Dear Patrons,
People say that time passes more quickly the older you get as well as time flies when you're having fun - well both are applicable to Pelenna MVC. This is witnessed by the more silver threads that appear each year in the hair of choir members - those of whom who have got hair - and the tremendous amount of enjoyment and sense of camaraderie we feel at both rehearsals and performances - at every venue and function we undertake - sorry Con.
The Choir is very professional whilst performing but we always have a bit of fun too.
Competition
This enthusiasm for enjoyment was reflected in the Choir's participation in a competition in Torquay in February 2008 organised by Majestic.
Our Musical Director put together a varied programme in an attempt to WOW the judges but despite our best efforts we failed to trouble the top three places. There was an ugly rumour that the chief adjudicator had been the MD of the winning choir - Cor De Cymru - but PVMVC are above all that gossip and tittle tattle.
This was proved when after evening celebrations at the Riviera Suite with our fellow contestants PVMVC entertained themselves at their hotel until the early hours - the star of the evening being the microphone stand used by Clive Thompson which seemed to have a mind of its own - worth every penny!
Not many people know that the Choir are considering entering the Last Choir Standing competition next year but the name Pelenna Valley MVC may not be too exciting so Patrons are invited to put forward names - one suggestion already popular with the Choir is - No Singers Allowed!
Return to the West Country
The Choir paid a return visit to the picturesque village of Kenton near Exeter in October 2007. It is always a pleasure to sing in the beautiful church and an especially warm welcome is received from John Hunt and the Cancer Action Group.
The concert started unusually early however the reason soon became known - some rugby game between England and France in the World Cup clashed with the concert. Despite this the performance was well attended and when the Choir and guests visited the local hostelry for refreshment they were pleased to hear that the team in white were losing at half time. However, the English prevailed and the locals invited the Choir to celebrate by singing Swing Low Sweet Charity but they were politely told ...... Dim diolch!
In November 2007 the Choir made its first visit to Backwell near Bristol and again received tremendous hospitality. Rachel Wood provided the soloist spot on the flute accompanied by Rachel John and their excellent performances greatly enhanced the wonderful evening. The Choir even managed to debut Alexander's Ragtime Band without too many hiccups. The obligatory after glow at the cricket club again took the locals by storm.
Christmas 2007
Christmas saw the Choir social in Tonmawr RFC where the ever popular Conductor of the Year Competition was held and special efforts were made by the contestants - Peter Gwynne dressed as a woman (again) conducted a brilliant version of Wonderful World, Jules and Eddie "conducted" whilst dressed as Nazi Officers and the winner Neil Adams conducted not only the Choir but also the newly named Neil's Angels.
The following day the Choir took part in the Christingle Service at St Elvan's Church in Aberdare and a charity concert with Dave Manning's band in the Constitutional Club.
Having been overlooked for the Christmas festivities in Cardiff Bay our Winter Wonderland helpers from Cardiff - Ross and Johnny - managed to track us down and attended both Church and Club - orange squash only of course.
Hollywood Comes Home
New Years Eve 2007 was an historic date for the Choir - entertaining Sir Anthony Hopkins and friends at The Orangery at Margam Park to celebrate his 70 th birthday. The set could have almost been from a Hollywood movie - on a mild dry a clear evening the Choir stood outside the wall of the entrance to The Orangery and were provided with wristbands by the security people who did not seem to be amused by references to when did the "all inclusive" drinks and meals start.
Flames from torches lit up the pathway to the entrance and the Choir assembled in the first part of the building to entertain the arriving guests who included ex Choir member Richard Jenkins - Richard Burton's brother.
As you are aware singing is a thirsty business and the Choir was given a short break after half an hour to refresh the tonsils and were afforded a sneak preview of the decorations, table settings and huge birthday cake hidden from view from the invited guests. Two huge green dragons, beautiful curtains and subdued lighting - all quite breathtaking.
Before the Choir resumed Sir Anthony made it his business to shake hands with every Choir member and readily agreed to pose for photos. When asked to kneel down alongside Peter Gwynne he said he found it was difficult as he was now aged 70 and Peter immediately replied - so am I.
Finally the guests were ushered through the curtains and everyone stopped to admire the scene before continuing through resulting in the Choir singing Men of Harlech about 10 times before the Zulus arrived.
The Choir is extremely grateful to Mrs Mair Fisher for obtaining the booking despite having to keep everything under wraps for a very long time. Diolch Mair.
Shortly afterwards the Choir entertained guests at the opening of the Michael Sheen Suite in Blancos, Michael was very appreciative and the Choir again obtained photographs with another movie star. A free bar was kindly provided by Clive Hopkins President of Tonmawr RFC.
Waterfront Museum Swansea
The Choir have become regular visitors and performed at the Museum on two occasions in 2008. The first at the St.David's Day Street Party where there was also a dancing group, face painting and story telling. If we had known I'm sure the Choir could have covered all three activities.
In the Summer we provided entertainment at the Farmer's Market and as if planned sang "I remember the face of my father as we walked by home from the mine" just as Tyrone O'Sullivan - the man who kept the famous Tower Colliery open - arrived in the foyer to watch us.
Weddings, Weddings, Weddings
The Choir are in constant demand for weddings - so much so that we took part in 7 during 2007/08.
In December 2007 we sang for the first time in the Baptist Church in Orchard Place Neath and in April 2008 performed at two weddings in one day, the first in St. David's Church in Neath followed by a mad dash up the M4 to Caerphilly Castle - resulting in a Phil Burns after glow in a pub at Machen.
A week earlier the Choir attended a wedding of the daughter of former choir member Rhys Maggs in Llandeilo we initially took our position in the gallery of the chapel but were asked to perform in front of the organ just above the pulpit. Choir members had to negotiate a few steep steps and balance on a plank. Most managed the trick except for one of the top tenors who missed the step and hurtled forward managing to knock half the carefully arranged flowers down into the pulpit. As quick as a flash the bestman and yours truly placed the flowers back in position before too many people noticed - lucky my mother is chair of the Pencoed Flower Arranging Club - Patrons are asked to suggest who the culprit was?
A very wet Crynant in August was the venue for wedding of the son/grandson of two other ex choir members - Darryl and Viv Watkins.
I might be biased but fortunately on a relatively dry day the best wedding was held on FA Cup Final Day on 17 th May 2008 at The Orangery in Margam Park . I don't think it cost as much as Sir Anthony's bash but it was worth every penny because everyone had a great day and the visitors from Jersey were very impressed with the Choir. Most importantly my daughter Sarah looked (and is) gorgeous - just like her mother!
She even kept smiling through her dad's father of the bride speech. Many thanks to the Choir for a great turn out.
Brangwyn Hall
The Irish and Welsh members of the Egan family held a reunion in the Brangwyn Hall in June and Phil Burns arranged for the Choir to provide the entertainment. The Celtic cousins enjoyed our Welsh hymns and rendering of Irish songs like Danny Boy. But Mike Thomas pulled off a master stroke - as only he can - by getting John Egan the organizer to sing The Fields of Athenry - it brought the house down. A free bar and sumptuous buffet were greatly appreciated I think Con still has a few sandwiches left in his music case.
The Hopkins/John Connection
The Choir took part in a number of events during 2008 involving the families of Geraint Hopkins - world renown musical judge and part time PVMVC member and Rachel John our fantastic accompanist - she's got a new boyfriend you know!
Firstly the Choir was invited to make its debut at the Neath Little Theatre in April by Geraint Hopkins who was Musical Director of Melin Amateurs at that time. The Choir was one of a number of acts performing as part of a fund raising event for the society.
Later that month Rachel invited the Choir to visit her Dad's garage in Penrhiwtyn - he has converted it into a cinema complete with flip up seats and fully working cinema organ which rises up from under the ground. Rachel's mother Lynette provided refreshments at half time in full usherette uniform and ice cream tray.
In September Rachel and her sisters arranged a surprise 60 th Birthday Party for Lynette. Guests included family members, friends and the Choir. Many of the Hopkins family are members of Tonna MVC and the Choirs joined together to sing a few items as part of the evening's events. Lynette was over come with emotion and regards PVMVC as part of her extended family - that's a lot of Christmas presents.
The Great Fire of October 2007
Tonna and Pelenna also joined with other Neath Choirs in a Concert in April 2008 intended to celebrate the opening of the refurbished Gwyn Hall however the fire in October 2007 put paid to that.
The concert starred Gail Pearson and took place in St. David's Church - fundraising for the Friends of the Gwyn Hall Association who support the local arts in the Neath area.
Highley & Bridgenorth
In April 2008 the Choir were invited to pay a visit to long standing friends the Highley Colliery Band to celebrate the 10 th Anniversary of the Band being reformed.
Also it was through the Highley connection that the Choir attended a community event in Bridgenorth last Saturday the 4 th October - to celebrate the influence of the River Severn on the surrounding countryside.
The marriage of Mr Ferrous, a local industrialist to Sebrina the muse of the River Severn. Michael's fears of singing on a stage in the open air were allayed by the provision of a sound system and very fortunately the rain stopped at the beginning of our slot. Hundreds of school children carrying colourful lanterns had processed from the church on the hill down to the riverside and the Choir joined them whilst singing new chanting songs learned especially for the occasion. I think the bus got back at 3 a.m.
Doctor Who - No - Doctor Thomas
The Choir were delighted to become aware that our already accomplished Musical Director - Mr Michael Thomas - had gained a Doctorate by writing a thesis about how design technology can motivate disadvantaged children. It is amazing how Michael found the time to fit this into an already busy schedule - family, work and Choir commitments.
His wife Margaret some how managed to keep from him arrangements for a surprise celebration at the Golf Club in Aberdare in July 2008. The guests were entertained by numerous doctors, Dr Who, Dr Finlay etc in the guise of the Choir as well as BBC Radio Wales sports presenter Phil Steele. Many congratulations to Michael as well as Margaret as he was for once lost for words.
Further Congratulations
The Choir would also like to congratulate Marc Thompson who graduated from acting school in London and has appeared in various roles on television over the last year including three episodes of Dr Who, one of which was as a monster, not sure if this was a singing part.
The Master
The Choir was deeply saddened by the death of Mr Ray Price in May 2008 - one of its stalwarts and bass extraordinaire. Ray worked as a lad on Penstar Farm and became big buddies with Ray Bruten. He always had a love of music having played in brass bands with one of our late members Clarence Tuckett.
It was well known that Ray liked anything mechanical and was likened to the character "Wesley" in The Last of the Summer Wine. The Choir visited Germany about 10 years ago and whilst most were unhappy that the bus was constantly breaking down Ray took great delight in trying to fix it.
Although Ray would not fly Ray Bruten and I did manage to get him on Concorde in 2007 all be it the stationery one at the museum in Filton near Bristol .
He was a lovely generous man who is sorely missed by all but in particular Phil Burns who learned a lot from Ray and called him "The Master".
Sadly the Pastor who officiated at Ray's funeral also an ex member of PVMVC Mr Dennis Brace fell ill and died the following day. The Choir send condolences to his family.
And Finally
Diolch yn Fawr - un waith eto - to all the hard working musical team. - Dr. Michael Thomas, Rachel John, Geraint Williams, Christopher Thomas and William Thomas. The Choir is very appreciative of all their hard work in providing a very enjoyable and varied repertoire.
Contribution from Patron Mrs Helen Thomas - my Mam
An Englishman sings when he's merry
An Irishman sings when he's sad
While the volume of song from a Scotsman depends
On how many wee drams he's had
BUT a Welshman - now here's a fellow
We can neither predict nor forestall
He will break into torrents of singing
For no bloody reason at all!
Many thanks for your continued support,
Lyn Thomas
Patrons Secretary 8 October 2008
