THE latest community news from Dolgellau

Music Club

WELCOMED back following a cancellation, Holborne Brass Ensemble (seen right) brought the club’s 2017-18 concert series to a close every bit as successfully as they did the 2016-17 series last April.

Their performance in Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor on Friday, 23 March, was spirited, technically sparkling and full of ‘hwyl’ and humour, providing just the sense of uplift that was hoped for.

And this with a programme substantially different from its predecessor.

Holborne Brass are a group supremely at ease with themselves and the music they play, and who make skilled use of the spaces they perform in - beginning with their trademark entry from the back of the hall to the strains of ‘Just a Little Walk with Thee’.

For Giovanni Gabrieli’s ‘Canzona per Sonare No 4’ the five players scattered to different compass points, recreating the stereophonic sound Gabrieli intended for St Mark’s, Venice - a wonderul effect.

For the Swiss folksong ‘Old Cuckoo’ horn player Tim Stidwell disappeared offstage, the better to emulate the distant call of an alpenhorn.

Bach’s ‘Air on a G String’ is well known from innumerable different arrangements, but here the quintet bunched together to create a warmth and richness of texture that made the piece seem born anew.

True to the comic potential of his instrument, tuba player Phil Green spent a good deal of ‘Tuba Tiger Rag’ - which he began by extruding a fluffy tiger cub from the tuba’s generous aperture - playing on his back.

There really never was a dull moment.

Many thanks to all sponsors and supporters, and to Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor for use of the venue.

The 2018-9 series will begin on Friday, 5 October, with the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet.

St Mary’s Womens Fellowship

NOSON Lawen opened with the Lord’s Prayer.

They discussed the forthcoming events during the year, our own coffee mornings and the support we will give St Mary’s Church with their 300 year Anniversary Celebrations.

It was pleasant to all get together informally.

Bethan won the raffle.

The annual church service was officiated by our Patron Rev Tim Webb and Pat Owen accompanied us on the piano.

Tim gave us the background to the story of Moses being saved by his mothers actions.

Jessie gave the vote of thanks to Tim and Pat.

Thank you both again for the beautiful musical accompaniment Pat, and interesting and moving sermon Tim.

The annual spring coffee morning was held on 23 March.

They made £205 to date, all monies to go to speakers, charities and St Mary’s Church.

If you’re a member of a club, society or group, send your news to [email protected]