There can be no doubt that the highlight was a superb tour to Greece, but, prior to that, we had a well received ‘pre-tour concert’ at the famed Calon Lân Centre, with a predictably knowledgeable and enthusiastic audience. Shortly after that, we were off to Greece, meeting one dark early October morning in pouring rain to board buses to Heathrow! Bad traffic delayed us but spirits were fine, with some tricky quizzes to keep the brains moving. We should also remember the contribution to this tour by our hardworking Ladies’ section.

Once on board the plane, the crew had evidently realised that there was a Welsh Male Voice Choir on board and we responded to a request by entertaining the other passengers to a song. Acoustics are not wonderful on a plane, but we managed well enough. We spent the first night in Athens. Apart from a view of the Acropolis from the rooftop restaurant, memories of that city seem to be mainly of congested traffic. However, many of us had wife, friend or family with us and it was a great social success, as the party totalled 87 people. On, then, eventually, to Nafpaktos, our base for a few days, stopping to view the amazing Corinth Canal en route. We were greeted by hotel staff at the Lepanto Beach Hotel by the excellent Danielle and her staff and enjoyed plentiful food, mostly at the neighbouring restaurant.

Here began the real highlight for all of us. We lounged on the beach, most of us testing the warm waters as well, despite certain exuberant personnel trying to drown half of the choir and wandered around this delightful and historic area. Our first concert was memorable, on the lovely harbour and surrounded by history as we  followed a local host choir and a very good string quartet in this dreamy location where they were celebrating the battle of Lepanto, the last major battle fought between rowing vessels. The opposing Ottomans were defeated, by the way. To add to this highlight, we were entertained by and with our ‘Host’ choir at a local restaurant. The duo of guitar and bouzouki soon had lots of us dancing and there was lots of singing, including solos, from Dan or Matthew being serious and others letting out some humour. The entertainment might have stopped there, but some of the younger element, along with a few elders who might have known better, continued to sing back near our hotel – and on the beach or in the water – well into the night!

Well, the tour continued, with concerts at the Agrinio Festival and at Mesologgi, which went down well with the locals, although audience numbers were not huge. The choir was in good voice and much appreciated by all. However, the stay in Nafpaktos will stay long in our memories. Then it was back to the traffic of Athens and the return flight (yes, we were asked to sing again) and a late return for about 50 choristers and lots of friends. Sadly, there were a couple of injuries from trips and slips, but most were treated by our resident doctor, Carl. Stalwart bass Pip had to remain in Greece for a week or two because his fall had led to a hip fracture but, as a stalwart, he came to rehearsals just a couple of weeks after his return to take his place in the front row.

It is with great sadness that that we have to report that William John Morgan (John) passed away suddenly on 25^th October 2022.  Our sympathy goes to Pauline, his wife, and to all his family.  John had been a valued member of the choir for over 15 years, and was a stalwart baritone.  He will be remembered for his sense of humour and as a very caring man who always kept in touch with choristers who were ill and not able to attend choir events.  He also ran the weekly choir draw.  He will be greatly missed by all his friends in the choir.