St David’s Day: Music for wellbeing groups perform tunes that ‘strengthen your soul’

A free St David’s Day concert was performed by wellbeing music groups in New Tredegar.

The event included musical performances from music for wellbeing groups which are run in the area by the social enterprise, RecRock, and took place at the Whiterose Centre on March 1. 

Music by The Police, The Beatles and The Foundations was performed – there was also a rendition of Yma O Hyd.

A number of singers and bands took part. One of the participants, Lee Turner, told Caerphilly Observer more about the concert and RecRock in general. 

“It’s amazing how just listening to them sing then puts a smile on your face,” said Lee about the performances that had just come to an end. “Music does uplift,” he added. 

Lee attends free music sessions run by RecRock in New Tredegar every Tuesday with project leader Dan Fitzgerald.

“I’m part of the group that comes here on a Tuesday with Dan,” said Lee, “I love coming because I think it strengthens your soul.

“If you’re feeling down on a Tuesday when you get up and you come here and you have a little sing-song – it’s fab,” added Lee. 

Lee sang as part of a band in front of a good turnout – with several audience members eating Welsh cakes and even sporting Welsh rugby tops.  

RecRock is a social enterprise which was founded in 2012 and aims to help people “improve their skills and confidence through music and other creative activities”.

RecRock runs sessions, workshops and creative community projects throughout Caerphilly County Borough including a venture that saw Lee and his music group make an album of original songs called Chapters.

RecRock runs free music sessions open to all in New Tredegar at the Whiterose centre on Tuesdays from 1pm to 3pm and on Fridays in Rhymney Day Centre from 10am to 12pm.