Our Christmas concerts had a familiar feel about them this year, as, having been invited back, we sang at the same venues as last year. Firstly was our visit to the Vivian Hall, Blackpill, on Thursday 3rd, and then to Clyne Golf Club on Saturday 5th. We sang a number of items from our usual repertoire and also some Christmas items, as our previous concert in All Saints in November. We also had some ‘audience participation’ for ‘The Twelve days Of Christmas’ which is always well received. 

Our next event was the annual Christmas concert on Tuesday 8th, organised by our Ladies Committee. This is a fund raising event for the choir and, this year, we also raised ‘£300 for the Salvation Army, to give people a lunch on Christmas Day. A great effort by everyone involved and thanks to the Ladies Chairwoman, Linda Lewis and her committee for their continued support. 

On Friday 11th we sang at lunch time in Fulton Hall, Swansea University, for students and staff. Afterwards we enjoyed a wonderful meal organised by Les Carmichael, the catering manager at the University and a member of the choir. Thanks, Les.

Our last ‘official’ concert was held at St Thomas Church with the school choirs of Danygraig Primary, St Thomas Community Primary and Cefn Hengoed Community School. There were some congregational carols and each choir sang a number of items. One item was of particular interest to us, as the soloist in the Cefn Hengoed choir for ‘The Wizard’ was Caitlin Phippen, the granddaughter of our chorister, Mike. Caitlin sang beautifully and had one very proud granddad! We sang our Christmas items and created a wonderful atmosphere in the church when we sang ‘Stop The Cavalry’ and ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ with the audience joining in with us. Many thanks to the vicar, Steve Bunting, for organising the event for the 2nd year, and it was great to see the fine old church nearly full.

Following the concert a good number of us adjourned to the Commercial, Killay for a Christmas sing along. Once again we sang a number of carols and Christmas items with many of the locals joining in.  Gareth very kindly provided us with a buffet and a very enjoyable evening was had by all.

Our rehearsal was cancelled on the Tuesday before Christmas, so a social afternoon was held at the Queen’s by the Marina. We all met at about 3.00pm and had a great few hours singing. Gary, the landlord, very kindly provided us with a bottle of whiskey during the early evening in thanks for our entertainment, and, by now the pub was packed.  In fact, we went on to at least 10.00pm when many of us went to a local restaurant to finish the evening. The rest of the evening is a bit hazy…..!

We were pleased to learn that our concert for Maggies, South Wales cancer charity last month raised ‘£3000.00!   Well done to everyone and special thanks to Keely Morgan and Les Ryan for performing with us at the concert.