Left click on the images to enlarge. Photos by Coll
Practice for Caldicot Male Voice Choir on Thursday 4th April was something really special. The choir opened the doors of the hall in Mill Lane, Caldicot to the public to raise awareness of the Victims of Chernobyl Children’s Fund and to give the opportunity for the people of Caldicot to see how we put our music together. Saturday 13th April brings us to the 50th Annual Concert and at Thursday’s practice the Musical team put us through some of the finishing touches of items for the concert much to the delight of the audience.
The hall was full to capacity with over 60 choristers and about 100 guests including Mrs Maureen Powell, Chairman of Monmouthshire County Council, David Dovey, Vice-chairman Monmouthshire County Council, Jessica Morden MP for Newport East and County councillor Jim Higginson, Mayor of Caldicot. Surprise visitors were Bill and Peggy Middleton from the small village of Harbury in Warwickshre, where the choir performed in 1999. Special among our guests were Mrs Marcia Doyle and her husband Michael who have been instrumental in bringing children from Belarus to Caldicot for well needed respite each year for the past 26 years. They have also organised and led, under extremely difficult conditions, convoys of much needed aid to the stricken area during that time. The choir is proud to be helping this charity achieve its aims as its major nominated charity for its Anniversary Year. We are delighted that the evening raised over £400 from generous donations and a raffle. Special thanks must also go to the lady supporters of the choir for organising the raffle and providing cakes, biscuits, teas and coffees on the evening.
As part of the choir’s fund raising efforts for the charity, its associated Cycle Club is organising a sponsored cycle ride from Brecon to Caldicot via Ebbw Vale, Pontypool, Cwmbran and Newport on July 13th. Part of this ride will take in the steep climb over Llangynidr mountain, one of the steepest in Wales. The ride will finish at the Choir Hall to a special party organised for the children including a hog roast and discotheque. To date over 50 riders have shown an interest and it is hoped that money raised will enable more children to come to Caldicot during the summer. The choir’s Birdie Boys golfers are also organising an event. More details to follow.
Please contact Tony Griffiths or any member of the choir if you would like to sponsor any of the riders. Please look on the web site www.choircylce.co.uk for more details.