Once again The choir enjoyed a very successful evening at their annual dinner dance at the Greenmeadow Golf Club, Hope the following pictures will amuse you all.

On 19th November, St. Julian’s Methodist Church on Caerleon Road once again hosted the 42nd Gwent Police Choir Annual Concert, this was their 10th visit to the lovely church.

With thirty eight choristers and sixty three ladies from Kidderminster aptly called the Kidderminster Valentines, the capacity audience looked forward to a wealth of music and song. They were not disappointed. From the choir’s first rendition of Rachie followed by two heart stirring numbers from Les Miserables the choir set their inimitable stamp on the evening. Their musical director Rodger Appleby’s arrangement of ‘Didn’t it Rain’ plus two other numbers ended their first set.

Chairman Phil Humphreys welcomed the ladies to the stage and what a treat, in black and sparkling red outfits they regaled us with a wonderful variety of songs including Gonna Rise up Singing, As Long as I Have Music and their own version of I Will. A rousing version of Speed Your Journey sung by the combined choirs ended the first half.

The ladies opened the second half and what a joy they were, their four part harmonies conducted by Pam Cunningham, (incidentally the sister of Rodger Appleby) delighted us all, from African Prayer to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Chatanooga Choo Choo had the audience tapping their feet and I’m sure singing along. Not to be outdone, the gents American Trilogy , Shenandoah, Summertime, You Raise Me Up and of course the ultimate Welsh Hymn Cwm Rhondda received tremendous applause.

Rounding the evening off with another combined number ‘Thuringian Folksong’ English and Welsh national anthems.

What a night, if you were unable to purchase tickets for this event check their website for future concerts at gwent-police-choir.co.uk. If you would like to join us
ring Ron Comfort 01633 667899 or to enquire about booking a concert, ring Roy Berry 01633 793076.

Monday October 3rd began a busy week for the choir, a return visit to the senior citizens at Orchard Lane. A very receptive audience enjoyed all the usual favourite songs with Rodger delighting them with his piano solo’s, a Chopin Waltz, his own composition called Midsummer and a Debussy Arabesque.

Their second venue Trinity Methodist Church at Glasllwch Newport was in aid of Action for Children, this year we are celebrating 100 years of this charity in Wales. Formerly the National Children’s Homes the charity helps vulnerable children and their families.

Beginning with Rachie followed by Down by the Salley Gardens, the choir concluded their first set with Do You Hear the People Sing from Les Miserables.

The first soloist the minister of the church Rev Louise Gough delighted everyone with a Bach Arpeggio and an Elgar piece called Serious Doll, beautifully played on her flute, her accompanist Margaret Worthington has played the organ for 50 years.

The choir then sang Rodger’s arrangement of The Lord’s Prayer followed by When Love Comes Trickalin’ Down

Our own soloist tenor Don Martin sang two solos – Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific and Bette Midler’s song The Rose.

It was the turn of the choir again to conclude the first half with I Dreamed a Dream and the very beautiful Nirvana.

Following the interval the choir sang what Rodger calls the Tesco 3-for-1 offer The American Trilogy and a lovely version of Shenandoah.

Don’s unaccompanied comic version of the Jimmy Brown song received well deserved applause, as did his final solo – The Wind Beneath My Wings.

Back to choir again for Bring Him Home and a wonderful song written for Ty Hafren Children’s cancer charity called Another Day.

Rev. Louise Gough then played two compositions The Great Train Race and an Eric Coates piece called Green Hills of Somerset.

Concluding the evening with You Raise Me Up and Cwm Rhondda and as one might have guessed raising the roof as Welsh spirits were high after the success of Wales team in the Rugby World Cup.

A very successful evening thanks to Rodger, our wonderful accompanist Nicola Coker and of course our inimitable compere Mike Gough who kept everything running smoothly and the audience in stitches with his jokes and patter.

28th September

Once again the choir were delighted to travel to Libanus Church Brynmawr to give a concert in memory of their well loved member and compere Ray Hapgood whose remarks concerning that “Little town nestling in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons” Put Brynmawr well and truly on the map. Lovely to see Rene Ray’s widow in the audience always supporting the choir whenever she can.

The choirs usual opening numbers Rachie, Down by the Salley Gardens and ‘Do you hear the People Sing’ got the evening off to a great start.

Our soloist Don Martin (also a Brynmawr boy) sang ‘Some Enchanted Evening and new to us ‘Annie’s Song’, so new he joked it was the first rehearsal.

After three more choir numbers Rodger played two of his own compositions Midsummer and Provence.

Two more numbers by the choir, Shenandoah and The American Trilogy received enthusiastic applause.

Don’s final numbers The Rose and Wind Beneath My Wings were perfect for his lovely tenor voice.

After the choirs final piece ‘You Raise Me Up’, presentations were made to Rodger, our accompanist Nicola and of course compere Mike Gough.

Proceeds from the evening were split between church funds and the Hospice of the Valleys.

THE BIG BIKE RIDE.
JIM, A member of Gwent Police Choir plus friends Bill and Sue.
On the 8/9/10 SEPT did the bike ride from
ST David’s to Chepstow.
In aid of ACTION FOR CHILDREN.

For the last three months Sue, Jim and I Bill, have been training for up to 60 miles a day , three times a week to give ourselves an even chance of not only finishing the ride, but enjoying it as much as possible

We left Magor on Wednesday the 7th with a fully loaded car, four people, all the baggage and three adult Bikes on a rack at the back. I must admit I was quite relieved to arrive at our over night stop near St David’s without mishap.

Thursday the 8th dawned cloudy but dry, most importantly the wind was behind us. We were waved on our way by Chris and my cousin Monica who lives in the area. We made good time to Haverford west, but from then on several long climbs slowed us down somewhat. We met Chris for a quick lunch stop at Narberth. By this time it was drizzling hard.

Proceeding west via Whitland, and St. Clears we entered the last undulating section leading into Carmarthen. Five miles from the town on a muddy downhill lane Sue came off her Bike bringing Jim down as well. Fortunately apart from a grazed knee and elbow all was well, but my heart was in my mouth for two or three minutes.. We arrived at our overnight stop in good heart having covered 60 miles.

Friday the 9th. Weather about the same. We left a little earlier as we had 70 miles to do. Some early climbs gave way to the flatlands through Pembrey forest, Pendine Sands, Burry Port and the Millennium coastal Path around Llanelli. The section was scenic and thanks to the wind direction quite fast. Just as well for we had Swansea and Port Talbot to negotiate on a Friday afternoon. Swansea was quite easy as they have an excellent coastal path around the Bay. Port Talbot was the exact opposite. Not the prettiest of places at the best of times, on a damp Friday evening not a place to be. We made progress by luck and Sue’s ability to see the Bike route signs regardless of where they had been hidden. We then had a hard climb round Margam Park, and went of course near Bidgend which had us climbing a long hill just to do a Grand Old Duke of York job and ride all the way back down again. Eventually at 6.30pm we arrived at our Wetherspoons Pub having covered 72 miles in just under 9 hours.

Saturday 10th dawned cloudy. The forecast had been dire, but at least the wind was still in the south west. This was our mountain crossing day and we were all a little apprehensive. Fortunately we had ridden the route in training which cut the delays down considerably. Twice in the first 20 miles we climbed over 400 feet, the second time the length of climb forcing us all to walk.

Lunch was taken in the grounds of Caerphilly Castle, which left us with just the mainly flat run in to Chepstow. The weather had the last laugh when with less than 5 miles to go the heavens opened and we got soaked to the skin. Fortunately the sun came out just before the finish, we crossed the line at Chepstow Methodist Church to a warm welcome from Michael Bale and the Chepstow committee, our nearest and dearest and friends. The good people of Chepstow provided us with an excellent tea .We had covered a further 62 miles making a total of 192.

Now there only remains the large job of getting the sponsor money in. If all is collected then we should exceed £2000.

I would like to thank my two companions for their company and support, our respective wives and husbands for their help and tolerance, and the many friends who have donated to Action for Children. If you would like to donated.

Please go to www.moneygiving.com/bigbikeride

An Evening of Musical Entertainment

The choir combined with members of the Cor Casnyewydd young people's choir for a musical evening in aid of the Parkinson's Society UK held at St Patrick's Roman Catholic church on Friday 8th July 2011. As usual the choir were wonderfully supported by Nicola Coker on the piano and Rodger Appleby as musical director. The evening was very ably assisted by Mike Gough who entertained with his usual brand of humour between the changeover of the choirs.

It was good to see some of the younger members of the Cor Casnewydd choir as well as some of the senior girls who we remembered from the 2010 Annual Concert when they were guests of the Police Choir. Their conductor is Emma Rowland who is the daughter of Steve Rowland, one of the stalwarts in the Police Choir.

The men began with their almost customary opening hyme, the stirring Rachie, following it with Rodger's version of the Lord's Prayer and finally the African Prayer, sung partly in Xsosa.

It was the turn of the young chorister who began by singing Adiemus, following this with Seasons of love, Circle of Life (The Lion Kimg), and Learning to let go, featuring some of the solo voices. The Choir then concluded this spot with a composition of Emma's called Na wewe Africa, continuing the African theme.

The police choir then concluded thec first half by singing one of theit newer songs, the delightful Love Came Trickling Down, following this with Down by the Salley Gardens and concluding with Another Day, the song wtitten for the Ty Hafan Hospice.

During the interval the raffle was drawn, and later we were told that the evening (sale of tickets and raffle) had raised in excess of £800.

The police choir opened up the second half with I Dreamed a Dream (Les Miserables), another newer song which was a haunting version of the American folk song Shenandoah and concluded with Nirvana.

It was the turn of the younger choir agin - and we were delighted to see that some young lads were members. The members of the Chamber Choir opened with Take me tp Heaven and the full choir followed with Joyful, Joyful, an Abba medley and finally the lovely John Rutter song The Lord bless you and keep you.

The police choir took the stage for the final set of songs which were comprised of the American Trilogy, You Raise me up and finally Cwm Rhondda.

The local secretary of the Parkinsons Uk charity thanked everyone who had combined to make the evening such a success.

This was the fial concert for the police choir untill September, as they will now be holding their Annual General Meeting in July before breaking up for their summer break. They will be resuming in September with a full programme taking them through the rest of 2011 and int0 2012.

Look out for news of our next R & R weekend, Stuart has planned a few days in the beautiful Cotswold area in September. Hopefully there will be enough support for this visit to go ahead. Later in the year we will of course be holding our very successful annual concert and the ever popular Dinner/Dance.

Monday 23rd May 2011

Once again the Combined Summer Concert at High Cross primary School was a tremendous success. The choir started with their usual panache singing the ever popular ‘Rachie’ followed by The African Prayer which was well received by the mixed audience of teachers, parents and pupils and a number of choir spouses

Unfortunately the old adage of ‘never perform with children or animals’ came to the fore as the talented young High Cross Orchestra performed three numbers, De-scaling, Gobstopper Waltz and Skat Cat Swing, their dedication and enthusiasm was catching and many in the audience were tapping their feet. A great performance.

The wonderful High Cross Orchestra Basseleg Year 9 Group then gave an outstanding musical rendering of the theme from the Pink Panther and Lord of the Dance. Some of the group then sang I’m Yours, the audience and GPC were delighted and showed their appreciation by prolonged applause.

Once again the choir performed a lovely version of ‘You Raise me Up’ and the very beautiful ‘Another Day’.

Then it was the turn of the High Cross Choir, wonderful to see so many children on stage giving their all, the teachers of this group must have been very proud as I’m sure their parents were. Their renditions of numbers including Buzzin’ Tonight, Dung Beetle Boogie (this raised a great laugh), and Praying Mantis Prayer were wonderful.

Three choir favourites ‘Nirvana’, ‘American Trilogy’ and Roger’s beautiful arrangement of ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ were very favourably received

Bassaleg School Choir gave an exceptional performance, their first number The Magic’s In Me was beautifully sung, two contrasting songs Bendithia Di and Chatanooga Choo Choo, received a well deserved standing ovation.

The choir’s final choice were the two well known songs from Les Miserables. ‘Bring Him Home and ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ and of course ‘Cwm Rhondda’.

After the raffle, the headmaster of High Cross School spoke proudly of his schools success; he mentioned that his father was in the GPC and his son in the school choir.

Mention must be made of Roger and Nicola’s contribution, particularly Nicola as she is deputy head of High Cross, a very proud lady that night. Not forgetting the inimitable Mike Gough, trying valiantly to bridge the coming and going of so many performers.

The evening closed with a combined song from all the singers young and old. A truly magical night.

On the 26th March 2011, 7:00pm, St; Julian's Methodist Church, Newport, the choir will be giving a concert in aid of LMBBS a little known society who support those children born with this distressing syndrome. Main symptoms of the condition are:

• Visual impairment, often leading to blindness
• Extra fingers and/or toes
• Obesity
• Developement delay
• Learning difficulties
• Other health problems may also occur.

This society is close to our chairmen's heart and we hope to have a full house to raise as much as we can for this very deserving charity.

The Choir held a Skittles Evening and buffet at The St Julian's Inn, Caerleon Road, Newport on Wednesday 2nd March 2011. It was a very successful evenings entertainment, well attended by choir members and their families who encouraged the players with lots of cheering and shouting

There were a few experienced players who managed to knock down most of the skittles, BUT, two wives managed to knock them all down (their husbands will never hear the end of it).

Stuart Ashdown and Jim Angel organised the score board and selected the teams, winners were TEAM 1.

The buffet provided was excellent and went down very well with beer and wine. A raffle was held and raised money for the choir funds.

A really good fun social night for all, ably organised by Stuart and his wife Gill. Roll on the next one. View photos

Gwent Police Choir 41st Annual Concert- 20th November 2010

Once again St. Julian's Methodist church hosted the annual concert for the choir, and again all tickets had been sold before the day. In fact, no advertisements concerning the event had been displayed beforehand, as the tickets had been sold within 4 days of them going on sale!

As has become something of a tradition, Mrs. Gill Benson, church steward, welcomed everyone to the concert: choristers, guest artistes, invited guests and audience alike.

The choir began in usual stirring fashion with the Welsh hymn tune Rachie, following it with the gentle folk song Down by the Salley Gardens.

This year the guest artistes were a group of 9 young ladies who make up the chamber choir of the Cor Casnewydd, which comprises the main choir, a junior choir for children aged 8-11, a senior performance choir for young performers aged 12-18 and of course the chamber choir {ages 15-18] which uses advanced material and close harmony singing as well as using movement to enhance the performance. They began with Adiemus followed by Siyahamba [a piece well known to the Gwent Police choir] and finally a lovely version of the American folk song Shenandoah.

The men then took to the stage to sing 3 songs from Les Miserables - I Dreamed a Dream, Bring him Home and Do you Hear the people Sing?

For their second spot, the girls delighted everyone with music [and movement] from the musical Sister Act - Take me to Heaven, Raise your Voice [some nice comic parts here] and O Happy Day. A delightful foot-tapping selection!

It was the turn of the choir to conclude the first half by singing Rodger Appleby's arrangement of The Lord's Prayer and then a song written for the
Ty Hafan children's hospice called Another Day.

Following the interval, during which time the raffle was drawn, the choir started the second half with African Prayer and American Trilogy.

The girls then returned to sing Chattanooga Choo-Choo and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, finishing with Circle of Life from The Lion King.

The choir followed with Nirvana and All for the Best, the latter being the musical dialogue between Jesus and Judas from Godspell, a tongue-twisting song in which Rodger invited the audience to join! Rodger then did something which has also become quite a tradition - he chose a little song which the choir sang along with the audience [after we had been taught the tune of course!]. It was called 'Jilted', and was one of those songs where you had to watch the timing carefully and hold on to your melody line while the choir wove various harmonies over and around it. At first we were dubious about what the result would be, but thanks to Rodger's expert teaching, a very pleasant sound echoed around the church.

The final item of the evening was by the men and was Teena Chinn's arrangement of You Raise Me Up, followed by the perennial favourite Cwm Rhondda.

No evening like this can ever be complete without special thanks going to many people. First of all the greatest thanks must go to Rodger, the musical director of the Police Choir, and Nicola Coker, their equally superb accompanist. The girls of the Cor Casnewydd Chamber Choir, who provided some very feminine contrast to the men, were a delight to see and hear, and out thanks go to Emma Rowland [daughter of Steve Rowland, chorister in the Police Choir] who both conducted and accompanied them.

As always, our compere Mike Gough kept the evening flowing smoothly with his jokes and stories [some of them obviously police-oriented]. He is a great asset both as choir member and compere.

We were delighted to welcome special guests Chief Superintendent Ray Wise and his wife [on behalf of the Chief Constable who could not attend], also the Deputy Mayor of Newport, Cllr. Margaret Cornelious, and her husband. It was good to see Mr. David Hando and his wife with us as well. Mr. Hando always gives the choir publicity in the South Wales Argus in his column and is a regular visitor to the choir concerts.

Following presentations of bouquets to Nicola and Emma, and other gifts for Rodger and Mike, everyone joined in the singing of the Welsh National Anthem.

We subsequently learned that the sum of £259 was raised from the raffle, and money was also raised by the sale of Christmas cards bearing a photograph of the choir. It had been hoped to have the CD for sale on the night, but it will be on sale soon - contact Ron Comfort, Phil Humphreys or Bill Taylor, or visit the choirs website - www.gwent-police-choir.co.uk

At a function three days later The Chief Constable, Mr. Mick Giannasi' presented the choir with a cheque for £200, for which the choir is very grateful indeed.

Things will be a little quite mow for a couple of weeks - until the New Year, when the first concert of 2011 will be given on 22nd January at the Rotary Club, St. John's, Risca Road, Newport at 7:00pm.

In the meantime, a very happy and peaceful Christmas to everyone.

22nd October, a great night for the choir. The Commodore Hotel in Cwmbran rang with music and laughter as the choir, their partners and friends enjoyed a lovely meal and super entertainment. Thanks go to the committee and especially Stewart Ashdown and his wife Gill for their hard work in bringing it all together. Enjoy viewing the photos and if anyone out their would like to join the choir you will be very welcome at the next Dinner and dance. See photographs. . .

Gwent Police Choir are Linden Singers guests

Saturday 9th October at The Millennium Hall Garndiffaith, what a night. A very successful Annual Charity Concert for The Linden Singers, a ladies choir from Griffithstown. So well attended that extra seating had to be brought in to accommodate everyone.

Distinguished guests included the Mayor and Mayoress of Torfaen also Paul Murphy M.P. who is president of The Linden Singers.

Under the baton of their conductor Lyn Weaver, the choir began the evening with four songs, each one a complete contrast. Ain’t Misbehavin’(Fats Waller), Any Dream Will Do from the popular show ‘Joseph’, a haunting rendition of American folk song ‘Shenandoah’ and the lovely ‘I Write the Songs (Bruce Johnson).

The Police Choir started their spot with the rousing African Prayer, then in complete contrast - I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables.

The evening’s guest singer Jessica Allen, a delightful young soprano, sang the well known and well-loved Ave Maria. A spirited Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus, and a lovely rendition of Summertime from Porgy and Bess.

Two more songs from Les Miserables, Bring Him Home and Do you hear the People Sing brought the Police choir back to the stage. Their concluding song before the interval was Another Day; this was specially written for the Ty Hafen Hospice.

During the interval, representatives of the fund raising team for the local branch of the McMillan Nurses spoke of the wonderful work done by these special nurses. Jane Hart the lead nurse thanked everyone who had attended, also all choristers and background workers for making the fundraising event such a success.

The Gwent Police Choir opened the second half with The American Trilogy (according to compere Mike Gough recorded by Elvis and made famous by the choir). Following this with a beautiful version of You Raise me Up.

The choir’s musical director Rodger Appleby then decided to get the whole audience involved with the singing, something he always does very well. Soon with his expert tuition the hall rang with a little song called ‘Up Above my Head’ Lyn Weaver raised a laugh by suggesting that he could incorporate the ladies into his choir and Rodger could take the men. With the choir singing harmonies it was a very enjoyable interlude.

Settling back the audience enjoyed the choir singing the evocative ‘Nirvana’ finally concluding their contribution with the Welsh favourite ‘Cwm Rhondda’.

Jessica returned for her second spot, singing songs by Strauss and Mozart, finishing with ‘O My Beloved Father’ Everyone was delighted by her lovely soprano voice and her wide choice of music.

Finally it was the turn of the Linden Singers once more, the beautiful ‘The Way we Were’ was followed by ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from Carousel. Another foot-tapping number, the spiritual ‘Ride the Chariot’ ended a very enjoyable evening.

The Mayor and Paul Murphy thanked all who had made the evening so successful. Special thanks were given to Mike Gough, Mike is a great asset to the choir, not just as a chorister but as a compere, his witty jokes and comments keep the programme running smoothly.

Gifts to both conductors and the two pianists Nicola Coker for the Police Choir and Kirsten Sondergard-Watson for the Linden Singers were presented by ladies from the choir.

A superb concert, the size of the audience and their enthusiasm was its own testament.

SUMMER CONCERT

On Thursday July 1st, the Gwent Police Choir joined with High Cross Junior Choir and Orchestra and various instrumental groups from Bassaleg School for a concert at Bassaleg School.

The stormy weather couldn’t destroy the feeling of elation in the hall when, one after another, the youngsters showed their musical ability and thrilled everyone.

The headmaster, Mr. Sherlock introduced the programme and welcomed everyone, then it was over to the Gwent Police Choir who opened with the rousing ‘African Prayer’, then in complete contrast sang the gentle ‘Down by the Salley Gardens’, with its lovely arrangement by John Rutter, following this with the lovely Welsh hymn tune ‘Rachie’. The High Cross Orchestra then gave us the Brudenell Waltz, Tango and Cha Cha, Half Minute Waltz, Themes from the Water Music and finally Last-Minute Latin.

It was then over to Bassaleg Year 7 Instrumentalists who played This is how the Music Goes and Yellow Submarine.

Once again it was over to the Gwent Police Choir who delighted everyone with three songs from Les Miserables – I Dreamed a Dream, Bring him Home, and finally Do you hear the People sing?

High Cross Choir, with over 32 children, sang a selection from ‘Ocean Commotion’ which included a plea for the dear old shark! It was then the turn of the Gwent Police choir who sang You Raise me Up and the American Trilogy.

The Bassaleg Viola Quartet were next with a French piece of music called La Fleur que t’u m’avais jetee. The Bassaleg String Ensemble followed this with the lovely Canon in D by Pachabel.

The Gwent Police Choir finished by singing the expressive Nirvana and finally Cwm Rhondda. It was then the turn of all the choristers, young and young in heart, to join in a lovely song from Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice, called ‘Another Day’. This rightly drew a standing ovation, and as an encore they all sang it again.

Thanks must go to Mike Gough who kept everything flowing smoothly with his usual jokes and wit.

Following the concert, the raffle prizes were drawn and bouquets presented to Nicola Coker, accompanist of the Police Choir, and the choir mistress of the High Cross choir. Suitable gifts were also given to Rodger Appleby, musical director of the Police Choir, the headmaster of the school and of course Mike Gough.

GWENT POLICE CHOIR AND FRIENDS OF TREDEGAR HOUSE

On 23rd June the Friends of Tredegar House invited the choir to present a concert at St. Joseph’s High School, Newport to raise money for the purchase of many items which had been lost/sold and which the Friends would like to see back in their original surroundings at the House.

On this occasion the guest artistes were Christine Purkiss and Veronica A. Walsh [who also accompanied Christine for her solos].cert in usual stirring fashion with the African Prayer and Rachie. Christine then delighted the audience with music from Ivor Novello’s The Dancing Years – Waltz of my Heart and My Life Belongs to You.

After the choir entertained with 3 songs from Les Miserables It was the turn of Veronica to play two piano solos – Theme from Romeo and Juliet and the theme from the film Love Story.

The choir then closed the first half with Rodger Appleby’s setting of The Lord’s Prayer and the lovely song Nirvana.

The choir opened the second half with the American Trilogy and the lovely John Rutter setting of the folk song Down by the Sally Gardens.

Christine then gave us three songs in complete contrast – Can’t Help Lovin’ dat Man o’ Mine from Showboat, the Audition Song from Strauss’s Die Fledermaus and Norah Blaney’s song Mr. Bear. Christine received a very well deserved ovation for her songs – and the way she acted the part of the character in each song.

The choir then sang again, this time two songs arranged by Rodger – You Raise me Up and All for the Best – the latter from Godspell.

Veronica returned to the piano to delight us with a traditional Spanish folk melody called Romance and Monti’s Czardas. The choir brought the concert to a close with their traditional final two pieces – Nessun Dorma and Cwm Rhondda.

Thanks were given to Rodger Appleby, musical director, and Nicola Coker, choir accompanist, bouquets were presented to the ladies and other gifts to Rodger and Mike.

We subsequently learned that, with sale of tickets and raffle tickets, the evening raised around £1,000.

Bill Taylor, who has been a member of the baritone section of the choir since 1988, has every reason to be proud of his granddaughter Megan who lives in Malvern.

Megan has become the under 11 Girl's Mega champion of Worcester at chess, this puts her in the competition later this year to become the Giga Champion of chess.

The choir wish her well and will follow her progress with interest.

The choir are very sad to announce the death of Ron Bendall.

He was described by all who knew him as a real gentleman, always happy to help in any way he could.

He joined the Police Force in 1966 and shortly afterwards met Cheryl, his wife of almost 43 years.

As a young man he enjoyed the game of rugby playing for a number of teams including Newport, Newbridge and Monmouthshire. He also played for Gwent Police, Welsh Police and British Police teams.

He also loved singing, joining the Gwent Police Choir and enjoying many years of fun, laughter and companionship. He particularly enjoyed tours and meeting like-minded people along the way.

Ron was a great practical joker and when on tour could often be found with a beer tray in his hand as choir members awaited another round of 'Cock Robin'. His party piece was leading a very animated rendition of 'Hi Ho Hi Ho It's Off to work we go' as members followed him across the floor and over furniture. Also a clean hanky was always ready for 'The Old Rocking Chair'.

He will be missed by all his friends in The Gwent Police Choir.

2010 started for Gwent Police Choir with a very successful concert at Magor Church raising over £500 for the church funds.

Two local concerts followed again well attended. Our favourite venue at St. Julian’s Methodist Church giving the choir the opportunity to raise funds for Children in Action.

GPC Concert, St. Julians Methodist Church, 20th March 2010

The church was almost full on the night of Saturday March 20th, when St. Julian's Methodist church once again played host to the Gwent Police Choir. This time, the concert was in aid of Action Aid for Children, which most people will remember as the National Children’s Home, a charity very close to Methodist hearts.

The concert was introduced by Rev. Richard Gillion, who is the minister at St. Julian's, and he thanked everyone in advance.

The concert began in usual stirring style with the African Prayer, followed by the Welsh hymn tune Rachie. Following these two pieces we were delighted to see Don Martin after a long spell of illness, who sang two solos – Girls were Made to Love and Kiss, and The Rose, the song made famous by Bette Midler.

The choir then resumed with 3 songs from Les Miserables, I Dreamed a Dream, Bring him Home and Do you hear the people sing? Rodger then showed his versatility by playing two piano solos – one a Chopin Waltz and the other a composition of his own, a lovely with a beautiful melody.

To conclude the first half the choir then sang The Lord’s Prayer, this time a setting composed by Rodger, and the stirring song once beloved by baritone soloists – Nirvana.

It was at this time that Jason, who is very involved with the work for Action Aid for Children, was asked to come and speak for a few moments about the work he is involved in. He thanked the choir, Rodger and Nicola for giving their time so freely to raise money for this charity.

Following a break for tea and light refreshments, the choir then resumed, beginning the second half with Chattanooga Choo Choo, with Stuart providing the train whistle accompaniment! This was followed by the American Trilogy, once recorded by Elvis Presley.

Don took to the floor again to sing a parodied version of the Jimmy Brown Song, which he sang unaccompanied. You could hear a pin drop throughout, save for the bursts of laughter that came through now and then. He concluded his second spot with The Wing Beneath my Wings.

It was back to the choir again for the first rendition [at St. Julian's] of You Raise me Up, to be followed by the lovely Celtic folk song, Down by the Salley Gardens, with the unmistakable setting written by John Rutter.

Rodger then took to the piano and played Debussy’s Arabesque – a technically demanding piece but one which Rodger played with an ease that seemed to belie the difficulty.

The choir’s final pieces were two well known favourites, Nessun Dorma and Cwm Rhondda. Following this second piece, Rev. Richard Gillion asked ‘do you know the Welsh National Anthem?’ with a smile, and remembering Wales’s triumph over Italy on the Rugby field, everyone stood to sing with a gusto that raised the roof.

Following this, Rev. Richard thanked all who had taken part, including Mike Gough who had compered with his usual wit and humour. Our thanks do indeed go out to Rodger and Nicola, not just for the brilliance of the concert itself, but for all the hard work they put in week by week at rehearsals.

The choir are excited at the news that a trip to Prague to sing with Police Choirs from other countries could be in the pipeline next year and are looking forward to singing at various venues for the rest of this year, please check our Events page.

ANNUAL CONCERT 21st NOVEMBER 2009

Once again St. Julian’s Methodist Church was host to the Gwent Police Choir for their 40th Annual Concert and again all tickets were sold before the day. It was a delight to see so many friends from past years.

This year we were delighted to welcome as our guest artist Rhys Matthews, son of our choir’s accompanist Nicola Coker. Rhys is an outstanding percussionist who only this year graduated from the Royal College of Music, Manchester with a first class honours degree.

In between the various spots of the choir and guest artist, our compere Mike Gough, a valued member of the choir, entertained in his usual witty style.

Welcome guests in the audience were Councillor David Hando, a great ambassador for the choir with his contributions to Grassroots in the Argus, and Superintendent Ray Wise and his wife.
The choir began in their usual fine form with a stirring rendering of the African Prayer followed by the Welsh hymn tune Rachie. Rhys then proved his ability on the marimba by treating us to Lijah and Hombre d’Aout.
The choir then gave us three songs from Les Miserables, I Dreamed a Dream, Bring Him Home and Do You Hear The People Sing. Rhys returned and gave a foot tapping version of Black and White Rag, then a lesser known piece – Flying.
Concluding the first half, a new arrangement of the Lord’s Prayer by Rodger Appleby our conductor then in complete contrast ‘Nirvana’ a song usually associated with a baritone soloist.

The second half opened with Chatanooga Choo-Choo, Stewart Ashdown causing hilarity with his dexterity on the wooden whistle, followed by a spirited version of ‘American Trilogy’.
Rhys, then again showed his versatility in all things to do with percussion by using an African drum for a number called fittingly ‘To the Gods of Rhythm’ following this with a piece called ‘Land’.

The choir took over for their penultimate spot, singing Rodger’s arrangement of The Toreador Song form Carmen, then John Rutter’s beautiful setting of the folk song Down by the Salley Gardens. Finally the tongue twisting song All For the Best from the musical Godspell.
For Rhys’s final spot he returned to the marimba to play ‘Libertango’, following this with the well known Czardis by Monti which drew everyone to their feet for a well deserved standing ovation. The choir concluded with Nessun Dorma and Cwm Rhondda.

Mention must be made of Rodger doing what he excels at – teaching people to sing. He taught the audience ‘Zion I wanna go home’ when he thought we were confident enough he brought in the choir, half singing Wade in the Water, and the others, Sometimes I feel like a Motherless Child. We might not have made the finals of Last Choir Standing, but thanks to Rodger the sound was a joyous and tuneful one.

After the usual presentations to Nicola, Rodger, Rhys and Mike Gough. A cheque for £300 was presented to Chief Supt. Wise for the Child Victims of Crime, he regaled us with the tale of how he panicked when addressing the Archbishop of Canterbury at a function and simply said “Thanks Bish” drawing a sharp dig in the ribs from his wife.
A cheque for the same amount was given to Velindre Hospital, the charity chosen when on of the choir members this year lost his wife Sue. She had been one of the leading lights of the ladies group, always on duty in the background ensuring things ran smoothly, before she lost her fight with cancer.
During the evening we were delighted to sing Happy 80th Birthday to Rene Hapgood, widow of the one time chairman and compere of the choir.
Rodger then led the choir and audience in the singing of the Welsh National Anthem.
Everyone agreed it had been splendid concert and the choir are looking forward to making a CD in January 2010 and giving concerts around the county and further afield.

We welcome two new choristers Mike Coombs and Peter Colman