Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club members have been busy already this year with musical events programming and live performances.

Recently the dual gender Rotarians received some great news. They were delighted to advise that Ysgol Preseli student Ffion Thomas won the District Young Musician Vocal competition held at Blackwood, Gwent, with a flawless performance and will now go forward to the Regional final in Telford during March.

Fellow student and Narberth resident Carys Underwood who plays the marimba was runner-up in the instrumental competition in a very closely fought contest where the judges took ages to decide. Subsequently Carys was invited to attend the Telford venue to participate in Regional final.

Both young ladies gave a great performance and were a credit to the Narberth and Whitland Rotary and their school music tutors. To defray the considerable travelling costs from Pembrokeshire, the Rotarians unanimously offered a contribution towards expenses incurred by the parents travelling to Shropshire. The District public image officer Mary Adams commented: “We are lucky that they will also be performing at our Annual Autumn concert which is being organised by our Rotary impresario John Hughes of Tenby.”

The Autumn Concert is held annually at The Follies Theatre, by kind permission of The Folly Farm directors. This year it will feature top classical crossover singers Richard and Adam and also Whitland Male Choir on Saturday, October 30, starting at 7 pm. Tickets are priced at £25 and £30. They can be purchased online on the website www.nwrotary.co.uk. Local ticket sales are also possible at Rock ‘n Rolla Boutique, Narberth; Dales Music, Tenby and Ocky White Travel, Haverfordwest.

Organiser John Hughes said: “This concert is likely to be a sell out in aid of charities and good causes supported by Narberth and Whitland Rotary.”

He also commented: “We have now launched our Outdoor Music Spectacular in conjunction with Narberth RFC to take place over the spring bank holiday period at the Narberth Rugby Ground on Sunday, May 24, starting at 5 pm and finishing by 11 pm.”

The show is aptly themed as ‘Sunday Night Fever’ starring the fabulous Bee Gees experience tribute band with support from other local bands. Tickets are modestly priced at £15 and it will be first come first served for spectators to take advantage of the covered high level 500 seat grandstand to have a the best view of the stage, which will be placed in the centre of the rugby pitch.

The Rotarians John Hughes and Ken Morgan have been working to promote the spectacular with John Llewellyn of the RFC management committee and also well-known local DJ Steve Briers who will be hosting the stars on the stage throughout the evening event. The public will also be allowed to place their chairs and gazebos directly on the rugby ground in front of the stage for a close up view. Hot food and drinks will also be available at the bar.

The proceeds raised from the Spectacular will benefit Cancer Research Wales and other good causes supported Narberth and Whitland Rotary.

Not to be outdone in the musical stakes, Rotarian John Sleigh has also organised the annual ‘Sounds Fantastic’ event to take place at Rhos-y-Gilwen - Sunday, June 28, starting at 3 pm. The event has become popular over recent years and provides an opportunity for talented young musicians to perform non-competitively in a magnificent concert venue with a paying audience. The concert, lasting two hours, will include an interval of 20 minutes.

Performers will be expected to have achieved a level equivalent to Grade 6 or above. Each performer will be allocated 10 minutes and will be asked to play their choice of contrasting pieces. An accompanist will be available on the day.

This event gives the youngsters an opportunity to hone their musical and vocal talents in public without the pressure of a competition with their peers. The concert is sponsored by Narberth and Whitland Rotary. Tickets will be on sale in May and June at £9 each for adults. There will be no charge for children under 16. Parents of performers will receive one complimentary ticket.