News

Lynn Parfitt remembered at Seven Sisters Community hall

It was a great pleasure to be given the opportunity to speak about the contribution that Lynn Parfitt made to Cor Meibion Onllwyn.  
 
Lynn was a member of the Choir for over 40 years, and most of that time he spent as our secretary.  Lynn’s contribution to the Choir was almost beyond compare, and not only was he the administrative cornerstone, organising events, meetings etc, he was also a mentor to many, particularly the baritone section, but more importantly a friend to all of us.
 
Lynn’s dedication to the Choir was a benchmark for us all, and you knew he would be in every practice (unless of course Sheila persuaded him to go on holiday).  
 
Lynn left an indelible mark on the Choir, and when he succumbed to ill-health and was no longer able to attend practices, the hole he left was huge.  
 
To be given the opportunity to perform at such a prestigious event, in Seven Sisters, a village which Lynn loved so much was a privilege, and will be one of the highlights of our year.
 
It is a pity that Lynn could not witness the current strength of the choir, but even though he is no longer with us, he was part of the group that worked so hard to put the Choir in the position that it is.
Gareth Rees – CMO Chairman

It’s a swap at the top!

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

 

Another successful ‘Away match’, at Porthcawl

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.

R.I.P. Mr. Lynn Parfitt

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.

We have a new Chairman!

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.

 

Farewell to Matthew

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!

Practices re-starting (2022 version)

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…

Deferred re-start.

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 performing again!

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.

Practice, practice, practice

 

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: