1970-79

Decade Summary

1970-1979

The 1970s was a landmark decade for the Maesteg Gleemen, marked by major Eisteddfod victories, national TV/stage appearances, international tours, and a change in rehearsal venue:

1970–1973: Ensemble Growth & Eisteddfod Progress

• "Sonny and the Boys" (1969–1971): Between 1969 and 1971, a small harmony ensemble named "Sonny and the Boys" (formed by W. Sonny Jones, Gerald Seymour, Stewart Davies, Gwyn Davies, and later joined by Edgar John and Ken Dixon) became a regular cabaret fixture during concert intervals.

• 1971 Miners Eisteddfod: The choir took 2nd place at the Miners Eisteddfod in Porthcawl, singing "Laudamus" and "The Blue Tail Fly".

• 1973 Scotland Trip: The choir embarked on a weekend trip to Scotland for the Wales v Scotland rugby match, performing in local clubs and making connections that led to future Scottish visits.

1974: The Royal Albert Hall & Royal Marines Concerts

• Royal Albert Hall: Officially adopting the name Maesteg Gleemen, the choir joined the Burma Star Choir and Cowbridge Male Voice Choir at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the Burma Star Reunion before an audience of 7,000. Choir members David Barwick ("Gwahodd") and Gerald Seymour ("Nothing Like a Dame") performed featured solos. This event launched a long-standing friendship with the Burma Star Choir, resulting in over 18 joint concerts over the years.

• Royal Marines Band Concerts: In June 1974, the three combined choirs performed with the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. On 30th November 1974, they repeated the combined concert at Maesteg Town Hall, receiving a massive standing ovation for "Soldiers Chorus" and "The Battle Hymn".

1975–1976: German Twinning, First Foreign Tour, & Venue Move

• German Connection (1975): The choir performed in a combined concert at Maesteg Town Hall with the Burma Star Choir and their guests, the Liederkranz Singers from Langenau, West Germany, launching a long-term exchange tradition.

• First Overseas Tour (1976): Travelling under the combined name "Côr-y-Cymru", the Gleemen took their first trip outside the UK to Langenau, West Germany. They performed at the Stadthalle and Gymnasium Ehingen, sang impromptu at the Munich Beer Festival, and established ties with the Hörvelsingen Choir.

• Move to British Legion (1976): After 17 years rehearsing at the Maesteg Workingmen's Club, Secretary Gerald Seymour arranged for the choir to move its rehearsal headquarters to the Maesteg British Legion Club.

1977–1978: Underground Tours, New Uniforms, & Scottish Triumph

• Coegnant Colliery Tour (1977): Former miners Roy Davies, Edgar John, and Gerald Seymour escorted visiting German guests from Langenau and Hörvelsingen on an underground tour of Coegnant Colliery.

• Eisteddfod Success (1977): The choir took 2nd place at the Miners Eisteddfod in Porthcawl, performing "Laudamus" and "False Phillis".

• New Uniforms (1978): The choir introduced new official uniforms consisting of pale blue jackets, navy trousers, blue shirts, and blue/black striped ties.

• Kington Eisteddfod Win (1978): Travelling to Hereford, the choir won 1st prize at the Kington Eisteddfod held at Lady Hawkins School.

• Scotland Tour (1978): Visiting Cumnock in Ayrshire, Scotland, the choir performed a surprise arrangement of "The Star of Robbie Burns", receiving a three-minute standing ovation. During the trip, Musical Director Roy Davies was presented with a 100-year-old silver-headed baton.

1979: Double Eisteddfod Victories & Silver Jubilee Era

• First Prize Victories: The Gleemen achieved major competitive success by winning 1st prize at the Kington Eisteddfod for a second time, as well as 1st prize at the Rhymney Eisteddfod.

• Joint Town Hall Concerts: The choir hosted the Hörvelsingen Choir for a joint concert and social evening at Maesteg Town Hall. They also performed at a Remembrance concert at the Town Hall alongside Cor Meirion Maesteg and the Lewis Merthyr Band, chaired by entertainer Wyn Calvin.