The last time Caldicot Male Voice Choir was privileged to sing at the Senedd was on St David’s Day in 2012 and it was thrilled to be invited back by John Griffiths MS (Newport East) to sing a lunchtime concert of Christmas songs and carols.
The concert was preceded by an introductory tour of the Senedd when guide Huw Clarke gave a marvellous, humorous and informative presentation of the history of the building and the workings of the Senedd chamber.
The choir descended the open staircase to assemble on the stage where John Griffiths MS gave an appreciated presentation of his association with the choir and a short history and description of some of the Choir’s achievements.
The Choir, conducted by Siȃn Hatton and Shirley Anne James and accompanied by John Nicholson continued with its programme of Christmas favourites including Joy to the World, While Shepherds Watched, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, I Saw a Star and of course a Christmas Medley including Jingle Bells and I’m Dreamin’ of a White Christmas.
The Choir was pleased to receive several compliments and gratitude for coming to sing for the members and staff of the Senedd and included in the audience Senedd Members Carolyn Thomas MS (North Wales), Jeremy Miles MS (Neath), Lee Waters MS (Llanelli), Mike Hedges MS (Swansea) Andrew R T Davies MS (South Wales Central), Natasha Asghar MS (South Wales East), Janet Finch Saunders MS (Aberconwy), Sam Rowlands MS (North Wales ), Vaughan Gething MS (Cardiff South and Penarth).
Other Senedd member were represented by their staff including Jayne Bryant MS, Julie Morgan MS and Sarah Murphy MS. The concert was also watched by many of the Senedd commission who work at the Senedd daily.
Many thanks also to Andrew Bettridge for dealing with the logistics of the visit and arranging the tour and the Choir hopes that there will not be a ten year gap before its next visit.
