CRICKHOWELL’S CL ARENCE HALL
NEWSLETTER & WHAT’S ON
Annie Jr
Congratulations to Theatre Workshop
Monmouthshire on their recent production of “Annie JR” at the Clarence Hall. It was an absolute delight to experience the energy and enthusiasm that everyone brought to the show.
Adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, with a beloved book and score by Tony Awardwinners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, Annie JR featured everyone’s favorite little redhead in her very first adventure!
It’s obvious that the cast and crew worked consistently hard to bring us a wonderful show which featured a wealth of talent. Well done to you all!
Community Foundation Wales Grant!
We’re delighted to announce that we have recently received a grant from Community Foundation Wales towards phase 1 of the Hall’s refurbishment. This follows on from significant funding from the Welsh Government and the National Lottery Community Fund, together with donations from our very many local supporters.
Work on the refurbishment project commenced in late 2022 with the new toilet facilities and a new and upgraded kitchen already completed. Our contractors are now focusing on building the new accessible entrance into the hall with access from the A40 and car park, together with one of the new disability access toilets. Once these works have completed later in the Summer, the final part of Phase 1 will focus on the second disability access toilet and the creation of a small bar area in the existing foyer.
In order to ensure that the fit out of the refurbished Hall maximises the facilities available for the community, we are continuing to fundraise throughout the building phase. Further information is available at https:// www.clarencehallcrickhowell.org.uk/the-facilities/donate/
We are very grateful to everyone who has supported our campaign to date and look forward to delivering a venue that can host a full range of inclusive activities for individuals and groups of all ages.
Supporting our Community!
Living with Dementia Crickhowell is a local society set up and run by Suzan and Mike Alderton. Over the past few years it has raised over £40,000 in support of dementia charities and local dementia projects, including the monthly Caffi Croeso at Maes-y-Ffynon, which continues to grow in popularity, providing fun and laughter through afternoon tea and entertainment.
On Saturday, 15 July, we’re delighted that Living with Dementia are holding their next fundraising venture at the Clarence Hall. The Elvis Comeback Special is a charity concert featuring Darren Graceland Jones, a several times winner of the Porthcawl Elvis Festival Weekend! This event follows hot on the heels of the successful book launch of ‘The Fairy who lived in a Pop Can’, a beautifully illustrated educational book written by Suzan. Living with Dementia is a tremendous society that makes a practical difference to the lives of so many within our community. If you’re able to join us on 15 July, you won’t be disappointed! Ticket information on the next page.
Phoenix “raised us up” at Abergavenny Eisteddfod
Clarence Hall regular Cantorion Phoenix recently gave an outstanding performance at Abergavenny Eisteddfod with the adjudicator commenting “You have indeed raised us up with your energy and commitment and you do indeed show the strength of singing together… You have brightened up the end of a very long, hot day. Thank you so much for waiting to share your voices with us all”.
Founded in 2011, Cantorion Phoenix is a mixed choir for people of all backgrounds and singing abilities. Thanks to the enthusiasm and energy of the choir’s Musical Director, Dian Winter, what started as a small choir with only a hand-full of members has now grown to a well-established and popular choir performing at many events in Crickhowell, Govilon and the surrounding areas. It recently presented a cheque to the Windsor Suite, Nevill Hall as part of its ongoing support of local causes.
The choir’s emphasis is very much on the community aspect. Anyone wishing to sing may join, with no auditions, nor is there a requirement for members to read music. For many members, the choir’s weekly rehearsal at the Clarence Hall is the highlight of their week, combining music, friendship and fun! Cantorion Phoenix can be found rehearsing at the Clarence Hall on Tuesday evenings in term time, between 7.30 and 9.00pm.
