tonight; celebrating a positive future under the care of God.

Tenovus Choir then closed the concert with “Sing for Life” and “Burning Love.” A magnificent end to a very special concert.

Congratulations to all who made this concert such a success and helped raise nearly £700 for the work of the Salvation army  and Tenovus Cancer Care.

BAROQUE SINGERS MAY CONCERT: will be held on the evening of Saturday May 13 at St John the Baptist Church, Newport. 
The concert will begin at 7.30pm and will be a fantastic festival of music; featuring this superb local choir and this year offers an additional treat of Medieval Dancers.
Hope to see you there!

FOND FAREWELLS: Now that Spring has arrived it is fitting to say grateful goodbyes to those of our Torfaen Community who passed away earlier in the year and to give our condolences to their families for the service they have given to our valley. Each one will be much missed by all who knew them.

Eddie Ralph of Leadon Court Thornhill, whose funeral was at St David’s RC Church on Thursday January 19, at 10.45am and afterwards at Gwent Crematorium. Eddie had been an active member of Bron Afon Area Forum and several other organisations.

Janet Margaret Probert, formerly of Upper Cwmbran, whose funeral was held on Tuesday February 28, at St. Michael’s Church, Llantarnam, at 2pm and afterwards at Gwent Crematorium, conducted by Reverend Canon Harald Thomas MBE. Jan had been very active in various Community Organisations and local Churches in Cwmbran and Upper Cwmbran.

Dr Douglas Rabindra Dare, Torfaen GP and the last Chair of the former Torfaen Local Health Board; whose funeral was held at St. Hilda’s Church, Griffithstown on Wednesday March 15 at 2pm and afterwards at Thornhill Crematorium Cardiff, conducted by Canon Brian Pippen.

Geoff Hankin, former Caretaker of West Pontnewydd Community Association and member of various local groups. Geoff’s funeral was held on the morning of March 17 at Gwent Crematorium
Ian Broad-Smith, former Secretary of West Pontnewydd Community Association and active in various organisations. Ian’s secular celebration of his life was held at Gwent Crematorium on Thursday March 13 at noon.
John Marshall, former Councillor for Trevethin and staunch Trade Unionist, whose Funeral was held on Tuesday March 28 at 10.30am at Ebenezer Church, Pontnewynydd and afterwards  at Panteg Cemetery; officiated by Reverend Canon Brian Pippen. John’s Life  has been celebrated in an earlier edition of the South Wales Argus.

Condolences also to all readers who have lost family members and friends in the last few months. 

Those mentioned above have been known personally to the writer, who worked with them in various capacities over many years.

Each has made a great contribution to community life in Torfaen. Many thanks to their partners and families for sharing them with us.

Torfaen
Mary Barnett
marybarnett.uppercwmbran@gmail.com