1980-89

The following is a year-by-year summary of the activities of the Maesteg Gleemen from 1980 to 1989.

1980

• Concert at Brynamman: On September 14, the Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen Band, conducted by Haydn Morris, performed a concert at the Public Hall, Brynamman, supported by the Maesteg Gleemen and soprano Eirian James.

• International Travel: On September 24, the Maesteg Gleemen departed for their second tour of Germany, which included a performance for the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in Lemco, North Germany.

1981

• Ely Festival: The choir participated in the Ely Festival from July 11 to 18, an event featuring various local talent, craft markets, and cultural activities.

• Eisteddfod and Charity: The Gleemen performed at the Miners Eisteddfod in Porthcawl and held charity concerts at St. Michael’s Church.

• Collaborations: The choir performed at Porthcawl with entertainer Wyn Calvin.

• Community Milestones: This year saw the formation of the South Wales Police Band, aimed at improving police-public relations through music.

1982

• Variety Shows: The Gleemen scheduled a series of variety shows and concerts between April and November, performing at venues like the Onllwyn Welfare Hall and Wyevale Theatre.

• Fundraising: A Variety Star Gala at Builth Wells, involving members of the choir team, raised nearly £1,000 for charity.

• London Welsh Success: The London Welsh Male Voice Choir, which would later collaborate with the Gleemen, received a Silver Disc for their album "Songs of the Valleys".

1983

• Television Appearance: Harpist Kim Morgan, a frequent guest performer with the Gleemen, appeared on Breakfast Television.

1984

• International Engagement: Long-time choir member Evan Brace travelled to Toronto, Canada, to participate in the "Caravan 84" festival with the Nicholas Singers.

• Eisteddfod Success: Soloist Helen Gibbon won the soprano solo competition at the National Eisteddfod.

1985

• Mrs. Nugent Hope Cup: The choir won first place at the Kington Eisteddfod for the third time in six years.

• Choral Challenge: They reached the final of the first Welsh Choral Challenge Shield held at Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

• Maesteg Concert: A major concert was held at the Maesteg Town Hall on October 25, featuring Trebor Edwards and Kim Morgan.

• Berlin Tour: The year concluded with a successful five-day tour to Berlin in November.

1986

• National Eisteddfod Debut: In their first foray into the National Eisteddfod world, the choir achieved second place at the competition held in Fishguard.

• Germany Tour: The choir organized and completed another tour to Germany.

• Civic Recognition: The choir participated in an evensong service attended by the Mayor and other civic dignitaries to mark local community engagements.

1987

• National Champions: The choir achieved its greatest success to date by winning the Welsh Male Voices Association Cup at the National Eisteddfod in Porthmadog.

• Other Wins: Earlier in the year, they secured victories at both the Pantyfedwen and Cwm Rhymni eisteddfodau.

• Civic Reception: Following their National win, the choir was honoured with a civic reception by the Mayor of Ogwr.

• Autumn Concert: A celebratory concert was held at Carmel Chapel, Maesteg, on September 26.

1988

• 30th Anniversary: The choir celebrated its 30th year since its formation in 1958.

• Joint Milestone Concert: A special anniversary concert was held on September 17 at Maesteg Town Hall, featuring a historic collaboration with the London Welsh Male Voice Choir.

• Bro Ogwr Eisteddfod: The Gleemen won the Male Choir Competition at the first-ever Bro Ogwr Eisteddfod.

• Scottish Tour: In October, the choir travelled for a weekend concert tour to Langholm, Scotland.

1989

• Oxford Charity Concert: On June 17, the Maesteg Gleemen and the Maesteg Children's Choir performed a major charity concert at the Apollo Theatre, Oxford.

• Cardiac Care Unit: The event was organized to raise funds for the John Radcliffe Cardiac Care Unit, with additional proceeds coming from a cassette recording of the performance