Thursday 21 November 2013
David Burt reports on Chairman, John Gould's meeting with choristers.....
At the Choir's Annual General Meeting held at Bridgend Athletic RFC Clubhouse, Chairman, John Gould welcomed members & expressed his pride with the further music & membership progress during the year, plus a new practice venue.
Musically, the Choir achieved 2nd place in February's Majestic Male Voice Competition at Torquay and a joint 2nd place last month at the Isle of Man International Male Choir Competition at Douglas. He paid tribute to the Choir's excellent music team and in particular to Musical Director, Rhiannon Williams-Hale & Accompanist, Stephanie Bailey. During the year, in addition to the competition venues, the Choir had performed at Cardiff's City Hall & St David's Hall (twice); Bournemouth; Ilfracombe and Birmingham Town Hall, as well as many south Wales venues. The Choir participated in more than 30 formal engagements, with any number of “social” afterglows. Amongst the charities to benefit this year were Prostate Cymru; Bobath Cymru; St John's Trust, Bridgend; Stepping Stones Cancer Charity; NSPCC; Macmillan Nursing; Isle of Man Anti Cancer Charity, as well as a number of Church funds. In terms of choristers, as many as 12 new voices have joined the Choir during the year, ensuring that the Choir continues with its progress and brings joy for years to come to its audiences, congregations and supporters. With some 95 choristers able to stage, the Choir is now amongst the largest in the UK. Chairman, John Gould thanked the Stewards & Committee of the sadly closed OCLP Club for past use of its facilities and enthused about the welcome received from Father William Isaac & Church colleagues at St Mary's Catholic Church, Bridgend where the Choir now practices on Thursday evenings, either in the Church Hall or Church itself.
A number of role changes are set to bring fresh impetus to the Choir's officers and committee. Librarian, Gareth Davies has become the Vice Chairman, allowing David Burt to again take on his preferred role of Publicity & Media Officer; Assistant Secretary, Jim Thomas becomes the new Librarian, with versatile Publicity Officer, Tim O'Hagan returning to the Assistant Secretary role. Remaining in their roles are Secretary, Gareth Reese; Treasurer & Assistant Treasurer, Mike Price & Peter Davis respectively; Registrars, Alun Roberts-Jones & Alun Guile and committee members, Mansel Abraham; Brian Lewis & Geraint Hopkins. David Thomas, who travels from Caerphilly to sing with the Choir, joins the committee. He replaces the retiring Dave Davison. The Chairman thanked everyone for their personal support & considerable efforts during the year.
Before closing, Treasurer, Mike Price was congratulated on joining a growing band of Life Members and Choir stalwart, John Morgan was presented with a Certificate confirming him to be awarded a Choir Vice Presidency. Both Awards were well received from the 80 plus choristers present.
With plans in the pipeline for spring, 2014 for a performance with entertainer, Mike Doyle; plus concerts at Theatre Fwrness, Llanelli & St Leonard's Church, Hythe, Kent and a commemorative tour to the Netherlands to plan, there is much to savour going forward for this ambitious group of choristers.