WHO WE ARE
On a balmy August evening in 2009 my colleagues and I met to discuss forming a male choir for the lower Llynfi valley.
In the course of that meeting, we came up with some basic philosophies.
• In the beginning: keep the choir to a manageable size to enable us to travel easily- and boy have we done so!
• Take our music to the community-at-large rather than insisting they come to us
• Establish ourselves as a quality musical ensemble through the uniqueness of male singing
• Encourage less experienced choristers to grow in ability and musicality
• Share our joy of singing
One thing was vital, we wanted to keep the choir "ego-free." To make our mantra "leave your egos at the door as it’s the music that matters."
It was and still is our desire to form a group in which lasting friendships may grow and be nurtured. Our aim was to come together and enjoy singing, and at the same time, perform to the community and raise money for charity.
We were therefore delighted to announce that on Wednesday 19th August 2009 Bois Goetre-Hen Male Choir was born.
Below are some previous ‘milestone’ occasions in which the Choir have performed.
1st Sat 12/12/09 Concert with ‘Allegro’ & Maesteg Children’s Choir – Heronsbridge School, Bridgend
100th Sat 9/8/14 Wedding of Gareth Brooking & Lisa Parry at St John The Devine Church, Aberkenfig
150th Wed 30/12/15 Performance at the opening of the Bettws Community Club with ITV Wales
200th Sat 16/9/17 Wedding of Jenna Clarke & Ross Williams at Porthmawr Country House, Crickhowell
Intermingled with these events have been our extremely memorable overseas tours to Brittany in 2014, Eire in 2017 and returning once again to Eire on our 10th Anniversary Tour in May of this year. However, the ‘Jewel in The Crown’ has to be our 2016 Tour to Belgium which culminated in a performance at the 30,143rd occasion of the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial, an absolutely awe-inspiring event. Everyone was so moved by this that it was decided on our return to become members of the Last Post Association, a voluntary organisation which relies on the generosity of its many supporters to ensure the perpetuation of this unique daily ceremony.
Members of the choir come from all over the County Borough of Bridgend and from all walks of life, ranging in age from their 20’s to 70’s and this diversity is also reflected in our repertoire. We are pleased to continue to maintain the great Welsh tradition of Male Choral singing, adding a modern twist. Quickly gaining a reputation for excellence in performance, we have sung at a multitude of events and venues all over the UK. 78 Concerts, 48 of which have been shared with other choirs, as well as in 58 Wedding Ceremonies.
As a self-financing entity we rely heavily on the dedication of our 31 choristers and their weekly subscriptions. However, in 2013, our ‘Fun & Funds’ Section was established - comprising of wives, partners & friends of the choir who continue to fundraise on our behalf. I trust they have managed to prise a pound or two out of you all at the raffle table, if not, look out, they know who you are! Being members of the Welsh Association of Male Choirs, the National Association of Male Choirs and the Cornish Federation of Male Voice Choirs, our concert programmes are refreshed continually with entertainment as our catchword.
In everything, we offer a programme of music full of fun & laughs which draws on a range of musical hits and popular songs from a variety of genres. Whatever the occasion and whatever we produce, it’s guaranteed you will not be disappointed.
Richard A Howells
Secretary (2009-2022)
In the course of that meeting, we came up with some basic philosophies.
• In the beginning: keep the choir to a manageable size to enable us to travel easily- and boy have we done so!
• Take our music to the community-at-large rather than insisting they come to us
• Establish ourselves as a quality musical ensemble through the uniqueness of male singing
• Encourage less experienced choristers to grow in ability and musicality
• Share our joy of singing
One thing was vital, we wanted to keep the choir "ego-free." To make our mantra "leave your egos at the door as it’s the music that matters."
It was and still is our desire to form a group in which lasting friendships may grow and be nurtured. Our aim was to come together and enjoy singing, and at the same time, perform to the community and raise money for charity.
We were therefore delighted to announce that on Wednesday 19th August 2009 Bois Goetre-Hen Male Choir was born.
Below are some previous ‘milestone’ occasions in which the Choir have performed.
1st Sat 12/12/09 Concert with ‘Allegro’ & Maesteg Children’s Choir – Heronsbridge School, Bridgend
100th Sat 9/8/14 Wedding of Gareth Brooking & Lisa Parry at St John The Devine Church, Aberkenfig
150th Wed 30/12/15 Performance at the opening of the Bettws Community Club with ITV Wales
200th Sat 16/9/17 Wedding of Jenna Clarke & Ross Williams at Porthmawr Country House, Crickhowell
Intermingled with these events have been our extremely memorable overseas tours to Brittany in 2014, Eire in 2017 and returning once again to Eire on our 10th Anniversary Tour in May of this year. However, the ‘Jewel in The Crown’ has to be our 2016 Tour to Belgium which culminated in a performance at the 30,143rd occasion of the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial, an absolutely awe-inspiring event. Everyone was so moved by this that it was decided on our return to become members of the Last Post Association, a voluntary organisation which relies on the generosity of its many supporters to ensure the perpetuation of this unique daily ceremony.
Members of the choir come from all over the County Borough of Bridgend and from all walks of life, ranging in age from their 20’s to 70’s and this diversity is also reflected in our repertoire. We are pleased to continue to maintain the great Welsh tradition of Male Choral singing, adding a modern twist. Quickly gaining a reputation for excellence in performance, we have sung at a multitude of events and venues all over the UK. 78 Concerts, 48 of which have been shared with other choirs, as well as in 58 Wedding Ceremonies.
As a self-financing entity we rely heavily on the dedication of our 31 choristers and their weekly subscriptions. However, in 2013, our ‘Fun & Funds’ Section was established - comprising of wives, partners & friends of the choir who continue to fundraise on our behalf. I trust they have managed to prise a pound or two out of you all at the raffle table, if not, look out, they know who you are! Being members of the Welsh Association of Male Choirs, the National Association of Male Choirs and the Cornish Federation of Male Voice Choirs, our concert programmes are refreshed continually with entertainment as our catchword.
In everything, we offer a programme of music full of fun & laughs which draws on a range of musical hits and popular songs from a variety of genres. Whatever the occasion and whatever we produce, it’s guaranteed you will not be disappointed.
Richard A Howells
Secretary (2009-2022)
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