Pontypridd YMCA marked its centenary with an afternoon concert of marvellous music and dance.
Guests including RCT Mayor Cllr Simon Lloyd, local MP Owen Smith and singer Beverley Humphries, High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan, were treated to performances from a wealth of local talent, in the YMCA’s Shelley Hall.
They included Cofio – a reminiscence dance and word project developed with Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Arts, with the performers recalling their memories of the 30s, 40s and 50s.
Six young musicians, Lucy Evans, Joseph Holland, Ryan Elliot, Nicholas Williams, Louie Jugessur and Tom Jackson from the Martin Nichols Learn to Rock School performed individual/solo guitar music down the decades. Hawthorn Comprehensive pupils Daniel and Hayley Richards, both award-winning guitarists, also played.
YMCA centenary supporter, singer Jay Worley, performed a medley of Sir Tom Jones hits. All at the YMCA joined Jay, his fellow pupils from YGG Gartholwg and Beverley Humphries in singing the Welsh National Anthem.
RCT Mayor Cllr Simon Lloyd said:”Pontypridd YMCA has been at the heart of the community for 100 years. It was wonderful to see the performances as part of its centenary celebrations.”
Steve Carter, Chair of Pontypridd YMCA Board of Trustees, said: “It was a fantastic afternoon and a fitting way to celebrate our centenary.
“Miss Beverley Humphries – a Pontypridd-born girl herself – made a passionate speech about the town and the work of the YMCA within the community down the past 100 years, noting the wealth of talent in music and entertainment that the area has produced.”
Earlier, a procession of members led by President Mrs Elizabeth Williams arrived at the main door of the YMCA, where a scroll was handed over by local youngster Caitlin Galvin to signify the next 100 years of the work of the YMCA within Pontypridd.
A cheque for more than £1,094 from the Pontypridd branch of Marks and Spencer was also gratefully received by the YMCA.
Pontypridd YMCA opened in Taff Street on September 29, 1910. Events celebrating the achievements of people who have used the building over the past 100 years are being held throughout 2010. For more information, go to www.pontypriddymca.co.uk
