1960 -69

Between 1960 and 1969, the choir grew from a local glee party into a structured, competitive male voice choir, marked by key changes in musical leadership, their first travel trips, and entry into Eisteddfod competitions:

Musical Leadership & Key Appointments

• Departure of Idris Williams: Founding conductor Idris Williams was called away to work in London, where he subsequently served as Deputy Conductor of the London Welsh Male Voice Choir until his death.

• Edwin Jones as M.D.: Mr. Edwin Jones was recruited as Musical Director, building a new repertoire and leading charity concert tours across South Wales for several years.

• Roy Davies Takes the Baton (1965): In 1965, Roy Davies—who had joined the choir as a chorister at its inception in 1958—was appointed Musical Director, beginning a transformative 24-year tenure leading the choir.

• New Accompanist (1966): Mrs. Christine Bwye joined as choir accompanist in 1966, commencing nearly 30 years of dedicated service.

Year-by-Year Highlights

• 1960 (Key Performances):

  • On 18th December 1960, the choir presented a full concert at the Maesteg Workingmen's Club under Idris Williams, singing "Soldiers Chorus", "Thanks Be to God", and "Crossing the Plain".

  • During a midweek visit by the South African rugby team to the Celtic Club in Maesteg, the choir sang "Land of My Fathers" ("Mae Hen Wlad Fy'ghadau") to welcome them and closed with "We'll Keep a Welcome".

• 1961 (Community Fundraising): The choir maintained a busy schedule of charity concerts for the elderly and sick, raising money for hospital equipment and cancer research.

• 1962 (First London Trip): The choir undertook its first weekend trip to London via Gloucester (before the Severn Bridge was constructed) to attend the Rugby League Final, staying at Norfolk Square, Paddington.

• 1964 (Blackpool Trip): Secretary Vic Lavercombe organized a choir weekend excursion to Blackpool.

• 1965 (Rhondda Concert & Uniform Fundraising): The choir performed at the Workingmen's Club in Clydach Vale, Rhondda. Under organizers Vic Lavercombe, Roy Davies, and Gerald Seymour, intensive fundraising was undertaken to purchase official choir uniforms and fund transport.

• 1966 (First Paid Engagement): The choir performed what is believed to be its first paid concert at the Jubilee Club in Porthcawl.

• 1967 (Eisteddfod Debut): Guided by Percy Moore, the choir entered its very first competition at the Miners Eisteddfod in Porthcawl, performing "Laudamus" and "Silver Birch".

• 1968 (Competitive Progress): Returning to the Miners Eisteddfod in Porthcawl, the choir placed 4th, and later took 6th place at the Cardigan Eisteddfod.

• 1969 (Formation of "Sonny and the Boys"): Between 1969 and 1971, a small harmony ensemble named "Sonny and the Boys" was established within the choir. Founded by W. Sonny Jones, Gerald Seymour, Stewart Davies, and Gwyn Davies (later joined by Edgar John and Ken Dixon), the group provided popular cabaret-style entertainment during choir concert intervals.