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Past Choristers

In Memoriam

Sadly, Bass chorister John M Jones and Baritone Bill Thomas passed away during 2012 and 2nd Tenor Giovanni (John) Mattia, top tenor Jack Virgo, 2nd Tenor Frank Thomas and Bass chorister Owen Howells passed away in 2013.

Long serving Honorary vice president and second tenor Ken Gibbs sadly passed away on July 23rd 2015

Second tenor Doug Taylor died suddenly after a short illness on January 8th 2017. Doug had also served several years in the choir many of which were spent running the 200 club and acting as welfare officer for the choir. Retired chorister Allen Worwood passed away on January 30th 2017

Sadly, long serving baritone for nearly thirty years, Theo Roberts passed away on 24th April 2017. Theo was a stalwart of the choir for over 30 years, always a willing helper at all our events. We were all saddened to learn of the sudden death of top tenor Roland Bennett on April 7th 2017. The choir was honoured and proud to sing at a memorial service held in his memory at Caerwent church on September 5th  

On Tuesday 12th September 2017 the choir received the sad news that long-serving tenor for nearly forty years, Malcolm Reid passed away after suffering a long battle with cancer.  Despite his illness, Malcolm maintained his attendance at rehearsals and concerts until his recent admission to hospital.

On Monday 5th October 2017 the choir were told that after a prolonged illness bass chorister Roy Jones passed away.  Roy had recently been presented with a lifetime achievement award after 40 years of outstanding commitment to the choir.  Retired chorister and ex-chairman Aldwyn Caswell also passed away on September 28th 2017.

On 10th January we tragically received the news that Bass John Wyson suddenly died at his home. John’s funeral on 2nd February 2018 at Caldicot Catholic Church was attended by over 50 choristers who also sang Gwahoddiad and Llef at Langstone Crematorium.

On April 9th 2018 we were saddened to learn of the death at the Royal Gwent Hospital of long-serving chorister of over 53 years, Colin Jones.

We were saddened to hear of the death of retired chorister Doug King on Monday 20th September 2018.  Doug had served about 40 years with the choir before his retirement three years ago.

We also mourned the loss of retired long standing Chorister David Scott in 2020.

The Choir is saddened to record the deaths of retired long standing choristers Granville Sherborn in December 2020 and John Callow in August 2021. The Choir also mourned the losses of choristers Wyn Goodwin and Mervyn Roberts in October 2021.

The choir was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Cenydd Livings on January 27th 2023. Cenydd was the husband of Lynne who is the sister of Musical Director Sian Hatton and frequent guest artiste Glenna Parry. Although a resident of Northern Ireland, Cenydd was a Vice President of the choir for many years and a frequent visitor to the choir’s concerts and practices. He will be greatly missed as a loyal supporter and friend.

The whole choir is saddened to learn that baritone chorister Harry Giblin passed away after a short illness at the Heath hospital on Monday 5th February. A lovely man, great character and loyal chorister since 2015.

Islwyn Watkins

Past chorister and Secretary (now a vice-president) at the Gala Concert 2011 afterglow, proving he is as active and sprightly as ever.  Still a great supporter of the Choir, Islwyn was born in 1921, the eldest of nine children in Pantywal, Swansea Valley and became a miner at the age of 13.  He worked in the mines for 30 years before moving to Caldicot to work in the new steelworks at Llanwern.  A Welsh speaker and a keen rugby supporter, Islwyn played at full-back for Abercrave Rugby Club for over 20 years until his retirement from the game in 1956.  He was instrumental in obtaining the land, the development and building of our choir hall and it is well worth reading his book, ‘The Dream is Alive’ which tells the story of his time in the choir and and the history of our choir hall.

Sadly Islwyn passed away in 2023 aged 102

John Wigley

John was born and bred in Derbyshire where he spent many years involved with the brass band movement. He moved to Chepstow in 1988 and within a year had become a member of the Choir. Since then he became an ever increasing asset to the Choir; not only on the management side, but also by accepting the post of Assistant to the Musical Director until his retirement in 2001.

Meurig Jones

Although having played for the Choir many years ago, Meurig rejoined as co-accompanist in early 1997. Born in Caernarvon, North Wales he has lived in Chepstow for more than thirty years.  Besides competing in National and International Eisteddfodau, he has been the official accompanist for the Urdd Eisteddfod on many occasions. During his service years Meurig was Bandmaster at Kasfareet MEAF and conducted the massed bands for the Queen’s Coronation.

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1 thought on “Past Choristers”

  1. Loved singing with and being with these three gentlemen during my time with the choir, heddwch.

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