CHOIR HONOURS STALWARTS

Tuesday 06 October 2009

At its recent Annual Concert, Bridgend Male Choir was delighted to honour the services of a number of stalwarts who, amongst others, have proved to be the backbone of the Choir over very many years.

Choir Chairman, Mansel Abraham, received an inscribed Choir Plaque recognizing his astonishing achievement of being Choir Chairman for a remarkable 35 years. The Plaque was presented to him by Choir President and local businessman, Trevor Veasey who paid a warm tribute to Mansel, speaking of the dignity and professionalism in which he had conducted his role. The proud recipient in turn spoke of his pleasure and privilege in leading such a fine group of men.   

Also honoured at the Concert was Norman Thomas, a long serving Choir Vice President whose 25 years in the role received vociferous appreciation by all present. Again, Trevor Veasey presented an inscribed plaque to a surprised but delighted Norman. Trevor commented that Annual Concerts would not be the same without the regular attendance of Norman and his charming wife, Frances.   

Others no less deservingly acknowledged at the Annual Concert were eight choristers who had each given more than 40 years vocal service to the Choir, all being Life Members. Both Colin Matthews from Tondu and John Wood from Bettws have been with the Choir right from the very first concert held at Pontycymmer in 1960. The other well deserving Life Members are John F Morgan (Pendre); Peter Anderson (Bridgend); Leon S Evans (Brackla); Alan Morgan (Bryncethin); Alun Roberts Jones (Laleston) and last but not least, 97 years old Glyn Thomas (South Cornelly).   

The Annual Concert itself was a great success and it is anticipated that the Choir’s 50th Birthday next year will be a worthy milestone year in its history.