A Llandaff Cathedral service has marked 50 years since Lynnette Thomas first joined the Aberhonddu & District Male Choir.

Family, friends, former pupils, choir members and supporters gathered at the cathedral on Saturday, August 15, to celebrate Lynnette’s five decades with the choir.

And the choice of venue had a special significance.

In a recent choir newsletter, Lynnette was asked where she would most like to perform with the choir.

“I’d love to take the choir to New Zealand, failing that Llandaff Cathedral!” she replied.

New Zealand remains on the wish list, but the choir was able to tick Llandaff Cathedral off it.

Lynnette, who was born and bred in Llandovery, joined the choir in 1976 as a page turner for the accompanist.

When the accompanist failed to turn up for a rehearsal, Lynnette stepped in to play. It proved to be the start of a relationship with the choir which has now lasted half a century.

For almost 15 years she accompanied the choir under musical director Mrs Ogwen Thomas, music adviser to the County of Brecknock.

When Ogwen retired, Lynnette took over as musical director.

Since then she has led the choir through countless concerts, services, competitions, tours and community events, helping to develop its repertoire and reputation.

The celebration began with a surprise for Lynnette as she entered the cathedral, with the choir performing Divine Brahma. Deputy musical director Lynne Griffin conducted, with Aysha Waghorn accompanying.

Lynnette then took her place at the front and conducted the choir herself, fulfilling her ambition of performing at Llandaff Cathedral.

The musical programme also included Gwahoddiad, Rachie, Take Me Home and Calon Lân.

Lynnette fulfilled her dream of conducting a performance in the cathedral
Lynnette fulfilled her dream of conducting a performance in the cathedral (.)

There were readings and poems from Lynnette’s daughter, Cerian Jones, and choir president Dr Grahame Davies CVO, while chairman David Shepherd and secretary Marc Williams paid tribute to her contribution.

Messages of congratulations were also received from friends and former colleagues unable to attend, including Dr Haydn James and D. Huw Rees.

Lynnette’s contribution extends beyond the choir. She trained at Cyncoed in Cardiff and taught in Brecon, Trecastle and Sennybridge before becoming headteacher of Sennybridge Primary School.

She also supported young pupils performing at the Urdd and has played a role in promoting Welsh culture through the Brecon-Gouesnou Twinning Association. She was also a founder member of the Brecon Choir Festival.

Her contribution to music, education, the Welsh language and the community was recognised with the British Empire Medal in the 2018 New Year Honours.

Choir chairman David Shepherd said the 50-year milestone represented “a lifetime of dedication” to the choir.

“She has been our musical director, our accompanist, and, above all, a friend,” he said.

“The choir is incredibly fortunate to have had Lyn at its heart all these years, and the service was our opportunity to say a very heartfelt ‘diolch’ for everything she has given us.

“We are immensely proud to celebrate her ‘Golden Jubilee’ and look forward to many more years of music and memories together.”

A commemorative baton was also presented to Lynnette during the celebration.

But there was a clear message behind the presentation: despite the milestone, Lynnette is not handing over the baton just yet.

The service ended with prayers and a blessing from the Dean of Llandaff, The Very Reverend Dr Jason Bray, who also presented Lynnette with a gift.

Dr Grahame Davies CVO said Lynnette’s 50 years with the choir were “an awesome achievement”.

“Her half a century of commitment is the very embodiment of the community spirit that makes this such a marvellous place to live,” he said.

“We owe a great debt of gratitude to her for all that she has done, and continues to do, for the community and the culture.”

The choir expressed its sincere thanks to Llandaff Cathedral for allowing the celebration to take place in such a special and historic place of worship, and to the Dean for helping make the occasion so memorable.