On Saturday 17th July the choir held its annual Hog Roast BBQ at the Cowbridge Rugby Club.

This year it was a special occasion because the choir is celebrating its 40th Anniversary - 1970-2010.

Photographs taken at the club include the Chairman Gwyn Thomas cutting the anniversary cake with Shelley Thomas-Brown, Musical Director and Sandra Williams, piano accompanist.

Sandra has been with  the choir since it was formed. Due to charity commitments the choir committee had to forwarded its planned formal function to the 26th March 2011, when a dinner dance will be held at the Bear Hotel in Cowbridge.

We've been to some beautiful Churches this year and the most recent was in Llancarfan in the Vale of Glamorgan.

It sits in a wonderful rural setting. The church is ancient and recently it has been discovered that underneath the coats of plaster covering its interior walls there are some very old religious murals. Pain staking work is now going on to strip the plaster
and to restore the murals to a reasonable condition for posterity.

The choir performed a concert in aid of the churches restoration fund on Saturday 3rd July. The supporters of the church turned up and filled the church almost to its capacity.

Later, the congregation and the  choir had an after glow event in the church hall where they celebrated the success of the evening with delicious food and plenty of beverages.

It was a good night in aid of a great cause. The photographs show one of the murals found beneath the plaster and the choir during the performance.

The celebration of our 40 years in existence as Cowbridge Male Voice Choir started on Saturday 22nd
May when we performed to a packed house at the Cowbridge Leisure Centre.

Our guest, renowned Welsh soprano Iona Jones, who is also President of the choir, gave a superb performance and then sang 'Morte Criste' with the choir at the end of the evening.

Due recognition was given to four founder members of the choir still serving and to the dedication of Sandra Williams the choir's accompanist who has been in the post for the 40 years.

The concert was attended by the Mayor of Cowbridge, the Mayor of Llantwit Major and Jane Hutt, Assembly Member for the Vale of Glamorgan. A photographer from the Gem Newspaper was also in attendance and recorded the event for posterity!

The photographs show Shelley Thomas-Brown, Musical Director (Right) with Sandra Williams, Accompanist (Left) Iona Jones and presentations being made by Gwyn Thomas, Chairman of CMVC.

Llandeilo, a small rural farming town in West Wales is reputed to have been the gold centre of the Roman Empire.

On Saturday 15th May the choir gave a concert in aid of the orphan children of Dom Za Djecu, Miljenko I Dobrila, Croatia at St Teilo's Church, Llandeilo,
Carmarthenshire. The children are the war orphans of Croatia.

The choir was supported in its endeavour by Cor Ysgol Cymraeg Teilo Sant, its Musical Director and Accompanist Nia Clwyd and local operatic tenor Andrew Douglas Forbes. The children's choir and Andrew Douglas Forbes met the highest of gold
standards in their respective performances. The children sang six excellent Welsh songs. 

Andrew sang a selection of his favourite arias. The audience were captivated by his powerful tenor voice.

Cowbridge MVC gave a varied performance from its large repertoire. The church had a wonderful acoustic which was well suited to choral singing. There is an old saying in show
business which spells out the pitfalls of performing with children. On this occasion there is no doubt that the children stole the show!

Ysgol Cymraeg Teilo Sant, the children's parents and especially their Musical Director should be tremendously proud of them. They are the future of choral singing in Wales and they  should be treasured; they are much more valuable than the Welsh gold that was so coveted by the Roman Empire.  

On sunny Saturday 24th April the choir had a concert scheduled for 7.30pm at St Giles Church in Northampton.

Those travelling by coach to the venue started boarding at different pick up locations until the last choristers en bussed at the M4 service station at junction 33 at about 2pm. Then we settled back to enjoy what is normally a trouble free journey; however, fate had another plan for us. It became apparent quite early in the journey on the M4 towards the Severn Bridge that all was not well with the coach. Each time it came to any sort of a sloping climb it slowed down considerably, so much so that our oldest choristers stated that he could walk a faster pace uphill!

The driver, having made contact with his company assured us that all was well, and continued the journey.
Later, at the Chievely roundabout access to the A34 the coach had to stop at traffic lights. It was never to go again!

Intervention was required by the Highways Authority to keep traffic moving, cones were deployed and after what seemed  be an eternity we were allowed to disembark on to a grass verge behind a crash barrier.

After another couple of hours of toing and froing alternative coaches were hired from a firm in Newbury. These were two 15 seater mini coaches, the type used for Saturday night excursions, great for that purpose but not suitable for carrying luggage
as well as passengers. However, in the spirit of the 'Show must go on' we all piled into the coaches and the luggage was piled literally on top of us. 

We arrived at the concert venue, much to the delight and relief of our Musical Director, one hour late. We de-bussed and went straight onto the staging area and commenced the concert. The concert was in aid of the Hope Centre Charity which helps the homeless and other good causes. The concert realised £1,300-00 for the charity. To show their appreciation for our valiant effort the audience, who despite the lateness of the concert remained to the very end and arranged transport from the church to our 'AfterGlow' venue in a local public house. 

So a bad day at the office turned out alright in the end.

Hot on the heels of their performance at the Millennium Centre, the choir returned to Cardiff to perform at the 
National Farmers Union Conference in the Atrium of the Hilton Hotel.

It's not the largest area for any choir to perform in but we managed. The audience consisted of some 150/200 guests of the Welsh NFU, although they were without doubt the loudest audience the choir has performed too, they were very appreciative.

This concert was the last one for 2009/10 season. England beckons for the first concert of the 2010/11 season
which commences in April.  

CMVC wish to thank all of its supporters and especially those businesses who purchased
advertising space in its concert programmes. Your help and generosity is invaluable to the organisation,
without such assistance it could not do its charitable work. 

The Millennium Centre on Saturday 6th March was the venue for the choirs latest concert. It was a lovely but cold day, the centre was full of local people and tourists out enjoying the sunshine.
It is quite an amazing place to sing, the audience tends to be transient, many stop and listen to a couple of songs, then go about their business; others take advantage of the seating area
or the cafe facility and stay to watch the whole performance.

Sales of the choirs latest CD always go well there. It is a great venue to 'Showcase' a product. The post concert 'Afterglow' took place in the Eli Jenkins public house and a great time was had by the choristers who participated.

The photographs show the choir, conducted by Shelley Thomas-Brown in full flow, and our accompanist Sandra Williams waiting at the piano prior to the start of the performance.
Photographs were taken by Niki Wood.

It was with great sadness that the choir learnt this week of the death of Robin Jones (BBC Wales TV presenter).

Robin was a stalwart supporter of the choir; his daughter Iona Jones (Renowned Welsh Soprano) is the choir's Hon. President. We offer Iona and her family our deepest and heartfelt sympathy in their loss.

Robin was respected by every member of the choir for his professionalism and great sense of humour. He was the master of ceremonies at more than one of our concerts, it was a job he loved doing and audiences were quick to respond to his natural warmth and charm.

Robin will always be fondly remembered by everyone connected with Cowbridge Male Voice Choir. 

The choir performed a concert in aid of the British Parkinson's Disease Charity at Bethel Baptist Church in Pontyclun on Saturday 17th October.

The choir was supported by Menna Cazel Davies (Soprano), Menna has supported the choir before at Llantrisant Church; she gave a superb recital on this occasion. Support for the concert was excellent.

After the concert the choir retired to the Pontyclun RFC for rest and recuperation!

St Mary's Church Wenvoe on Saturday 10th October was the venue for the marriage of Nicola Jane Smith and George Sebastian Oliver. Nicola is the well known and respected BBC Wales TV presenter. The couple had requested the choir to perform at their wedding.

Conducted by Shelley Thomas-Brown BA(Hons), the choir sang pieces from their very large and varied repertoire; they also augmented the congregation during the hymn singing. Nicola was a beautiful bride and George looked like the cat that got the cream!

The choir wish them both a very long, happy and successful married life together.

St Albans again! It is hard to believe that two years have flown by since the choir last visited the city.

The concert on Saturday 26th September was in aid of Christian Relief Uganda. Our organisation has been involved with the Uganda charity for over six years; the association has been a great success and has realised thousands of pounds for a very worthy cause. The boiler house of this charity in St Albans is a very sprightly 85 years young Jim Tryon. Jim does just about everything, apart from sing, and it wouldn't be a surprise to the choir if he had a go at that! The sort of organisation required to stage a large concert doesn't just happen, people like Jim make it happen. The choir is very proud to be associated with him and wish him many more years at the helm in St Albans. The old boy even brought along two daughters and a granddaughter to present the flower bouquet's at the end of the evening to our Musical Director, Accompanist and the wife of the Mayor of St Albans.

It was unfortunate that he couldn't conjure up another soprano soloist to perform on the night; Lina Saavedra (Soprano) had to cancel at short notice due to illness; however, her very capable piano accompanist Judith King stepped in and gave two splendid recitals which filled the gap admirably.

The concert was a resounding success; It is certain that the choir will return to St Columbus College, St Albans, many times in the future.

The choir travelled to Clanfield, Oxfordshire on Saturday 20th June to give a concert in aid of St Stephen's church funds and to help the villagers celebrate with a mid summer festival.

St Stephen's is a beautiful old church; small and bijou would be an apt description of its interior. Choristers got to know the meaning of "Nearer to Thee" because it was no mean feat to get a 50 plus choir into the narrow space available. We managed somehow; the church was filled to capacity with some of the audience sitting on window ledges; we sang to a very appreciative crowd who seemed to enjoy our performance. Sally Middleton (Soprano) soloist also performed at the event. She is well known in the area because she comes from Fairford village a few miles from Clanfield.

Sally gave a polished performance of pieces from La Boheme, The Mikado and Porgy and Bess.

Part of the village summer festival is a Scarecrow competition; all around the village there were Scarecrows in different guises, some were extremely well done.

The choir's annual concert took place at Cowbridge Leisure centre on Saturday 16th May.

The concert was a tremendous success and the hall was filled almost to its capacity; it seems that the good people of Cowbridge and its surrounding districts ignored the doom and gloom of the credit crunch and turned out to support their choir.

CMVC prevailed upon "Noterworthy" a mixed choir from Maesteg to be its guest choir; under the direction of  Ryan Wood (Musical Director) and accompanied on piano by Rhian Yamin Ali "Noteworthy" gave a splendid recital, the were tremendous.

CMVC gave its own very varied performance which was appreciated by the audience.

The concert was attended by Jane HUTT, AM and the Mayor and Mayoress of Cowbridge.

The evening ended on a high note when both choirs joined to sing the rousing Welsh hymn - Tydi A Rhoddaist

On Saturday 18th April the choir travelled to Thame in Oxfordshire to perform a concert in aid of St Mary's Church fund. The organiser had been extremely busy for months preparing for the concert.

Their hard work was rewarded by the number of people who attended the concert.

There are many beautiful Church locations in England's green and pleasant land; St Mary's must be near the top of the list, nestled as it is in the lovely Thames Valley.

When we  arrived the Church was bathed in evening sunlight; it was a picture to behold.

CMVC have for the very first time produced an annual report covering the organizations activities for the 2008/09 Concert season.

A copy of the report has been lodged at local libraries in Cowbridge, Pontyclun and Llantwit Major.

The report gives details of the choirs administration set up, its financial state as at 31/12/08 and the major events of the season.

Anyone interested in joining the choir can visit the home of cmvc - Holy Cross Church, Cowbridge on a Wednesday evening between
7.30pm - 9.30pm. Singers are needed, especially first tenors and bottom basses, other singing ranges are also welcome.

On 27th Dec 2008 the choir helped its Musical Director Shelley Thomas-Brown BA(Hons) celebrate her 50th birthday. Some eighty choristers and guests attended the function which was held in the Pontyclun Athletic club (Often used as a venue for filming the TV series Compassionate). A brilliant evening was had by all, Shelley was accompanied by her very proud parents and some personal friends. The photograph shows Shelley enjoying the occasion.

The choir held its first concert of 2009 at the Old School Hall in Sulley. The performance was in aid of the Halls funds. Some 150+ people attended the concert and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. A substantial raffle was organised by the Hall committee which no doubt further filled their coffers.

During January and February under the guidance of its Musical Director the choir has been learning new songs to add to its repertoire some of which it hopes to include in its Annual Concert programme for 2009. The concert is scheduled for the 16th May at the Leisure Centre in Cowbridge. Come and Support us.

Change of rehearsal venue

For the last 5 years the choir's rehearsal venue has been the Jane Hodge Hotel Resort at Trerhyngyll, which sadly has now been closed. We wish to thank the staff and management of the hotel for their cheerful hospitality and co-operation during this time and wish them well for the future.

From January 2009 the new venue is Holy Cross Church in Cowbridge. We are grateful to the Rev Canon Derek Belcher and the Church Wardens for permission to use this beautiful historic building which is located in the centre of Town just off the main street.

The choir was invited to perform at The Welsh Guards Band concert held at the Leisure Centre in Cowbridge on Wednesday 17 September 2008.

The concert was a sell out. Shelley Thomas-Brown the choirs musical director took the opportunity to conduct the Band, the choir and Iona Jones, soprano (Hon. President of CMVC) in a rousing performance of 'Morte Cristi'.

The concert was held to raise funds for Cowbridge Grammar & Comprehensive schools and to celebrate 400 years of Cowbridge Grammar School - 1608-2008.

On Friday 12th September at All Hallows RC Church in Miskin' Cowbridge MVC hosted the 'Liedertafel Choir' from Gouda in Holland. The concert was in aid of the Ed Evan's Trust and Tenovus.

A total of £750 was raised and shared between the charities.

The Dutch choir sang a range of classical pieces; and, as a mark of respect for Wales sang Myfanwy in Welsh and did a good job of it too. A photograph of the Liebertafel choir in full voice was taken by Niki Wood who is also the choir's CD sales excecutive.

'Voices from the Vale'
'Lleisiau o'r Fro'.

The CD contains 18 songs including:-Welsh Hymns, The Beatles, Negro Spirituals, Kings of Swing, Modern Pop, Le Miserables' and others. The CD is priced at £12.

As a special offer the choir is selling its new CD together with its previous best selling CD 'In Lighter Vein' for £15. This is excellent value. All the revenue from the sale of the CDs will go directly to assist the choir with its work for charity.

The photograph shows our Musical Director Shelley Thomas-Brown with Sandra Williams (Accompanist) and Iona Jones at the afterglow reception in the Cowbridge RUFC.

CMVC supported British Forces Heroes charity by performing a concert in the Sovereign Base of Dhekilia - St Barnabas Church.

Approximately 300 ex pats and service personnel attended, over £1,000 donated to the charity.

Superb hospitality received from our Army hosts at their Officers mess, where the choir held its post concert afterglow.