Show Notes
Richard LIttledale and a panel of guests look at the subject of friendship. What is it? Why does it matter? And what, if anything, does faith have to say about it? All these questions may matter now more than ever, with figures released from the Office of National Statistics reporting that almost one in four adults in the UK feel lonely. Richard is joined by: Bernice Mia, the Founder of the Faith and Friendship community. The Reverend Dr Rob Beamish, a Baptist Minister in Colwyn Bay. Bethany Bell, a canine behaviourist. Dr Katherine Davies, a sociologist from the University of Sheffield who specialises in personal relationships.
More from All Things Considered
As the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan Disaster approaches, Jonathan Thomas hears powerful first-hand memories from two people whose lives were shaped by that tragic day. Retired Methodist minister Rev Irving Penberthy recalls ministering to families in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, while Gareth Davies, who was just five years old and a pupil at Pantglas School, reflects on his experiences as a survivor. Together they explore how faith, community and resilience helped Aberfan endure its darkest days, and what those memories mean six decades on. Featuring reflections inspired by the exhibition Aberfan 60: The Days After, this programme offers a moving and thoughtful look at suffering and faith.
Black History month often looks back at struggle, but what would flourishing look like now? For the discussion, Azim Ahmed is joined by: Molara Awen - Pembrokeshire lead of Black History 365 Cymru Father Jarel Robinson-Brown - Vicar of St German’s Church in Adamsdown, Cardiff. Sandra Smith - Welshpool-based Director of Women of Colour in Public Service and co-author of the book: 'The Burden of One - Driving Systemic Change and Empowerment for Women of Colour in Public Services'
This year marks five decades since the death of the pianist, composer and conductor, Meirion Williams. From Dyffryn Ardudwy, Gwynedd - his music has been performed by artists including Sir Bryn Terfel and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. He mostly worked in London and was the organist for St Benet’s Welsh Church in the nineteen sixties and seventies. While there he wrote a Missa Cambrensis, a mass, but the composition was then lost and it was feared that it would never be heard again. Through complete chance it was found recently. It will be performed for the first time in decades in a special anniversary concert on Saturday 3rd October at The Borough Welsh Chapel in London. Rosa Hunt finds out how the missing mass was rediscovered and talks to the people who found it and members of the choir who are are performing it for the first time in fifty years.