We were into competition again early in 1979. In the first round of the Welsh Brewers’ Competition, 5 choirs took part and Dunvant, Tenby and Gwalia got through.

This year’s Annual Concert was again held at Bethlehem Chapel, Cadle. Guest soloist – Hazell Howells, guest organist – Clive Williams and concert chairman – Ambrose Miles.

The choir staged 30 members that night.

On Tuesday 5th June, we once again performed at the Brangwyn, this time for the Labour Party E.E.C. Conference; by this time we were thinking about changing our blazers to RED ones!!

Monday 2nd July saw us return to the university once again to entertain another international conference.

Thursday 19th July saw the choir’s first combined concert with a brass band – Penclawdd. This was at All Saints, Oystermouth and was part of the Gower Festival. We were to work with Penclawdd Brass Band on many occasions in ensuing years.

On 9th September, we paid an annual visit to St. Mary’s, Tenby, where we had now been going for several years. In those days, however, it was only the 1 concert in the evening.

SATURDAY – 6TH OCTOBER, 1979 – LANDMARK.

Choir’s first entry into an under 40 voice semi-national Eisteddfod at the Miners’ Eisteddfod, Porthcawl.

  Test Piece   – Domine Non Sum Dignus

  Own Choice   – Comrade in Arms

  Adjudicators – Arthur V. Williams

               – Julian Moyle

               – Alan John (remember what he said in 1978?)

  Result –   Choir       Marks

             Gwalia      90

             Bontffaen   88

             Girlais     86

             Cambrian    83

             Ferndale    82

This was to be the beginning of a remarkable record of successes at Eisteddfodau.

Yet another major achievement was to be gained on Saturday 27th October. This was the final of the Welsh Brewers’ Competition held at the Memorial Hall, Barry.

  Adjudicators – Haydn James

                 Lyndon Hugh

  Result – Choir      Position   Prize

           Dunvant    1st        £1,000

           Gwalia     2nd        £500 – YES £500

           Blaenavon  3rd        £250

           Tenby      )

           Pontypridd )          not placed

           Glynneath  )

Gwalia Programme

Song of the Jolly Roger

Y Deryn Pur

Kalinka (solo: Vernon Simons)

Domine Non Sum Dignus

Yellow Bird (with Rhythm Section & Sock)

Comrades in Arms

For the 2nd year running we were by far the smallest choir competing but by now both adjudicators and other choirs alike knew that the Gwalia Singers, Swansea had arrived and were a small dynamic force to be reckoned with.

At the AGM on 7th February, Phil Gettoes ended his 2-year term as Chairman but was unanimously re-elected for a further 2-year period.

A decision was taken to add 2 choir members to the committee. Four nominations were put forward and Roy Thomas and Brian Lloyd were elected in a nail-biting vote.

We also decided to consider entering the National Eisteddfod to be held at Gowerton in 1980.

An EGM was held on 3rd October because after a whole 8 months Brian Lloyd resigned from the committee. Marshal Clement was elected in his place.”

  Top Attendances 1979 – Hugh Jones    – 100%

                         Tony Wright   – 100%

                         Roger Francis – 97%

                         Mal Herbert   – 97%

                         Viv Williams  – 97%

Also of note

• The choir now had 31 singers and 25 were almost guaranteed for each concert.
• The choir increased the committee membership to include three committee members as well as the choir officers.
• At the choir’s extraordinary general meeting, it was agreed that the choir should be increased to a maximum of 40 members.