ARTS

STAG’S WORLD OF ROCK

Something To Crow About! What a comeback after the lifting off of lockdown for Bridgend rockers Those Damn Crows who, by the time you’re reading this, would have headlined a huge sellout concert at Cardiff Castle. If you did get a ticket you must have been lucky, as they had sold out in hours. The Crows, who are vocalist Shane Greenhall, guitarists Dave Winchurch and Ian “Shiner” Thomas, bassist Lloyd Wood and drummer Ronnie Huxford, have hit a chord with rock fans with their brilliant rock anthems. I’ve known the boys since the late 90s, when they were called Shirker, and I was touring in my own band at the same time, so it hasn’t been an overnight success! The lads have worked hard and their talent is reaping rewards. I’m really pleased, as they are grounded, and top guys too. I’ll keep you up to speed on their progress. In the meantime, keep your music news coming.

Stag Marks 07549 728356

Photo: Those Damn Crows

A FILM MAKER’S POINT OF VIEW

It is not unusual for work on a film to go off in a direction all of its own. This happened recently, on my Llandow Air Disaster film, when I came to deal with a part of the narrative referring to the loss of life suffered by the people of Llantarnam near Cwmbran. The centre of the tragedy for this particular village was the Greenhouse pub, whose landlord and several regulars died in the crash. The pub’s dartboard had some significance, but the one that now hangs on a wall in the bar looks modern, and could not pass for 1950. Fortunately, Andy Jones, Sales Manager of Winmau in Bridgend, which manufactures dartboards, kindly came to the rescue by donating one, minus its modern branding. And Patrick Chaplin, the darts historian, loaned me a set of brass darts typical of 1950, complete with feather flights. The scene was photographed in black & white in my studio in early August. When making a film, it is so important to try and get even the smallest detail right, and I am extremely grateful to Andy and Patrick for helping to make the shot possible.

Anthony Hontoir Downwood Films 07510 934299

Picture: Anthony Hontoir (left) receives the dartboard from Andy Jones (Photo: Louise Jones)

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, we usually meet on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm at St Clare’s School, Newton CF36 5NR but our meetings are currently suspended due to the Corona virus situation so we’re currently holding competitions etc. online instead. Our program is available at www.pyle-porthcawl-ps.co.uk

Geoff Baker