1990-99

Between 1990 and 1999, the Maesteg Gleemen Male Voice Choir experienced a vibrant and successful decade marked by major international tours, prestigious competition victories, leadership changes, and 40th-anniversary celebrations.

1990

• Leadership & Repertoire: Following the departure of long-serving choristers Steve Knight and William "Sonny" Jones after 25 years together, Mr. Alun Hodges (formerly of the Bridgend Police Choir and Côr Meibion Maesteg) was formally appointed as the choir's new Musical Director, leading them in learning a brand-new repertoire.

• West Germany Tour: The choir travelled to Langenau and Hörvelsingen in West Germany for their host choir's 100th-anniversary celebrations. They performed before 2,000 people, received a civic reception, and visited Ulm, Lake Constance, and Munich.

• Concerts: Joined Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir for the Mayor's Charities concert and closed the year at the "Old Parish" Christmas Spectacular at Maesteg Rugby Ground.

1991

• Repertoire Building: A quieter year focused on mastering new musical pieces alongside several local charity concerts.

• Performances: Travelled to Huish Episcopi School for a concert supporting the Royal British Legion (Langport Branch), featuring soloists Clare Lee Jones, A.J. Bwye, and Stewart Davies. Held a social dance at Maesteg Town Hall with guest Cathy Diamond.

1992

• "Côr y Byd" (Choir of the World): Participated in a massive concert at Cardiff Arms Park under conductor Owen Arwel Hughes, joining 10,000 voices alongside soloists Dame Gwyneth Jones and Dennis O'Neill.

• Concerts & Trips: Held a joint Spring Concert with Kidderminster Male Voice Choir, sang for Civic Sunday at Central Church, and visited South Wanston near Winchester for a concert weekend.

1993

• Local Highlights: Performed in the Maesteg Lions Club "Sound of Brass and Voices" concert alongside The Cory Band and Côr Merched Cwm Llynfi, uniting to sing the "Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves" from Nabucco.

• Landmark Texas Tour (USA): In October 1993, 35 choir members undertook a 15-day tour across Texas:

  • Won 1st Prize ("Special Merit Award") in the Creative Arts competition at the State Fair of Texas in Plano.

  • Received an official Civic Reception from the Mayor of Plano, James N. Munns.

  • Met Texas Governor Ann W. Richards at the State Capitol in Austin and sang an impromptu rendition of the US National Anthem inside the Capitol building.

  • Visited the Fort Worth Stockyards, Texas Rangers Museum in Waco, The Alamo and River Walk in San Antonio, and NASA in Houston.

1994

• Accompanist Transition: Long-serving accompanist Mrs. Christine Bwye retired after nearly 30 years with the choir. Mr. Derek Jones (B.Mus) was appointed as the new accompanist.

• Competitions & Concerts: Placed 3rd in the North Wales Choral Festival in Llandudno in a joint venture with The Nicholas Singers. Hosted their Annual Concert featuring guest soprano Catrin Wyn Davies and the Maesteg Children's Choir.

1995

• Miners' Eisteddfod Victory: Achieved a major milestone by winning 1st Prize at the Miners' Eisteddfod in Porthcawl (20–40 voice section) after competing for nearly 30 years.

• International Hosting & Ireland Trip: Hosted visiting choirs from Hörvelsingen and Langenau for a joint concert and civic reception in Maesteg. Travelled to Wexford, Ireland, to perform with the Wexford Ladies Choir at Whites Hotel and raise funds for St. Iberius Church.

1996

• National Eisteddfod Champions: Won the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Llandeilo in the under-40 voices section, earning the title "Champions of Wales" for the second time in choir history.

• High-Profile Guest & TV: Hosted international soprano Rebecca Evans at their Annual Concert at Maesteg Town Hall and recorded performances for S4C's Margaret Williams Show.

• New Accompanist & Recording: Following Derek Jones's departure to the Faroe Islands, Suzanne Best joined as official accompanist. The choir recorded its second cassette/CD album, "Lleisiau Cwm Llynfi", at Canaan Chapel.

1997

• Tours & Centenary: Travelled to Cornwall for joint concerts with St Dennis Male Voice Choir and performed at a Centenary Concert at Dyffryn Chapel in Caerau.

• In Memoriam: Marked by the sad passing of three prominent choir supporters and friends: R.D. "Ritchie" Richards, J.C. "Jim" Taylor, and Evan Brace.

1998

• 40th Anniversary ("Ruby Anniversary"): Celebrated 40 years since formation (1958–1998) with a grand Annual Concert at Maesteg Town Hall featuring Royal Opera House soprano Leah Marian Jones and The South Molton Town Band.

• Major Venues: Sang in the Festival of Massed Male Voice Choirs at the Royal Albert Hall in London, performed at St David's Hall in Cardiff for "Music on S4C" with the WNO Orchestra, and received a special invitation to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

• Equipment Grant: Received a £4,000 grant from the Arts Council of Wales Lottery Fund to purchase a new electronic piano and sound system.

1999

• A return to Porthkerry in Barry was the order of the day for an evening of song at the Methodist church with guest artist Rachel Best Tenor Horn.

• Gleeman of the year award was presented to Megs Jenkins. Chorister of the year award was presented to Doug Coles.

• Cyril Chinn and Tom Harvey, representing the second tenors, won the "James Taylor" award for the best section.

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Of particular note during this decade was the trip to Texas and as such is worthy of a special summary as outlined below:

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In October 1993 (spanning 14–29 October), 35 choristers from the Maesteg Gleemen, along with wives, family, and friends, embarked on a 15-day concert tour across Texas—the largest venture in the choir's history at the time.

Tour Organization & Travel

• Leadership: The trip was organized in the United States by tour guides Bob and Kathy Weidman, working alongside choir leaders Alun Hodges (Musical Director), Gerald Seymour (Chairman/Secretary), Bill Isaac (Committee Member), and Richard Owen (P.R.O.).

• Transport & Accommodation: After flying from Gatwick Airport to Dallas on British Airways, the group travelled across Texas in four white minivans—three driven by choir members and the fourth by Bob and Kathy Weidman. Throughout the tour, choir members were hosted in the homes of local American families.

Plano & Dallas (State Fair Victory)

• First Prize Award: Based in Plano for four days, the choir visited the State Fair of Texas. While there, they spontaneously entered the State Fair's Creative Arts competition and won 1st Prize ("A Special Merit Award") for the best performance of the day.

• Dallas Sightseeing: Guided tours took the choir to the JFK Assassination site, the Old Red Courthouse, Reunion Tower, Southfork Ranch (from the TV series Dallas), and the Original Settlers Cabin.

• Civic Reception: Plano Mayor James N. Munns hosted the choir for a Civic Reception and granted them "Special Recognition". Choir Chairman Gerald Seymour presented the Mayor with a Maesteg Coat of Arms plaque.

• Concerts: The Gleemen held joint evening concerts in Plano alongside "The Men of Note" barbershop ensemble and the Plano Civic Chorus.

Waco & San Antonio (Impromptu Alamo Performance)

• Texas Rangers Museum: The group travelled south to Waco for a guided tour of the Texas Rangers Museum at Fort Fisher.

• The Alamo: In San Antonio, the choir toured The Alamo, learning about Welsh, Scottish, and English figures involved in the 1836 siege. Outside the main doors, the Gleemen gave an impromptu rendition of "We'll Keep a Welcome in the Hillside", which stopped traffic and drew a massive ovation.

• River Walk & Legend of the 32-Ounce Steak: They explored San Antonio's famous River Walk and El Mercado Mexican market. During a group meal, Musical Director Alun Hodges famously ordered a 32-ounce steak but couldn't finish it, requiring help from several choristers to clean his plate!

• Church Services: On Sunday, 24 October, the 35-voice choir sang during the worship service at First United Methodist Church in San Marcos.

Austin & Galveston / Houston

• Meeting Governor Ann Richards: In the capital city of Austin, the choir met Texas Governor Ann W. Richards at the State Capitol building. Chairman Gerald Seymour presented her with the Ogwr Borough Council's Armorial Bearings plaque on behalf of the Mayor of Ogwr.

• Capitol Anthem: During a guided tour of the Capitol Building, the choir sang an impromptu performance of the US National Anthem inside the rotunda, drawing crowds from across the building and receiving a huge ovation.

• Historical Stops: They toured the Governor's Mansion, dined at Texas's oldest tavern (Scholz Garten, established 1866), and visited the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum.

• Gulf Coast Finale: The tour concluded in Galveston on the Gulf of Mexico, where the group spent four days relaxing in beach flats. More energetic choir members took a 50-mile day trip to Houston for a city tour and a visit to NASA.

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