Secretary of State for Wales constituencies dwindled almost to zero, the office fell into disrepute. Nicholas Edwards, MP for Pembrokeshire, held the post for eight years. On his departure, the government ceased to look within Wales for the Secretary of State, and the post was increasingly used as a way of getting junior high-fliers into the Cabinet. John Redwood in particular caused embarrassment when he publicly demonstrated his inability to sing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau", the Welsh national anthem, at a conference. The introduction of the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Government, after the devolution referendum of 1997, was the beginning of a
Maesteg Noteworthy mixed choir, and Take Note contemporary vocal group, the most untraditional of the Maesteg choirs. Maesteg Children's Choir hosts many concerts throughout the year, and Curtain Up Youth Theatre has been performing musicals since the turn of the millennium. Maesteg Amateur Operatic Society recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. The Llynfi Valley Amateur Dramatic Society has been performing plays in Maesteg Town Hall for 35 years. Artist Christopher Williams was born in Maesteg in 1873. Six of his paintings are on display in Maesteg Town Hall. The Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was first performed in Maesteg, in