News

One era closed for the choir following our 2024 Annual Concert on the 1st November, which was Julie’s last as Musical Director; another era starts on Tuesday 5th’s practice as Huw Smitham takes over the MD role.

We’re not losing Julie from the choir however, as the two are exchanging roles, she’s reverting to her former position as accompanist.

Gareth Rees our chairman stated:

“We are all very grateful to Julie for her commitment and musical direction as MD, and also relieved as a collective that Julie will remain with us and her remarkable musical knowledge and prowess will not be lost to us.  Diolch yn fawr Julie”

We had a very successful joint concert with Côr Meibion Porthcawl in aid of the charity Latch.

We entertained a full All Saints Church with pieces as separate choirs as well as joint renditions of Rachie and American Trilogy.

The concert was followed by a pleasant couple of hours at the Farmer’s Arms, Nottage, where a libation or two were consumed and a song or two were sung!

A couple of pictures will be in the gallery soon.

Dedicated secretary to the choir for many years and inspiration for the Baritone section.

You will be greatly missed Lynn; it was a pleasure and an honour to know you.

Below is a tribute written by chorister Paul Davies:

The whole community is mourning the loss of Lynn, he did so much for the two local council’s, not just as a clerk to record minutes, write and answer correspondence, but to keep the councillors on their toes and working within the parameters of legality and conduct. He was a great advisor, pragmatic by nature, he had solutions to problems for many people in the village and beyond.

He was an original petrol head which gained my immediate awe of him, his collection of bikes and other historic motors is world class!

A great surveyor in his chosen vocation, I remember him showing me his retirement watch, a premium brand swiss auto. Obviously a valued friend by his former colleagues.

I could go on forever, he meant so much to so many it’s hard to put into words.

He loved the choir and all associated with it.

A truly classy gentleman in every aspect of the word.

Although I’ll miss him, I’m glad to have known him for 20 odd years. I can’t express enough gratitude and respect to him for an issue I had years ago that he helped me through.

I’m not religious, but spiritual by nature so if Heaven exists, he’s ditched his harp and joined god’s choir!

RIP Lynn.

Congratulations to Gareth Rees on his appointment as Chairman at our recent AGM.

We give our thanks to Ian for his sterling work in the role through a few difficult years.

We’re sorry to say that our Conductor and deputy MD Matthew Sims has decided to seek pastures new.

We’re very happy for Matthew however, and offer our congratulations on his appointment as MD of Cantorion Gwalia.

Matthew taught us much, largely based on his experience as a singer himself.

Thank you Matthew, for your time with Côr Meibion Onllwyn and our very best wishes for the future!

At the Committee meeting on the 25th Jan., it was agreed that suitably distanced practices could resume.

We will be at the Onllwyn Miners’ hall at 19:00 on Tuesday 8th Feb., raring to go, there’s no doubt!

Prospective new members welcome, of course…

Following a Committee meeting in early January, it was decided that the decision to start practices again would be revisited in another meeting in early February.

We’re off to Cinderford in the Forest of Dean on Nov. 26th for a concert at Cinderford RFC.  Visit their site for more details or…

…here’s an ad. for the event from the local press:

We’ll be staying over and enjoying the match (against Sale FC) the following day, before returning home.

Practices are now being held on Tuesday evenings; if you’re a chorister wondering when to come back then give the Secretary a call and re-join us.

If you’re someone who’s decided that now is the time to find out what it’s like to see what it’s like singing in a Welsh Male Choir, please contact the secretary here:

In light of the ongoing situation with the Corona Virus, the committee has taken the decision to suspend all choir practice until we’re instructed otherwise, when the situation will be reviewed. The situation is fluid and is changing daily so as a committee we will continue to monitor based in the Govt advice. Whilst this decision was a difficult one, we thought it is was the socially responsible thing to do as we are in the midst of a unprecedented global event. This decision, we feel is in the best interests of our choristers, patrons, families and friends. Thank you for your understanding.