Since June 2002, we have forged a partnership with The Arts Council of Wales 'Night Out' Scheme and Carmarthenshire County Council, to bring Performing Arts to our Community; we were assisted by our special friend John Prior, Community Touring Manager, now retired and running Prior Arrangements.

With financial help from Community Fund and Lottery money, we were able to purchase a Stage, Lighting & Lanterns and Curtain, all of which have helped in providing the atmosphere to promote Shows.

In June 2002 we presented the talented Frank Hennessy & Friends; it was a fabulous Show enjoyed by our Community and many from our 20 mile catchment area - a gang came up from nearby Llandovery (our thank to them for their support).

In September 2002 we were extremly lucky to have the Welsh Brass Consort, featuring players from the highly acclaimed Orchestra of Welsh National Opera. The Community were delighted with the music, even those who were a bit apprehensive that it may be too high brow for them.

One freezing evening in January 2003, we were lucky to have The Bakelits Boys to entertain us with their versatile voices, singing 100 songs from 100 years in 100 minutes and with giant score board and 100 minute clock to keep count, they amused us with their great humour. Despite the weather, we were seven tickets short of 'a sell out' crowd, enthralled by the tunes they sang, with something for everyone, even the songs between 1900 and 1920 being remembered.

In February 2003, we spent a delightful evening with Isla St Clair, her one-woman show, a wonderful fusion of traditional songs and modern classics, spiced with fascinating and humorous anecdotes of her experiences in show business, as singer, presenter,actress and producer. Isla was extremely friendly and generous with her time, making many people happy by mingling and stopping to speak with the audience.

In May 2003, we hosted The Bob Hall Show. Critically acclaimed as Britain's premier Blues and boogie woogie piano player, Bob shared with us his enthusiasm for styles of the 20's and 30's; he was accompanied by Hilary Blythe on bass guitar and with her poignant and beautiful voice she sang blues and joyous gospel songs. Bob and Hilary took Gwynfe by storm and had us boogie-ing in all available spaces.

October 2003, we hosted the Brimstone & Couza Show. Cockney troubadour, Derek Brimstone, guitarist, singer, banjo picker, racy raconteur and author, interspersed his set with amusing recollections of his childhood and tales of his travels all over the world, which left us rolling in our seats.
     He was joined by Jim Couza, American folk musician, described as the best Hammered Dulcimer player in the world; Jim provided us with light classical music, modern jazz pieces, popular contemporary songs and music, a variety of airs and dance tunes all drawn from the traditions of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the USA. They both had fans who came to see them - and left Capel Gwynfe, with even more.

In January 2004, we hosted a return by popular demand, of Frank Hennessy & Friends, this time joined by Tommy Edwards. Our friends from Llandovery came up to Capel Gwynfe again - 17 of them, and the tickets were a sell out. A great night was had by all.

Our next Show was given by the family Montaigue, who have just joined the Community of Gwynfe, coming from Australia last November. They performed a benefit concert in aid of the Hall on 17th April, 2004 and we were fully booked. Their stage name is Moontagu - and we are extremely grateful to them.

In May we held our 2004 Spring Show. Saturday saw the The Bold Balladiers, dressed in full costume, performing popular Victorian & Edwardian parlour song and music; a polished exhibition full of energy. Prizes were given to the audience, with Wendy & George Fleming "Pearly King & Queen" winning 'best dressed Lady and Gentleman'. Jordon Harries won 'best dressed child' and June Howard a special Bold Balladiers prize. On Sunday there were Professional & Community displays and an exhibition of our Primary Schools Painting Competition, which saw four local Schools taking part. A special mention for Julie Brenan - a local Artist of International fame, for assisting June to purchase the Prizes for the Schools Competition, judging the Competition, presenting the Prizes and for her donation. A good weekend was had by all.

This from a sketch by Julie Brenan, reproduced for a BBNPA Poster; the oriningal painting was commissioned, but Julie may be able to sell you a reproduction of the orininal.

On a sunny June evening, we hosted Andrew Fawcett's 'Kind of Blue', featuring Andrew on saxophone, Gethin Liddington trumpet, Paula Gardiner bassist, Julian Martin piano and Mark Harris drums; a fine evening of Jazz to suit to all tastes - accomplished musicians in their own right and playing together extremely well as a band.

Having purchased our Piano supported by a Lottery grant from The Arts Council of Wales, in August 2004, we held a recital with Hugh Thomas and Ben Montaigue. Hugh's performance was as we expected - professional and pleasing, and his little speeches before playing each piece, were informative and entertaining - thank you Hugh. The Community would also like to thank Ben - not just for playing his own compositions, but for making us laugh when describing the workings of the Piano. June would like to thank both men for the advice they gave her when she was accessing funding for buying this instrument. The Cheese & Wine Evening was a great success and the Committee thank Hugh and Ben for the benefit Recital.

Henry Marten's Ghost performing in September, had hands clapping and feet tapping, under the spirited leadership of Padraig Lalor singer and guitarist, assisted by Piotr Jordon on fiddle, Huw Rees on percussion and Gill O'Shea playing melodeon and whistles; with the unexpected but welcomed addition of three Ceilidh dancers and a great deal of audience participation, the evening developed into what turned out to be a tremendously enjoyable Irish Night. A good time was had by all.

In December we hosted the Llandovery Male Voice Choir and guest artist Aled Edwards. The performance was a blend of Welsh & English, with marvellous Ancient & Modern Hymns & Songs, some with a Christmas flavour, which started the Community off in a festive mood. We were supported in this by Tywys.

A very satisfactory 'Welsh Night' was held at the end of January 2005, when Cwmni'r Cudyll Coch performed two Plays in the medium of Welsh.

Middle of February 2005 saw us spending an eveing with Christine Bissell and Andy Andrews, the Inner State Theatre Company, performing Dracula; it was just like a Pantomime, but with a cast of two. The children in the audience thoroughly enjoyed the Show, while the grownup had fun with the jokes and innuendoes. The front rows were sprayed wet 'during a storm' and we all ooohed! and aaahed! at the right time; Marcus Keegan Pantycefn and Elen Davies Dafadfa Uchaf were 'volunteers', playing a Captain of a Cutter and Dracula's Bride.

On St. David's 2005, we celebrated with a Welsh Night, featuring Llio Silyn and Janet Aethwy performing their Show "Syth o'r Nyth"; this was followed by 'Cawl, Caws, Bara Brith and Welsh Cakes. We had been suported by The Arts Council of Wales and Dairy Farmers of Britain, Llangadog.

In May 2005, Mike Harries and The Root Doctors performed to a sell out, appreciative and enthusiastic audience and together we raised the roof. The majority of their fans from Llandeilo are avid followers and we had no trouble selling tickets. Gwynfe is fast getting the reputation as a centre of excellence for the Performing Arts.

We played host to The Amigos. in June 2005; with their wide-ranging musical style, they brought tunes from all over the world, including sizzling Latin America, to Gwynfe. An Ammanford couple performed an impromptu demonstration of the popular Salsa and met with tremedous applause from the audience.

In July 2005, we welcomed back 'Moontagu'; you will remember they are a family band, father Erle, his two sons, Ben and Eli and daughter Kathleen. from Australia, now living in Gwynfe. We enjoyed their performance and they also organized Cor Meibion Dinefwr, a local choir from Llandeilo to sing for us; Ben played Piano for the choir. Our thanks to the Montague family, including their mum Sandy, for the
'benefit concert' in aid of our Hall.

Hoover The Dog performed at the Hall in September 2005 and delighted us all with their brilliant and clever music; John Hymas on Vioin, playing many of the tunes he composed, Tony Harris on Bouzouki, Guitar and the their Vocalist and the amusing Paul Hutchinson playing a mean Accordion.

We hosted a very jolly and lively programme of reels & jigs, in October 2005 with Miln & James; they brought along Sarah, a singer with a beautiful and charming voice and we found that we had gained three for the price of two.

For those who did not make it to the Old Tyme Musical Show in December, 2005, you missed all the fun; John Prior & Friends Richard Berry, Heather Jones, Helen Woods, Tony Jacobs and Jim Barry, brought an early Christmas to Gwynfe. The Tree was positioned in the Garden, Hall decorated, Betty baked the Mince Pies and we end with singing a medley of Christmas Carols, not before listening to 'A Christmas Carol' read by Richard and John.

In April 2006, Cor Meibion Dinefwr performed a Benefit Concert in the Hall; Gwynfe Hall Management Committee supported the evening and the proceeds, £326.06, were donated to Gwynfe Community Association, who in turn contributed the amount to the Urdd 2007 Fund Raising Community, whose remit it was to access £4,000. Our Secretary June is a member of that Committee.

In June 2006 we welcomed back Inner State Theatre Company, performing 'Seaside Sunshine', which brought fun and laughter to Gwynfe; it was enjoyed by the children, their parents, grand parents and the remainder of us. The Hall Committee would like to thank Marcus Keegan, Steve Jones and Daniel Reeves, whose 10th birthday it was, for allowing themselves to be used as 'extras'.

Love on a Piano performed for us in August 2006; they were enthusiastic and entertaining, making for a relaxing night out; we all joined in 'the banter' and everyone had a good laugh!!

The Amigos returned in October 2006 and the audience loved them; they were the first Performing Arts Show to receive a standing ovation. Our locals are still talking about "The Amigos".

December 2006 T.P.P. Theatrical Productions performed "Sleeping Beauty" The Pantomime, the evening after the Children's Christmas Tea Party. Fired with enthusiasm, almost all the children in good voice, returned with parents, to help the beautiful princess escape from the clutches of the wicked witch. Our usual Friends of the Performing Arts, came along and enjoyed themselves as well.

On a beautiful sunny evening in February 2007, Isla St Clair arrived at the Hall to entertain Friends of Gwyne Performing Arts, with her one-woman show in the intimate atmosphere of Gwynfe Community Hall; Isla's interpretation of Scottish classics and stirring popular songs touched a wide range of emotions in people, with each person present enjoying themselves. A Raffle was held, one of the prizes being a DVD which Isla had donated.

The Bakelite Boys in April 2007, back after four years were humorous, witty, entertaining, comical, hilarious, and with marvellous vocalizing, gave us a professional performance.

For Celtic Connections with Lowri Evans and Henry Marten's Ghost, a rousing Community "Marvelous"; Lowri has a beautiful voice and Padraig, Jill, Piotr and Huw all talented performers in their own right, came together to give us a wonderfully evening. Show attracted people from Ammanford and Llanelli. We thoroughly enjoyed the performance - extremely good value for money.

Gwynfe Community Association hosted the frankly SINATRA show on 25 August and what a performer is Jo King, a fantastic one-man show with professional quality and content, his timing was to be admired; the audience were enraptured and the comedic interludes with Elvis Presley and Sammy Davies Junior were hilarious.

The Community of Gwynfe were entertained on Saturday 27 October, to a presentation of Under Milk Wood by the Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company; many have never previously seen a recital of Dylan Thomas, so it was an excellent opportunity for us. Being in the round the audience were very close to the Players, whose skilled performance was not only by Voice, but with Signing; among the six Cast members, all with extensive and substantial experience, one is a board member of Young Deaf Roots Theatre and one whose new guide dog, to quote him, is mad, though an excellent worker?

Cracking Christmas Show a hilarious performance by The Splott Brothers on Saturday 22 December 2007, was enjoyed by all the children joining in the magic and mayhem; the special Band and Singers put us all in the mood for Christmas. Even those without children enjoyed the Show.

Celtic Connections was a hit on Saturday and complimented our St. David’s Day Celebrations; we have had them here before and every time they perform at Gwynfe Community Hall, they seem more polished and professional.  We congratulated Lowri Evans on her win at Can i Gymru the evening before and she sang the winning Song accompanied beautifully on the Guitar by Lee Mason.  It is Padraig and Jill’s third visit to the Hall and they kept us amused with their banter; we enjoyed the old Irish favourites and singing along with them.

THE COURTS BARON OF THE MANOR OF VELINDRE SAWDDE THE LORDSHIPS OF MOTHVEY AND LLANDDEUSANT THE PERFETH MANOR OF GWYNFE AND VABON.
 
     Each manor, an estate granted from a superior lord or even the King himself, belonged to a lord of the manor, who was responsible for organizing the life of the estate for his own profit and the rights of the workers living there.
     This was done through the court baron every two or three weeks. The court dealt with such matters as the transfer of the land, the organization of the common fields and meadows, the abatement of nuisances, such as defective hedges, blocking of paths, straying beasts, etc and anything concerning the occupation of the inhabitants, which in most manors were agricultural.
     The Steward, who ran the court for the lord, kept a watchful eye over the lords rights, including rentals, heriots and boon work.
     The hundred court, dating from Saxon times, could be compared to an English District Council, consisting of representatives from all its manors and unlike the court baron had jurisdiction over petty offences and civil affairs. Lords who found this irksome could apply to the Crown to have the rights of the Hundred Court applied to them for use in their own manor.
     Such additional courts were called court leet and met twice a year and it did not take long for a lord to fuse his court baron and court leet into one court, meeting only twice annually.  It is at the Leet Court that these Sheep Pounds were used to sell off sheep that could not be identified by the land owners.

 
T.E.I.MORRIS is Steward of the Manor of Velindre Sawdde the Lordship of Mothvey and Llanddeusant the Perfeth Manor of Gwynfe & Vabon.