CORONATION CONCERT, MAY 6

Saturday May 6th was coronation day and unfortunately it dawned wet and none too warm. Safe to say that the weather didn’t match the mood and excitement of much of the country. I suspect that the majority of the choir settled down in front of their TV to watch history being made and hoping that the weather might improve in time for us to help celebrate the event with a short 30 minute concert in Tredegar Park, Risca at 5.30pm that day. My worst fears for the weather were confirmed when Ian Meredith (top tenor and helping to arrange the events in the park) sent me a message, early morning, and a photograph showing the conditions underfoot. Not wanting to call it off, I issued a message giving all choristers permission to ignore uniform protocols and wear whatever footwear kept them dry and safe from falling over.

Choristers arrived from 5pm (in various types of footwear) to see something best described as a quagmire! I didn’t think that 30 men, some “more senior in age“ could safely navigate to the stage. We decided to play it safe and set up in the far end of the large public marquee.

The choir was directed by MD Matt Harrison and accompanied with great gusto, by our MD emeritus Martin Hodson MBE whose enthusiastic playing really helped lift the spirits on a damp afternoon. We performed a varied selection of music, some of which the audience knew well and some that were new to them, but all was received enthusiastically by about 50 brave souls who stayed to support us, despite the weather and ground conditions. They were treated to the 3 numbers that we will sing in the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen. Our first chance to perform them in public following extensive practice.

We were congratulated by several on our sound and when you consider that we were outdoors in a very wet field it made it all the more remarkable.

Well done to all who turned out, both choristers and public. An historic occasion marked in style!

Paul Phillips – RMC Chairman