Are you a budding ballad writer? If so, enter the Bro Beca Ballad Competition and join us in celebrating the history of the Rebecca Riots. On Friday, Mererid Hopwood, Tecwyn Ifan and Hywel Teifi Edwards joined local people from across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire at Caffi Beca in Efailwen to Launch the Bro Beca Ballad Competition. Back in November 2004, Hywel Teifi Edwards issued the challenge that the people of Wales should be inspired to compose new ballads to uphold the legend of Rebecca. At the launch, he reminded us that the legacy of Rebecca has just as much relevance today as it did in 1839. Mererid Hopwood highlighted the importance of remembering and celebrating Welsh history so that our unique heritage and culture is not lost to the ages. Tecwyn Ifan inspired those present by performing a number of ballads which told the story of Rebecca, including one of his own compositions, 'Ysbryd Rebecca - The Spirit of Rebecca'. The Bro Beca Ballad Competition will take place at Bloomfield House, Narberth, on Friday, November 4, at 7 pm. The competition is open to people of all ages and has categories in both Welsh and English. Merêd Evans, Phyllis Kinney, Robyn Tomos and Tegwyn Jones will judge the competition. The theme of your ballad must be based on the history of the Rebecca Riots and set to an existing melody. You will be required to perform your ballad in person or to arrange for someone to sing on your behalf. Texaco have kindly sponsored all the prizes for the youth competition. Local businesses and organisations, including Ivor Rees and Son, Richards Bros, Young Bros and Menter Iaith Sir Benfro, have given sponsorship towards the prizes for the adult competition. Closing date for entries is Friday, October 21. For more information about the Bro Beca Ballad Competition and to receive a registration form, or if you would like to sponsor a prize, please contact Sarah Pugh at PLANED in Narberth on 01834 862105 or [email protected]">[email protected]. Details are also available on the website http://www.brobeca.co.uk">www.brobeca.co.uk • Bro Beca is a joint community heritage project between ACTT in St. Clears and PLANED in Narberth and is part funded by the European Union EAGGF Objective 1.