ARTS

STAG’S WORLD OF ROCK

I was invited to the National TV Awards last month but declined to go. I don’t like red carpets, and was afraid I’d bump into Ant n’ Dec! They won the award as always, but I’ve never been a fan. I find them as amusing as rabies in a guide dog home. Plenty going on music-wise however. The Stereophonics will be playing at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday 18th December 2021, with a very special guest – Tom Jones. The ‘Phonics will be promoting their forthcoming new album called Oochya and a full tour next year. Another one for your notebook is the In It Together Festival that takes place at Newlands Farm, Margam over three days from 3rd to 5th June 2022. It will have a capacity for 40,000 punters with six stages with various music styles as well as comedy, circus acts and much, much more. As yet, no major acts have been announced but I’ll keep you all up to speed. At £49 for a weekend ticket it sounds good to me. Finally, well done to Kenfig Hill rockstar Jayce Lewis who’s got the support spot on Gary Numan’s European Tour next year. Keep your music news coming.

Stag Marks 07549 728356

Photo: The Stereophonics

A FILM MAKER’S POINT OF VIEW

I am going to share a few thoughts this month on the subject of film music, but where does one begin? My own favourite composer is John Barry, best known for his James Bond themes of the 1960s and so many other films of that era, such as “Born Free”, “The Quiller Memorandum”, “The Lion in Winter”, “Mary, Queen of Scots”, and, perhaps the most sublime of all, the music for the Sunsilk shampoo television advertisement – yes, for an advert! The wonderful thing is that so many of these pieces of music, in many ways lost in the mists of time, can be enjoyed on YouTube and for older readers of Seaside News it will bring back memories of childhood viewing. By comparison, I’m afraid many contemporary composers don’t do a great deal for me, and there is a tendency now to use electronic synthesisers instead of full orchestras, undoubtedly to save on cost. It’s hard to put a finger on what’s missing, but if you listen to Bernard Herrmann’s music for “Vertigo”, or Dimitri Tiomkin’s score for “The Fall of the Roman Empire”, you will know what I mean. Apologies, of course, to the many fine composers not named.

Anthony Hontoir Downwood Films 07510 934299

Photo: Anthony Hontoir

PORTHCAWL MALE CHOIR

Almost back to normal! Following the latest guidelines, we’re able to rehearse indoors again. However, careful consideration of the health and welfare of all members of the choir meant we have had to carry out an exhaustive risk assessment and put several measures in place. An enthusiastic choir returned to the first indoor rehearsal on the 17th of August. It was great to see everyone again and the biggest concern was whether the uniforms would still fit!!! With a number of weddings to look forward to the choir will have to work hard to getting singing fit again. Unfortunately, for obvious reasons we had to cancel this year’s annual concert. We’re currently looking into how we can entertain our wonderful supporters again. Watch this space for further news. With the festive season fast approaching the choir will soon have to start polishing the seasonal repertoire and are looking forward to much enjoyed carol services. 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.

PYLE & PORTHCAWL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

We’re a very friendly camera club with a mix of male & female members and welcome new members of all ages and skill levels. It’s all very informal so if you have an interest in photography why not join us on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm at St Clare’s School, Newton CF36 5NR. Our meetings are held within the social distancing rules and guidelines. Our program is available at www.pyle-porthcawl-ps.co.uk.

Geoff Baker