Pugh lends a hand to boost unique CD

04 Jan 2010

Pugh Computers, one of the country’s leading suppliers of discount software for education, charities and students is located at the heart of one of Wales’ most musical parishes. And anyone wanting proof of that statement need look no further than a brand-new CD launched at the National Trust property of Llanerchaeron on 15th December, which features the voices and talents of individuals from the parish of Llansanffraed in Ceredigion.

The CD features a unique duet between Catrin Finch, who was raised in Llan-non and Tommi Jones, and octogenarian hand-saw player. Their take on the Welsh folk song ‘Yr Eneth Gath ei Gwrthod’ will feature on Lleisiau Llansanffraed (The Voices of Llansanffraed) alongside other local artists including singers Dafydd and Gwawr Edwards, Ifor Lloyd and even the Chief Executive of Ceredigion County Council reciting extracts of the late John Roderick Rees’ works, himself a native of the area. 

Not only are the CD’s performances from the Llansanffraed area, the production was also undertaken by local label Troedyrhiw. One of the area’s largest employers is Pugh Computers and they too are playing a large part in ensuring the CD’s success by hosting the launch at Llanerchaeron.

“As one of the country’s leading suppliers of discount computer software for education, charities and students, we feel strongly about supporting initiatives that make a real difference on the ground,” said Jeffrey Pugh, Managing Director of Pugh Computers. “The Urdd, as an organisation touches the lives of almost all of us at the company in one way or another and we’re delighted to be supporting the launch of this unique CD which features so much local talent and will help towards funding the Urdd National Eisteddfod which will be held in Llanerchaeron next year.

“The local element is always important to us as a company which is why it’s wonderful to see a community such as ours come together to produce a CD of such high standard. The CD is a great achievement for a small community. It features twenty-two performing artists as well as local children. Everyone has worked very hard and I wish them every success,” concluded Jeffrey Pugh.

The CD, the brainchild of local musician Gerallt Lewis was launched on Tuesday, 15 December at the National Trust property of Llanerchaeron and one who is looking forward to seeing and hearing the CD for himself is Tommi Jones.

Tommi, who lives in Penuwch has been playing the hand-saw since 1947. He was introduced to the instrument while serving in the army in India. “We had lots of performing artists come out to India to entertain the troops,” explained Tommi who is 88 years old. “Gracie Fields was one and we also had individual musicians from the Liverpool Symphony Orchestra. One of those brought out a hand saw during the performance and started to play. I decided then and there that I’d give it a try when I returned to Wales.

“I bought my first saw from a music shop in Aberystwyth but it wasn’t any good as it would jump an octave without warning. So I was told to go to the Co-op, which I did and I still play the saw I bought from there in 1950.”

Tommi admits he was more than a little nervous at the proposition of a duet with Catrin. “I was very nervous as Catrin is such an accomplished musician. But I didn’t have to worry because the saw has a lyrical quality and it’s enhanced by the melodic harp. Once the recording had taken place I felt very proud and honoured to have had the opportunity to work with Catrin and I’d like to thank Gerallt Lewis and his brother Euros. Without them, this wouldn’t have happened,” he said.

Catrin Finch was raised in the village of Llan-non and she was delighted to be part of this compilation CD and to duet with Tommi. She said, “It was a really interesting project. I’d never played with the saw before. Tommi recorded his piece first and the track was brought to our music studio, Acapela in Pentyrch for me to record the harp accompaniment.”