CRICKHOWELL’S CL ARENCE HALL
NEWSLETTER & WHAT’S ON
A message from Dean Christy, our Chairman
As we look forward to 2025, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our friends and supporters a happy and healthy New Year.
2024 was a watershed year for the Hall, with the completion of Phase 1 of our refurbishment. We are delighted that the extensive works have delivered a venue that will benefit the whole community.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to my fellow Trustees and our other volunteers who have freely given their time to support us in so many ways. Without their assistance we would not be where we are now. Looking ahead, we’re excited to build on last year’s successes with even more opportunities to celebrate what makes our community so special!
A busy 2025 ahead!
2025 is shaping up to be another Clarence Hall! The District Players taking to stage with traditional family pantomime; the return of the Black Mountains Comedy Festival, showcasing a mix of wellknown comedians and rising stars as well as a Saturday full of fun for families; a playing day with the Welsh Society of Recorder Players; Crickhowell High School’s performance of Little Shop of Horrors; a Vintage, Antique & Makers Market with Mischievous Cow; and various other celebratory and fundraising events for a number of local organisations
All this, alongside our regular Bingo evenings, ESOL/ English for Speakers of other Languages classes, U3A meetings, Dance Beats classes, Cantorion Phoenix rehearsals and two new fitness sessions! Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau are also continuing with their weekly programme of social groups, starting from Monday, 6 January onwards.
Keep an eye out for posters, social media updates and the What’s On page of our website to find out more.
Festive Fun at the Clarence Hall!
The run up to Christmas was full of festive fun at Crickhowell’s Clarence Hall. The season kicked off with an excellent Christmas Fair as part of Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau’s Santa’s Grotto day, culminating in Santa leading the carol singing!
Musical events included a festive Carol Concert with Abertillery Orpheus Male Choir, organised by Crickhowell Rugby; a Christmas Celebration by Black Mountains Recorders, Craig Ddu Ensemble, Mynydd Du Consort and the Wales Society of Recorder Players; rounded off with a magical Christmas Musical Extravaganza with Abergavenny Borough Band, Junior Band, Gilwern School Choir and solosists. Local community choir Cantorion Phoenix were also busy rehearsing for their popular Songs of the Season concert at Govilon’s Christ Church. The talented Dance Beats put on a superb end of term performance for family and friends and Christ Church Crickhowell arranged various Christmas services, including an International Carol Service and a Community Carol Service
Various musical groups also appeared at local hostelries (including The Bear and Treebeards) where they led the carol singing and raised money for our Refurbishment Fund. We’re very grateful to you all!
It’s been a fabulous Christmas season and once again, we’re delighted to have been at the heart of the Crickhowell Community.
Crickhowell u3a
Join Crickhowell’s thriving u3a for its January meeting on Tuesday, 7 January. Coffee is served from 10am, with announcements and u3a business matters at 10.30am, followed by the guest speaker. Non-members are welcome to attend monthly meetings free of charge. Further information at: https://www.crickhowellu3a.org/monthlymeetings
Dance Beats
Dance Beats’ new term starts on Tuesday, 7 January with classes for children and young people, aged 4 to 16. A range of dance styles are taught, including contemporary, street and musical theatre routines as well as choreography and performance techniques. More information at https:// www.facebook.com/dancebeats12
Cantorion Phoenix
Enjoy singing beautiful and inspiring songs and having lots of fun? Cantorion Phoenix Singers’ Spring Season starts on Tuesday, 7 January at 7.30pm at the Clarence Hall. New members are always very welcome. Just pop in and visit the choir with no obligation to join!
Zumba classes
Weekly Zumba classes start on Friday, 10 January at 1pm at the Clarence Hall with Irene K. Come along and burn calories without thinking about the treadmill! More information and booking at https://www.zumba.com/p/ Iryna-Kovalenko/3314042
Rapunzel
Join Crickhowell & District Players for Rapunzel from Thursday, 16 to Saturday, 19 January. This is a show by a local society for the local community, so come along and join in the fun! Tickets £7 from Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau on 01873 812177 (from 6 January) or head to https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cdp
Black Mountains Comedy Festival
The Black Mountains Comedy Festival returns to the Clarence Hall from Thursday, 30 January to Saturday, 1 February, headlined by Ignacio Lopez and Angela Barnes. Tickets from https://blackmountainsfestivals.com/tickets/
