BEREAVEMENT - Regrettably, many senior members of our Village and the surrounding Community will have heard with sadness, of the death of a highly esteemed, popular and friendly personage - our former local Pharmacist - the late David Islwyn James (Dai) - The Chemist, Cross Hands Square who died on Friday, December 27 at Prince Phillip Hospital following a short illness. He was 80 years old.

Dai was born and lived his lifetime in Llanelli and following his Education and Qualification in a Pharmaceutical Career, he initially secured employment in the Boots Pharmaceutical Franchise before accepting a "locum" Dispensing Pharmacist vacancy at our Cross Hands Business premises upon the death in 1961 or our former Pharmacist Mr Davies following which, the existing Business continued under the ownership of his late wife Mrs Davies with the Dispensing Activity undertaken by David for the next 12 months.

Following this interim period, David took over the Lease of the Business in 1962 and continued sole operation until his Retirement from our local Pharmacy and wide spread Community area in September 2002 - a Community which he served with dedication, care, sympathy, kindness, friendship and true professionalism, a Gentleman indeed and he will be sorely missed and a true reflection of his character was relayed during the reading of a personal Eulogy Poem which was written and presented to him upon his retirement in 2002.

A loving father, father-in-law and adored Tadcu, our sincere sympathy is extended to his son Christopher, daughters Jennifer and Kathryn, daughter-in-law Mary and grandchildre Hannah-Mair and Peredur.

The public funeral service was undertaken at Greenfield Baptist Chapel, Llanelli, this being followed by internment at the Llanelli District Cemetery on Monday, January 6.

COUNTRY & WESTERN - Organised as over previous years by Gareth Lloyd Williams, the first monthly Country Music and Dancing event of the New Year 2014, was held at the Tumble Hall premises on Friday, January 3 adopting a New Year Party theme and was accompanied by the serving of a carvery meal, courtesy of Mandy Davies and her team, "the Organisers" of the Tumble Luncheon Club franchise. The evening entertainment was provided by Guest Artistes: Independent Vocalist/Musician Rob Allen, believed to be drawn from the Cardiff area and the Musical/Vocal Duo "Saloon Drifters", who were understood to have travelled to Tumble from Derby, North of England. A varied musical programme ensued interspersed with many humorous periods executed by the Guest Duo and his programme gained the full support of the large attendant audience both in terms of applause and dancers, giving rise to an enjoyable evening event.

It is understood from the official forthcoming County Music and Dancing programme listings, that an additional event has been arranged at Tumble Hall for Friday, January 17 (usual starting time of 8pm) and which is due to feature 2 individual Guest Artistes Vocalist Huw Evans and Vocalist/Musician Ian Roberts.

This event is to be confirmed hopefully before the column publication but enquiries can be made to Gareth Lloyd Williams on (01269) 842658.

However, the "Official Monthly" Country Music/Dance event, organised by Gareth, for the month of February is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 7 at Tumble Hall premises to start at 8pm doors of venue opening at 7.15pm. Tickets are available and further information can be had from Gareth on (01269) 842658.

The entertainment is scheduled to be provided by the two individual Guest Artistes Mark Brown and also Marty Smith, both of whom are making return visits to the Tumble Country Music venue.

CONVALESCENT - Having responded well to intensive treatment in hospital, Mr Brin Davies, of Pontardulais Road, has returned home to complete his convalescence. Continued speedy recovery sentiments are expressed to him.