Children pen their own ballads Budding balladeers at Montgomery Church in Wales school have been busy writing their own songs based on tales of adventure from the past and present. Children in years 4, 5 and 6 are working with composer Ian Morgan-Williams and poet Pat Edwards to write a series of ballads. Some children are working online, and some are in the classroom in school, as part of a project supported by Mid Wales Opera’s ‘Milltir Sgwar’ programme. Pat, a professional poet, is working with the children to create their own ballads which Ian will then set to music. Pat said: “Music has its challenges online, trying to synchronise everyone, but the students are enthusiastic and full of great ideas.”
Denice takes part in historic online Plygain event Plygain services where people come together to celebrate the festive season with traditional carols across Wales had to be different this year because of the pandemic. Instead of gathering, singers and groups were encouraged to submit a recording of their own performance and these were put together into two films, and shared as virtual Plygain across social media on December 20 and January 3. One of those taking part was Denice Jaunzens from Montgomery who said: “I had to consider carefully, as you cannot sing a song that someone else has already chosen. “It was a worthwhile challenge and it’s an honour to play a part in maintaining this tradition as a Welsh learner. I was very grateful to the organisers of the online format.
A NURSE and her young son have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Powys residents in ensuring many if not all of the most vulnerable children in the county will receive a toy this Christmas Sarah Voice, from Welshpool, a nurse from the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, has organised a Christmas toy appeal for the Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre in Newtown for the fifth year running. She has been helped again by her seven-year-old son Harry Voice, a pupil at Montgomery Church in Wales School. Ms Voice says this year the appeal has had its best ever response – and while there is no total figure yet on the number of toys donated, she says it is likely to be in excess of the 600 toys donated, last year.