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Wales Online
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Man makes unearthly music from household objects with hilarious results
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A wacky musician who wowed Britain's Got Talent (BGT) judges had pensioners in stitches. Dennis Frere-Smith moved from the sublime to the ridiculous when performing in Caernarfon, Gwynedd. After a rousing rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In, the veteran entertainer put aside his trumpet to produce some unearthly but hilarious tunes on a teapot, a garden hose and even a shower head. The routine, which also included a sink plunger and watering can, was similar to the one that won him acclaim on BGT last year. After initially rolling his eyes, judge Simon Cowell gave him a standing ovation. At the time, Amanda noted: 'It just reminded me of good old fashioned entertainment. There is no other show on earth where you'd be able to play a hosepipe – perfect for Britain's Got Talent.' There was also a thumbs-up from fellow judge Alesha Dixon but Bruno Tonioli described Dennis's performance as a 'waste of wind'. Dennis advanced onto the following round and performed his routine on the famous London Palladium stage - but he failed to reach the show's semi-finals. Despite this, his crowd-pleasing performance at Pendine Park's Bryn Seiont care home in Caernarfon was definitely a Golden Buzzer moment. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community Among those to get out of her seat was Betty Driver, 87, a former professional dancer who often performed at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. 'That was a great show, I really enjoyed it,' she enthused. 'I couldn't help but get up and dance to some of the songs.' (Image: Mandy Jones) Dennis sang and played a selection of hits ranging from Frank Sinatra to Bobby Darin and Cliff Richard. He also performed a medley of wartime songs in preparation for VE Day in May. 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary' had a special meaning for Ethna Williams, originally from County Dublin, Ireland, who latterly lived near Holyhead. She said: 'It was lovely to hear him sing and especially when he came up to me (during the song) and held my hand.' Former police officer David Edwards, from Dolwyddelan, near Blaenau Ffestiniog, correctly identified the opening bars of 'Bring Me Sunshine', a song regularly sung by comic duo Morecambe and Wise on their TV shows. He then joined Dennis to recreate the dance Eric and Ernie did as they left the stage. 'I enjoyed Dennis' singing very much,' he said. 'He's got a very fine voice and he's a very talented musician.' (Image: Mandy Jones) Dennis, from Norfolk, rounded off his hour-long session with a stirring version of You'll Never Walk Alone. Now in his late-60s, Dennis joined the Scots Guards as a musician on leaving school and later became a teacher before becoming a full-time musician and entertainer. He said: 'I was teaching music at a school in Buckinghamshire and was asked to take a group to entertain at a care home. There was no one available so I went along and did it myself – and I've been visiting care homes ever since. 'My mother is now in her 90s and I know how much pleasure elderly people get from music. I enjoyed performing for the residents here in Caernarfon very much, they were a great audience.' (Image: Mandy Jones) Dennis said his BGT appearance last year had since given him new ideas for his act. 'Amanda Holden challenged me to play When the Saints Go Marching In and go faster and faster – and with other instruments,' he said. 'So I've prepared a backing track with the help of my son and added a watering can and a funnel to the others that I play. I'm hoping to develop a new show for the theatre and cruise ships market.' Nia Davies Williams is Bryn Seiont Newydd's musician in residence. She was blown away by the performance, saying it evoked happy musical memories for the residents. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'The effect of music is well known,' she said. 'It seems to linger longer even among those for whom a simple conversation seems to be very difficult. Having Dennis her to sing those old familiar songs from their earlier years does the residents the power of good.' Look for places near you
North Wales Chronicle
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales care home enjoys visit from former BGT contestant
Dennis Frere-Smith, who impressed judges on the ITV talent show, visited Bryn Seiont care home in Caernarfon to entertain residents. He started his performance with a rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In on the trumpet, before dancing with some of the residents. Residents Barbara Kealy, Hefina Williams, Kathleen Taylor, and Sylvia Webb all enjoying the performance (Image: Mandy Jones) Dennis then swapped his trumpet for a teapot, a garden hose, and a shower head, to play music for the residents. The performance was the same one that wowed the judges on Britain's Got Talent last year. Amanda Holden said at the time: "It just reminded me of good old-fashioned entertainment. "There is no other show on earth where you'd be able to play a hosepipe – perfect for Britain's Got Talent. "I'm going to kick this off with a yes." Dennis Frere-Smith playing a tune with the shower hose (Image: Mandy Jones) Simon Cowell added: "I'm definitely saying yes." There was also a thumbs up from fellow judge Alesha Dixon but Bruno Tonioli described Dennis's performance as a "waste of wind". He advanced onto the following round and performed his routine on the famous London Palladium stage but failed to reach the semi-finals of the show. But it was definitely a Golden Buzzer moment for the residents and staff of Bryn Seiont Newydd who hailed Dennis as a "musical maestro". Resident Betty Driver gets out of her chair to dance and sing, watched by Audrey Phillips (Image: Mandy Jones) Betty Driver, 87, said: "That was a great show, I really enjoyed it. "I couldn't help but get up and dance to some of the songs." Dennis also sang a medley of wartime songs in preparation for VE Day in May. Ethna Williams, who is originally from County Dublin, Ireland, said: "It was lovely to hear him sing and especially when he came up to me (during the song) and held my hand." Dennis Frere-Smith plays a tune with the tea pot (Image: Mandy Jones) Former police officer David Edwards, from Dolwyddelan near Blaenau Ffestiniog, said: "I enjoyed Dennis' singing very much, he's got a very fine voice and a very talented musician." Dennis, who hails from Norfolk, was visiting North Wales when he called into Bryn Seiont Newydd. Read more: Couple one step away from winning 'dream' Eryri farm! He said: "I love performing as a solo musician and an entertainer in many different settings and enjoy giving happiness to other people in the process. "My mother is now in her 90s and I know how much pleasure elderly people get from music. "I enjoyed performing for the residents here in Caernarfon very much, they were a great audience."
Western Telegraph
24-04-2025
- Health
- Western Telegraph
Paul Sartori Foundation announces Death Matters Week events
The Paul Sartori Foundation is organising these events during Dying Matters Week 2025. The week will start with a concert at St Mary's Church, Haverfordwest, on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 1pm. The event will feature performances by the Paul Sartori Community Choir and will serve as a platform to highlight the importance of end-of-life conversations. The concert aims to bring the community together through music, creating a supportive environment to discuss topics often considered taboo. Continuing the week's events, the foundation will host an information and activities day on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 10am to 2.30pm at The Third Place in Milford Haven. The event, in conjunction with PAVS and Pembrokeshire County Council, will provide attendees with access to resources and discussions focused on end-of-life planning, bereavement support, and the services offered by the Future Care Planning department at the Paul Sartori Foundation. There is also a guided walk and a craft area for creative expression. The day is designed to educate individuals to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care. On Friday, May 9, 2025, the foundation will host "The Dead Good Quiz," a fun and competitive event in the relaxed setting of Yr Hen Ysgol, Dinas Cross. Participants can attend individually or as part of a team, enjoying a fun-filled quiz night that combines entertainment with meaningful discussion. This event exemplifies the foundation's commitment to making end-of-life conversations more accessible and less daunting for the community. These events have been instigated by the Future Care Planning department at Paul Sartori. Mandy Jones, who works on the project in the community, said: "Having a future care plan in place means that you can take charge of what happens to you should you become seriously unwell and are unable to express your wishes. "It also gives guidance to families and helps ease stress at a very difficult time. "These community events aim to inform and empower people to have autonomy over their future health and wellbeing." For more information about these events and the services provided by the Paul Sartori Foundation, visit their website.
