Geoffrey Wheel – 30th June, 1951 – 26th December 2024.
It is with great sadness that we have to report that Geoffrey Wheel passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Boxing day, 2024. He was a great family man and a true gentleman. In 2011 he was very proud to become President of the Gwalia Singers, a post he held for 12 years.In all that time he was always very supportive and encouraging in everything we did.
As a younger man Geoff had played rugby union for Mumbles and Swansea and then became a Wales international player who attained 32 international caps. Later he was the organist in the Parish of St Thomas in Swansea where he also ran Geoff’s Tuck Shop at the Boys Brigade every Wednesday. He was unfortunately stricken with Motor Neuron Disease and resigned as our president in 2023. It is particularly poignant that in November, shortly before his death, we held a concert in his honour to raise funds for MND and raised over £10,039 for this very worthwhile cause. On Friday, 26th January, 2025 we sang ‘Benedictus’ arranged by Robat Arwyn at his funeral in St. Thomas Church. Swansea.
He will be greatly missed by all his many friends in the choir and our sympathy goes to his wife, Christine, and to all his family.
A Wedding and a Curry – 18th January 2025.
Well what a journey! About 45 choristers left Swansea Airport by coach to sing at the wedding of Charlotte Ann Goodwin in Gellifawr Woodland Retreat, near Fishguard, with plenty of time for the journey. When we were about 12 minutes away from the venue, the coach driver took a wrong turning and we ended up in a very narrow lane with no way round a tight bend. After spending a lot of time looking at maps and reversing a long way we eventually arrived at the venue 45 minutes late.
Our singing was due to take place after the wedding ceremony and as we were late the guests had been sent off to the bar to await our arrival. Once we arrived we assembled and the guests returned, with drinks in hand, and in a very happy mood. We sung six numbers: ‘Calon Lan’, ‘You Are So Beautiful’, ‘O Gymru’, ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ (with audience participation), ‘Gwahoddiad’, and ‘God Only Knows’ which were all rapturously applauded. For an encore we sang ‘There Is A Land’ and ‘Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ and the guests had to sing one chorus on their own. We left the hall to more applause and many thanks from the Bride, Groom and guests.
The journey home was much less eventful. We stopped at the Carmarthen Quins RFC for a curry or lasagne and a few beers. After eating we adjourned to the bar for an enjoyable afterglow led by Nick. We eventually arrived back at the airport at 11pm having had a good day out and where our singing had saved the day from being a disaster.
It is with very great sadness that that we have to report that Roger Gadd passed away on the 29th January 2025, after struggling with cancer for some time. Roger had been with the choir for about 6 years and as well as his lovely baritone voice, he will be remembered for writing the reports of our events for the website. Our sympathy goes to Wendy, his wife, and to all his family.
It was a very sad occasion for the Choir to sing in Roger’s funeral at Morriston Crematorium on Tuesday, February 18th. We were requested to sing the Welsh ‘Gwahoddiad’, a firm favourite of his. Many members also attended the Clyne Chapel service and reception in Norton House, Mumbles. A difficult day for all! He will be greatly missed-but fondly remembered!
March
Daffodil Concert – In support of Marie Curie Mumbles and Gower Fundraising Group.
In the splendour and wonder of All Saints, we sang in the name of our Saint; St David. Saturday the 1st of March 2025 saw us sing our first concert of 2025. If a celebration of our culture was not motivation enough, a chance to raise funds for Marie Curie, and, also to sing in memory of some beloved choristers who have sadly passed away in recent months, gave emotional energy a plenty for the evening’s song. 
The choir raised the sum of £2,129 for Marie Curie on the night. A very special thank you to Jeff, a chorister in the baritone section of the choir who helped organise the evening.
Our opening 4 pieces, “There is a Land”, “Calon Lan”, Y Tangnefeddwyr” and “O Gymru”; songs of pride, of peace, of reliance. For the majority of the choir, a chance to rest and reflect followed. Not so for our very own 
Daniel Davies. Daniel gave us all pause for thought, and brought the West End to South West Wales, with his solo performances of “ Why God Why” – Miss Saigon, “Til I hear you Sing” – Love Never Dies, and “Bring Him Home” – Les Misérables. The audience’s connection to the music, their own personal reflection, was very much felt for me in the absence of sound; Their sound of silence. Time very much stood still. Diolch Dan!
The choir sung another 4 pieces before the interval, the Welsh hymn “Gwahoddiad” was favourite of mine. It invited an emotional reaction from the audience, eyes a glaze with tears as the Amens rose to the heavens above. 
A change of tone, some lighter notes to open the 2nd half. “5”2, eyes of Blue, Has anybody seen her?” She, of “5” 2, Eyes of Blue; as of yet, is nowhere to be seen. The choir love the fun and movement of this piece; I think those watching loved it too!
Our Guest Artiste for the 2nd half was our very own Musical Director, Matthew Ioan Simms. Matt’s rendition of “O Sole Mio” (“ My Sunshine”) was sung with depth, with power, a sense of longing, a sense of “hiraeth” in the air. In “Hushaby Mountain” and “Cilfan y Coed”, Matt took us to place of “Heddwch Perffaith” for a while! Diolch Matt!
The night’s music was brought to a crescendo by “If We Only have Love”; a piece that poses and then unequivocally answer’s the question of the power and place of love in our lives. As we finished Mae Hen Wlad Fy’n Nhadau, refreshments and some rest was very much needed. And, no more so was rest deserved than for our long serving accompanist, Rhian Liles. Rhian led the way on the piano for 22 songs this evening. Diolch o ‘galon Rhian.
Our next performance welcomes Cirencester Male Voice choir to Swansea. We are singing alongside them on Saturday 26th of April 25, St Peter’s Church, Newton, SA3 4RA (7pm). We hope to see you there (see the tickets section of our website or speak to any chorister for details).
April
Cirencester MVC visit Swansea
What a special evening! How lovely to invite Cirencester MVC to join Gwalia in the delightful St Peter’s Church via two choristers from the Choirs who’ve stayed connected for many years! The Choirs arrived early on the beautiful evening of the 1st April for a sound check, and Gwalia Ladies and Bar staff ensured good organisation.
David Williams of the Gwalia Choir compered the evening. 
A warm Welsh welcome was given to the Cirencester friends, ’God Save The King’ was sung, and Gwalia’s first half programme was introduced. They started their programme with a new song ’Let All Men Sing’, and some firm favourites ‘What Would I Do Without My Music’, ‘Y Darlun’, and the rousing ‘There Is A Land’. All excellent renditions!
Gwalia’s Daniel Davies was the soloist, and his performances ‘Why God Why’,from Music Theatre ‘Miss Saigon’were truly outstanding!The audience gave a much-deserved rapturous applause!
Cirencester’s four songs ‘Let It Be Me’,’Stout Hearted Men’,’Poor Wayfaring Stranger’,’A Million Dreams’ were beautifully performed,and truly delighted the audience!The first half concert was indeed ‘class’!The joy of music!
The interval allowed a social break and refreshments. David Williams introduced the second half programme with Cirencester MVC singing 5 wonderful songs including ‘Reverend Eli Jenkins’ Prayer’, a Welsh favourite!
Daniel Davies sang ‘Bring Him Home’ from Les Miserables – yet another outstanding rendition!
Gwalia then concluded their programme with a variety of favourites including the powerful ‘If We Only Have Love’. The concert’s final performance was a joint rendition of the dynamic ‘American Trilogy’-and the Welsh Anthem ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’
A truly wonderful evening-and huge appreciation for all the hard work of both Choirs, their Musical Directors, Matthew Simms and James Willshire, accompanists Rhian Liles and Michelle Howarth, soloist Daniel Davies, and compere David Williams.
Both Choirs then moved on to a social gathering and buffet in Langland Bay Golf Club. Time to relax and enjoy the ’afterglow’! We hope Cirencester MVC enjoyed their Swansea experience. (More Photos)
May
Gwalia Rehearsal with Patrons
The Gwalia Singers invited their Patrons to a rehearsal evening on the 13th May to gain insight into their musical learning practices. It was an opportunity also to meet Musical Director, Matthew Sims, accompanist, Rhian Liles, and Choristers-and observe them all ‘at work’. Refreshments were served by the Ladies in the interval, and Wendy Gadd,Ladies’ Chairperson presented a cheque of £1,000 to Rhian Liles towards the purchase of a new keyboard. A good evening’s rehearsal! Many thanks to the Patrons for their continued support!
June
Annual Concert – 15th June.
What a great evening! There was much excitement and build-up to this Annual Concert. Lots of practices for improvement and presentation, and great expectation of a good night’s performance with the much-acclaimed Côr Merched Lleisiau’r Cwm. Many thanks to all who attended, dignitaries including Deputy Lieutenant Martyn Jenkins DL and his wife, Gwalia’s President Mr. Peter Lynn and his wife-and a full All Saints audience!
Gwalia’s compere Mr. David Williams introduced their opening rendition of ‘Let All Men Sing’, a new presentation-and their enthusiastic performance was very well received. Some favourites followed, all in fine voice!’ Tell My Father’ was particularly emotional with the delightful viola accompaniment from Gwalia’s Gareth Widlake.
Côr Merched Lleisiau’r Cwm’s compere introduced their history and incredible achievements over a 30 year existence -and they performed a beautiful, varied rendition from their repertoire. The audience were absolutely delighted!
The first half concluded on a high with more of Gwalia’s favourites: ‘Y Tangnefeddwyr’, ‘And Can It Be’, ‘Benedictus’ in memory of members who passed recently-and the mighty ‘Gwahoddiad’
The interval was enjoyed by all as an opportunity for some refreshments, and socialising.
The second half programme included a variety of Gwalia’s wide repertoire with the jovial ‘Five Foot Two’ rendition and leg kicking a big hit! Côr Merched Lleisiau’r Cwm also sang some upbeat songs with dancing steps outdoing the gents of course with their fine skills!The concert concluded with Gwalia’s firm favourites and the poignant ‘If We Only Have Love’.
The audience gave a rapturous applause to both Choirs. Mrs. Wendy Gadd, the Ladies’ Chairperson presented Miss Rhian Liles, Gwalia’s accompanist, and Miss Catrin Hughes, Côr Merched Lleisiau’r Cwm’s Musical Director with beautiful floral bouquets, and Mr. David Williams, Gwalia’s compere and Mr. Matthew Sims, Gwalia’s Musical Director with bottles of wine. Many thanks to them and both Choirs for their much-appreciated hard work and dedication
.A wonderful evening with a heartfelt rendition of ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ at the end!
All enjoyed the ‘afterglow’ celebrations at the Oyster House, Mumbles. Many thanks for their very kind hospitality! (See more pictures here)
July
Curry Social Evening
Tickets were sold out for this social event in Clyne Golf Club on the 4th July, an evening of entertainment and socialising. Friday was indeed a fun evening of good food and lively entertainment from the popular ‘Shantyjacs’ and Gwalia’s own talented soloist Daniel Davies and wonderful accompanist Rhian Liles.
All enjoyed and relaxed, and a warm welcome extended to new members.
Thank you to Clyne Golf Club for their excellent service and Gwalia Ladies for organising this special event. £150 was collected and presented to the ‘Shantyjacs’ for their donation to Mumbles Lifeboat funds.
Wedding in Knelston
The Gwalia Choristers were delighted to sing at the wedding of Luke and Vicky in stunning Knelston, Gower on Saturday, July 19th, 2025.
A full Choir attended and the singing-a mixed repertoire of traditional and popular music was much appreciated and well received. Indeed, a beautiful day, wonderful setting and a joyful celebration.
Thank you Vicky and Luke for your kind invitation, and our ‘best wishes’ to you both for the future!
September
On Tuesday 30th September we were hosted by the Swansea Yacht & Sub Aqua Clubhouse,
We celebrated a big milestone for Andrew Tait, who last night collected his choir tie and uniform, officially becoming a fully fledged member of the Gwalia family.
It was also an extra special evening for the Gwalia Singers as we welcome Howard, Ian, and Andrew following our Open Rehearsal. All three gents joined us in song during the second half of the rehearsal, and it was wonderful to hear their voices blend with ours.
Please join us in giving Howard, Ian, Andrew, and Andrew Tait the warmest of Gwalia welcomes. Here’s to friendship, song, and exciting times ahead as we prepare for our Diamond Anniversary year!
October
Open Rehearsal -Pennard Golf Club
We’re delighted to welcome Ian, our newest chorister, who joined us at our Open Rehearsal at Pennard Golf Club on the 7th October 20325.
It was a fantastic evening, with a great turnout from local guests — and even visitors from much farther afield! Among them were two couples from Northamptonshire, and Susan and Courtney, all the way from Sydney, who were touring Wales to trace their family heritage.
The room was filled with song, laughter, and warm conversation — truly a night to remember. Thanks Pennard GolfClub for having us.
Gwalia concert with Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwynderw – 14th October.
It was a huge honour and privilege for Gwalia to join Ysgol Llwynderw in concert. There has been a strong connection for some time via chorister, Mr. Phil Renowden, the school Caretaker, and our many rehearsals there in the school hall. All the more poignant on the occasion of Mr. Renowden’s retirement.
After a warm Welsh welcome and introduction, Gwalia sang a varied repertoire, including the Welsh ‘Y Tangnefeddwyr’ and ‘Y Darlun’ which were much appreciated!
Llwynderw pupils then continued with their excellent performances- a great testament to the talented youngsters! and thoroughly enjoyed by Gwalia and the audience.
Gwalia’s second performance again a musical mix- the fun ‘Five Foot Two’ with dancing steps-to the more profound ‘If We Only Have Love’.
The finale was Llwynderw children with Gwalia singing the mighty ‘O Gymru’. What a special evening-truly inspiring and emotional! A big thank you to all performers.
Gwalia Ladies Quiz Evening.
This event was held at Holy Cross Church, West Cross on the 17th October 2025. Good support for a fun evening of socialising and raising funds! A chilled evening-fun and banter!
Tables were set out with nibbles, and the bar provided refreshments. Quiz questions were set by Mrs.Wendy Gadd, Ladies’ Chair and her son Rob and everyone focused on the challenging questions! All groups did well it must be said! Standards were very high!
Many thanks to all who supported the event and to Wendy and Rob, all the Ladies who helped and to Holy Cross Church. Thank you very much everyone!
Open Rehearsal -Oyster House, Mumbles.
On the 28th October we had a lovely evening!- almost a full Choir compliment! There were quite a few people already there when the Choir arrived to set up their practice session.
Once rehearsals started in earnest people took a keen interest, filming and recording the melodious tones. An early break provided an opportunity to mingle and socialise with great interest being shown in the Choir!
The second half comprised the more relaxed, fun presentations of songs and people supported and joined in.
All enjoyed and the ‘after-glow’ afterwards continued to entertain everyone. A very good evening with some enquiries about joining the Choir!
December
The switching on of the Mumbles Christmas Lights event is always a very special occasion and in spite of the inclement weather Mumbles put on a good show! A canopy was in place outside the Ostreme Centre and there was a great atmosphere. The choir assembled to the sound of a lively band, colourful Disney characters, Christmas stalls and games. The Mayoress then opened the event with a fireworks display and the Christmas lights were turned on so Mumbles shone brightly for all to see!
Despite starting late due to a change in the programme and competing against a noisy generator the Gwalia Singers performed four carols/Christmas songs – Rocking Around The Christmas Tree, One More Mile To Go, O Holy Night and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. The choir compere, Mr. David Williams, encouraged the crowd of onlookers to join in and have fun!
Gwalia Choristers were in fine form when they continued their singing with the ‘afterglow’ in the Oyster House. Many thanks to them for the buffet of sandwiches and roast potatoes which they provided, it was much appreciated – as usual!
Everyone enjoyed the revelry and it was a wonderful 2025 Mumbles Lights event!
Good luck wishes from Max Boyce for our 60th Anniversary
For tickets click the blue banner above
Joint Concert with Cirencester MVC
Over forty Gwalia members set off from Swansea Airport on the 6th December for a return concert with the Cirencester Male Voice choir. We stopped for lunch on the way and then settled in to the Cirencester Premier Inn.
The concert took place in the amazing Parish Church of St John Baptist in the Market Square, well worth a visit if you are ever in Cirencester. The purpose of the concert was to raise money for a worthy and deserving cause – the Longfield Hospice who provide wellbeing services, counselling and bereavement support to adults impacted by a life-limiting condition. A total of £2500 was raised for them.
The audience were treated to a magical musical night, full of variety. Firstly, the Cirencester Male Voice Choir sang Gaudete, Speed Your Journey, Let The Lower Lights and The Pearl Fishers Duet. Then we went on stage to perform Let All Men Sing, Rhys, Always On My Mind and Five Foot Two.
Before the interval we were treated to a mesmerising piano duet by the Willshire Piano Duo who played four pieces from the Nutcracker Suite. The second half was started off by the wonderful guest soprano, Harriet Perfect who stepped in with only 48 hours notice. She is a year 12 Student at the kings School, Gloucester. She sang several items including “Goodnight Moon” which was a special highlight.
The Gwalia Singers then sang Y Tangnefeddwyr, And Can It Be, Rocking Around The Christmas Tree, One More Mile To Go and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas followed by the Cirencester choir singing Stout Hearted Men, There Is Faint Music, White Christmas and the wonderful hymn Morte Criste. For the Finale both choirs came together with Harriet to perform O Holy Night and Cwm Rhondda.
Both choirs then retired to the Cirencester Rugby Club where we were treated to a hot meal. As usual a few beers were drunk and a lovely evening of afterglow singing followed. The following day we left Cirencester to travel home via The Bell Hanger in Chepstow for bit of lunch before getting home at about 4:40. (More Photos)
Good luck wishes from Paul Whitehouse for our 60th Anniversary
For tickets click the blue banner above
Gwalia Ladies Christmas Concert
Our Christmas Concert took place on 9th December at the Scout and Guide Hut in Bryn Road.
As usual, the Ladies organised and catered for a large audience and the Choir. Our choristers were a great help in helping us set up for the concert and to clear up afterwards.Their help was very much appreciated and it was so good to see everyone working together. There were very many compliments about how wonderful the tables looked – many thanks to Hilary who made the beautiful table lights and to Hania and friends who created the lovely floral decorations – all their hard work really set the Christmas scene for everyone.
The buffet provided by the Ladies was as good as ever with fantastic homemade sandwiches, cakes and mince pies – very much appreciated by all.
The choristers, conducted by Matt and accompanied by Rhian, were on top form and entertained with a lovely selection of carols.
Later, the audience thoroughly enjoyed the communal singing of popular Christmas songs. Matt cleverly got the men in the audience out front to join the choir in a rendition of the popular “Bread of Heaven”, giving them a taste of how good it is to be part of a great choir. The Ladies did their part too, joining the choir with an impromptu dance to the popular foot tapping song – “Has anybody seen my girl?”
As part of the evening Gwalia Service ties were presented to Adrian for 15 years service, Steven for 25 years and Chris received his 55 year tie, well done to them all.
During the interval, Helen Hunter who runs the Linden Hall in West Cross – our charity for this year’s concert – gave information of all the good work with various groups that takes place at the hall. Subsequently, a collection for the charity raised around £350.00 to help fund this much needed work carried out by the charity.
All in all then, a great night for all involved and a lovely opportunity to socialise with choristers and supporters – well done everyone once again and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
