“The A.G.M. held on 23rd January saw the choir form its first Fund Raising Committee. We decided it was time we had some money behind us because we were in the initial stages of considering the making of our first record and a possible trip abroad. The first members of this important committee were Islwyn Bennett, Viv Williams and Don Childs.

On 3rd April we again took Jerusalem Chapel, Fforestfach, for our annual concert. Hazell Howells guested and Dai Jones, Llanilar, was engaged. Unfortunately, however, he was taken ill and Nigel Hopkins, Morriston, stood in at the very last minute.

The concert held on 14th April was a nostalgic occasion for the choir and particularly for me for it was given at St. Jude’s Church, Swansea. It was from the St. Jude’s Operatic Society that the choir originated and it was in this church that I was brought up and gained most of my musical experience and knowledge – no clever remarks please!!

On 8th June we sang to an audience of 800 delegates at the Brangwyn Hall. This was the occasion of the National Labour Women’s Conference and there were several prominent Socialist MPs in attendance so our blue blazers were not the ideal dress for the occasion but we did not have any other type to wear so it was hard luck. This event was the famous occasion when Don Childs caught out Neil Kinnock with one of his infamous practical jokes. Neil Kinnock fell for it hook, line and sinker and Don still talks of the night he told the potential future Prime Minister of Great Britain to “go away and don’t bother him” or words to that effect!!!

June also heralded the choir’s first venture into the recording arena. We recorded our first long playing record at the B.B.C. Studio in Alexander Road, Swansea. The recording session itself is always to be remembered for our having to remove our shoes because some were creaking and being picked up by the microphones. Despite the fact that there were only about 20 in the choir then the venture was a resounding success and there are some lovely quality items on that particular record. So once again the choir was beginning to develop and move forward.

An Extraordinary General Meeting was held on 2nd October where, after long and heated discussion, it was decided to raise the maximum permissible strength of the choir from 25 to 30. A momentous decision. There was 1 proviso however. We already had too many basses and I was only allowed to bring in tenors as additional members.

1974 – again successful, busy and progress being maintained.”

Also of note

• “On the question of discipline the stage manager (Mr V. Williams) stressed that members were not to move onto the stage until he gave the word and that they were to remain standing still until the Musical Director and Accompanist had entered, and that immediate response to his instructions at concerts was essential!”
• The choir had a great debate over whether to make their first “gramophone record” with the Harp Recording company.