Neath - St David's Church Lighting
Her voice can light up a room, now mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins has returned to her musical roots to see the new state of the art lighting system in her local church.
The Neath born opera singer paid a visit to St David's Church, which has had its lighting system replaced and upgraded thanks to a £50,000 from WREN.
The new computer controlled lighting system - which includes 12 3ft wide suspended bronze pendants - can create a range of theatre style effects, for use during plays, concerts and other events.
Katherine Jenkins said," Having been a chorister here at St David's church for over ten years I am thrilled to see the improvements made by the new lighting which has been made possible thanks to the grant from WREN.
"The church was already a focal point of the town and it can now expand its role in the community even further by holding a range of events.
"St David's will always hold a special place in my heart; it's where I learnt to sing and where a lot of significant things in my life have happened."
The new lighting system will enhance the church's use as a venue that is already popular for concerts and dramatics as well as being used by choirs, schools and many other groups. The new lights will also highlight the fantastic features of this historic listed building."
Over the past three years the gothic style church has undergone major programme of renovation and remodelling costing over £200,000.
The stone façade has been expertly cleaned, while the alterations to the building's layout have resulted in a multi-functional and more user-friendly space including a kitchen and toilet.
A stage area has been created which is perfect for a variety of activities such as plays and concerts, and new 'comfy' seating has replaced the rows of pews.
"Situated in the centre of Neath, St David's is very much at the heart of the town, and we are conscious of trying to make the church more user-friendly for the whole community," says Canon Stephen Ryan, Rector of Neath.
"It is fitting that the new lighting is the final piece in the jigsaw, as it highlights all the work that has been done.
"It has all been a very big project but very worth it and I would like to thank all those who have worked so hard making the plans a reality."