Pride of the city

A stage full of Newport people performing for Newport people (with a few very welcome distinguished friends and visitors from across the country). What promised to be a good night turned out to be a great one.

The show was hosted by chamber of trade president Ken Ellis.

Under the watchful eye of their inspirational musical director, Frank Jones, and accompanied as ever by the note-perfect Barbara Davies, the City of Newport Male Choir gave their home crowd something to sing about. Looking as immaculate as a couple of rows of guards and using the fantastic acoustics of the Riverfront theatre to full effect the choir produced one of their finest performances for many a year. They sang their way through a wide and varied programme, which included a stunning version of Myfanwy.

As they sang Myfanwy the whole theatre went so quiet you could hear the person next to you breathing. As they finished the audience exploded into applause (as they did with all their numbers). They also managed to spring a huge surprise by performing a very memorable version of the Sloop John B to an unsuspecting mayor. who had told them it was his all-time favourite song.

Throughout both their sets it was more than obvious that Frank Jones was as comfortable controlling the audience as he was with his choir, adding just the right amount of humour to keep everyone on their toes.

Many in the audience arrived without a clue who the Scout and Guide Gang Show were. Have no doubt about it, they all left as fans of these wonderful ambassadors of all that is good in our youngsters.

The applause earned by the superb first-half performance by some of the younger members of the gang gave the audience an insight of what was to follow by their senior friends.

Looking as smart as they sounded, the littler ones sang and swayed their way through some animal- related songs that were an indication of the countless hours of practice they have had under the guidance of so many adults who rarely want or receive credit for what they do.

When the seniors performed on stage in the second half they truly stamped their mark. As relaxed as the city choir were formal, the Gang Show seniors sang with joy and passion as only they can. When they were joined by the juniors to sing their highly emotional and wonderful anthem about the city of Newport, This Is Our Dream, they were rewarded with a well- deserved standing ovation from a very tearful audience.

As always, they finished with a spirit-lifting version of Crest of a Wave, again, as only they can.

When Samantha Talbot sings on stage you could be in any opera house anywhere in the world. Samantha sings purely because she enjoys singing. On this occasion, as always, the audience were very grateful she was singing, and singing beautifully as always right here, on stage, in her home town of Newport.

As a grand finale all the performers combined with the audience to end a perfect St David's Day concert with a rousing version of We'll Keep a Welcome, and our national anthem.

Many people get pleasure from knocking our city. Events like Newport talent entertaining Newport people bring home just how much we have to be proud of.

THANK YOU: Thanks to everyone who contacted me and my colleagues following last week's article about fighting anti-social behaviour. It is good to know we have your support. It also sends a good message to those few idiots causing the problems. You aren't going to get away with iT.

PONT FAEN SHOPS: As promised, work is commencing at the Pont Faen shops to help make the area less inviting to some of the gangs loitering around there in the evenings and at weekends. The designs have been a collaboration between the ward councillors, police and council anti-social behaviour officers. Coupled with the opening of the new Newport East community centre, where kids now have somewhere to go' and something to do', we hope to see a drastic reduction in the numbers of disaffected youngsters hanging around the area.

SEA OF RED: If the Welsh rugby team played in front of the sea of red shirts and girls in traditional Welsh costume that greeted visitors to the LliswerryJunior School eisteddfod, they could never lose. What was also highly evident was the sheer pride the children had not only in being Welsh but being able to display their talents.

In their packed school hall in front of the school governors and ward councillors the children sang, acted, recited poetry, played musical instruments and a plethora of other activities relating to our Welsh heritage. Far from being shy, each and every member of every class couldn't wait to get on the stage to perform .

As always, the children displayed what is the most important part of any child's education. They were enjoying every minute of it. Well done to the staff who inspired them.

ABBEYFIELDS REEN COURT: Another group of youngsters who enjoyed celebrating St David's Day were the residents of Abbeyfields Reen Court. These young-at-heart folk also enjoyed celebrating our patron saint's day with song and poems, with Welsh flags flying, lots of traditional costumes and the usual copious quantitie s of good strong tea. These good folk know how to do things properly, and with lots of smiles.

PINK FIZZ: Pink Fizz, the fantastic cancer charity, are looking for walkers or runners to take part in their 13.5 miles or smaller walk for mums with prams on June 1. Anyone unable to manage the full 13.5 miles will find a 5km stroll might be for them.

The registration fee is ££7.50 and minimum sponsorship £50. Contact Pauline from Pink Fizz on 07799617164, or visit the website for information www.p inkfizz.org.uk. Volunteersare also needed to marshal one or two points on the route. You need to be over the age of 18 and have a spare hour or two. You can make a big difference.