Mid Wales heritage trust’s open afternoon will feature a live musical performance

A Mid Wales heritage trust’s open afternoon will start with a live musical performance.

Abbey Cwmhir Heritage Trust will host a musical performance by Saffyre called ‘Hints of Wales’ at St Mary’s Church in Abbeycwmhir on Saturday, May 16 at 2pm.

Saffyre was formed in early summer 2025 after Diana and Helen met to play chamber music, and it was clear that they had a similar approach to the expression of the dots!

Both classically trained, but also skilled in other genres such as jazz, blues, folk, etc., their programmes reflect their eclectic skills and are full of surprises and unusual elements Their first gig as background music came only three months into the partnership and as a result of this performance came the first Concert entitled ‘The Elements’.

It was a resounding success and a Christmas Concert entitled ‘A Christmas Treasure Trove’ followed. More recently Saffyre have performed for a Valentine’s Sushi event.

Helen Wilding B.Ed Hons, LGSM, Dip. SH. is a classically trained violinist, pianist and viola player who has extensive experience in all genres.

She was principal violinist in various orchestras and ensembles in Gloucestershire in the '80s and '90s, and has performed with folk and jazz bands as well as recording as a session musician.

Helen is currently a member of jazz trio Hot Club Collective, violin and guitar duo Vegan Vampires, Midlands based The Film Orchestra and medieval trio Fleurs de Lys.

Diana Poole ALCM, LLCM(TD) is a classically trained cellist and self-taught wind instrument player. Her past musical experience includes performing as a Wandering Minstrel and Character Musician at Warwick Castle and a member of Oxfordshire-based folk group Magpie Lane.

Diana is currently a ceilidh caller with her own band Longdogs & local band Sir Dancelot. She is also a member of The Film Orchestra.

Saffyre can be found on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/saffyre.778151

After the performance there will be light refreshments in the nearby Philips Hall, Abbeycwmhir.

Parking and toilet facilities will be available throughout the afternoon at Philips Hall.

At 4pm the trust will hold a short annual general meeting .

Whilst voting will be restricted to members, all are welcome to stay for this, as members will briefly showcase their previous year’s activities and describe the forward programme.

In order to manage the seating capacity in the church and catering, the trust would be grateful if people would book your attendance at Saffyre’s performance through Eventbrite with a minimum donation of £1

If you only wish to attend our AGM, then you do not need to book.

More information and the booking link for Eventbrite: is at https://abbeycwmhir.org/events/hints-of-wales-saffyre/