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An excellent October at the Clarence Hall!
October has been a month to remember at the Clarence Hall — full of music, conversation and community life. From inspiring talks to soul-stirring concerts, vibrant markets and even a wrestling spectacular, the Hall has once again proved itself to be at the centre of Crickhowell’s cultural calendar.
The month began on a high note with a joyful fundraising concert by the all-female vocal group Cân Aderyn Singers, held in aid of the Living with Dementia Society. Their rich harmonies, infectious energy and varied programme — ranging from pop and gospel to classic ballads — filled the Hall with warmth and a strong sense of purpose. This was followed by a fascinating event run by Llangattock Green Valleys, which explored the future of community energy in the Five Councils Area and how it benefits everyone.
An atmospheric Musical Tea then brought together the Wales Recorder Orchestra, conducted by Caroline Jones and Lyndon Hilling, with Eleri Darkins on Welsh triple harp. From the bright tones of Gabrieli’s Jubilate Deo Omnis Terra to the folk-inspired beauty of Clychau Aberdyfi and Polca Cymreig, the afternoon offered an uplifting musical experience. Special thanks go to the Clarence Hall volunteer team for hosting the event and providing a delicious tea!
Mid-month, Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau and PAVO hosted a Community Conversation, which drew residents and local groups from Crickhowell and surrounding villages to share ideas, explore priorities and strengthen collaboration. It was a reminder of the area’s commitment to an inclusive, thriving community.
Local interest groups were well represented this month, with the U3A’s monthly meeting featured an engaging presentation by Stephen Marshall on Music’s Golden Age and Crickhowell Garden Society welcoming Rob Evans of Pheasant Acre Plants for an informative talk on spring bulbs.
The Hall was soon transformed into a bustling showcase of creativity when Mischievous Cow Events returned with their ever-popular market. Stalls brimmed with handcrafted jewellery, textiles, vintage clothing, clocks and homewares, while Smith & John’s Tearoom kept everyone refreshed with delicious sweet and savoury treats. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with a stream of shoppers enjoying a relaxed and sociable day.
Energy levels soared when British Kingdom ProWrestling returned to Crickhowell, bringing an afternoon of high-octane action and theatrical flair. Families cheered their heroes, booed the villains and relished every twist and turn. With dazzling athleticism and larger-than-life characters, it was pure entertainment from start to finish — and the buzz as people left suggested the wrestlers will be welcomed back when they return in December!
Next came a night to remember with Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band, whose powerhouse vocals and infectious rhythm had the audience dancing from the first beat to the last. Thanks to Global Promotions for another outstanding concert. The fun continued with Uskulele’s Rock & Pop Extravaganza, a feel-good afternoon filled with humour, singalong tunes and toe-tapping energy. Their lively set of familiar hits proved once again how irresistible the ukulele can be in full swing.
The month drew to a memorable close with events for the Celtic Roots Festival, starting with Crickhowell Choral Society presenting A Celebration of the Land of Song. Conducted by Stephen Marshall with Christopher Lovegrove at the piano, and featuring harpist Rose Graham, soprano Eve Carey, with two of the choral scholars, the concert offered a celebration of the rich musical heritage of Wales. Later in the week came a Festival Twmpath — the Welsh equivalent of a ceilidh — led by Victoria Yeomans and the Llanishen Ceilidh Band.
It truly has been an excellent October at the Clarence Hall. Our heartfelt thanks go to all the performers, organisers, volunteers and audiences who made it possible. With Christmas approaching, we look forward to an equally inspiring festive season of concerts, markets and celebrations! Keep an eye on our website and socials to find out more.
Coming up at Clarence Hall
Christ Church Crickhowell
Join Christ Church Crickhowell for a Family Service at 10.30am on Sunday, 2 November. Everyone is welcome to stay, or indeed join, for Meal with a Message from around 12.30pm. More information at: https://crickhowellchurch.com
U3A
The next meeting of Crickhowell’s thriving u3a is on Tuesday, 4 November when Dr John Gibbs will speak on “The Natural History of the River Usk in Breconshire, past and present”. Coffee is served from 10am, with announcements and u3a matters at 10.30am, followed by the guest speaker. More info at: https://www.crickhowellu3a.org/monthly-meetings
Luncheon Club
Join Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau for its fortnightly Luncheon Club on Wednesday, 5 November and Wednesday, 19 November at 12.30pm. This sociable event offers good food and company for anyone who’d enjoy a relaxed midweek meal. Please book your place with CVB on 01873 812177. £5 each.
Rug Sale
Don’t miss the Persian Rug Sale at the Hall on Saturday, 8 November from 10am to 4pm. This one-day event will feature a selection of rugs in a variety of sizes, patterns and colours. Everyone is welcome to come and browse!
Crickhowell Garden Society
Join Crickhowell Garden Society for its next meeting at 2pm on Tuesday, 11 November. Members attend for free; £3 for guests and non-members. More information from crickhowellgardensociety@gmail.com
Abicare Launch Event
Join Abicare on Wednesday, 19 November from 4pm-6pm in the Clarence Hall Atrium for their Crickhowell Launch Event. Meet the team and find out more about their visiting and home care services.
Christmas Fair & Santa’s Grotto
Join Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau at the Clarence Hall on Saturday, 29 November for their annual Christmas Fair & Santa’s Grotto! Celebrate the arrival of Santa in Crickhowell. Craft stalls, raffle, bric a brac, refreshments, plus much more!
Clarence Hall - where community meets, stays active, learns skills & volunteers
Diary Dates at Clarence Hall
Christ Church Crickhowell - 2 November
Chess Club - 3 November
Time to Reminisce - 3 November
Line Dancing - 3 November
u3a - 4 November
Knit & Natter - 4 November
Dance Beats restarts - 4 November
Cantorion Phoenix restarts - 4 November
The Painting Room - 5 November
Luncheon Club - 5 November
Line Dancing - 5 November
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 6 November
Indoor Bowls - 6 November
Rug Sale - 8 November
Chess Club - 10 November
Time to Reminisce - 10 November
Line Dancing - 10 November
Knit & Natter - 11 November
Garden Society - 11 November
The Painting Room - 12 November
Line Dancing - 12 November
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 13 November
Eyes Down!
Monthly Bingo returns to the Clarence Hall at 7pm on Thursday, 20 November to raise funds for ongoing repairs and maintenance. Admission £10. More information at: https:// www.clarencehallcrickhowell.org.uk/ monthly-bingo-11-25/
Indoor Bowls - 13 November
Chess Club - 17 November
Time to Reminisce - 17 November
Line Dancing - 17 November
Knit & Natter - 18 November
The Painting Room - 19 November
Luncheon Club - 19 November
Abicare Launch Event - 19 November
Line Dancing - 19 November
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 20 November
Indian Head Massage - 20 November
Indoor Bowls - 20 November
Monthly Bingo - 20 November
Chess Club - 24 November
Time to Reminisce - 24 November
Line Dancing - 24 November
Knit & Natter - 25 November
The Painting Room - 26 November
Flower Arranging Workshop - 26 November
Line Dancing - 26 November
Neck & Shoulder Massage - 27 November
Christmas Fair/Santa’s Grotto - 29 November
Clarence Hall 500
Join the Clarence Hall 500 to raise funds for the Hall and be in with a chance of winning monthly cash prizes. Results of the October Draw, as drawn by random number indicator: £50 - 172; £15 - 26; £10 - 38 Sign up at: https:// www.clarencehallcrickhowell.org.uk/ clarence-hall-500/
We will be issuing these newsletters periodically to keep our supporters up to date with events coming to the Clarence Hall and also to update you on our ongoing 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