For this event the Gwalia Singers roused early to perform at the official opening of ‘The Hub’ at Underhill Park, Mumbles. The host announcer, Kevin Johns, welcomed us effusively and proceedings got under way towards 11 a.m..

There had to be a ceremony, of course, namely the cutting of the opening tape for the centre. In order to provide a ‘fanfare’, we sang one of the all-time favourites, Cwm Rhondda, well loved and recognised by any Welsh audience.

Around half an hour later, we reconvened in a ‘marquee’, actually a large open-sided pergola, to sing a few more songs to entertain the crowd.  This activity tends to be hard work, as (a) it becomes very warm rather quickly and (b)the sound is somewhat absorbed by the canvas. However, opening this session with another favourite, Calon Lan, was a good choice, gathering interest immediately and creating a good round of applause and appreciation. The action was then slowed a little, although choir family and friends, along with more spectators as the programme progressed, aired their appreciation for some good singing.

We signed off with what has become our second ‘anthem’, the patriotic ‘There Is A Land’, which, with its climactic finish, always goes down well. Good luck to The Hub for a successful future!