THE latest community news from around Llanidloes.Rotary Club

THE club was treated to an informative speech by major projects manager Richard Bruten of Griffiths Civil Engineering and Construction Ltd. Richard was joined by Nick Cleary, who is the senior project manager overseeing the construction of the A489 and A483 Newtown bypass.

Richard and Nick created a strong bond with the Rotary Clubs of Newtown, Llanidloes and Machynlleth when they decided to sponsor the clubs’ annual Across Wales Walk.

After a presentation evening in Newtown, both accepted an invitation to give a speech to Llanidloes Rotary Club on the current progress of the bypass. Richard explained that the first talk of a bypass was back in 1969 with more recent talks taking place from around 2006.

The long progress of deciding on a suitable route, obtaining the land and holding public enquiries takes time to ensure the correct decisions are made before any construction takes place.

Nick went on to explain the construction in detail, right down to the aftercare when the landscape will be replanted and maintenance of Newtown’s current trunk roads can finally take place once the congestion eases. Both of them answered many questions at the end of the speech and were thanked on behalf of the club by Stephen Meyers.

Christmas concert

THERE will be a ‘Lovelight’ Christmas concert at St Idloes Church on Friday, 9 December, at 7pm.

Silly Saturday

HAVE a silly Saturday with Rudolph’s Silly Stroll Sprint at Llanidloes High School on Saturday, 17 December. Race starts at 11am. Entries close on 9 December. No entries on the day, no parking on the day in the high school grounds. There will be a mulled wine and mince pies stall.

The event is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Enter online at reindeerstroll.co.uk or get an entry form from Minerva Arts Centre.

Tenovus Cancer Choir

THE choir goes from strength to strength having just sung in concert with Paul Potts and Rupert Moon at Llandudno Orem Theatre.

The choir joined Aberystwyth Tenovus Cancer Choir to sing two numbers. Yet again they received a standing ovation.

This week, Tiffany Evans, the choir leader, gave a very informative talk to the Welsh Heritage Quilters in the Minerva Arts Centre.

Tiffany explained what Tenovus has achieved over the years and what they are doing to help cancer suffers and their families.

After this, the choir sang four numbers which were very well received. A surprise collection was made amongst those quilters present, giving Tiffany a £54 donation.

Over the summer they have joined the Aberystwyth choir several times to give open air concerts at several venues throughout Powys and mid Wales.

One member, David Hilliard, raised money for Tenovus by cycling from north to south Wales. He broke his journey at Parc-y-llyn Hotel in Aberystwyth where the choir welcomed him in the foyer of the hotel by singing him in for his overnight break.

Despite riding through heavy rain he still had enough energy to sing with the choir!

If you missed them singing at the community centre in Llanidloes last Saturday there are other chances to listen to them on the following venues:Thursday, 1 December, at Llanidloes Hospital at 6.30pm.

Friday, 2 December: Bronerion, Llandinam at 7pm.

Saturday, 3 December: They join the Aberystwyth choir to sing at Llanerchaeron’s Christmas Fayre at 12pm before returning to Aberystwyth to turn on the Christmas lights at 4.15pm. There will be a ‘Lovelight’ Christmas concert at 7pm at St Idloes’ Church, hosted by Peter Karrie, Sing With Us Tenovus choirs, harpist Harriet Aeres and Carmen Mills.

The choir are particularly excited to be in the company of Peter, who has sung the lead in Phantom of the Opera in Toronto, Vancouver, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Coffee morning

THERE will be a coffee morning in aid of refugees at Chatwood, Longbridge Street, on Saturday, 3 December, between 10am and 12.30pm.