A St David’s Day Celebration was held at Crossgates Community Hall on the afternoon of Saturday, March 1, writes Clive Barrett.

The enjoyable afternoon consisted of Welsh music, literature and poetry, and featured the Bracken Trust Singers. There was also a prize for the best Welsh outfit or hat.

The celebration began with the Bracken Singers, under the leadership of Vera Buckler together with accompanist Sue Turner, performing a varied selection of songs, with naturally a good number of Welsh songs included.

Then followed an interval when refreshments were provided and served by the local ladies, before the Welsh costume or hat competition was judged.

The second half of the afternoon entertainment began with Jess Squires of Gladestry singing songs in both Welsh and English and playing the flute. A Dylan Thomas Tribute of readings followed, including from his most famous work “Under Milk Wood”. These were performed by Frances Field, Margaret Galliers and Kay Yendole of Clatterbrune WI (Presteigne) together with Jenny Cox, Ann Creed and Alison Thomas of Stowe and Stanage. The high-quality entertainment concluded with Jill Willey of Rhayader performing songs, reciting poetry, and playing the harp.

The afternoon concluded with the singing of the Welsh National Anthem.

The floral table decorations were made by Presteigne Craft Club, and inspired by Vicky Barnett of Clatterbrune WI. There was a good number of representatives present from the various Radnor WIs.

The compere for the afternoon was Cynthia Shepperd, President of Dolau WI.

All profits will go to the Bracken Trust Cancer Support Centre in Llandrindod Wells.

The Bracken Singers’ next performance will be at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, on Wednesday, March 26, when they will be entertaining the residents and visitors for the first time this year.