The Bracken Trust Singers have enjoyed a very successful summer of concerts notably at the Hotel Metropole, writes Clive Barrett.

Starting from the middle of April and continuing throughout May and June, the singers enjoyed regular engagements at the hotel, where they entertained residents.

Yet another concert at the Metropole in early July got the singers off to a good start to the month, and the almost weekly concerts continued through the busy summer period.

Sunny August commenced with two early month concerts at the Metropole - it is interesting to note that although some evenings were normal holiday audiences at times those present were on British Rail Tours.

June had started with the singers performing for the much appreciative residents of Christchurch Court in a Jubilee Concert.

On the last Saturday of the month the singers entertained “at home” namely at the Bracken Trust Headquarters in Cefnllys Lane, when they were present for the well supported and attended Bracken Trust Summer Fayre.

On the second Saturday of August the Singers were invited and readily agreed to perform for another charity at the British Legion’s Poppy Picnic which took place at the Bandstand, Temple Gardens and their singing was much appreciated by the picnicking audience.

In the middle of August yet another Metropole concert was followed by a celebration of their ten year anniversary. Severeal Bracken Trustees attended and provided the singers with a light buffet to after their practice session at Llanyre Village Hall.

Among those present were the trust chairman Reg Cawthorne, trustee Dr. Sim Ovis, and Ann Williams, chief executive of the trust.

Following the singing entertainment, Mr Cawthorne thanked the singers for all their fundraising and therapy they had provided over the past ten years.

He especially mentioned leader Christine Clarke, who he presented with a bouquet of flowers. A gift presentation was also made to the accompanist Bev Nethercoat.

The singers completed August by entertaining at the Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival at the Bandstand, Temple Gardens on the final Sunday afternoon of the event.