CL ARENCE HALL NEWSLETTER & WHAT’S ON
All you need is Uskulele
On a toe-tapping afternoon at the Clarence Hall in April, the Uskulele Group returned with another irresistible performance – this time celebrating the timeless hits of The Beatles. With their trademark charm and enthusiasm, the group treated the audience to a musical journey through some of the Fab Four’s most iconic songs, all brought to life with the cheerful strum of the ukulele.
Led once again by the ever-charismatic Ian Cooper, the group captured the spirit of the sixties with a setlist that appealed to all ages. Here’s to more musical magic from Uskulele – we can’t wait to see what they’ll perform when they return in August!
A great night out at the races
Crickhowell FC hosted a lively Race Night at the Clarence Hall, bringing together friends and supporters for an evening of entertainment and fundraising.
Guests threw themselves into the action, cheering on their chosen horses, enjoying a few slices of pizza and sharing plenty of laughs throughout the night.
The event formed part of the club’s ongoing campaign to raise funds for a major upgrade at the Elvicta Ground, with the aim of creating a welcoming, accessible hub for Crickhowell and the surrounding area. Many thanks to everyone who sponsored a race, helped organise the event, or came along to show their support.
May Magic at the Clarence!
May is a vibrant month at Clarence Hall, with something happening almost every day!
We open the month with a special concert on Friday, 2 May as part of the Crickhowell Music Festival, featuring the outstanding Avanc – a talented group of young Welsh musicians bringing centuries-old folk tunes to life with fresh, contemporary flair. Tickets from https:// www.jumblebee.co.uk/musicfestival2025
Then on Saturday, 3 May, join Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau for a Country & Western Night with live music and line dancing – a great opportunity to don your cowboy boots and enjoy a night of toe-tapping fun in support of the Volunteer Bureau and the Clarence Hall. Tickets from CVB on 01873 812177.
The Crickhowell Music Festival draws to a close on Monday, 5 May with a beautiful afternoon recital from acclaimed tenor James Gilchrist and pianist Anna Tilbrook, performing an inspiring programme of English song, Schubert and Beethoven. Tickets as above.
The following day, on Tuesday, 6 May, we welcome back Crickhowell u3a for their monthly meeting – an inspiring space for learning, discussion and community connection. 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
Join us on Friday, 9 May as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE-Day. From 3pm–5pm, enjoy Afternoon Tea, hosted jointly by Clarence Hall and the Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau. Later that evening, at 7.30pm, we’ll be celebrating in style with a VE Party, featuring music from Universal Translators and Noted, along with food and a licensed bar. Both the tea and party are free and open to all, although the Tea needs to be booked via the Volunteer Bureau on 01873 812177. We’re grateful to Crickhowell Town Council for their support for the two events. And don’t forget the Crickhowell VE Day Street Party on Sunday, 11 May in the High Street from 2pm until late!
On Saturday, 10 May, we host a Table Sale from 10am to 2pm in aid of Accessibility Powys, including information stalls and a café.
Clarence Hall - where community meets, stays active, learns skills & volunteers
On Thursday, 22 May from 10am to 4pm, all are welcome to a Tudor and Stuart Dance Workshop, where you can learn historical dances from the 16th and 17th centuries. Recorder players are encouraged to bring their instruments – and join in the dancing too! To enrol please contact Caroline Jones on carolinejonesrecorders@hotmail.com
Over the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend (24–26 May), the ever-popular Crickhowell Open Studios returns. Numerous venues across the locality will showcase the wonderful art and creativity that the area inspires. Clarence Hall will once again showcase Torfaen Arts, a creative and diverse group of artists from across the region. The Hall will be open from 10am-5pm each day.
On Thursday, 29 May, Book-ish welcomes awardwinning comedian Suzi Ruffell in conversation with Jude Rogers, for an evening of laughter and insight around Suzi’s new memoir Am I Having Fun Now? Tickets from https://www.book-ish.co.uk/event/an-evening-with-suziruffell/
Finally, Limehouse Lizzy – the world’s top Thin Lizzy tribute band – returns on Saturday, 31 May, courtesy of Global Promotions, for what promises to be a highenergy night of classic rock. Tickets available from Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau on 01873 812177 and at SEEtickets.com.
Alongside this packed programme of special events, we continue to welcome our much-loved regular groups –from the energy of Dance Beats to the uplifting harmonies of the many activities organised by the Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau here for music, movement or community spirit, there’s a place for you at the Hall this month.
Summer Highlights!
Looking further ahead we have more excellent events planned as we move into Summer! On Saturday, 14 June, the Beaufort Male Voice Choir and Ebbw Valley Brass Band will perform in a special concert supporting Living with Dementia. The following day, Sunday, 15 June, British Kingdom Pro Wrestling brings an afternoon of family-friendly wrestling action to Crickhowell. Theatre enthusiasts can look forward to Theatre Adhoc’s performance of Vice Versa on Thursday, 26 June. Then, on Saturday, 28 June, join Charlie Thould and guests for A Musical Journey. Finally, on Sunday, 27 July, Alan Fletcher and his band will present the Back to School album tour, showcasing his signature Americana sound.
Diary Dates @ Clarence Hall
Hand & Facial Massage - 1 May
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 1 May
AVANC - 2 May
Country & Western Evening - 3 May
Christ Church Service - 4 May
James Gilchrist - 5 May
U3A - 6 May
Knit & Natter - 6 May
The Painting Room - 7 May
Line Dancing - 7 May
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 8 May
Monthly Bingo - 8 May
Indoor Bowls Club - 9 May
VE Day Tea & Party - 9 May
Table Top Sale - 10 May
Chess Club - 12 May
Time to Reminisce - 12 May
Line Dancing - 12 May
Knit & Natter - 13 May
Eyes Down!
Monthly Bingo returns to the Clarence Hall at 7pm on Thursday, 8 May 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-53-2-2/
The Painting Room - 14 May
Gilwern Primary School Show - 14-16 May
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 15 May
Chess Club - 19 May
Time to Reminisce - 19 May
Line Dancing - 19 May
Knit & Natter - 20 May
The Painting Room - 21 May
Line Dancing - 21 May
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 22 May
Tudor Dance Workshop - 22 May
Torfaen Arts Exhibition - 24-26 May
Knit & Natter - 27 May
The Painting Room - 28 May
Line Dancing - 28 May
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 29 May
Suzi Ruffell - 29 May
Indoor Bowls Club - 30 May
Limehouse Lizzie - 31 May
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 April Draw, as drawn by random number indicator: £50 - 378; £15 - 78; £10 - 69.
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,