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An Early Kick_Off At The ‘Hub’ - Saturday, 13th July.

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!

Music, Maestro, Please! - Saturday, 15th June, 2024. Gwalia Singers’ Annual Concert at All Saints Church.

Mumbles, saw a completely packed house and observations and feedback suggest that it won’t be the last time!  Everybody enthused about all aspects of the evening and can’t wait to come back for more. This was the first event for our new President, Peter Lynn, who received a very warm reception.

Our Musical Director, Matthew Sims, was congratulated on the wide and diverse programme, as well as displaying his talents for both the music and also engaging with the audience and enhancing the entertainment factor.  As usual, our brilliant accompanist Rhian Liles, was faultless and guided us, and our guest singer, beautifully through the concert.  Another young talent, solo soprano Darcey Paris George, entranced all with her pure voice and an assured performance and it certainly won’t be long before she becomes more widely known.  All in all, one masterclass followed another!

Several presentations were made, most noteworthy was a 30 year service tie to Alan Clewett who has been the choir secretary for many of those years.  All seemed to enjoy the whole performance and the choir responded to their warmth by singing out numbers old and new with enthusiasm and energy.  The reward was another standing ovation from a sold-out venue.  (See more photographs)

Concert in Llanarthne - Saturday 8th June 2024.

We gave a lovely concert last night at Llanarthne Village Hall. The soloists were Daniel Davies, one of our choristers, and our MD,Matthew Sims. Dan sang two items including 'Till I Hear You Sing' from 'Love Never Dies' and Matt sang 'Caro Mio Ben' and 'Stars' from 'Les Miserables'. We finished with 'If We Only Have Love' and received a rousing standing ovation from the appreciative audience. The concert raised over £1000.00 for the village hall.

An Honour to be present - Friday 17th May 2024

Friday, May 17th saw the Gwalia Singers once again at All Saints Church, Mumbles.  This time, it was not for a concert, but to take part in the funeral service for the great Terry Medwin, famous player for the Swans, Tottenham Hotspur and Wales.

It is unusual to be asked to attend a funeral, but it was clear that we were there to lead the congregation’s singing for the most part. After we had opened with the Welsh National Anthem as the cortege arrived, our other duties were the singing of two favourite hymns. Many well-known personalities were there and the Spurs had honoured the occasion with a lovely floral display and the presence in the front of Pat Jennings and Gary Mabbutt. Several former Swansea players attended and there were two very touching eulogies, the first from Terry’s granddaughter and the second from lifelong friend and co-player Cliff Jones. Tenor Wynne Evans sang the lovely Ave Maria and the lovely playing (both piano and organ) of Hywel Evans was evident throughout.

Due to the time of day, there were a few of our members who could not attend, but it was certainly a strong turnout to honour such a legend from Swansea. RIP, Terry Medwin.

Good Night Ladies - Friday 26th April, 2024

And what a good night it was! Friday, April 26th saw our Gwalia Ladies organising a social evening for members and friends at Clyne Golf Club – and what a great night it turned out to be! Our thanks and congratulations are very much due to them for a highly successful event enjoyed by all.

The chef and cheerful staff at Clyne served up a very tasty range of chicken curries, with the alternatives of chicken chasseur or a vegetarian dish for those who preferred. Frankly, the only complaint from any quarter was that several could have eaten more! It was delicious, so perhaps next time we could add a few poppadums or naan. In any event, it was very much enjoyed.

Following this came the entertainment from the U3A Ukelele Big Band. Many of us had not had the experience of a large Ukulele Band before and so did not quite know what to expect. Well, we had a really pleasant surprise, as the band belted out number upon number of well-known favourites, so that the ‘community’ singing was joined in with real enthusiasm. What a super social event. Thanks very much, Ladies and we look forward to the next one! ( for more photos see Gwalia Ladies)

A Very Busy Day - Saturday 2nd March, 2024

concert in

Happy Returns - Saturday 24th February, 2024

No, it wasn’t a birthday, but we returned to our singing ways as a choir; we returned to St Paul’s Church in Sketty; we returned to the leadership of Nick Rogers, as our Musical Director Matt was away on business and we were delighted at the return of our excellent accompanist, Rhian, after a short but distressing illness.

Singing at the wedding of Jessica and Jamie, we provided a suitable medley – apparently enjoyed by the congregation - before the entry of the bride. As she came down the aisle, we offered the gentle ‘Benedictus’, before retiring into the seats for congregational hymns and the service itself.  Returning to the front as Jessica and Jamie signed the register, we sang more of our well-known repertoire and then provided a suitable ‘processional’ item with ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’. Judging by the smiles and, indeed, the joining in of the people there, this was a highly popular and appropriate finish to events.

In thanking the bride and groom and wishing them the very best of luck for the future, we are happy to remind everybody that we are performing twice next Saturday, 2nd March. As a part of the St David’s Day celebrations we shall be at Swansea Market at lunch time and then one of our annual favourite concerts at All Saints, Mumbles, for the Marie Curie ‘Daffodil Concert’ in the evening.  We’re back!

Our Final Christmas Concert

For our final Christmas concert this year, on the 19th December, we had our annual visit to the Vivian Hall in Blackpill.  This is a charity concert to raise funds for the hall.  It is always a bit of a squeeze but is a very relaxed concert where we sing some of our normal repertoire and some Christmas songs.

One of the highlights of the evening was Daniel, one of our choir members, singing ‘This is the Moment’ from Jekyll & Hyde.  We also sang several carols with audience participation, the highlight being a very active ‘Twelve days Of Christmas’.

After the concert some of the choir retired to the pub for a pint or two and some more singing

John Moses

Singing with the Ladies

Christmas in Killay.

For the third concert of the week, and the mid concert of our Christmas series, the choir performed at St. Hilary’s Church in Killay.  The first half was a mix of our traditional Welsh and English hymns and songs which was warmly received by a full and appreciative audience. They were also entranced by chorister, Daniel Davies, who performed ‘This is the Moment’ with panache and skill.

The second half began with a congregational carol before the choir performed more traditional songs. The audience was then entertained by worship singer Nabeel Masih, who sung with sincerity and conviction. 

The concert closed with the choir singing a repertoire of Christmas hymns and songs and concluded with the appropriate ‘Have yourself a Merry little Christmas’. Rev L A Masih, the vicar of St Hilary’s then gave a vote of thanks to the choir, conductor Matt Sims, accompanist Rhian Liles and soloists, Daniel, Nabeel and Craig.

A lovely concert enjoyed by all – performers and listeners.

A Christmas Bonus.

Following swiftly on the tail of our Ladies’ Committee concert, in many ways this followed a similar pattern, except that it was once again at the lovely All Saints

Here's to the ladies.

December 5th saw our hardworking and valued Ladies’ Committee return full throttle to the traditional Christmas concert at the Scout and Guide Hall, Bryn Road.  Lots of work had been done during the afternoon prior to the concert and lots was done during the concert to ensure an excellent evening, with proceeds going to the Red Cross.
 

The programme started with a mix of our traditional Welsh and English songs, much appreciated by a good audience. Before taking an interval, presentations were made to various choristers of ‘milestone’ ties, the most notable marking 30 years’ service from Len Fuge. Very notable and to the delight of everybody was a special presentation to our brilliant and loved accompanist, Rhian Liles. 25 years is a very long time to put up with such a bunch of boisterous men and she is simply the best!

During this break, all were entertained by solo performances from our own Daniel Davies and Musical Director Matthew Sims. The choir then returned to render a programme of Christmas carols and songs. Refreshments came after this, again catered by the Ladies, and then there was a very enjoyable traditional session of singing carols with the choir and audience together, culminating in the usual riotous crowd pleaser ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’.

We now look forward to the second of our five Christmas Concerts, this being (for Maggie’s) at All Saints Church, Oystermouth, on Thursday, 7^th December, with the Pontardulais Town band. So, here’s to our Ladies’ section for arranging such a splendid lift-off to the season. Nadolig llawen i chi gyd!  (See more photos)

Gwalia Choir Tour to wonderful Mannheim!

October 26 - 31, 2023 
(Neil's Video and more photos)

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Wedding Trip to Ireland.

Great Things in Small Packages.

Noson Lawen, for certain!

Sunday, 16th July, 2023 saw an unusual and hugely successful evening in the little village of Llanarthney, where we had been invited to sing on behalf of the Prostate Cancer charity and respond to the request of the family of our talismanic accompanist Rhian.

We opened with four Welsh language songs – a natural hit around here – then had solos from Musical Director Matthew and young star tenor Dan Davies, who had the audience’s heart strings plucked with ‘Bring Him Home’. That audience was warmly enthusiastic throughout the choir’s performance as the choir contrasted rousing numbers with tender and soulful melodies.

The second half continued to arouse a great response and another solo from Dan was answered by a talented and amusing lady under the name of ‘Nia Drws Nesaf’, a local favourite.

The final session concluded with a spontaneous standing ovation, which rounded off a wonderful evening for all, the choir then generously entertained in this charming venue. It was a very happy evening, and one which we all hope may be repeated in the future. Diolch yn fawr, Llanarthney!

Penblwydd Hapus, Tegwen.

It was a big change and a pleasure for us to be invited to Dewsall Court in Herefordshire on Tuesday, 20^th June for a birthday party performance for Tegwen’s 95^th birthday. As we had previously performed for the same lady’s 90^th, we took this as a compliment and took a good 40 choristers for the trip.

Following a slightly delayed start, the bus took the route over the Heads of the Valleys road (A465), along with its vast numbers of complex temporary roundabouts, thus making us arrive later than planned. However, the concert went ahead under the eye of previous MD Nick Rogers, with Gareth Widlake competently taking over as accompanist. Having had both language versions of ‘Happy Birthday’, Tegwen was presented with a card and a picture of the Gwalia singers. She gave a brief and lively speech and the music went down well.

It was a long trip, with a stop for food, liquid and song on the way back, with a couple of other unexpected delays, but we all hope that we’ll be asked back in another 5 years! Happy birthday, indeed, Tegwen, from the Gwalia Singers.