ARTS STAG’S WORLD OF ROCK
The highlight of the Christmas period was our evening of Carols and Choral music at All Saint Church. A full evening of songs from the choir was supplemented by solo performances from two wonderful young singers. Local Porthcawl Comprehensive pupil Samantha Wensley and Bronwen Jones, who travelled from Southampton, really amazed the audience with some wonderful festive songs. Our MD Alec and accompanist Richard performed a vibrant piano duet ‘Sleighbells’. Thanks to all who helped in making the concert possible, especially out hard-working ladies section. We would like to wish all our friends, supporters and readers a very happy New Year. We are always looking to welcome now choristers. If you’re interested, please contact us on contact@pothcawlmalechoir. co.uk or Noel Williams on 07902 333559.
A FILM MAKER’S POINT OF VIEW I hope you all had a good Xmas. I had the booster the day before and it had a bad effect, which laid me low for a week so it spoilt things a little. If you follow my column, I normally look into my crystal ball and predict things for some of our original local acts but with these uncertain times, even “Mystic Meg” has given up telling fortunes! I’m not going to attempt to recommend gigs or festivals to attend, as already many concerts have been cancelled. On a positive note, my long-time song-writing partner of over 30 years, Daley B. Williams, was home for Xmas to play some solo gigs and visit family, as he now resides in the Czech Republic. I’m glad to say that we did manage to fit some new original songs together and Dale has taken the rough ideas home with him to the Czech Republic where he has a recording studio. The plan is finally to release that “Best of” which will include some songs never released before, and we’ll get a video out when he returns in the summer. I hope in my next column I can give a more optimistic report on the South Wales music scene. Stag Marks 07549 728356 Photo: Re-united – Stag and Daley B. Williams
Deadline date for the March issue is: TUESDAY 15TH FEBRUARY PORTHCAWL MALE CHOIR Our Christmas program was severely disrupted again this year by COVID. However, by following strict guidelines, ensuring full vaccination status, and using Lateral Flow Tests we managed a few performances leading up to and over the Christmas period. In November we sang at the wedding of Eleri and Rob in Miskin. It was a wonderful day, and the choir was extremely well received. A bonus of Welsh cakes baked by the bride’s mother went down very well. In December we performed at a Carol Service in the Masonic home, an annual concert very much enjoyed by all. 54 | seaside news
I notice that comments have been circulating in the media again recently about why new productions for the cinema and television have very dark interiors, with seemingly non-existent lighting, and soundtracks in which dialogue can be hard to understand because the actors are talking very quietly. Is it for realism? If I were to enter a room, which was so dark that I could hardly see around me, I would undoubtedly switch the light on, or ask someone to do it for me. If I fail to hear something that is said to me, I politely say, “I beg your pardon?” Unfortunately, the audience does not have such a luxury of switching on the lights in the film or TV set, and shouting “Pardon?” at the screen is unlikely to reach the actors’ ears. If it is some fad being followed by the director, why cannot the camera and sound technicians point to its obvious shortcomings, or are they too afraid to speak up? Perhaps it’s just me – and a few others – and maybe the vast majority of viewers don’t notice, or care. Airing my view as a lighting cameraman, I find it incredibly unprofessional. Anthony Hontoir Downwood Films 07510 934299 Picture: Anthony Hontoir and Fine Art Masterclasses Arriflex camera (photo: Louise in the comfort of your home 21 years of teaching experience with Jones) a range of ages from 7-92 Fully qualified Teacher/Tutor Beginner to Advanced level drawing and painting skills tailored for you With Jasmine (B.A Hons, P.G.C.E)
Contact: 07375 976 528 jasmine@jj-art.co.uk for further information
