We were pleased to be able to announce that we had been asked back to perform in Disneyland, Paris, for their Welsh Festival over the weekend of March 6th to 8th 2009. This was great news and recognition of our professionalism, and the quality of performance, given at last year’s event. This time we hoped that the weather would prevail and that we would be able to sing outdoors.
On Thursday 23rd we sang at the Welsh Assembly, Cardiff. We had been invited by the DVLA to perform to over 100 delegates, who represented other Licensing Agencies from all parts of the world and were visiting Cardiff to share ideas. They were being shown around the Assembly building, and we added the ‘Welsh’ flavour to the evening. We had an excellent reception and one of the delegates even joined our bass section when we finished our programme with ‘We’ll Keep A Welcome’! On the way back we stopped at the Red Lion, Bonvilston, where further singing took place washed down by a few beers.
December 2008
Following a quiet November we had a very busy Christmas. Our first concert was held at The Scout Hall, Brynmill, which is an annual event organised by our Ladies committee, where we also raise funds for a local charity. This year, money was donated to Stepping Stones, a children’s charity based in Killay. We followed this with another ‘annual’ event when we sang at the Vivian Hall, Blackpill, raising funds for the hall itself. Both concerts were played to full houses and we included a number of new Christmas items including a version of The First Nowell, which has been set to Pachelbel’s Canon in D. The accompaniment is written as a piano duet, which allowed Steve Wilson to join Rhian on the piano.
We were also fortunate to be asked to sing at Craig-Y-Nos Castle for the wedding of Phil Gittoes’ daughter. Phil is a past member, and chairman, of the choir and we have now sang at the wedding of each of his children. It was great to be able to sing in the famous ‘Opera House’ and after in the sun lounge. A number of the bridegroom’s family joined us for a rendering of Blaydon Races, as they had travelled down from the north east for the wedding. Phil also joined us for Cwm Rhondda.
The final event of the Christmas season saw us participating in the annual Swansea RFC carol service, which this year took place in the St Helens Lounge. This was again well attended by the current players, committee and supporters, and Garin Jenkins, former Swansea and Wales hooker, gave a short, but passionate, address. The funds raised from this event were given to Swansea Gladiators Rugby Club which is a team made up of children with various disabilities.
