I am Adrian, a retired teacher who moved to Wales in 1979 with my wife. I taught for 23 years at Olchfa school. We have two children and three grandchildren. In May 2010 a chorister sold me tickets for the Gwalia Singers Annual Concert, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I decided that I would like to join the choir and became a full member of the choir the following November. I thoroughly enjoy singing, and get a buzz from performing well in concerts, weddings etc. I have made many friends from the choir who are always supportive if I need help. We do not take ourselves too seriously and there is always a lot of fun to be had. In my nearly 15 years with the choir I have visited many European countries and also Barbados, where we took part in their Celtic festival. I would recommend anyone to join the choir, just come along and give it a try, you will get lots of help and support. Singing with the Gwalia Singers is something special.

My name is Des and I have been a member of Gwalia Singers since 2020. I am from Swansea and I have been married to Barbara for 58 years. We have a daughter, Sarah and sadly, our son died 3 years ago. I am retired. I came to join the choir through my friend Nick, the ex Musical Director of the choir. I thoroughly enjoy being in the choir because I love the singing and the friendship, I have made lots friends over my many years with the Gwalia Singers. I have been fortunate to tour with the choir to Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, Ireland and we went to China in 2006. I enjoy the family feel of belonging to the choir and the camaraderie is second to none. I would recommend joining a choir to anyone. It’s something special.

I am from Ebbw Vale, married with two adult daughters who have “Fled the nest.” My first experience of singing was with Ebbw Vale Male Voice Choir for two years before we then relocated to Swansea in February 2025. Those two years made me determined to continue so i reached out to Gwalia Singers who were very welcoming. Gwalia Singers are very well organised with practice, concerts, music files, social activities, tours, website and Facebook. For many years i thought about joining a Choir but only took the step when i knew Ebbw Vale were encouraging membership, my only regret is not doing this earlier in life. I would encourage anyone who is also thinking of trying a choir to just reach out to Gwalia Singers and give it a go. Wife Wendy also active with the ladies section so meeting others and forging friendships. My other interests are travel, cycling, walking, gym, real ale, and i volunteer with “Friends of Oystermouth Castle.”

I am John and I was born in 1938. I am married to Pauline and worked for Ford Motor Company. I joined the choir four years ago and have made many new friends, as well as some golf opponents.

Nick was born and educated in Pembroke. He started singing as a boy in St. Mary’s Church choir and later took over as conductor. He also sang with the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir and The Griffon Singers In 1978 he moved to Llandrindod Wells and joined the Rhayader and District Male Voice Choir, taking over as conductor in 1982. He remained as conductor until he moved to Swansea in 1995, when he joined the Gwalia Singers. Nick was appointed Deputy Musical Director a few years later and took an active part in rehearsals and concerts until he was appointed as Musical Director in 2006. It was almost a baptism of fire as in January 2007 the choir represented Swansea in Mannheim, Germany, for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the twinning of the towns. However, the standing ovation received following the performance on the Saturday evening showed that the choir have made an excellent appointment. Nick has no musical qualifications, but has a great feeling and enthusiasm for music, which when delivered with his sense of humour and hard work makes rehearsals enjoyable and ensures performances of a high standard. The choir has also increased in numbers, which was one of Nick’s main priorities when he took over as MD. Nick is a keen sportsman having played cricket for Ffynone in the South Wales Association and also for the Badgers Cricket Club, with whom he still plays. He is a supporter of Swansea RFC and the Ospreys and has started playing golf again since taking early retirement from Lloyds TSB with whom he worked for 32 years. He then worked part time, as an administration officer, in several nursing homes before becomming fully retired. Nick stood down as MD in 1921 but still sings with the choir basses and is always available to stand in to take rehearsals and performances when the current MD is not available.

Hi. I recently joined the choir and am serving my probation period, whilst meeting many new friends, learning great songs and improving my singing considerably. The choir comprises a great bunch of friends and I look forward to joining as a full member and singing in my first concert.

My name is Philip (Pip) and I have been a member of Gwalia Singers for 20 years. I am from Newton, Mumbles and I am married to Elaine, together we have two children and four grandchildren. I no longer work as I am retired. I came to join the Gwalia Singers through a friend of mine who was a member of the choir. I have always enjoyed singing and have been in church and amateur operatic choirs. I have been fortunate to tour with the choir to various European Countries. I would recommend joining the choir for fun, for music and for wonderful company.

My name is Richard, I am originally from a small village near Watford, just North of London. I am divorced but have two sons and four grandchildren My work in Catering & Hospitality kept me from regular evening events and I only started singing once I retired. I joined the Gwalia Singers nearly seven years ago after being impressed by the type of music they sing and their enthusiastic ‘afterglows’. I still enjoy the ‘lighter’ choice of music as opposed to the more formal, heavy, traditional Male Choir choices. I have been lucky enough to enjoy domestic and foreign tours, including Holland and Barbados and I am eagerly awaiting our coming tour to Greece. I came to choral singing late in life but wish that I had started earlier, there is a great buzz of friendship and support, with newcomers being welcomed and helped regardless of their experience (or lack of) in singing. The benefits of singing on the mind and body are well documented and I would recommend joining a choir for anyone.

My name is Tony and I have been a member of the Gwalia Singers for 12 years. I was a Senior Lecturer in Higher Education prior to retiring. I was recruited by an existing choir member and enjoy being in the choir for the camaraderie, amazing humour and the afterglow where we have a few drinks and usually entertain the people in the pub by singing. Also, the Choir usually goes on tour annually, I have been fortunate to tour with the Gwalia Singers visiting Netherlands, France, Germany, Greece, Italy and Barbados. It is a commitment to join the Gwalia Singers, however, it is especially rewarding and enriching, where you will make friends and meet people from all walks of life.