Bridgend Male Choir Patrons, President & Vice Presidents

When Max Boyce crossed the Rhigos Mountains from his home in Glynneath in 1973, to record an album 'Live at Treorchy Rugby Club', little did he know it would change his life. He had already recorded some of his earlier songs at the Valley Folk Club in Pontardawe and when EMI heard the album and subsequently saw Max perform live in concert, he was invited to sign a contract to record two live albums of his songs and stories. Without almost any rehearsal, the songs and stories were recorded.The audience were given the tickets after failing to sell them for fifty pence each! Max at the time was virtually unknown.  He had, however, deliberately chosen to perform to an audience that was unfamiliar with his work to ensure the reaction was spontaneous and real - the rest is history.

Shân was born in Ffarmers, Llanwrda, West Wales and graduated from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. She has been a professional soloist since 1995, the year in which she won the Blue Riband at the National Eisteddfod. She is a versatile performer with an extensive repertoire and is equally at home in opera, oratorio, contemporary music and music theatre.

Her BAFTA award winning self-titled music series for Channel 4 Wales ran for two successful seasons and was nominated for the best music programme in the Montreux Festival. Other television appearances include being a soloist in ‘Music Under the Stars’ with Bryn Terfel and Michael Ball from the Faenol Festival, soprano soloist in Handel’s Messiah with Bryn Terfel for Channel 4 Wales, soloist in Proms in the Park for BBC Wales, soloist in Royal Gala from the opening weekend of the Wales Millennium Centre on BBC 4, presenting the L’Orient Inter-Celtic Music Festival for Channel 4 Wales, and appearing as a panelist in the ‘Just Up Your Street’ talent show and ‘The Lyrics Game’ both for BBC Wales.

In 2005, Shân made her television acting debut playing the role of Davina Roberts in the highly successful drama series ‘Con Passionate’ for Channel 4 Wales and was nominated in the “Best Newcomer” category at the 2006 BAFTA Cymru awards. Filming on a third series of ‘Con Passionate’ begins next year.

Shân performed the role of Carlotta in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End production of The Phantom of the Opera for fifteen months in Her Majesty’s Theatre, London. In 2006 Shân sang the role of Mary Roberts in the new Welsh musical by Mal Pope and Frank Vickery, Amazing Grace, on tour with the Wales Theatre Company.

Concert highlights include being a soloist in ‘Glamorous Night’ a tribute to Ivor Novello performed at the Novello Theatre, London, the Wales Millennium Centre, and in San Francisco, performing in both the opening and closing concerts of the inaugural International Festival of Music Theatre in Cardiff, a tour of Britten’s Les Illuminations with the Chamber Orchestra of Wales, a St David’s Day celebration concert to celebrate the life of Dylan Thomas in New York and leading the singing of the National Anthem in front of 72,000 spectators at an international football match at the Millennium Stadium. In 2005 Shân toured Wales with her critically acclaimed show ‘Cothi & Cream’ with the male group ‘Only Men Aloud’. Shân is a frequent guest on Radio 2’s ‘Friday Night is Music Night’ with the BBC Concert Orchestra and a popular soloist in Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert series ‘Here Come the Classics’. In 2007, Shan made her debut as a soloist at the Welsh Proms, in a concert of film music with RPO conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes.

Her debut album Passione with the Welsh National Chamber Orchestra features international harpist Catrin Finch. A promotional video of one of the tracks was recently voted Most Wanted Video on Classic FM television. Shân currently hosts her own radio shows for both Radio Wales and Radio Cymru.

Huw Edwards is known to millions of viewers as main presenter of the BBC’s flagship 10 O’Clock News. He joined the BBC over twenty years ago and has presented a wide range of programmes, many of them of a hugely prestigeous nature. He spent over a decade reporting politics at Westminster, including a period as Chief Political Correspondent. He has also presented a range of programmes on history and classical music on BBC Four, BBC Two, Radio 3, Radio 4 and S4C. He is currently working on a number of projects.

An enthusiastic pianist and organist, Huw has enjoyed a long association with the renowned Cardiff Singer of the World competition. He continues to host the final at St David’s Hall.  

Born at Bridgend, Huw was brought up in Llangennech and attended Llanelli Grammar School. He graduated in French from the University of Wales, Cardiff. An Honorary Fellow of the University of Wales, he has recently been appointed Honorary Professor of Journalism at Cardiff University. He lives in London with his wife and five children.

Until his appointment to the WRU, Roger was perhaps best known for his glittering career in music and the media. Having worked as a professional musician, Roger spent eight years in the record industry with EMI, before becoming Worldwide President of the Decca group. He has worked with an array of eminent artists including Pavarotti, Sir Simon Rattle and Vanessa-Mae. During his eight years as Managing and Programme Controller of Classic FM, he received many awards and launched a new Classic FM record label. Most recently, he was Managing Director of ITV Wales and his Chairmanships include the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the Millennium Centre.

With a significant career in the recording industry, Gordon first became known to the Choir when he recorded the CD, "Classic Male" with them in 2009. He made a huge impression on choristers and music team alike and a great friendship was made. Gordon has produced more than 800 albums for stars with such varied music as Atomic Kitten, Cliff Richard, John Dankworth & Welsh icon, Shirley Bassey and many, many more. He was the the first producer to work with a 12 year old Charlotte Church. He has produced for EMI, Virgin, Decca, Universal, Pickwick etc. Gordon is a member of the British Academy of Composers and Authors and the Music Publishers Association. He was hugely complimentary of the quality of the Choir's new CD - quite an accolade from a man with such a background. The Choir is delighted to have him aboard.

Former Choir President, Trevor Veasey, has become a Patron in recognition of 6 years support in his former role. He is Managing Director of Brynwood Holdings Limited and coincidentally also President of Bryncethin Rugby Football Club, thus proving that the archetypical Welshman has a love of both music and rugby. Trevor lives at Ogmore-by-Sea and is proud of his Choir association.

Paul is a long time follower of Bridgend Male Choir and is very proud to be President. He is Managing Director of PORTERS Estate Agents, which has branches in Bridgend and Cardiff. Paul has been a Justice of the Peace since 1982 and lives with his wife, Lynne at Ogmore-by-Sea.

Llanelli born David is a former Chief Constable of South Wales Police and former Secretary of the Welsh Rugby Union. He is thrilled to be a Choir Vice President, as he knows so many choristers personally. He and his wife Gloria live at Ogmore-by-Sea.

Ann, daughter of Aldwyn Humphreys and niece of Gwynfor Humphreys (both founder members and previous musical directors of the choir), was originally a native of Caerau in the Llynfi Valley.  Educated through the medium of Welsh at Ysgol Gymraeg Tŷ Derwen, Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen and Coleg Normal Bangor; where Ann studied Welsh, Music and Drama.
Some of the more “mature” choir members may remember Ann sitting in on rehearsals, taking notes for her Music dissertation on choral conducting (Ann says it is thanks to the boys that she achieved a distinction).   
As Soprano soloist with the choir for several years, Ann has many happy memories of concerts.  Filling in for the choir at Radstock (May 1977) whilst they waited on the Seven Bridge for a replacement coach is a particularly vivid recollection which many of you may share! However, her fondest memory is of singing the solo part of Verdi’s “Virgin of the Angel Host” with the choir.   
Ann, a Cerdd Dant soloist and folk singing National Eisteddfod winner, was made an honorary vice president at the National Eisteddfod in Pen-coed (1998).  Ann’s many other achievements have included Musical Directorship of Merched y Fro and Parti Bro Ogwr choirs   In recent years Ann has served as a National adjudicator on a number of occasions and was chosen as president of the National Cerdd Dant society in 2008.  
Currently Head teacher of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr, Ann now lives in Pen-coed with her husband David.    

A native of Brynmenyn, Maggie attended the local primary school and then the Garw Grammar alongside friends who are now members of Bridgend Male Choir. Maggie was delighted to reaffirm old friendships resulting, in her role as Charity Director of Cancer Research Wales, organising several very successful Cardiff concerts at both Llandaff Cathedral and St David's Hall. She feels indebted to the Choir and to its Musical Director, John Jenkins, because as a result of their generosity all profits from the concerts have been donated to the Charity which ensures that all funds raised are spent in Wales. Cancer Research Wales funds research of the highest calibre, which has the potential to benefit millions of lives worldwide, as well as those in our local community. Maggie is very proud to be a Vice President of the Choir.

Appointed a Vice President in 2006, Carwyn Jones is the Welsh Assembly Member for Bridgend and First Minister from December 2009.  First elected in 1999, Carwyn is a barrister and was previously a professional law tutor at Cardiff University.  Raised in Bridgend, Carwyn lives locally with wife, Lisa, and their two young children, Seren and Ruairi.  He enjoys music, sport, reading and travel.

On May 5th I stood as the Labour candidate for the Bridgend constituency in the General Election. On the morning of May 6th, I was standing in the House of Commons, the elected Member of Parliament for Bridgend.  They say a week is a long time in Politics – but what a life-changing 24 hours that was. I almost burst into song – but instead agreed to be Vice President of Bridgend Male Choir!

Huw is the son of tenor chorister & afterglow impresario, John Morgan. A former musician, he is the Principal of a major insurance business. His significant contribution to the setting up & maintenance of this website is hugely appreciated. Huw  lives with his wife and three children at Mumbles.

Vince  lived in the Bridgend/ Porthcawl area  for 40 years. He worked  in British Steel for 44 years and  became a Senior Manager. He has been involved with Welsh Choirs for many years. Vince and his wife Margaret now live in Alicante, but his love for choirs has grown stronger.

Norman Thomas served in the Royal Signals for 5 years in the Second World War seeing service in India and Europe.  He went into the Licensing Trade in 1951 where he worked for 32 years taking over the Red Dragon Hotel in Bridgend in 1963.  He retired in 1983 and lives with his wife, Frances, in Coity.  He has been a Vice President since 1984.

Andrew Tuggey is a former regular soldier who had the privelege to command the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia). He now runs the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association at the Houses of Parliament at Westminster and is also the Chairman of the Army Benevolent Fund in Gwent. The ABF supports our soldiers and raises funds to meet the requirements of those serving and former soldiers and their families who may have needs the State cannot meet. He and the Choir first met in 2005 when the latter began its long & fruitful relationship with the Band of the Corps of the Royal Engineers to perform together at the ABF Band & Choir Concert at Monmouth, which is always a complete sell-out.