Cr Meibion Llanelli are geared up their biggest test of the year the main male voice choir competition at the Royal National Eisteddfod.
The choir roll of honour includes five previous wins in the National Eisteddfod.
This years event, the Bro Morgannwg Eisteddfod, takes place at Llandow, near Cowbridge, and will see the choir take the stage on Saturday evening (August 11).
There is a huge amount of work that goes into preparing a choir for the annual National Eisteddfod, said Cr Meibion Llanelli musical director Eifion Thomas.
The choir members look forward to the competition for months and we spend hours and hours rehearsing the different test pieces which are there to ensure the winning choir can perform to the highest standards.
Competition is always fierce, with a healthy rivalry between the Welsh choirs to take the main male voice title.
In the end, the verdict is given by the adjudicators and there is always a hush as you have to pay attention to every word of their decision.
Cr Meibion Llanelli facts -
Cr Meibion Llanelli was formed in the village of Bynea under the baton of the late Denver Phillips BA. in 1964.
The choirs longest-serving music director is the present holder of the baton, D Eifion Thomas, who has helped the choir grow in stature and strength to become one of the leading male choirs in Britain.
They have been successful at all the major choral competitions that Wales has to offer.
The honours list includes five National Eisteddfod first prizes - at Lampeter in 1984, Fishguard in 1986, Llandeilo in 1996, Bridgend in 1998 and Llanelli in 2000.
The roll-call of wins also records seven firsts at the Miners Eisteddfod at Porthcawl, six firsts at Cardigan and three Pontrhydfendigaid "Eisteddfodau".
The choir was successful in winning the Corwen Choral Competition at its first attempt in 1987.
The Llanelli Male Choir has graced many leading auditoriums and concert halls in the land - London's Royal Albert Hall and Festival Hall, Birmingham's Town and Symphony Halls, Oxford Town Hall, Plymouth's Guild Hall, The MacRoberts Centre at Stirling, as well as Cardiff's St David's Hall and Swansea's Brangwyn Hall.
Cathedrals have also featured high on the choirs touring list - Coventry, Bury St Edmunds, Wells, Brecon, Gloucester, St David's and Llandaff cathedrals have been concert venues, as well as Westminster Abbey.
The choir has travelled extensively throughout the world Germany, Canada, USA. France, Ireland, Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.
The choristers have thousands of pounds for charities such as Cancer and Leukaemia Research, The Red Cross, Heart Foundation and Tenovus as well as local charities and school groups.
The choirs future is secure and their motto of "Ymlaen Llanelli" will surely hold the choristers in good stead for another 40 years!
The choir rehearses twice weekly on Monday and Thursday evenings at Furnace Community Hall, 7pm start. Visitors and new members are welcome.

Ammanford-based Irish band Henry Martens Ghost have recorded a special song to help mark the centenary of the high-flying Swans.
The Swansea Centenary Song has been written by their singer Padraig Lalor.
Coming from the home of George Best in Belfast, I can appreciate what good football is all about.
The Swans have done us all proud in South Wales through their achievements in the Premier League.
As they are celebrating their centenary this year, I thought it only right and proper we should mark the occasion with a rousing song which I hope will become a firm favourite with fans.
The song pays tribute to the Jack Army and evokes memories of some of the greatest Swansea Town and Swansea City players.
There are references to the old North Bank days at The Vetch Field, but also plenty of links to modern-day successes, said Padraig.
I thoroughly enjoyed putting the song together as the inspiration was provided by someone linked closely to the Swansea City management.
The band also enjoyed recording it and we hope Swans fans get as much pleasure out of listening to it as we did recording it.
The song is available for download from
ITunes
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/swansea-city-song/id535527289?i=535527417&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Padraig Lalor
Earlier this year, Padraig released his debut solo album, timed to coincide with the centenary of the Titanic disaster.
Called Ismay's Dream, the album focusses on different characters in Lalor's home city of Belfast. Padraig was born in Belfast. He lived his formative years in the 1970s against the backdrop of the troubles in Northern Ireland.
He worked as a freelance journalist in the 1980s; becoming Northern Irish correspondent for the Irish Post, before gaining a Scholarship to Ruskin College Oxford.
It was in Oxford he formed the Traditional Irish band Henry Marten's Ghost and started writing songs in the late 1990s. A fascination with his country's musical history and a love of the stories that permeate its culture, bring an engaging authenticity to his songs.
Capturing the passion and contradiction of the people and places of Belfast has seen Padraig earn the reputation of a modern day Seanacha.
Not surprising perhaps, that he lists both the great Irish Tenor Josef Locke, and Belfast's Kathleen Largey among his key musical influences. Padraig's music has featured on TV and radio across the world.
He has opened shows for Finbar Furey, the Dubliners, Craobh Rua and has taken his individual brand of Irish music to audiences in France,Norway, Netherlands, Belgium and the Channel Islands, where he is a perennial visitor.

Swansea Centenary Song lyrics
In 1912 the Swans first played, At the Vetch Field by the sea.
The people came from all around, To join the Jack Army.
We play the finest football, The world has ever seen
From 4th to First in 4 Years And now were Premier League

Latest news from The Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Club at Pembrey, Llanelli
Huw Richards Cup (Men) - 1, Neil Roberts 83 - 15 = 68; 2,Mark O Sullivan, 79 - 10 = 69; 3, Bryan Williams 82 - 13 = 69.
Ladies Jubilee Trophy - 1, Yvonne Williams 100 - 25 = 75; 2, Olwen Davies 81 - 06 = 75; 3, Marie Hale 101 - 23 = 78.
Gold and Silver medals - (Ladies) - 1, Sally Forrester 67+71=138, 2, Catherine Jones 71+76=147; 3, Nia Greville 73+75=148.
Frank Maliphant Cup (Men) 1, Kevin Thomas 77 - 11 = 66; 2, Elliot Anderson 71 - 03 = 68; 3, Roger Bowen 78 - 09 = 69.
Alys M Jones Bogey Foursomes 1, Olwen Davies and Sally Forrester, 7 up (10); 2, Lynette Bassett and Fiona Halpin, 3 up (17); 3, Leena Lodha and Yvonne Williams, 1 up (23).
Medal 9 (Ladies) 1, Susan Collard 93 - 12 = 81; 2, Eleanor Roberts 103 - 22 = 81; 3, Jean Peace 107 - 25 = 82.
Forthcoming events at 'The Ash' -
Gold & Silver competition with Phil Elliott Singer/guitarist
Saturday 25th August 2012
Ladies Centenary Dinner with guest speaker Maureen Madill
Friday 12th October
Golf Ball at The Stradey Park Hotel with soul band Mojo
Friday 30th November 2012
Childrens Christmas party with entertainer
Monday 17th December
New years Eve buffet and DJ Lloyd Brady
New Years Eve

As an SME (small to medium-sized enterprise/business) your best hope for growth, possibly survival, may be investment for working capital and cash flow purposes.
It is openly acknowledged by funders and commentators alike that business growth is key to economic revival.
The common complaint of businesses however is that access to finance, or the lack of it, is the main barrier to achieving growth.
Recent Bank of England Trends in Lending reports said that access to credit was broadly unchanged for SMEs in the first half of 2012 and is set to remain that way.
Yet demand for funds from small businesses rose in the three months to the end of May according to the same report.
With bank term loan funding akin to gold dust, what options are there for SMEs that want to grow?
The Welsh Government has made funding available for SMEs, most recently its 40m SME Investment Fund administered by Finance Wales.
It is certainly the case that funding is available in Wales for SMEs that may not be available over the bridge. The availability of grant funding should also be explored as well as investment by private individuals such as business angels, local entrepreneurs and even family members.
Businesses need to be proactive in securing financial support by ensuring that the business is investment ready.
Whatever the nature of the funder, it will expect business owners to know their business and the market in which it operates.
A good business plan is essential.
The funder is likely to carry out due diligence - the funder will investigate the assets, liabilities, trading performance and finances of the business. This enables the funder to decide whether the business is a viable option for commercial investment.
To make your business as attractive as possible to funders some housekeeping may be needed:

• Ensure that books and records are up to date
• Produce timely and detailed financial information
• Know your customer and suppliers. Produce total sale and total purchases statistics
• Review and update terms and conditions of business
• Review and update employment contracts
• Prepare a schedule of assets owned or used by the busines
• Review the intellectual property rights used in the business. Check that the business owns the intellectual property rights and has protected them
• Ensure that the insurance policies maintained by the business are adequate

We have supported many businesses throughout the investment process and would be happy to talk to you should you have any queries on a free, no obligation basis. Please contact Betsan Powell on 01646 689332 or email Betsan.powell@qs-redkite.com .

About Betsan Powell . . .
I joined the firm as a partner in October 2010 after five years as partner at M&A Solicitors in Cardiff.
As a company and commercial specialist with over 12 years experience gained in commercial firms in London, Bristol and Cardiff, I have extensive experience in a wide range of corporate matters including share sale and purchase agreements, business transfers, joint ventures, equity investments, shareholder agreements and management buy outs. I also advise on transaction funding and stand alone debt facilities.
I also advises on commercial contracts including terms and conditions, supply and distribution agreements, outsourcing agreements and franchising. I have drafted and advised on the implementation of share option schemes including Enterprise Management Incentive schemes.
Described as trustworthy, accurate and efficient (Legal 500 2009) and strong in commercial negotiations (Legal 500 2010), I am a fluent Welsh speaker and advises several of my clients in Welsh.
Born and raised in Pembrokeshire, I have returned to my roots and settled in Efailwen. I enjoy walking my dog in the Preseli hills.

Nia Greville (above) saw her hopes of landing the Welsh Girls' Golf Championship end at the quarter-final stage.
The Ashburnham golfer reached the matchplay stages of the event at Cardiff after rounds of 83 and 72 saw her finish fourth in the qualifying tournament .
Greville won her last-16 match against Harrie Llewellyn of the Vale of Glamorgan 4&3, but came unstuck in the quarter-final when beaten 2&1 by Lottie Turner of Aberdovey.

The first students have signed up for a new, fast track course that will set them on the path to business greatness.
The Entrepreneurship Academy Wales is the first of its kind in Wales and is being endorsed by entrepreneur and Secret Millionaire Kevin Green, with further sponsorship support from Euros Jones-Evans from Telesgop, and Admiral Insurance.
The free, one year programme will lead to a BTEC qualification in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and is open to aspiring young business leaders aged between 16 and 19.
Delivered from the Innovation Foundry at the Dylan Thomas Centre, the Academy promotes a philosophy of learning by doing that sees students work alongside successful business figures, attend masterclasses, undertake work experience and ultimately start their own businesses.
The first four students to enrol are Joshua Dykes from Pontardawe, Geraint Vaughan and Jade Jones from Pontarddulais and Marissa Bartle from Llangennech.
Although they have very different business models in mind, from event management and photography to art and property development, all four agree on one thing - that this is an exciting, once in a lifetime opportunity.
Its a great feeling to be among the first students to sign up for the new Academy as there are only 16 places available in total, says Joshua. Having the support and guidance of Kevin Green and the other partners is an amazing opportunity for us and we cant wait to get started.
I personally would have benefitted from an initiative like this when I was in school, adds Kevin. With a lot of hard work and passion, these students will go on to become the business leaders of tomorrow and Im very proud to be involved and to be able to lend my support from the earliest stages of the process.
Today is the realisation of a dream that has been three years in the making, says Sue Poole, Education Enterprise Manager at Gower College Swansea, which is delivering the Academy. We are passionate about inspiring the next generation of young entrepreneurs from across Wales and are delighted to work alongside our partners to develop the talents of these exceptional young people.
The Academy also has the backing of Cllr Mike Day and Cllr Mitchell Theaker, who both spoke of the importance of encouraging the development of skills, initiative and drive in young people.
The Academy will be officially launched in the presence of Edwina Hart AM on 8 October at the Innovation Foundry at the Dylan Thomas Centre.
Anyone interested in enrolling on the Entrepreneurship Academy Wales or becoming a partner should contact Sue Poole on 01792 284000 or email sue.poole@gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk