On Friday 14th we travelled to Bath to sing at a wedding in St John’s RC Church. Chloe Jeffries was marrying Lee Gavin and Chloe’s father, Barry, was a member of the choir for a short time some 15 years ago. Barry tragically died at a relatively young age, but Chloe had always wanted the choir to sing at her wedding, and, of course, we were delighted to oblige. It was a beautiful wedding and the church was a lovely place in which to sing. What’s more, the priest, and music director of the church, Rupert, were really helpful with moving instruments and arranging where we sang. We were also allowed the use of the church hall to change and leave our uniforms, until we were ready to leave. After the wedding we were treated to a buffet and drink at Garfunkel’s, at Chloe’s expense, and spent a few hours (having a few more drinks!) in Bath, until making our way back. We were really pleased to take 38 choristers with us, on a Friday, and many thanks to Chloe, Gavin and Stephanie, Chloe’s mother, for inviting us to join their special day.

Strangely, for the time of year, we are very busy, singing at a number of weddings. On Saturday 28th we sang at the wedding of Jay Lovell and Leanne Powell at St Illtyd’s Church, Port Tennant. It was a beautiful day and we sang at the signing, but, on this occasion, we were also treated to a solo from the bride’s father, Andrew. He was accompanied by our own Steve Wilson, who also played the organ for the service. We have another 2 weddings booked for next month, and also had to turn one down, as we are so busy! In fact, we will be singing at 7 events altogether during December.

On Thursday October 23, aged 72, Alvin Stardust, whose real name was Bernard Jewry, died from prostate cancer.  He married a Swansea girl, Julie Paton, and so had a close connection with Swansea.  Julie requested that his funeral be held at St Thomas’s Church, Port Tennent where they had a home for some time.  The funeral took place at 1:30 pm on Wednesday November 5th followed by a Harley Davidson Parade to the crematoriam.

Thirteen years ago the choir were invited to Guildford in Surrey to sing at the christening of Alvin Stardust’s daughter Millie. There were several stars present at this celebration including Boney M and Sir Cliff Richard, who subsequently became a patron of the Gwalia Singers.

Julie contacted the choir to ask if we would sing at his funeral. Although we don’t as a rule sing at funerals, except for choir members, we felt that an exception had to be made.  Julie said that as a result of their marriage Alvin always felt half Welsh and remembering the choirs visit to Surrey he wanted his funeral in Swansea and the Gwalia Singers to sing ‘Calon Lan’ which he loved.  We also sang ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ by Albert Hay Malotte. 

Most of the choir were looking a bit untidy with stubble on their faces as it was week one of our Movember project.  During the month of November the Gwalia Singers are going to grow moustaches to raise money for Movember.  The photo is of the Gwalia Singers Movember Team at the start of the month.  To see our Movember webpage please click here.

Movember is a charitable organisation committed to changing the face of men’s health.  Movember challenges men to grow moustaches during Movember (formerly known as November), to spark conversation and raise vital funds for its men’s health programs.  

The Movember charity has raised £346 million since it started and has funded over 800 programmes in 21 countries. This work is saving and improving the lives of men affected by prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health problems.  To date, 4 million moustaches have been grown worldwide, and we hope to add to this total.

The Gwalia Singers could not think of a better project for a Male Voice Choir to support and hope to raise a large amount of money for this good cause