Printed 4th October 1902.
On Sunday was held the first of rehearsals preceding the proposed annual rising festival to be held at Tynewydd.
The festival, the first of its series, will be at Blaenycwm Chapel on October 13th and conducted by Mr. James Roderick. To this rehearsal was attached considerable interest, much anxiety being all as success. Fortunately, all inquietude was soon dispelled, and. thanks to the able management of those in enthusiasm and zeal became the domiant factors. Mr. Henry Davies conducted during the afternoon, also Mr. Sol. Watkins G.T.S.C., whilst Mr. Evan Watkins, D.C., batoned the evening rehearsals.
These rehearsals were assisted by the Blaenycwm Orchestra, an infantile society, conducted by Mr. W. H. Davies, A.C., Blaenycwm,. It was indeed gratifing to note earnest efforts of the musical recruits. Their progress been steady. Mr. Davies is deserving of great praise for having organised and instructed this juvenile band.
A notable feature of the programme is the number of compositions it contains, written by local personages. This shows that the study of music is being taken up, with the object, not of indulging merely in sensual, superficial pleasures to be derived there from, but of mastering its technique and becoming true musicians. The deeper we dive, the more profound be our study, the more precious will be the gems we unearth from those mysterious inner regions where all treasures are stored.
We observe at last circulars calling together a meeting for the purpose of considering the formation of a literary and debating society. The meeting is held on Thursday evening. We sincerely hope that no little obstacles will be permitted to rear themselves into insurmountable arriers, and thereby disay those, the fainted-hearted, who, unless success attends their every effort, feel discouraged and relinquish the contest. There will be some little difficulties, but, let these be brushed aside. Let the society but be organised and success will surely crown the efforts of its organisers.
A public appreciation of a man’s work generally causes the awakening of those philanthropic qualities, so prone to dormancy, which the average man possesses, and thus become a factor for good in the community, who inhabitants are of an appreciative nature. We note that a testimonial is being raised by Mr James Roderick, borough surveyor of Aberavon, upon his leaving Treherbert to reside at Aberavon, in recognition of the valuable services he has rendered his community.
