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 Last updated 05/02/2012

Well done, Kate Harwood 

CONGRATULATIONS!

Young singer's success

Japanese film crew visits the Choir

Choristers enter Parkinsons UK Bike Ride.

Choir wins prize at Gŵyl Fawr Ceredigion.
See our CONCERT REPORTS page.

TV appearance for the Choir.

Carol Joseph's photos of Llanfair Caereinion
are now on Click on the logo.

Urdd Eisteddfod

Newest chorister.

The Choir is now available to sing at WEDDINGS and PRIVATE FUNCTIONS. Contact our 
Concert Secretary, Roy Richards.

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LOOK!

Our LATEST CD is available here now!
Go to our "RECORDINGS" page for sound clips and
details of how to buy online.

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Saturday 18th February,
Sacred Heart Centre, Morriston, Swansea.

Plus some exciting concerts coming up later this year -

Monday 5th March
Saturday 19th May
Saturday 16th June
Saturday 30th June

KATE HARWOOD

Congratulations to Kate, the daughter and niece of two of our choristers, on being accepted for the National Youth Choir of Wales. 
The entry criteria are quite stringent, and after hearing her performances with our choir, we are sure she will be a great success. The Youth Choir is due to perform in the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in 2012, so we wish Kate a happy and fulfilling association with her new venture.

CONGRATULATIONS

Some happier news this week, as John and Brenda Edwards celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary with an evening at Morriston Golf Club. Amid the partying, they raised funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.
John is the Choir's Librarian and a former Chairman, and his years of devoted service were recognised last year when he was made a Life Member. He keeps a close eye on our sheet music, and woe betide anyone who claims to have mislaid their copies!
After 2 years in the RAF, in 1949 John joined a local sheet metal fabricating company as a welder, and eventually became Managing Director of its subsidiary company before retiring after 49 years service. After bringing up their children, Brenda joined the company as a clerk and worked there for 12 years. 
We wish them many more years of happiness and good health, with their two children, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren to keep them young at heart.

Paul Watkins

 It was with great sadness and shock that we learned of the sudden death on Tuesday 13th September of Paul, son of our General Secretary, J. Layton Watkins and his wife Gwen. 
The large number of mourners who attended his funeral were a testament to the esteem and affection felt for Paul and his family, and we hope that this and the messages of condolence and sympathy from their many friends and contacts in the Male Choir world in Wales and beyond will help Layton, Gwen, Jason and Debra, and Paul's family at this extremely sad and distressing time. Every parent will feel a special bond with them, and share some of their sense of loss and grief. 

Young Singer's Success

The Choir would like to congratulate Kate Harwood on yet more Eisteddfod success. Kate has sung with us several times and we have watched her progress with interest and pride, especially as both her father and uncle are members.
This time, at the recent Lampeter Eisteddfod, Kate won the Girl's Solo 15 - 19yrs and the Folk Song 12 - 19yrs

Visit from Japanese TV crew
Friday 19th August 2011

A London-based film crew who provide the Japanese national TV company NHK with their news items from the UK visited us at our practice to film some material for their forthcoming programme about Swansea and the success of its football team. We sang "You'll Never Walk Alone" and a couple of musical show songs for them, and the many Swans supporters in the Choir broke into some of the more 'politically correct' songs associated with the club. They interviewed a couple of members to get a feel of what the Swans mean to the area. 
We probably will not see the completed programme, unless it appears via the internet, but we were happy to have helped to  publicise our city and our choir across Japan.

Parkinsons UK Bike Ride
Sunday 17th July, 2011

The Tour De France bike ride was taking place around the French Pyrenees and Alps, but meanwhile in Gower...

...in a magnificent effort, four Choir members, Messr's Huw James, Haydn Madoc, David Roper and Robert Harwood, completed the "Pedal for Parkinson's" 50-mile ride around Gower. These four were joined by guest rider Mr Keith Griffiths to make a formidable peleton. Battling against extremely challenging conditions, all five gave a good account of themselves and rode strongly throughout the day, not sparing their bodies in pursuit of their goal. In what was a very well-organised and well-run event, everyone finished safely and in a very respectable time.
Interviewed at the finish, team member David Roper, who was making a big effort in the 'King of the Mountains' category, but unfortunately, was hampered by the strong winds at the top of the high cols, said "My ar** is killing me and my legs are like jelly. I am definitely not up to going down the club tonight, but I'll be back next year, even stronger".

The four choristers will have jointly raised around £850 for Parkinson's UK and wish to thank sincerely everyone, particularly Choir members, who contributed so generously to that total.  

Photos of the Ride can be seen by clicking on our page.

TV Filming, Margam Park
Thursday, 28th July 2011

Later this year, ITV4 will be showing a series of programmes entitled "Ade In Britain" in which comedian and former "Young Ones" and "Bottom" star Adrian Edmondson will be travelling around Britain in a MINI towing a tiny caravan fitted with a kitchen. He will be investigating local customs and food, and preparing typical dishes at each of the 18/20 venues
The Choir was invited to provide local colour and a taste of Welsh culture by singing "Y Tangnefeddwyr" and "Calon Lân" while Ade prepared his dish. 
 On this beautiful sunny evening, before the recording commenced we were treated by the production team to tea, coffee and delicious cream cakes. Once the dish was ready Ade invited Roy Lewis and Seiriol Evans to sample it and comment on his cooking. We expect the series to be screened towards the end of his year, and we believe our contribution will bring it to a close. We will update when we know exactly.
Adrian is also a member of The Bad Shepherds group who play Punk music on Folk instruments! 

Linda Harwood has supplied some photos of the evening, which can be viewed on Flickr by clicking HERE.

Urdd Eisteddfod
Velindre, Swansea. 30th May to 5th June

Congratulations to all those connected with the Choir who participated in the Eisteddfod. These included our Musical Director D. Huw Rees, Deputy MD Helen Wyn, Deputy Accompanist Rhiannon Pritchard, and one of our favourite soloists, Kate Harwood (Mezzo Soprano). 
Huw provided piano accompaniment for various soloists, Helen adjudicated many competitions, and Kate won first prize in the Girls' Solo under 19 yrs.
Rhiannon was kept busy accompanying and singing in the opening Concert on Sunday evening.
Our Chairman Seiriol Evans has been busy for many months with his local committee, raising funds and making arrangements, and several choristers acted as voluntary stewards during the week. 
Well done all of you for making the Eisteddfod's visit to our own "back yard" a successful one.

Newest chorister.

The Choir has recently extended the age differential between our oldest and youngest members to 76 years! 

15-year-old Jonathan Nicholas has just joined us in the Bass Section, and we hope his association with the Choir will be a long and happy one. Jonathan has already displayed his musical talents by playing some Chopin and Beethoven pieces at the end of choir practice, and he couldn't resist the opportunity to try the instrument in the Selwyn Samuel Centre after the Llanelli Proms. 
(Baritone Percy Morgan is our oldest member at the age of 91, but he can still run rings round many a younger man.)

NEW TENOR FOR ANNUAL CONCERT - Saturday 2nd April

Friday 1st April 2011. Following the late withdrawal of Wynne Evans due to the loss of his singing voice yesterday, we have been most fortunate to acquire the services of internationally-known Welsh tenor Adriano Graziani. He will be singing some of the lighter pieces from Wynne's intended programme plus favourite operatic arias, and we are sure that our audience will be thrilled by his performance. 
Adriano has sung and won prizes in the USA and Europe, and he continues to develop under Dennis O'Neill.
More information can be found on his website www.adrianograziani.com

BANNER ADVERTISING FOR
ANNUAL CONCERT

ANNUAL DINNER, 
26th February 2011

This year's Annual Dinner was held at the Dragon Hotel, Swansea, and among our guests were our Vice Presidents Lord Swansea, Phil Robbins, and Hywel Lewis. Unfortunately our President Huw Tregelles Williams was not able to join us this year as he had already promised to host a Cancer Charity function - one of the difficulties of being such a sought-after speaker.

After an excellent dinner, served with style and efficiency by the attentive staff, we were entertained by a delightful singer who most of us had not heard before, although a few older members have played a part in her education over the years. Rhisian (Miles) is the grand-daughter of our top tenor Norman James, and she is currently attending a music course in college.   Accompanied by Ashley Wilks she demonstrated her versatility and range as she delighted us with a selection of traditional Welsh airs and songs from West End shows. Last year 16-year-old Kate Harwood sang for us, and subsequently joined us in concerts, so perhaps we will be seeing Rhysian again before long. There is a wealth of local young talent and we are only too happy to help further their musical careers in this way.

As usual the Grand Raffle raised and dashed expectations as prizes were won - or not! We thank all those members and wives who brought prizes, and especially the Dragon Hotel for their donation of a dinner for two in their restaurant.

Rhysian with  Ashley Wilks.

Choristers and guests.

Lord & Lady Swansea with Layton Watkins,  Choir Secretary.

Chairman, Seiriol Evans with Lord & Lady  Swansea.

Linda Harwood, Layton Watkins, and Marilyn Evans  in charge of the raffle.

Another Prize Winner

ANNUAL CONCERT

16th February 2011 - revised 1st April.
Due to the forthcoming refurbishment of Tabernacle Chapel our ANNUAL CONCERT will be earlier than usual this year. The new date is 2nd April, and we will be welcoming two excellent guest stars.
Unfortunately, Wynne Evans has had to pull out of the concert at the last minute, having lost his singing voice after the many interviews and appearances following the success of his new CD. However, we have been extremely fortunate to have acquired the services of internationally-known Welsh tenor Adriano Graziano.
We are delighted that Soprano Céline Forrest will be joining us again following her successful Brittany tour with us last October.
Tickets are £5, £8, and £10, and are available from the Principality Building Society in Morriston, Gary Nicholas on 01792 774862, or from choristers. It promises to be an evening to remember.

TV RECORDING

16th February 2011 - 
Our recent recording of the Choir singing Eric Jones's arrangement of Waldo Williams's "Y Tangefeddwyr/The Peacemakers" will be screened on S4C's 'Wedi 7' programme on Friday 18th February (repeated 1.25 pm Monday 21st), when the programme commemorates the February 1941 blitz of Swansea. 230 people lost their lives and there were many injured as the heart of the town was destroyed
The Choir's CD recording of this poignant song was used on S4C's recent programme 'Straeon Tafarn', when Dewi Pws visited the Queen's Hotel in the former docks area of the city, which suffered so much damage. 
The plan is to film the Choir singing outside Swansea Castle, but if it is wet we will be inside St. Mary's Church, which was practically destroyed in the Blitz. The Choir's CD version with appropriate photographic accompaniment can be heard on YouTube HERE and HERE, 

22nd December 2010.
We were saddened to hear of the death today of  Howard (Howie) Griffiths who sang in our Top Tenor section. Funeral at Swansea Crematorium, Tuesday 11th January, 12.00 noon.

RECENT PRESENTATIONS

On 3rd November the Choir's Chairman Seiriol Evans presented D. Huw Rees and Hywel Evans with commemorative glass paper weights in appreciation of our successful tour to Brittany.

On 10th November the Choir's President, Huw Tregelles Williams, presented First Aid certificates to the choristers who had completed the course.

D.Huw Rees & Hywel Evans with Seiriol Evans

The successful 
First Aiders with Huw Tregelles Williams

VICE CHAIRMAN ATTEMPTS THE VENTOUX

Our Vice Chairman and keen cyclist Bob Harwood has recently returned from a holiday in southern France, during which he tackled the dreaded Ventoux, otherwise known as Le Géant de Provence. This is one of the most feared ascents on the Tour de France, on which Tommy Simpson met his demise, and Bob has now tackled it twice. Although not quite a pensioner (unless you include his company pension), Bob took early retirement this year and you can find out if he made it HERE.  

For all you technical buffs, the bike Bob was riding is a Scott CR1 Pro, carbon frame, Shimano Ultegra group set, 30 gears, front triple 30/39/53T, 12-27T cassette, 700 x 23 Mavic Ksyrium wheels - and a neat white paint job!

DOUG BODICOMBE'S 90TH BIRTHDAY

On Friday 27th August 2010 we were invited to join the family and friends of our baritone as they celebrated his 90th Birthday at Manor Park, Clydach. Doug has become our second nonagenarian, close on the heels of his old Sunnybank Boys Schoolmate, Percy Morgan, who had a three-month head start on him. Since his school days Doug has always been a sportsman, playing rugby and cricket, and he once even had a trial for the Swans. His working life included being a pharmaceutical representative, and eventually as a nurse in Morriston Hospital; he often passes on his medical knowledge to his friends in the Sunnybank Club when they complain of aches and pains.

Doug served in the Artillery during WW2, firstly defending Dover Harbour and then being sent to Africa. After the war he married his late wife Olwen in 1949 and they had their daughter, Elizabeth, who arranged today's birthday party. Among his many interests he has been a Deacon of Carmel Chapel, Clydach for fifty years, and its Treasurer for thirty eight years. He has also served as Chairman of the League of Friends of Clydach Hospital.

After we had sung "Happy Birthday" to him, Doug joined us as we sang some of his favourite songs from our repertoire, accompanied and conducted by the ambidextrous Hywel Evans. We wish to thank Elizabeth for inviting us to join the celebrations, and for providing our refreshments. And Doug, we look forward to seeing you in practice on September 1st, when we resume after our summer break .

NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD SUCCESSES

KATE HARWOOD

 Many congratulations from the Choir to young soprano Kate Harwood who first sang with us in concerts in Neath and Bristol earlier this year.  Kate has just been successful in the National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale and is obviously destined for a successful musical career. Still only sixteen years old, Kate delighted our audiences and has now also impressed the Eisteddfod adjudicators to such an extent that she won the following competitions:

1. Alaw Werin (Folk Song) age 12 - 16.                Enjoy it HERE
2. Unawd Ferched (Girl's Solo) age 12 - 16.         Enjoy it HERE
3. Can o Sioe (Song from a Show) age 12 - 19.   Enjoy it HERE

 We like to think that we have had a small part in furthering her career, and look forward to her singing with us again in the future.

RHIANNON PRITCHARD

Hearty congratulations also to our Deputy Accompanist Rhiannon, who won two prizes at the Eisteddfod. The first was with Richard Vaughan, so they called themselves "Rich a Pritch"

1. Open Instrumental Duet .       Enjoy it HERE
2. Piano Accompanying.  Unfortunately, there is no video.

CÔR MEIBION LLANELLI.

And a musical "Well Done" to our neighbours across the River Llwchwr who took second prize in a strong class for Male Choirs Over 45 Voices, upholding the honour of "the west". 

If you missed their performance on the night, you can view part of it HERE

NEW VICE PRESIDENT

Susan Robeson, grand-daughter of Paul Robeson, very kindly accepted our invitation to become a Vice-President of the Choir when we sang for her at Brynaman at the "Let Paul Robeson Sing" exhibition at the Black Mountain Centre. There were many panels of photographs of the singer throughout his life, and one of his films, Proud Country. was being shown upstairs. Susan has had an extremely busy schedule during her visit to Wales, including appearances at the Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale. The exhibition was a trip down Memory Lane for many of us, and an education for many more. 

Bernard Bond, Second Tenor

As a Choir we were saddened to have to accept Bernard's resignation as a chorister due to ill health. This quiet, unassuming gentleman is one of the founders of the Choir and in addition to being Patrons Secretary for over 25 years he has been the unofficial archivist, keeping records and programmes of past concerts. On countless occasions a question or query about Choir business or appearances would be answered with "Ask Bernard. He'll know". His devotion to the Choir was recognised when he was appointed a Life Member. 
Bernard, we will miss you, but we wish you and Joy well, and offer our heartfelt thanks for all your many years of loyal service to the Choir. 
In recognition and appreciation of this service, the Choir has honoured Joy with the honour of Honorary Patron.

Percy Morgan, Baritone

On May 6th Percy celebrated his 90th birthday, and although now the senior member of the Choir, Percy is one of the youngest at heart and can often be seen moving to the music in our practices. He rarely misses a rehearsal, and his charm and wicked smile can still melt the heart of many a young soprano.
Following his exploits during the war in Italy (where he saw action in Monte Casino) and Africa Percy spent 43 years in the Mond (ValeInco). He is an active member of St Mary's Church in Clydach, and after many years in Vardre Choir he joined Morriston RFC Male Choir.

It is a testament to the affection and esteem people have for Percy that over 200 attended his birthday party.

 The photos above are taken from the "This Is Your Life" album that his daughter, Julie, made for him.
Click on the thumbnails to view full size.

27th February 2010   Annual Dinner

The Choir's Annual Dinner was held at Manor Park, Clydach again this year and it was good to see so many friends and supporters there to join us in the festivities.

Among those on the "top table" we were pleased to welcome our Patron Hywel Evans, Vice President Hywel Lewis, the Rev. Eirian Wyn, and our President Huw Tregelles Williams, who spoke after the dinner with anecdotes of conductors, performers, and characters he had come across during his time with the BBC. Not quite a "kiss and tell" tabloid exposé, but very amusing and informative.

Part of the "top Table", with Rev. Eirian and Mrs Helen Wyn, Mr. Huw Tregelles Williams, Mr. Hywel and Mrs Evans, Mr. Hywel and Mrs Lewis.		We were entertained by local soprano Kate Harwood, who sang a selection of Welsh songs, and ended with one from the musical "Hairspray", which is coming to Penyrheol Theatre, Gorseinon soon. Kate was accompanied on the piano by her mother.
Chairman, Seiriol Evans, can't resist peeping at the many raffle prizes.
As usual on these occasions a lot of hard work went on behind the scenes to make the evening a success, and we would like to thank all those involved for their efforts, especially Marilyn Evans who arranged the seating plan and managed to sort out everyone's choice of menu.