Several years ago, Hermon YFC didn’t have enough members to compete in the Federation pantomime competition. But how things have changed! Hermon YFC has this year won the All Wales YFC Welsh Pantomime competition held at the Grand Theatre, Swansea and celebrations are still on-going!

Described as ‘fantastic’ by judge Gillian Elisa, the pantomime called ‘Helynt Hari’ – saw member Ffion Phillips winning the Best Actress Award as well as the Wales Junior Member of the year earlier in the day. Hermon YFC also won the award for the Best Technical Performance and the Club was awarded the FUW Welsh Royal Crystal Trophy.

13 clubs representing 10 different county federations throughout Wales took part at the weekend, six in the Welsh competition and seven in the English and each one eager to clinch trophies for their trophy cabinet. Gillian Elisa was tasked with the difficult job of judging the Welsh section where the Bryn Teifi trophy was awarded to Hermon YFC.

Club secretary Rhodri Lewis was overwhelmed with the result as this was the first time the Club had won such an accolade.

‘ Three years ago we competed in Llandudno having won at county level, and it was a bit of fun. This year was different and we went for it. We didn’t expect to win and the judge was critical of the other acts, and I began to worry. Then when our Club name was called out as winners, it was just class!’ said a delighted Rhodri.

And one of the Club members, Stacy Fletcher added:

‘ The atmosphere was electric! There was lots of screaming, cheering and hugging followed by a standing ovation. It is also an amazing achievement as only a few years ago the Club didn’t have enough members to put on a panto!’

‘ Helynt Hari’ was written by Cefin Vaughan, originally from Blaenffos and the music and songs composed by Jason Lye Phillips of Llanfyrnach. If you haven’t had the opportunity of seeing this wonderful pantomime, it will be performed again on Monday, March 23rd at Theatr y Gromlech, Crymych starting at 7.30pm. For tickets, contact Hermon YFC secretary, Rhodri Lewis on 07891 922210. Adult tickets are £5 each and tickets for children of junior school age only £3.