GOVERNMENT AWARD TO SYDNEY WELSH CHOIR

The Sydney Welsh Choir was the only choir presented with an award by the NSW State Government at the recent award ceremony held to launch Seniors Week. The award, presented in the Angel Place Recital Hall, was given in recognition of the vast number of concerts staged by the choir over decades to raise money for charities and to provide entertainment for the general public and especially for senior citizens. Every year, the choir helps to raise funds for such charities as Legacy, the Cancer Council and the Red Cross, and service groups such as Rotary. Many of its concerts are held in retirement villages and in churches where the audiences tend to be drawn from their elderly congregations. Even on its overseas tours, the choir has continued to provide help where it is needed. Eighteen months ago, on the last full day of its European tour, the choir performed in Lancing College Chapel to raise $23,000 for a local hospice. Details of the choir's history and activities can be found on www.swc.org.au - take a look!

DYLAN THOMAS SOCIETY

The annual Legend and Poet night, held in Berkelouws Bookstore in vibrant Leichhardt, was perhaps the most successful ever. This year's theme was Dylan Thomas: Gentleman of Leisure? The script explored Dylan's interests outside his professional realm of poetry in such areas as family life, sport, reading, films and travel as well as his more publicised exploits in pubs. The readings, from over a dozen writers all linked to Dylan in some way, included poems, letters and biographical excerpts and were performed by a talented group of readers and by the recorded voices of Richard Burton and Dylan himself. The excellent food and wine were much appreciated and, by the end of the evening, no-one had failed to be stimulated, educated and thoroughly entertained.

The next main event will be Dylan's Alpine Christmas in June. Check at www.dylanthomas.org.au for details.