The Choir always has an Open Door policy and welocmes visitors for all over the world to its Choir Hall in Mill Lane. The Visitor’s Book, signed over the years by many hundreds of people bears witness to the tremendous support, appreciation and best wishes by visitors from not only most countries in Europe but from as far afield as Canada, Australia, South Africa, the United States, and all parts of Africa and Asia (not many from Antarctica though).
This coming Thursday 27th July we are privileged to welcome once again representatives of the Friendship Force who have been pleased to have visited us on six previous, consecutive occasions. This year’s thirty or so ambassadors are from San Fransisco. Following refreshments in the afternoon at the Choir Hall, they have asked if music can be provided by our own accompanist, Stephen Berry and have once again asked to listen to us at our practice in the evening. Last year we were pleased to host over 20 representatives of the Friendship Force of Egypt who despite the language barrier really enjoyed being part of our rehearsals and our music.
The Friendship Force is an International Organisation of more than 35 years standing and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize some years ago for going behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
Each year more than 5000 Citizen Ambassadors travel overseas from many countries to be hosted by thousands of people all over the World, forging links and extending the hand of friendship to encourage world peace.
A non-political and non-religious organisation it also provides humanitarian aid wherever needed.
During their stay in South Wales, they will be received by the Mayor of Newport, the Lord Mayor of Cardiff and the Welsh Assembly. They will also visit Big Pit, The Transporter Bridge and Tredegar House, but we’re sure that the highlight of their visit will be listening to Caldicot Male Voice Choir.
We have also been asked, and were delighted to accept, a request from The Argentinian School’s Choir to sing with us on their tour of the UK. Having heard of the reputation of Male Voice Choirs in Wales, they wanted the opportunity to sing along with one of the best and we were only too happy to fulfill their request. A short combined concert will take place from 7-00pm at the Choir Hall on Wednesday 10th July. We will also be joined by 25 members of the Wyedean School Band which should provide an unusual and exciting evening’s entertainment. We have been informed that long standing friend of the choir, Mr John Griffiths, Welsh Assembly Minister for Culture and Sport will also be visiting us on that evening (nothing to do with Lyn’s birthday on the 10th).
