FOUR local groups that are helping keep Welsh traditions alive have been given a cash boost from Haverfordwest Town Council.

Glan Cleddau Dancers, Harmony Choir, Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir and Haverfordwest Ladies’ Choir all received a cheque for £200 from the council on Friday (March 28).

Representing the Glan Cleddau dancers, Betty Howells said the money would be used to help pay for the traditional Welsh costumes the group wears. Made to measure using traditional flannel woven in Cardigan, Betty said the costumes were very expensive.

The group, which meets at 8pm every Thursday at Camrose Community Centre, has around 25 members and regularly competes at the National Eisteddfod.

Betty said it was important that traditional folk dancing was not forgotten, so the group also visits local schools and works with Young Farmers groups.

“We’re passing it on so it’s not it’s not just kept in one area,” she added.

Chairman of Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir, Graham Owen, said the money would help fund the day-to-day running of the choir, which meets every Monday at 8pm in St Martins Church.

“It’s like a second family,” he said. “You get a lot of pleasure from singing in all sorts of wonderful places. We’ve sang at the Royal Albert Hall, the Millennium Stadium, and made friends all over the world.”

Accepting the cheque on behalf of Haverfordwest Ladies’ Choir, Margaret Mills said she would encourage anyone to join. “It’s lovely, singing as a group, really uplifting,” she said.

The choir’s next performance will be at St Mary’s Church, on Friday, April 11.