THE Rhayader and District Male Voice Choir recently held their Annual General Meeting which was well attended. The chairman, Eirwyn Williams opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. In his annual report he thanked everyone concerned for the wonderful support he had received throughout the year, with special mention to the musical director Johnathan Pearce and accompanist Bethan Rees.

He also thanked the officers of the choir who had served with him on the committee throughout the year and also the comperes and guest artistes who had appeared with the choir.

The choir had once again been very active with various concerts, weddings and with other events throughout mid Wales and the border counties.

Highlight of the year had been the four-day tour of Belgium and the choirs performance at the famous Menin Gate in Ypres where the choir performed an appropriate tribute in the form of a Hymn entitled ‘100 Years from Passchendaele’. Written and composed by Adrian Jones and Bethan Rees, two members of the choir.

Several new members had joined the choir during the year which as very encouraging and throughout the year the choir had once again helped to raise many thousands of pounds for local and other charities. Adrian Jones, on behalf of the music committee, gave a very full and detailed report on the music the choir would be singing this coming year.

2017 had been a very special year for the choir during which they celebrated their 60th Anniversary since its formation in 1957. This had been celebrated by many events throughout the year concluding with a Grand Gala Dinner at the Metropole Hotel last October.

Miah Lewis was appointed the choir’s new chairman to succeed Eirwyn Williams who was standing down as chair after 10 years service to the choir. The vice-chairman appointed was Terry Pritchard. The choir’s president, Evelyn Davies, was also standing down after many years in office and was appointed a life vice-president. Alma Davies of Llanidloes was appointed the new president of the choir.

The elections of offices for 2018 were as follows: President – Alma Davies, chairman – Miah Lewis, vice-chairman – Terry Pritchard, treasurer – David Washington, secretary – John Thomas, musical director – Johnathan Pearce, accompanist – Bethan Rees, librarian – Adrian Jones, uniform officer – Lyn Davies, press officer – Graham Benbow, publicity and CD sales – Henry Thomas and Graham Benbow, choir marshall – Colin Mills.

The choir are now looking forward to another busy year with several concerts and weddings already booked. The choir are always keen to recruit new members to ensure its future success.

Rhayader and District Male Voice Choir meet every Tuesday evening for rehearsals at 8pm in the Community Centre at Cwmdauddwr, Rhayader. All are welcome.