We had an excellent turnout for our 10th Annual Concert at St. James’ Church, Uplands on a beautiful, hot summer’s evening. The audience seemed to thoroughly enjoy our varied repertoire and were delighted by the talented performances of our guest artists Ryan Alexander, a Canadian musical theatre performer who had just graduated from the Welsh College of Music and Drama, and young local violinist Will Mullins, a pupil at Pontarddulais Comprehensive School.

It was a joy to sing at this beautiful wedding at The Towers Hotel in May. The Bride especially requested that we sing ‘A Whole New World’ from the Disney film Aladdin – and we enjoyed learning the song so much that we are going to sing it at our Annual Concert at St.James’ Church, Uplands, in July.

The choir’s tour to Stoke-on-Trent was a great success, despite the snow and sub-zero temperatures that hit the Midlands. All the concerts were well received, and the audiences at the Church in Kidderminster, Bradwell Methodist Church in Stoke and at the Golf Club in Newcastle-under-Lyme were very appreciative and hospitable. We had a lovely welcome at all the venues, including refreshments laid on for us during the intervals.
Apart from the performances there was plenty of opportunity for socialising. A visit to The Museum pub was great fun. The locals looked a bit bemused as we all crammed into the small lounge bar, but good naturedly joined in the singing, as well as having a share of the buffet that the landlady generously provided (after we’d had our fill). Due to the weather conditions we didn’t go to Salford Quays, and instead visited a local National Trust Tudor Mansion and then on to Nantwich where, at The Railway pub, we were asked to sing. Later that evening we sang for our supper at the Bar Six in Sandbach, and enjoyed a super buffet.
Thanks to Carol Sambrook for the excellent tour organisation, to Carole Edwards for her patience and commitment in getting us up to performance standards, to Helen for rehearsing and conducting us in her two pieces and to Jonathan for using his local knowledge to enhance the tour experience. Thanks also to our talented double act, Jonathan and John Davies, who individually and together gave wonderful musical performances during the concerts and entertained us throughout the trip with their fund of jokes and funny stories.

This month the choir proudly donated £500 to Singleton Hospital. The money will be used to improve patients’ experience within the Outpatients Department and also towards the purchase of bladder scanners.
Pictured with Committee members Gill, Dorothy and Delith are Chris William, Interim Unit Nurse Manager (second from left) and Jan Worthing, Director, Singleton Services Directorate Unit (centre).

The annual concert took place at a ‘full to capacity’ St James’ Church. The appreciative audience was treated to an excellent performance by the choir supported by two extremely talented guests. Bronwen Lewis, a singer/songwriter, had the audience enthralled with her rendition of beautiful songs, accompanying herself on the guitar in the first half and the piano in the second half. Philippe Marchaud-Rodgers, a percussionist, showed immense talent playing the marimba and both artistes received resounding applause after their performances. These two young, talented musicians have very bright futures ahead of them.
The choir performed a variety of songs including an Irish lullaby, a Welsh folk song and a special arrangement of Fly Me To The Moon. They concluded their programme with Thoroughly Modern Millie, a fun and lively musical finale. One special song was I’m Gonna Be (500 miles). Originally a hit for the Proclaimers, the arrangement for a ladies choir was done to raise funds for the charity Walking with the Wounded. A collection was made after the concert and donated to this very worthwhile charity.