CL ARENCE HALL
NEWSLETTER & WHAT’S ON
Spring at the Clarence!
As the days grow longer and Spring comes to the Usk Valley, Clarence Hall is ready for a vibrant season of events.
Once again, we’re hosting a fantastic mix of live music, theatre, community gatherings and cultural celebrations. We’re thrilled to be hosting another special event with Book-ish, while Gilwern Primary School takes to the stage with their latest production. Music lovers can enjoy performances from Limehouse Lizzy, the Alan Fletcher Band and Uskulele’s Beatles Tribute, alongside a workshop for Abergavenny Orchestra. Our friends at Crickhowell Choral will hold two events at the Hall as part of their annual Music Festival, bringing stunning performances from Avanc and James Gilchrist
Theatre Adhoc returns with Vice Versa, a witty Roman farce, there’s a chance to learn some historical steps at our Tudor and Stuart Dance Workshop and Dance Beats are preparing for their next performance. For fans of all things country, don’t miss Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau’s Country & Western Night –boots and hats at the ready! We’re also excited to host a Wellness Workshop, offering time for reflection and self-care. A Rug Sale will offer beautiful finds and Christ Church will be holding a Welsh-language service followed by lunch – all are welcome.
Community events remain at the heart of what we do – Crickhowell FC’s Race Night promises a fun-filled evening and we’ll mark VE Day with an afternoon tea and community party in the evening. We’re also delighted to host fundraising events for Charlie Thould who will be performing with guests in A Musical Journey and a concert for Living with Dementia, featuring the Beaufort Male Choir and Ebbw Valley Brass Band.
Art enthusiasts can enjoy the annual Torfaen Arts Exhibition, part of the Crickhowell Open Studios over the Spring Bank Holiday. Meanwhile, our regular users, the U3A, Cantorion Phoenix, Bingo, Garden Society and Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau continue to bring the community together.
There’s something for everyone this Spring at the Clarence Hall – join us and be part of it!
March - Moments to Remember
March was a lively and inspiring month at Clarence Hall, with a wonderful mix of events that brought people together through music, theatre and creativity.
Things began on a high as over 200 singers from Tenovus Cancer Care’s Sing with Us choirs filled the Hall for a day of joyful song and connection. The choirs, open to anyone affected by cancer, shared an uplifting programme of music that left a lasting impression on all who attended.
A few days later, Adam Frost – award-winning garden designer and BBC Gardeners’ World presenter – gave an engaging talk hosted by Book-ish. Drawing on his book For the Love of Plants, Adam shared personal stories, gardening tips and reflections on how green spaces shape our lives. His warmth and humour made it an evening to remember.
Mid-month, Crickhowell High School wowed audiences with their vibrant production of Little Shop of Horrors. With confident performances, lively choreography and impressive vocals, the students brought this cult classic to life in style. It was another triumph for the school’s creative arts programme.
Later in the month, Mischievous Cow’s Vintage, Antique & Makers Market returned with its much-loved blend of artisan stalls, handmade goods and vintage finds. Shoppers enjoyed browsing the unique selection and relaxing with tea and cake from Smith & John’s Tea Room.
Rounding off the month was a one-day Photography Exhibition by Amy Azais. Amy, who is based in Llangattock and originally from France, shared her photographic journey through the stunning landscapes of South Wales. Her images not only captured the places themselves, but also reminded us of the stories the land around us can tell.
Once again, last month’s events at the Clarence Hall have shown the richness and diversity of our community’s creative life. Whether welcoming national celebrities or showcasing local talent, the Hall continues to be a space where stories are shared, talents nurtured and people brought together. Here’s to many more moments of inspiration and connection in the months ahead!
Coming up!
U3A
Join Crickhowell’s thriving u3a for its next meeting on Tuesday, 1 April at the Clarence Hall. Coffee is served from 10.00am, with announcements and u3a matters at 10.30am, followed by the guest speaker. More info at: https:// www.crickhowellu3a.org/monthly-meetings
Race Night
Join Crickhowell FC on Friday, 11 April for a Race Night in aid of their Development Fund. Doors open at 6.30pm with the first race at 7:00pm. Tickets £8 in advance from Bacchus, Cashells, Treebeards and CFC Sports Bar or pay £10 on the door. With horse racing, a licensed bar, food by Captain Brown’s Pizza and a raffle, this is a night not to be missed!
Beatles Tribute with Ukulele
Supporting local performing artists, the Lunch-time Live Music Programme continues on Saturday, 12 April from 12.30-2pm, sponsored by Clarence Hall for the community. Ian Cooper and the Uskulele Group will bring a smile to our faces with their Beatles Tribute. Admission is free with complimentary tea and coffee available.
Crickhowell Music Festival
Join us for two tremendous events as part of this year’s Crickhowell Music Festival. Enjoy the spellbinding voices of Avanc on Friday, 2 May at 7.30pm and a special performance from renowned tenor James Gilchrist, with Anna Tilbrook at 3pm on Monday, 5 May. Tickets from https:// www.jumblebee.co.uk/musicfestival2025
Country & Western Night
Join Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau on Saturday, 3 May from 7pm for a Country & Western Night, featuring live music and line dancing. Tickets £10 from Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau on 01873 812177.
Save the Date: VE Day 80
Commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE-Day on Friday, 9 May. Afternoon Tea & Cake at Clarence Hall, 3pm-5pm. Free admittance, everyone welcome, but booking essential via Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau on 01873 812177. VE Party at Clarence Hall, 7.30pm. Music with Universal Translators and Noted. Food & Licensed Bar available. Free admittance for all ages.
Clarence Hall - where community meets, stays active, learns skills & volunteers
Diary Dates @ Clarence Hall
U3A Meeting - 1 April
Knit & Natter - 1 April
The Painting Room - 2 April
Line Dancing - 2 April
Hand & Facial Massage - 3 April
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 3 April
Indoor Bowls Club - 4 April
Rug Sale - 5 April
Orchestral Workshop - 6 April
Chess Club - 7 April
Time to Reminisce - 7 April
Line Dancing - 7 April
Knit & Natter - 8 April
Garden Society - 8 March
The Painting Room - 9 April
Line Dancing - 9 April
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 10 April
Indoor Bowls Club - 11 April
Race Night - 11 April
Uskulele - 12 April
Eyes Down!
Monthly Bingo returns to the Clarence Hall at 7pm on Thursday, 24 April to raise funds for ongoing repairs and maintenance.
Admission £10 which includes a bingo book of six games, a pen and your first drink. More information at: https:// www.clarencehallcrickhowell.org.uk/ monthly-bingo-53-2/
Chess Club - 14 April
Time to Reminisce - 14 April
Line Dancing - 14 April
Knit & Natter - 15 April
The Painting Room - 16 April
Flower Arranging - 16 April
Line Dancing - 16 April
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 17 April
Line Dancing - 21 April
Knit & Natter - 22 April
The Painting Room - 23 April
Line Dancing - 23 April
Monthly Bingo - 24 April
Indoor Bowls Club - 25 April
Chess Club - 28 April
Time to Reminisce - 28 April
Line Dancing - 28 April
Knit & Natter - 29 April
The Painting Room - 30 April
Line Dancing - 30 April
Clarence Hall 500
Join the Clarence Hall 500 to raise funds for the Hall’s ongoing refurbishment and be in with a chance of winning monthly cash prizes. Results of the March Draw, as drawn by random number indicator: £50 - 250; £15 - 283; £10 - 139.
Sign up at: https:// www.clarencehallcrickhowell.org.uk/jointhe-clarence-hall-500-2/
We will be issuing these newsletters periodically to keep our supporters up to date with events coming to Crickhowell’s Clarence Hall and also to tell you about progress with our plans to refurbish the Hall.
You can also keep yourselves informed by visiting our website at www.clarencehallcrickhowell.org.uk where there is a What’s On Diary and News Page, or you can follow @clarencehallcrickhowell on Facebook.
Any questions, please email us on clarencehall@btinternet.com
Hall - where community meets, stays
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