Marion Wilson, London.

Ever since I bought your first C.D (Bought for my husband and kept for myself ever since the minute I heard SAILING) I have always thought The Fron was THE BEST! Thank you 'Boys' for making such wonderful music and some intros to the songs are especially lovely, I have every CD and a DVD.

 

Penny Hall, Cambridge.

I'd like to thank you all for your very warm welcome to your rehearsals a couple of weeks ago and your most wonderful spine tingling singing - it certainly brought more than one tear to my eye! I'll be back when I'm next in the area - I had such a lovely nostalgic trip I definitely won't leave it so long next time.

 

Karen Thorne,  Paignton.

Thank you for a wonderful concert in Yeovil last night. Enjoyed every single minute. Looking forward to the next one !!

 

John and Jean Grant. 

Many many thanks for a most excellent evening last night in Southport, your performance was as usual stunning, I found the Lords Prayer particularly moving, yet again thank you for a truly memorable evening. P.S. We listened to Suo Gân on the D.V.D. we purchased, when we arrived home.

 

Nicholas and Dawn Mills. (Wolverhampton)

Your concert on 11th November at the William Aston Hall was excellent.  The blend of beautiful voices were beyond compare and the mixture of styles of music couldn't fail to impress.  It was wonderful to see the more humorous performances reintroduced.  "The Three Welsh Tenors" were most enjoyable and complimented the Choir very well.  It was a night well worth the three hour round trip to see the Choir in one of your best performances. 

 

Deb Dolittle.

I attended last nights concert in Wrexham with Maureen and Tom Jackson - your compère welcomed them. The Choir's singing, the "Three Welsh Tenors" singing, the piano playing and the jokes were all superb. I shed a tear whilst listening to you several times last night. It was a truly lovely evening. THANK YOU.

 

Linda Wilkinson.

Congratulations to you all - especially my brother Steve Winn.

 

Shirley Hooper.

Best money I ever spent. Hope you do it again.

 

Helen Belton.

Congratulations all. Haven't seen it that full in years.

 

Audrey Davies.

It was a wonderful concert. Enjoyed it very much. Look forward to the next one. Thank You.

 

Rob Richardson.

I attended with my good friend and WOW! and WOW! again - what a superbly entertaining, enjoyable and memorable evening it was. You were all on top form, well done for all the hard work and hours of practice. The "Three Welsh Tenors" were just fantastic too - such incredible, powerful and moving voices. It was marvellous to experience the spectacle and sound of it. Thanks to you all for one of the best evenings I've had for a long time.

 

Janet Ireland.

Thank you Fron MVC and the "Three Welsh Tenors" - we thoroughly enjoyed the concert.

 

Alison Samuels.

It was wonderful.

 

Lyn Barker.

Brilliant night.

 

Donna Metcalf.

Fantastic  night.

 

Janet Wood.

What a wonderful night.

 

Tammi Griffiths.

Amazing night. My Nain and I laughed, sang and smiled all night. Fantastic! Just the tonic we needed.

 

Don Barker.

Had a fantastic night.

 

Aled Hall.

Had a fantastic night last night with the Fron at Wrexham. Place was bursting at the seams and the audience amazing. Big thanks to all involved.

 

Karen Dawn.

It was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Lots of Goose bump moments in the repertoire. A joy that the audience were able to participate so much in the evening. Fabulous !! Congratulations.

 

Roland Davies.

It was a stunning performance from the Choir and the "Three Welsh Tenors". Great night, plus winning 1st prize in the raffle was a bonus.

 

Sue.

What an amazing evening at your rehearsal last night - thank you so much. It was a spine tingling two hours of fun and insight into how hard you all work to perfect your talents.  Please pass on our joint thanks to all concerned for allowing us to share a special moment in time. Good luck and best wishes to all in the Choir.

 

Sue Oliver.

Congratulations to everyone on Fron's 70th Birthday and especially to the two original members, we shall keep a look out for a new CD, we were lucky to see Fron when they sang at De Montford Hall in Leicester some years ago and we just couldn't believe the voices live, truly wonderful and it still sends shivers up my spine. We are off to Llandudno later this month and as soon as we see the "Welcome to Wales" sign as we drive into Wales our Fron CD will be started, it is one of our rituals that we have been doing for years! Love to you all and keep up the good work.

 

Edith Bacon (one of the 4 narrowboat ladies) Elkton, MD USA

Thank you all so much for making us feel so welcome at your Thursday night (June 1st) rehearsal!  It was the thrill of a lifetime to listen to and personally meet the members of such a prestigious group.  I am so glad we decided to moor our boat early so we could attend the rehearsal.  Your rendition of ‘The Rose’ was awe inspiring!, and a special “Thank You” to Sam for being at the marina  when we disembarked and having our CDs for us.  What a great surprise!  Thank you for making our visit to Wales such a memorable experience.

 

Margaret Williams (North Wales Superkids.)

Hi Fron, thank you all so much for making me so welcome on Thursday evening at one of your rehearsals, I actually enjoyed it very much, as it was really interesting to think that such a prestigious choir as yourselves, had to rehearse even what seemed the basics. I am more than aware of the amount of hard work that is put into any concert, the hard work dedication and time which of course if you are just a member of the audience, you will have absolutely no concept of all this.

 

James Godfrey, Telford.

Just a quick email to say thank you to you and the guys for singing "The Rose" for us on Saturday night. We really appreciated Owen's words and we were very proud to have the song sung for us. The atmosphere in the pub afterwards was just electric and it is clear that you guys have a very close bond and enjoy what you do. Listening to you all sing with a pint in your hand was a real pleasure. Once again many thanks for everything.

 

Karen Kirkland, Musical Director of the Bridgnorth School Ensemble.

I would just like to say "thank you" to the choir and all involved with last night's performance in Bridgnorth. The children had a wonderful time and it was a fantastic opportunity for them to see your professional performance. The choristers were lovely with the children, chatting to them and making them feel very welcome. Quote by an 8 year old "they sound like a proper choir". Best wishes.

 

Carol and Phil Williams, Dorset.

We had the great pleasure of being present at one of your rehearsals after having met one of your choir members by the Chirk Aqueduct. He had been cycling at the time and my husband and I were staying in a cottage nearby. He invited us to the rehearsal that evening and we are very pleased that he did.  We had an amazing evening and we were so touched to have been made so welcome - the whole experience made our holiday. We so enjoyed hearing those amazing voices and we were tempted to come again on the Thursday, as I would have loved to ask if you would sing Land of my Fathers.  A few years ago I was part of a historical fashion show that travelled the UK for charity and we did many shows in Wales and when that was sung at the end it always brought a tear to my eyes.  Keep up the good work and when we return to Llangollen again, hopefully next year, we will come and see you. My good wishes to you all.

 

Paula and Cynth, Burton on Trent.

I would like to say a big thank you to you all for making us so welcome on Monday night.  Your singing is amazing & Cynth & I feel privileged to be with you even for just the short while we are at practice.  Hope to visit again before Christmas. Best wishes. xx

 

Jenny and Roy, Sydney, Australia.

We were just blown away listening to the Choir last night and for the sublime music we were privileged to listen to! - We listened to a Fron CD all the way home and would have liked to do the same on our drive up to the Lake District today but the hire car did not have the necessary equipment. Keep singing!

 

David Robert Ord, Hawaii, USA.

I am an author and retired minister living on Hawaii's big island with my wife, having originally grown up in Yorkshire. I discovered your music via Apple music.I love your music, it so passionate and beatifully orchestrated. I hope you make more albums so that I can enjoy listening to them as I write and edit each day.

 

Don & Lyn Canning. Nova Scotia, Canada.

 Continuing to enjoy your CD's.........and promoting your choir with our friends! Hoping that you will be contemplating some concert dates in Canada!

 

Tiernan Maclaren. Victoria, Australia.

I recently listened to your version of Men of Harlech/Rhyfelgyrch Gwŷr Harlech and I was very moved by it. I am Australian, 16 years old and sing in several choirs with my school.

 

Alan Upshall. Puget Sound Welsh Association, Seattle.

The Puget Sound Welsh Association is in the process of archiving all of its historical documentation on the Peoples Collection Wales web site held at the National Library of Wales. In 1986, the Frocysyllte Male Voice Choir staged a very successful tour in North America and Canada and Seattle, and the Puget Sound Welsh Association was delighted to host your concert at the Meany Hall in Seattle.  I remember the concert as the first I attended in Seattle having only just moved over from the Wales.  The Puget Sound Welsh Association still has the brochure and correspondence relating to the concerts as part of our archives and we would like very much to include this material within the deposited archives.  I am so pleased to read of the continued success of the choir and its contribution to the community and please give my regards to the choir members, especially those who might remember their visit and I wish you further success in future years. Hwyl fawr.

 

David Morris. Leicester.

CHARITY CONCERT IN DEMONTFORT HALL, LEICESTER, 10TH OCTOBER 2015. The concert was a success in every way and exceeded all of our expectations. The net income totalled £9690.10 - amazing! I want to say a big “thank you” to all of you, as this was a massive team effort with each of you doing what you said you would do. Whilst the concert was fantastic, the ‘afterglow’ was amazing with the Fron and Military Wives doing what they excel at. So thank you, one and all!

 

Jane Jarvis. Llanymynech.

We came to listen to you last Saturday in Newtown and really enjoyed our first experience of a MVC ‘in the flesh’ ~ we’ll certainly come to more concerts in the future, and will keep an eye out for your appearances.

 

Darley Newman. Washington DC, USA.

Thank you for helping our film crew on our recent visit to Wales. It was wonderful to hear your wonderful singing and to film it for our series "Travels with Darley". This winter we debut on American television and the UK episodes will start on PBS this coming spring. I look forward to staying in touch. Thanks again, Darley.

 

Hamish Mackenzie. Strathpeffer.

Hi All, I've had a look at your website, what an excellent idea to have pictorial snapshots of the choir's travels and escapades! The photo album of the Scottish tour is excellent. I am so glad that all the venues proved successful and particularly pleased that the 'Strath' visit seems to have gone so well. The 'highlander' is not given to spontaneous outbursts of delight but believe me it was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. What a great bunch of Guys (and Lassies). Word of the concert is spreading and quite the talking point in the village, and deservedly so! It was a privilege to be invited to share the stage with you all. Several of our choir were very moved by the 'sound of the Fron', it really is spectacular and when heard with only the sympathetic accompaniment on the keyboard, the warmth and depth of your choir proved to be something we will never forget. The Choir members, your MD and Accompanist are to be congratulated for producing such a quality of expression, harmony and sheer polish. Please pass on to your members our best wishes and you can always be assured of a special welcome in the highlands of Scotland, and following the Strath visit, a particularly warm welcome in our small village. We would love to see and hear you again.

 

Denis Madden.

Angie and I have just returned to our room at the Chester Hotel in Aberdeen after a truly wonderful evening with the beautiful and powerful Welsh Fron Male Voice Choir, first at their official concert and then invited by them to join them at their after party where we got to chat and sing with them. We don't take many nights out, but this has been amazing and a birthday gift from my wife. Thank you very much Babe and Thank You Fron for an amazing evening.

 

Cheryl. Aberdeen.

I wish to take the time to thank you all most sincerely for the fantastic response to my request and by ending the evening on Saturday by playing the Welsh anthem. My dad was incredibly pleased and very surprised on the evening, he was completely unaware that I had made the request for him and he was very touched by the consideration that you gave to my request, he proudly sang loudly at the end! My parents truly had a wonderful evening and spoke highly of how well both choirs had performed. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend myself, but I'm pleased they purchased a CD so I will borrow that instead! Thank you so very much again, wishing you safe travels in the tour.

 

Jane Ferguson. Elgin.

It was when I heard the Fron sing - when they first burst onto the music scene - that I found the inspiration to try and form an MVC for the local community. To have The Fron sing here in Elgin and share the stage with my GMMVC is absolutely fantastic and something I could never have dreamed of happening. Can’t believe it really!

 

Linda Allan. Aberdeen.

Dear Friends from Fron. Thank you so much for making the effort to travel North. We had a ball tonight didn't we !! What a fabulous concert. We had so many positive comments from audience members. "What a beautiful sound! What great variety and when can they come back" were some of the comments.  What a fantastic Afterglow party at Dizzy's!  Best wishes for Elgin and Strathpeffer!  Haste ye back!  X Linda (bass) and Facebooker who graciously accepted your wonderful gifts when it should have been our wonderful directors Gwen or Sophie!  Thank you so much! 

 

David Morris, Leicester.

Leigh - Just a brief note to thank you for visiting and entertaining us so richly in Leicester yesterday. The concert was fantastic! Thank you for your personal performance - your method of conducting your Choir was inspiring. Please also convey my personal thanks and appreciation to each of your members who visited Leicester with you yesterday. I trust you all had a safe journey home. Thank you again and Good Luck!

 

Anne Wilson, Town Clerk, Bridgnorth Town Council.

On behalf of the Bridgnorth Community Events Working Party and the Town Mayor we would like to say thank you to the Fron for a fantastic evening on Saturday. The quality and variety of songs and hymns sung were enjoyed by those who attended and we have received many favourable comments since Saturday. The schoolchildren were great and so enthusiastic they complimented the choir nicely. We look forward to working with you again in the future.

 

Paul Johnson, Swansea.

I am a blind radio presenter from Swansea and last week visited Abergavenny Market, purchased your CD "Voices of the Valley - Memory Lane" and really enjoyed it. I will be playing "Land of Hope and Glory" on my program tomorrow and I'm also looking forward to playing many more from the CD. I broadcast between 10 and 1 on Monday and Wednesday mornings on Radio Tircoed. Our webbsite is www.radiotircoed.com. Once on the site, look for the "listen to station" button. With best wishes Paul.

 

Mrs. C Cooke, Secretary, Yeadon Charities Association. 

We would like to thank you most sincerely for a wonderful concert at Yeadon Town Hall on Saturday 18th. July. I think I can say without a doubt that the evening was a huge success and was very much enjoyed by everyone. Your members were great fun and good company. We hope to meet you all again in the not too distant future.

 

John Cook, Cyprus.

Thank you very much for a such an enjoyable evening at Yeadon. The program was terrific with something for everyone. A special thanks to Geoff Davies for his invitation and the dedication of 'The Rose' to my wife and myself, it was very moving. Please give our thanks to all the members of the Choir. I look forward to seeing you all again next year in Cyprus.

 

Eileen Evans, Secretary, Caergwrle Presbyterian Church.

On behalf of the Church Officers, Elders and friends of our Church I wish to thank the Choir for so generously giving us 40 tickets to sell for your Charity Concert at Llay. Eveeryone had nothing but praise for the brilliant performance given that evening. It was evening of non-stop music and the Choir should be very proud of their performance. We as a Church thank you for your generosity which enabled us to raise a much needed sum of £400 for our Church funds.

 

Barbara George, Chairman "Friends of Tenovus" Wrexham.

On behalf of the Wrexham Friends of Tenovus fundraising committee, Izzy Rodrigues and the "Sing with Us" choir, I would like to thank you so very much for the wonderful evening of music shared with you on Friday 19th June at Llay. It was a huge honour for us to be invited to take part with such a prestigious and famous Welsh Male Voice Choir, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Your performance was excellent. Your generous gift of 40 then a further 20 tickets for us to sell for our funds raised an amazing total of £470.00. We can't thank you enough. This money will go towards supporting all of the wonderful areas of work that Tenovus Cancer Care provides for all of those affected by cancer. Eventually, and with the help of friends and sponsors like you, we can find new treatments, therapies and even a cure during the years to come. You are very special people. So thank you very much for your help once again and we look forward to singing with you again sometime in the future. We all wish you the very best of luck at the Llangollen Eisteddfod this July - the other choirs should pull out now!

 

Izzy Rodrigues, Choir Leader "Sing with Us" Tenovus Choir Wrexham.

Hi all. Thanks so much for having us to perform with you on Friday. The choir had a great night. They loved it and you blew us all away. They particularly loved "Tom" XXX

 

Don and Ba Kopp, Maine, USA.

Having just arrived home, Ba and I want to express our appreciation for being able to attend Fron's 4th June rehearsal. The singing was wonderful, Leigh was amazing, and the warm welcome and friendliness extended to us by the boys will long be remembered. We were especially moved by the choir's "The Lord's Prayer" and, on request, "Bring Him Home". Our visit, however, has resulted in a problem - we can't get "What Do You Do With A Drunken Sailor?" accompanied by Leigh's foot stomping out of our heads. It was that terrific! We hope that our paths cross again.

 

Maureen Jennings.

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm sitting here listening to the latest CD and loving it. thanks again for such a special evening.

 

Maureen Jennings, Toronto, Canada.

I wanted to thank you profusely for letting me and my friends come to a choir rehearsal. it was absolutely fantastic. The rehearsal part with a new song, was fascinating to me a non-musical person. the rest was wonderful with the choir ‘just’ singing. It is obvious what a lot of work had gone into this group. I played the latest CD today and it is really marvellous. Thanks to all of you for a most memorable evening.

 

Ian Urquhart, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada.

I was looking at a letter I received in 1983 while I was in Edmonton recruiting for the Canadian Armed Forces, asking me to arrange a military band to accompany your choir at the West Edmonton Mall. Everything was arranged, the venue at the mall. the band, and a proper stage was planned to be constructed to suit your needs. Then disaster, the band had to cancel, they had no transport to get them to Edmonton, the forces transport aircraft were called to duty elsewhere. Off to the mall I went to cancel the show, the stage was to be started the next day, stopped just in time. The entertainment representative for the mall was so disappointed. That was the last I heard of the incident. Looking at a photo album this morning I rediscovered a letter that had come with the package from Wales asking me to see that all the men in the choir got a goodly access to fine Canadian beer during their stay here. It was signed by HRH Prince Charles. Sadly that opportunity did not come to pass. I have been listening to some of your offerings on the internet, rediscovering also what we sorely missed a number of years ago.

 

Val Burton, Llansilin.

It was a great experience to hear the Choir singing in St. Silin's Church in Llansilin. Thank you everyone, Leigh conducting, the Choir, the Compère and the Accompanist. I am sure the Choir will continue to maintain its great reputation. My regards to David Jones and especially to John Kelsall, who we met on a train from Ludlow and gave me the idea for the concert.

 

Kath Carbin.

Thank you for the wonderful Christmas concert at the Victoria Theatre. 

Thank you for dedicating the 'Greek Fisherman' to my late husband Tom, how he would have loved that. 

Thank you for the hugs and kind reassuring words. 

Thank you for so many happy memories. 

Thank you for being the Fron. 

Best wishes to all and may 2015 be another successful year for the Choir.

 

David Lintern, Board Member, The Victoria Welsh Society, Canada.

Are you ever planning another visit out this way ? All us expats have never forgotten your visit, especially some of the quiet section singing, superb control. The Victoria Welsh Society is alive and well and we would love to see you again. From memory I think you were here in 1983 and 1986 and John Daniels was at the helm. Never forgotten.

 

Lady Susan Trevor.

Thank you for organising tickets for the Wrexham Concert. My guest and I thoroughly enjoyed it and congratulate the Choir on an excellent performance. With best wishes to all the choristers for Christmas and the New Year and I look forward to next year's concert list.

 

Jenny Blake, Reading.

What a wonderful performance on Saturday night. We loved every minute. It was exhilarating, passionate and enriching. I cannot find the words to describe it. A big thank you to everyone involved. You deserve all the credit you get.

 

Mike Ryan, Caversham.

I just wanted to thank you all for your performance last night – it was a truly memorable occasion and I am sure that those who attended will be talking about the night the Fron Choir came to Caversham for an awfully long time. Until the next time.

 

Jenny, Dave and Brenda, Parc Grove, Llidiart-y-Parc, Corwen.

Many thanks for the kind welcome and allowing us to come along to the Fron practice last Thursday - the three of us found it very interesting and enjoyable from different perspectives! My sister Brenda (a flautist in a Broadstairs orchestra) said that it was the highlight of her holiday last week. We do admire your dedication in keeping up the Welsh choral tradition ... the CDs have been played a few times already ... we look forward to getting along to another 'official' concert in the area soon! Diolch yn fawr.

 

Hilda and Jeff Scott, Pauline and Gordon Parill. Canada.

We had the privilege of attending your practice session on the 2nd of October and were truly grateful to have such an opportunity. We were so pleased to attend and you were all so welcoming that we felt doubly glad to share the evening with you. We purchased some of your discs and have been listening to them each day and they are a joy to listen to. Thank you for giving so much to so many with your beautiful voices, may you continue for many years to come.

 

George Dowswell - First Bass.

Just been searching the results of Derry and can see all that your hardwork has paid off. Brilliant. My Eyes welled up "with tears of pride". Hope you enjoyed the trip as well as the singing. Well done.

 

Cathy Burke.

I attended your concert with my husband at St. Mary's Church in Bridgnorth last night. What a wonderful evening, I was captivated by your amazing singing and found it really moving. Do you know I wonder just how much pleasure you give to people? I hope you do. Please come back to Bridgnorth or a nearby venue very soon. Good luck to you all, take care, thank you again.

 

Wendy Norman (nee Jones), London, Ontario Canada.

I wrote some years ago, saying how much my husband and I love the Fron Choir. I am a welsh born valley girl (now retired) living in Canada and Texas sometimes. We have listened to your music with much delight over the years and just listening to you all sing, takes me back "home". We are making a trip "home" in a week and hope to be passing through your area, in fact we are planning on passing through your area when you practice, have noted the days and times. I see you welcome onlookers, and would just be delighted to listen , what a priviledge. Sending you all warm wishes from our hearts, (mine still very much welsh, my hubby english...but much more Welsh in his heart). May you all reign, and sing your songs to remind us all of our home sweet home.

 

Reply from Allan Smith;Thanks for your mail and all your kind words. We will be rehearsing as usual on both Monday and Thursday - at the usual place of Acrefair Primary School from 7 to 9pm. If you have SatNav in your car, the postcode to enter is LL14 3SH. We look forward to welcoming you and, although not compulsory, you may be able to join in on a few of our songs!

 

John Stephenson, Newark, Nottinghamshire.

A few weeks ago I went to Nottingham to hear your Choir and it was an afternoon of superb music by World class musicians. I decided to write to the Nottingham Post with my comments on your outstanding choir and excellent vocalist. Many thanks to you all for an afternoon of musical brilliance.

 

Sylvia Martin. Ludlow, Shropshire.

I was thrilled to hear "Sailing By" on one of your "Voices of the Valley" CDs as that tune is one of my favourites. I am a keen supporter of the Choir and enjoyed your concert at St Laurence Church in Ludlow last week.

 

Pam Cooper.

Just a note to say many thanks to all the Fron Choir for the privilege of watching you rehearse last Thursday. The six of us had a wonderful time, we were made to feel very welcome and the experience was the highlight of our holiday. Being allowed to join you in singing WW1 songs at the end of your rehearsal is a memory that will last forever. Fantastic. Thanks again. Click for photo

 

Mandy Varley.

Saw the choir today in Nottingham with my friend Helen and we thought you were absolutely amazing. Kathryn Rudge brought a tear to our eyes with her incredible singing. Thank you. X

 

Peter Thompson.

I have listened to many Welsh Male Voice Choirs over the years, but have never been to a live concert and last Saturday's event in Nottingham was my first. I was not disappointed and had a brilliant time. Regards.

 

Jean & Stan Gregory Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottingham.

To Leigh and the Choir, bravo! You did yourselves, the Wainman Trust and Nottingham proud this afternoon. You have a treasure in Kathryn and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to enjoy her singing. May we also make special mention of Jason. His accompaniment is a delight in itself. As for the adventures of Dai and Gwen .......! For all the dedication and talent you put into the concert and the pleasure you gave, THANK YOU.

 

Barry and Carolyn Stephens, Gold Coast Australia.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Concert in Welshpool and congratulate all the Choir Members for a memorable and entertaining night.

 

Ruth and Sydney Glatman, London.

We are writing to thank you all for the wonderful welcome we received at Choir Practice on Thursday. The Practice itself was a great concert, and we felt we were very honoured guests. Special thanks to Allan and Trevor for showing us so much of your beautiful Welsh Countryside, to Jon for the Souvenir Photograph which is now on our hall table for everyone to see, and to those in the pub who sang us off with “There is a Welcome in the Valley”. You are all so friendly and we love you all and hope to visit again one day. We understand there is to be a concert in Reading in November and if at all possible we will come and see you – and bring more cake!

 

Robert Fiddaman, Rotary Club of Heswall.

On behalf of the Club may I express our thanks to the choir for the excellent performance last night. I received many positive comments from people saying how much they had enjoyed the evening. Looking forward to seeing you all again in the future.

 

Brian and Dilys Nicolson, Australia.

We are travelling to the UK and plan to spend two nights in Welshpool during the trip, specifically to attend your advertised concert. We always enjoy visiting Wales and love your choral music so we are looking forward to hearing the Choir.

 

Jean & Stan Gregory, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottingham.

Our visit to the Choir's rehearsal on May 8th was the highlight of our recent stay in Wales, and we are so grateful that you invite visitors to your rehearsals. We were overwhelmed by the friendliness of your welcome - and you can sing a bit, too! We were impressed by the range of singing we heard, from the sensitive to the humorous to the powerful. Thank you for giving us such a memorable evening. As we said at the time we always enjoy listening to a Welsh male voice choir, but to spend an evening at such close quarters with THE Welsh male voice choir - such a handsome crowd, too - was a real bonus. Thank you very much indeed. We now look forward to hearing you in Nottingham on June 28th.

 

Jason and Katy.

Thank you all for a wonderful evening of song on St Valentine's Day, the church was nearly full and a very appreciative audience. The red roses were a huge hit and your performance was quite inspirational for the Merseywave Choir and was enjoyed by all.

 

Nevis Carruthers.

Jez - ref the performance at Speke - bloody brilliant, your version of "Shenandoah" had the hairs on the back of my neck standing up, thank you and your "lads" too.

 

David Whitford, Toowoomba, Queeensland, Australia.

I was watching a Program on the ABC this morning called Hymns of Praise which is shown every Sunday morning here in Australia. I was pleasantly surprised to see the Fron Choir in a beautiful church singing "Guide me O thou Great Redeemer" as well as "Abide with Me". Such a beautiful sound. We are really looking forward to hearing the Choir if you are rehearsing when we are in Llangollen in August.

 

Betty Windmill, Melbourne, Australia.

I have just watched Songs of Praise and was delighted to hear your Choir singing. The session is most likely an old one - it takes a while to reach Australia - LOL. It was part of a Pilgrimage near the coast of Wales. I still play your CDs occasionally and love them. I noted that most of the men are middle aged or older. Is there a reason for this? Maybe the younger men are too busy doing other things, or else are into the more modern style of music? I guess most of you have been singing together since your young days anyway? It's 5 years since I made any contact with you --- now 87 and still going strong!!

 

Adrianna Glover.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and New Year and hope to see you all again very soon.

 

Nicola Shore, Project co-ordinator, Age UK Oldham.

I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you so much for your superb performance yesterday at Manchester Cathedral! You sounded beautiful and everyone I spoke to was so impressed with your performance. Age UK have booked the Cathedral for next year on the 6th of December and we would really love to have you come and perform for us again.

 

Geoff Corkish MBE MLC (Member for Tourism, IOM Department of Economic Development.)

I felt that I had to write to your choristers this short but sincere note following our 2013 Isle of Man Festival of Choirs. The standard and quality of music and singing was nothing less than superb. The atmosphere generated was tremendous and all down to you and your choir for supporting and taking part in the way that you did. I very much hope that you all enjoyed the festival as much as I did and I am grateful that you accepted our invitation to travel to our island and sing so beautifully and share in music making, harmony and friendship. Your participation greatly helped this festival to be the outstanding success it undoubtedly was - thank you!

 

Nicola Leonard, BBC Growing Potential.

Just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for the warm welcome you gave us at the Choir rehearsal last Thursday despite our late arrival (apologies again for that). The group really enjoyed the opportunity to speak to members of the Choir as well as listen to the fabulous singing (which brought some out in Goosebumps!) Good luck for your forthcoming competition in the Isle of Man!

 

Neville and Gwenda Cunningham, Australia.

Gwenda and I have arrived home after what has been a wonderful trip abroad. We were especially grateful to have been able to visit the Fron Choir practice and witness the members at “work”. Clearly, you all love your work. We would like to thank you all for the opportunity to visit and enjoy your hospitality. We wish you all the very best for the future and look forward to enjoying much more of your music. Hopefully we may get to see you on a visit to Australia some time in the near future.

 

Sara Clarke & family.

My family and I came to watch the choir rehearsing last Thursday and it was a great experience. Sorry we didn't stay for the full rehearsal but it was the last night of our Hols and we had made arrangements. My Mum, Dad and I went to watch the choir when you performed at the De Montfort Hall in Leicester a couple of years ago and that too was great! Now we know how much hard work goes in to it all.

 

Sophie and Jim.

On behalf of Sophie, Jim, Martyn and Debbie we would like to thank everyone who was involved in making our Wedding Day Sunday 30th June so very special. Every guest, friend and relative enjoyed the choir so much, you were all truly amazing and we can’t thank you enough for making our day so perfect.

 

Godfrey Crofts, RCA Rally Officer.

Many thanks for letting us visit your practice night on 22nd July. We were made very welcome. It was an eye-opener to see how much work everyone puts in. The songs at the end were very moving.

 

Chris and John Motton.

A big thank-you for making us so welcome and comfortable tonight - we both enjoyed the evening. We are looking forward to hearing about your next CD. Best wishes to you all.

 

John & Lorraine, Australia.

Lorraine and I wanted to say what a heart-warming experience it was for us, sitting in on the rehearsal just over a week ago! Thank you for the gracious welcome we received. You should know that our house has been ringing with the sounds of the Fron Choir since we arrived home last week. We both have Welsh ancestry. Lorraine's mother was born in Tonypandy and my great-grandfather in Llansamlet. On a trip to Wales five years ago we visited both places. We also both have spiritual origins in 'chapel'. My antecedents were Welsh Independents, Lorraine's Methodists. We are both ordained ministers (retired) with the Uniting Church in Australia -- which came into being in 1977 with union of Congregationalists, Methodists and Presbyterians. Perhaps one day we shall have the joy of receiving the Fron Choir on a tour of Australia. I would like to think so. 

 

Trustee Heather Heron on behalf of the Board of "Action on Postpartum Psychosis".

On Friday 14th June, 2013 some members of the APP Board, along with their friends, journeyed to Llay nr Wrexham in Wales for a charity concert performed by the internationally renowned, Welsh "Fron Male Voice Choir". APP will benefit financially by the Fron's generosity and we should like to thank all of the choir, their conductor and their management for: the warmth of their welcome; for their flexibility in allowing us to invade their hall with our advertising banner and literature - thereby raising vital awareness; and of course - for the soaring beauty of their singing! It was a truly magnificent gesture from a very busy choir and we look forward to maintaining contact with them in the future as we at APP also soar! What the choir won't have realised from their position on the stage is that at the back of the hall a tiny, rapt 22 month old - Dr Jessica Heron's wee daughter - waited until the end of a Fron song and, in the ensuing silence, lit up with her very own loud rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to the amusement of all at the back. Testament indeed to the power of "The Fron" to inspire youth. What a huge pity she had no microphone and was ushered out, protesting, into obscurity!

 

Tony Miles, Llangollen.

May I take this opportunity to thank you for your performance at the Ryan Jones Testimonial Dinner on Saturday in the Llangollen Royal International Pavilion. It was a fantastic night and many people have said they enjoyed it.

 

Peter Long, Yeadon.

I would like to thank you all for the concert at Yeadon Town Hall on the 6th of April. We at the Yeadon Charities Association not only think that you are all very talented but a really nice and friendly bunch of guys.... (and girls mustn't forget Leigh).... and look forward to more concerts in the future.

 

Helen E Webster, Yorkshire.

My husband and I travelled up from South Yorkshire last night (Saturday 6th April) to attend your concert at Yeadon Town Hall. We both sing in choirs (Male Voice and Ladies) and we thoroughly enjoyed your concert. It was lovely to see and to hear you all. I have been a 'fan' of the Fron Choir for quite a while and have all your CDs which I sing along to and listen to in my car and I also have the DVD. I believe that you are returning to singing competitively, so who knows - our paths may cross one day. With very best wishes to you all for your continued success.

 

Peter Williams, Rotary Club of Whitchurch.

May I say what a wonderful evening we had yesterday. The Choir were in their usual good voice and as for Dylan Cernyw, what a talent, he along with Leigh & The Boys made for a memorable night at St Alkmund's. We here in the Rotary Club wish to say many thanks once again, I'm sure the Choir and Dylan will be invited back again in the future.

 

Eleri Wyn Smith, Nightingale House Hospice, Wrexham.

On behalf of Nightingale House Hospice I am writing to thank the Choir for participating in our concert at the Chapel, Eaton Estate on the 20th of December 2012. We have had extremely positive feedback and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the concert. I can now confirm the concert raised £3538 and we really do appreciate your time and dedication to help earn the hospice such a fantastic amount of money.

 

Daniel and Bronwen Glatman, London.

To the wonderful men and lady of the Fron Choir! I can't get over just what a wonderful thing you guys did for my family and me on Monday. Darling Aunty Gloria’s send off was a unique service tailored for a unique individual. You were probably able to build up a profile of her amazing character from all that was said... It was so important to me that her parting shot from the world was spectacular and that a service to celebrate her life simply had to be the talk of Chelsea...... Her reputation and standing within the Chelsea community meant everything to her and I simply had to ensure that the service was pure class.... Judging by the number of calls, emails, and text messages that I received afterwards to that effect, I think that I can safely say that it was pure class and I can only say this because the Fron were there doing what they do best.... Making a beautiful noise then having a laugh afterwards..... Yes it was a funeral, but people needed to leave it feeling good and you guys always leave a room with people smiling.... This would have meant everything to Gloria... She wouldn't have wanted a solemn affair... The tone that you guys created both in the Crem and at the Wake couldn't have been more special and on point, and I thank you and love you from the bottom of my heart. May I wish you all the best of British for 2013 and hopefully we will see you very soon.

 

Geraint Roberts,

We all enjoyed the rehearsal immensely - it did not matter that you were learning a new piece; it was interesting to see the progression as you got more used to the piece. It would have been nice to chat at the end, but as I arrived late, I parked in a place where I think I was blocking in a few cars, so I went out to move it, and John and Marian had inadvertently followed me, by which time a few cars were leaving, so I had to leave to avoid blocking things up further. Thank you for your hospitality and words of welcome, it was a very enjoyable evening.

 

Alan Wych,

As always I came along to your concert last night in Newcastle under Lyme and, as always, came away with a tremendous sense of well being. Thank you. I'm already looking forward to next year's concert. With best regards to your members over the Christmas period.

 

Kristina Sampy, Age UK Manchester.

Many thanks to you all for your wonderful performances at this morning's Age UK 'A Star for Christmas' concert. You were brilliant and really helped get us (the staff of Age UK) and our supporters into the Christmas spirit. I hope that the Choir and your 38-strong 'fan club' also enjoyed yourselves? Thank you very much for coming all that way- and with such an early start.

 

Peter Whitaker, Carlisle.

Thank you all for your welcome, friendship and insults I have enjoyed them all equally. These seven and half years have been very special to me - having researched my Welsh heritage (even though its South Wales!!! ) I feel that Hiraeth in my bones.I first heard a Welsh choir in Dorset when I was 20 then in 1997 my son (as some of you remember) played his classical guitar with the Fron in Kendal. I am so grateful for your encouragement - I have learned so much - It has fulfilled a lifelong ambition to sing with others - I shall miss you all very much. Thanks and take care.

 

Gareth Pritchard, Assistant Chief Constable, North Wales.

I was very grateful that the Fron Choir was able to come to the All Wales Special Constabulary Awards Ceremony at Soughton Hall on Sunday 18th November 2012. The Award ceremony was an important recognition of the volunteer work that the Special Constabulary undertake for communities across Wales. Having heard the nominations and presented the winners with their awards the Choir's attendance and excellent performance was a fitting conclusion to the event. I was pleased that the Fron Choir was able to perform in front of officers from each of the Welsh forces but also members of the North Wales Police Authority and Mr Winston Roddick who was elected last week as the first Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales. The excellent performance given, showed the range and versatility of the Fron Choir. I am really grateful for your attendance and the high standard of the presentation.

 

Marie Preston,

Thank you so much for inviting me to attend the concert at Wrexham. It was wonderful to hear the choir again "live " and I now know that I am at last able to attend a concert without breaking down. Also, meeting and talking to so many of the choir circle, most of which I have not seen for three years, was a real pleasure. The Foden band were outstanding, but for me, it will always be about the choir and the memories I have, anything else is incidental. My daughter in law Nicola has asked me to thank you for your extended invitation, she also enjoys listening to the choir, I think this was her fourth concert and will not be her last. I hope your concerts leading up to Christmas go well, I have no doubt that they will and I wish you all well.

 

Johnnie Greene, Dublin.

I would like to say how much we enjoyed your concert, together with the Dublin Welsh Male Voice Choir, last Sunday in St. Patrick's Church in Dalkey. It was a wonderful evening of music, fellowship and harmony (of all descriptions). I purchased your 'Voices of the Valley' CD that night and have had such pleasure listening to it - I wasn't expecting such a comprehensive recording with guest artists and an orchestra. I wish you every success in the future and do hope you will come back to Dublin again in the not-too-distant future.

 

Del and Allan Wilford, Bournville.

We would like to thank the members of the Choir for making our trip to Ireland such an enjoyable experience. Everything was so well arranged, and we must mention both the coach drivers who did a fantastic job. Love and best wishes to you all.

 

Jenny and Geoff Rasmussen, Australia.

We have arrived home safely after our very enjoyable visit to Llangollen, made even more so by our visit to the Choir rehearsal, it was wonderful to hear you all singing in real life, and to see how everything comes together. We really appreciated being able to record the beautiful evening Prayer and will treasure it. All the very best to you all.

 

Sue Egglestone.

Just to say a big thank-you for allowing me to "gate-crash" your wonderful evening at the Cumbria Grand Hotel! It was lovely to see your boys relaxing and enjoying themselves and still in incredible voice. Leigh must be so very proud of them and the hard work you all do. I am hoping to come to Wrexham early November with my daughter Xantel-Rose. I am looking forward to hearing and seeing you all again then. In the meantime, keep singing, and please look after a certain gentleman on the front row! His voice nearly took the roof off Catmel Priory on Sunday. God Bless You All.

 

Fred, Ulverston.

Many thanks to the entire Choir for last Saturday’s performance at the Ulverston Coronation Hall. Many people have stopped me this weekend and have been thrilled to state how much they enjoyed the evening. You may have been but a faint interest to them before but you will now remain in their memories for many years to come. St. Mary’s Hospice is looking at something in the region of £2,500.00 profit on the night and has asked me to convey their grateful thanks. Trust that you all got back safely and that you will enjoy your visit to Ireland.

 

Diana and Gareth Davies.

We so enjoyed watching and listening to your rehearsal, it gave us a great deal of pleasure. When the choir sings those first notes, the power of the sound just sends shivers down my spine. I have been looking at your future concerts to see if there is anything nearby. Sadly the one in Manchester Cathedral clashes with a big pre-Christmas family party we have organised. I think we shall have to organise a long weekend somewhere near to where you are singing. Watch this space!! We have managed 4 concerts and 2 rehearsals so far so must work out how we can increase that!. We were so touched by the friendliness of everyone last night and you all made us feel so welcome so thank you. Our journey back to Anglesey was not pleasant, the driving conditions were appalling but we would do it again just to hear you sing. I will keep in touch and let you know if we manage to make it to a concert or if we come again to stay on Anglesey.

 

Jenny and Geoff Rasmussen, Australia.

A small token of our appreciation for the hours of pleasure we get from your singing. Your music is truly a golden tonic in an often angry and violent world. Waiting in great anticipation of your next CD. All the very best to you all.

 

Peter Reimuller, Leslie Lindborg, Eric and Leslie Dahlhoff, USA.

Time slipped by when we got back from our lovely visit to Llangollen. I have been meaning to write with a wholehearted thanks. The rehearsal was wonderful - more men than I have ever seen sing so wonderfully at one time. Eric, Leslie, my Leslie and I have traded the CD back and forth as we listen to the mellow sounds of the Choir. Our trip to Wales was memorable, perfect, exciting, happy and relaxing. Thanks for your kindness, and your generosity, we just might come again!

 

Ruth Watson, Ludlow.

Thank you so much for coming and performing at the Ludlow Festival 2012. It was a pleasure to meet you all and your concert was a real highlight of the Festival, the audience all really enjoyed your brilliant program of music and lots of people commented on what a wonderful evening they'd had, I particularly enjoyed Y tangnefeddwyr and the Rhythm of Life and of course the tales of Di and Gwen. Thank you so much for coming to Ludlow and giving us such a memorable and magical evening of music.

 

Denise Petch, Vancouver, Canada.

I thought you might be interested to know that the documentary about the Choir was broadcast here again the other night. It was great to be able to attend a rehearsal recently and we all enjoyed the Mayor's Concert in Llangollen. I specially loved hearing you all sing "Eli Jenkin's Evening Prayer" at the rehearsal.... you should make it a regular inclusion! Back to the grind here. Take care.

 

Russell Watson.

Just heard the track of Calon Lân . Thank you so much for being involved with the new record. You sound amazing!

 

John Evans, Hamilton Street Methodist Church, Hoole.

My grateful thanks to the Choir for once again providing us with a marvellous evening of music – we will hopefully be inviting you back again in the not too distant future.

 

Lynne Hamilton, Fundraising & Marketing Manager, Age UK Wirral. 

I write to thank you all for the most wonderful concert on the 3rd of March at the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool, we absolutely loved it! From where I was standing you sounded fantastic and the feedback we have had has been very positive and complimentary. It was a beautiful venue and visually it was amazing, I hope you all enjoyed singing in such an iconic building. It has been a pleasure working with you and I am delighted to tell you that we raised an amazing £4000, which is excellent and far exceeded what we could have hoped for. I hope you enjoyed the night and that we can work together again in the future.

 

Peter Jones, Chairman of the Wrexham Supporters Trust.

May I on behalf of everyone connected with both Wrexham Supporters Trust and Wrexham Football Club take this opportunity to thank the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir for putting on a thoroughly enjoyable evening last Saturday to help raise funds for the Trust, and of course the Football Club. Can you also please pass on our thanks to Kathryn Rudge whose voice was something else! I’m sure that we will be hearing a lot more of her in the future.

 

Danny Harris, Dorset (President, Margaret Keys Fan Club).

I was most disappointed that the ITV programme “Dare to Dream” covering your trip to New York, accompanied by Margaret Keys was not available to watch here in Dorset, or anywhere else for that matter. In desperation I sent an email to ITV Wales, asking how I could see it, and was told I could purchase a DVD copy, so I sent off my cheque. It arrived during the week, and I have just found time to sit and watch it in peace (before the rugby from Cardiff!) I really enjoyed the programme, and wish to congratulate you all for what was obviously well received in New York. From my point of view, it was lovely to see and hear Margaret singing part of "The Londonderry Air", which she also sang at Mevagissey last summer and dedicated it to me, so big lump in the throat! Once again, I enjoyed hearing the Fron performing, hope to do so again live in the not-too-distant future. Well done to you all on your trans-Atlantic tour with my best regards and more success to you all.

 

Charlie Carragher, Essex. 

I received your CD "Voices of the Valley" as a Christmas present, what a wonderful sound, made my hair stand on end!

 

Del and Allan Wilford, Bournville. 

On behalf of Foresters Roman Way we would like to thank the Choir for a great concert in Bournville on the 10th of December. The Choir came in strength and produced a great sound. Congratulations to everyone. Over the last twelve months we have been raising money for our chosen charity the Birmingham Children's Hospital and on the night a cheque of £4,000.00 was presented to the Hospital to provide specialist equipment for the children. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, see you soon.

 

Adrianna and Chris Glover, Daventry.

Good morning, hope you all had a good trip home last night! We had a most wonderful evening with you all in Bournville last night, a first class performance from you all, I was moved to tears several times, especially, 'Bring him home', beautiful - also, many thanks for the request for dear Ma/Lynne Glover, she would have been delighted! Have a fantastic Christmas, our best wishes for 2012, and hope to see you all again soon, take care.

 

Danny Harris, Dorset.

May I also add my congratulations to all choir members for another fabulous concert last weekend. A wonderful variety of music, ‘Sailing’ and ‘Grandad’ stood out for me, and the a capella pieces were great too. Thank you for inviting Margaret Keys to join with you again, if this continues (as a big fan of Margaret’s) I can see this date becoming an annual pilgrimage from Dorset for me! (plus any others I can get to!) Thanks yet again for a wonderful evening.

 

Betty Hodgson.

You were all in great voice last night at Wrexham - even surpassed the Floral Pavilion, and that's something! Took my sister in law and she thoroughly enjoyed herself. Look forward to the Philharmonic Hall. The grandchildren were delightful - watch out they don't completely upstage you!!!

 

Betty Hodgson.

Thanks again for a fantastic night at the Floral Pavilion. You were all in great voice, but that is nothing new! Still can't put my finger on what I perceived to be a difference. Didn't think it was possible to improve, but I know you all work hard all the time to do so. Whatever it is, keep doing it!!!

 

R. J. Davies, Headteacher.

I write on behalf of the Friends of Hawarden High School to thank you for your generous donation of complementary tickets for your concert, held at the Royal British Legion, Llay on Friday, 17 June 2011. As a consequence of your support the ticket sales have enabled us to boost the Friends’ funds by a significant amount, which is of direct benefit to the pupils whom we teach. Having attended the concert, I wish to congratulate members of the choir on a most professional performance of a broad repertoire. We look forward to further opportunities for the choir to perform.

 

Clive Rogers.

Will you please pass on my appreciation to the entire Choir for everything you did for our concert at the De Montford Hall Leicester to aid the work of LOROS. Everyone has been so fulsome in their praise for you, and, in fact the whole evening. Everything went so well from the beginning and the atmosphere created was so joyful and happy ending with the whole audience giving full voice too. It truly was a great night and will be remembered for a long time.

 

Jeff Berrisford, Loughborough Male Voice Choir.

Nice to have met you all on Saturday night. Just a line to say how much we enjoyed the evening and to be entertained by such a friendly and great sounding choir. Every best wish for the future.

 

Norma and Wilson Metcalfe.

During a recent holiday near Llangollen, we had the most amazing experience when we dropped in to one of your rehearsals. You welcomed us so warmly, we did not feel as if we were intruding. We then spent a wonderful evening listening to you sing and banter with your Choir Mistress. It was an experience that will stay with us for very long time. You would just be chatting and discussing things, then with a few baton strokes the room would fill with the most wonderful sound. Your CD kept us entertained all the way home to the North of Scotland. Thank you so very much for a magical experience.

 

Susie Veale, Melbourne, Australia.

Sadly my prayers and undoubtedly those of countless others, failed to help the poor miners in south Wales recently. My thoughts and prayers are very much with the families of the men lost. It was very moving on BBC Radio 2's 'Good Morning Sunday' to hear Aled Jones play your version of 'Abide With Me' played in memory of those miners lost - yours is one of the most beautiful interpretations of the hymn. Aled often plays your music on GMS by the way. Hopefully one day you’ll be able to tour here with the full choir – I'm sure I’ll be one of the first in the queue for tickets! Warmest regards.

 

Dave and Ann Hanson, Canada.

Just a very quick email to thank everyone in the Fron Choir for their tremendous hospitality during the New York trip. It was an enormous thrill to hear the choir in St. Patrick's Cathedral, and I will treasure the experience for many years to come. I should also like to thank you all for the very kind offer of a couple of seats in the bus after the concert. I somehow knew that we would end up in a pub having a singsong - another wonderful memory of our trip. There aren't too many Canadians who can say they sang 'Sospan Fach" with the Fron choir! As you probably know, we made the trip to New York from Canada to meet up after 52 years with Barry Jones, and as an added bonus Tudor Evans was also in attendance. I last saw these fellows when I left Llangollen Grammar School over half a lifetime ago. Please pass on our very best wishes to everyone in your organisation.

 

Roz Dimon. Director of Communication Arts, St Bart’s.

Loved the choir! Fabulous. Thank you so much. Best - it was a beautiful day at St. Bart's - the world needs such poignant moments.

 

Gareth Wyn Williams. Reporter, Caernarfon & Denbigh Herald.

It was great to meet the choir in New York. What a fabulous few days it turned out to be, and I hope you all had a great time despite the troubles! Please pass on my regards to all the members and thank them on my behalf for their great company and willingness to speak to me regardless of how busy/stressed they were. Hope to meet you all again in the near future - at the album launch if all goes well.

 

Joanna deWitt.

I loved the two choral concerts I attended - thank you so much. We met after the concert at St. Patrick's Cathedral on the front steps. I was the lady with the blonde hair in the red dress. The concerts were ravishigly gorgeous - the melodies and the voices were sublime. I particularly liked the Welsh lullaby "Suo Gan", "Take Him Home", "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and the theme from "Exodus". I hope that I will get a chance to meet with you again. I am a poet/writer, a former educator/professor who will soon return to teaching. I love New York City and it's many cultural activities. Perhaps some day I will visit Wales. Take Care. Be Well. God Bless. P.S. I will buy two C.D.'s of "Voices of the Valley" around Christmas time. Thank you so much for your generosity of spirit and your givingness to allow us to partake of such beauty.

 

Rob Avellan (From the Heart Land Brewery on the Empire State Building)

Just wanted to thank you all for a great night. It was so much fun singing with you all tonight and I really enjoyed meeting you all. Hope our paths cross again soon. Enjoy your stay in NYC.

 

Br. Millard S. Cook n/BSG Executive Assistant to the Rector.

Lovely music at St Bart's today.

 

Tom Duncan. Teaneck, New Jersey, USA.

I very much enjoyed your concert today in St Bart's and have made arrangements to stay in your area and attend a rehearsal on October. I look forward to it and will enjoy the CD that I bought.

 

Adrianna, Catherine and Francesca Glover.

Good afternoon to you all! I have just heard that you will be returning to Bourneville in December, such wonderful news, we will be there! Our love and best wishes for your trip to New York, have a fantastic time, see you all in December!

 

Dorothy Loudon, Sydney, Australia.

My husband and I are senior Australians who visited Britain during 1982. Recently we purchased through Amazon UK the DVD “Voices of the Valley – Live” and have listened and watched with rapt attention the Fron Choir as they present once again a truly fine and moving selection of choral music. We have never forgotten an experience which is summed up in my diary entry dated 21 June 1982. (At the time we were staying with friends Peter and Glenys Jones of Penycae) “About 8 pm Peter & Glenys took us to the school hall at Ruabon High School where the Froncysllte Male Voice Choir was rehearsing. It was beautiful singing – both loud and full, soft and harmonious. The Chairman asked us to sign their Visitors' Book and gave us a copy of their 'brochure'. They sang “Amen – this little light of mine” especially for us, just where they were standing and packing up their music sheets. Peter gave us a tape of them singing.” The patriotic songs and hymns especially stir the Welsh blood in my veins – some of my ancestry lies in the Llangollen and Chirk areas. Our congratulations to you all as you deservedly go from strength to strength!

 

Jerry and Sybil Paul, Trail, B.C. Canada.

We are just spending another enjoyable Sunday afternoon listening to our entire collection of four of your CD's. We play them rather loudly and sing? along with you most of the time. As of this date we have had no complaints from any of our neighbours so we have to assume they enjoy listening to them as much as we do. We live in hope of hearing that you may yet present a concert in British Columbia Canada. Our best wishes to all of you for a successful future and keep up the good work.

 

Dave Jones.

Just to thank you for a great performance at St Chad's last night and many people have spoken highly of your contribution. The attendance was very good and when we know how much was raised I will let you know. Lots of comments have been made on the high standard of the concert from choir, soloist and instrumentalists, not forgetting conductor and accompanists. I do know that Megan and I had tears in our eyes at times - it was so emotional.

 

Denise Petch, Vancouver, Canada.

Hi, remember me ? I'm the fan from Vancouver and went to Grassington with you 2 years ago. I hope to be able to say hello to you again at the Shrewsbury Concert .... a friend has got us tickets thru Henry Edge and I will literally be getting off the plane and coming straight to the concert ! !

 

Catharine Shields. Kapiti Coast, New Zealand. 

Recently we saw a piece about your Choir on television here in New Zealand. We were impressed not just by the musicality, which is great, but also by the energy and enthusiasm of your group. I see from your website that you welcome people to your practices and am hoping this is true as we are travelling to the UK in June and will be on a narrow boat moored in Trevor on Monday 20 June and are hoping this is near enough to get to a practice. My father, who is part of our group, sings regularly with a choir here on the Kapiti Coast.

 

Reply from Allan Smith;You will have seen from our website that we rehearse every Monday and Thursday from 7 to 9pm. Our Practice Room is indeed very close to Trevor Basin - no more than 5 minutes - and you would be made very welcome if you could attend. So, we look forward to meeting and greeting you all, and your father may well be enrolled for the evening.

 

Don & Lyn Canning, Nova Scotia, Canada. 

We enjoy listening to your track on the National Trust's "Voices" CD we picked up a couple of years ago when visiting England and we will definitely look for all the CD's you have recorded. Your rendition of "Sailing" has become one of our very favourite pieces that we listen to most every day. Our permanent home is in Halifax and we spend the winter months at our condo in St. Petersburg, Florida. We consider ourselves very fortunate to be able to enjoy two beautiful parts of the world. While we would love to see you in New York, I am not sure of our summer plans as yet. We do hope to have another holiday in the British Isles at some point and perhaps we will get to Wales. We were "almost" there on our last trip to England when we spent a few delightful days in Bath. In fact, I believe that I may have some Welsh blood as my maternal grandmother's family emigrated from Wales to Canada.

 

Trevor Clibery.

I've been introduced to your music via a CD my Dad gave me to take to my Mum in her nursing home. I've played it many times for her, and now I like it as much as she does. She obviously remembers the tunes and some of the words - I can see her tapping her fingers in tune and sometimes even singing or mouthing the words. The ones I most love are the old hymns I used to sing at school. Now for my reason for contacting you - can you please release a CD of traditional hymns? I love “How Great Thou Art”, “Amazing Grace” and “Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer”. I didn't even know I liked the latter one until I heard your version. Thank you for the enjoyment my mother and I get from your “Encore” CD.

 

Betty Hodgson.

Thank you all for yet another wonderful evening in Wrexham - even if you didn't sing Calon Lan!!!!!!!!! You were all in very good voice. The soloists were excellent. I had previously heard Rhys Meirion at a concert at the Mold Eisteddfod. The young lady from Anglesey was very good and what a powerful voice for a thirteen year old! A young Shirley Bassey? Keep up the good work. You are all an example to the world that age is a number, not an illness!!!!!

 

Jan Smith, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.

I first heard of your choir 4 years ago through a PBS special on our local television. My mother and I have enjoyed all your CDs so much, we would love to know whether you have any concerts planned in Western Canada - I am sure you would fill any venue! I'm also sure there are far too many demands on your time as it is, but please know that even if I can never see the group in person, your music always lifts my heart! Thank you ...

 

Reply from Allan Smith;Thank you so much for the lovely letter - it's always great to hear that so many people enjoy our music, and so many from your part of the world too! Unfortunately, there are no plans to visit Canada for a while, but I am hoping that one day...! This year , in August, we are doing a concert tour in New York so we are all looking forward to entertaining our American friends and hopefully gaining more fans of our music. So Jan, thanks again for your interest and if you ever plan a visit to UK, please remember to visit us at rehearsal where you will be made most welcome. You can even join in if you wish, but no obligation!

 

Audrey M. Owen, Vancouver, Canada.

After seeing the Choir on tv last night I was spellbound. What is better than Welsh music? Today I looked at your web site and there is a lot I have to read but I saw in the ladies section the name Audrey Owens. My name is Audrey Owen - no s - and I felt bound to at least to send you an e-mail to say how wonderful the web site is and how I love the choir. I belong to a mixed voice community choir in North Vancouver, BC, Canada, called North Shore Chorus. I am Membership Secretary and we have grown so much since 1976. I have belonged since 1983 and it is the joy of my life. Our website is www.nschorus.com Originally from Kent, England, I emigrating in 1957. So cheers and all the best to you and the wonderful choir. You do good work ladies. A very happy and healthy New Year to you and all the Choir.

 

Jenny and Geoff Rasmussen, Australia.

You probably won't remember us, but we have very fond memories of the evening we spent at Acrefair School Hall listening to your wonderful Choir, and organizing a copy of the "Prayer" for us. We still listen to all your CD's on a very regular basis and hope you will record another one soon! We have been watching pictures on television of the U.K. under enormous amounts of snow, we hope you are not suffering too much and that you will all be able to reach your destinations for Christmas. All the very best to you all  for Christmas and the New Year and keep the music going.

 

Chris, Adrianna, Catherine and Francesca Glover.

Just wanted to wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year! We really missed not seeing you in Bourneville this year, such happy memories boys!

 

Gill Loring, South Yorkshire.

Could you please let me know if you have released a new album this Christmas? I have purchased all your other albums and have been looking for your latest. I love the choir and I listen to you everyday in my car on the way to work, the perfect start to any day.

 

Reply from Allan Smith.This year has seen the Choir take a rest from the pressures of recording - so no new CD in 2010. However, Decca/Universal have asked us to be prepared to start a new one early 2011, which presumably will be released later on in the year. It's been another busy year for 'the oldest boy band in the world' but we love every minute. I see you're from Yorkshire. We were indeed in your beautiful county in September when we sang at The Royal Hall, Harrogate to a full-house. Our year comes to an end on Saturday at the New Vic Theatre near Stoke, and we'll be renewing friendships there as it's our 30th consecutive Christmas Concert in that venue. Thanks again for your interest, and please keep in touch with all our plans, news, etc via the website. Very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to you and yours.

 

Derrick and Michelle.

Please pass on a big thank you to the whole choir for making our Holiday when we came to watch you and most of all the welcome and kindness shown us by the whole choir. We were honoured to watch you practice, but when you made us sit at the front and sang to us we had goose bumps right through our bodies and were totally overwhelmed by your performance. You are true gentlemen and we hope to get back to North Wales to listen to your outstanding Choir again. Leigh Mason, is young talented and we believe will take you far. She has a wonderful voice and her achievements are clear for all to see. A big thank you and the best of luck for the future. Have a great Christmas and take care all.

 

Raleigh Plesko, Schererville, Indiana, USA.

I found your Choir on the internet. "Abide With Me" is one of my favorites! Such strong and beautiful manly voices in great presentations! A fantastic male choir!!

 

Gill Britten.

Fantastic concert in Wrexham, never heard the choir sing so well! Was it Leigh or the fact you didn’t have a band in front of you, or both? If I’m honest we prefer you singing with live music or none at all and we do hope your new pianist works out well. He sounded really good from where we were sitting. Many thanks for a really good evening.

 

Hilary, Froncysyllte [Clerk to the Trustees].

Our sincere thanks to the Choir for the most generous donation of £500 to Seion Chapel in Froncysyllte. We are very proud of our connection with the Choir and are extremely grateful for your support in our efforts to keep the chapel viable and serving its community. Again, our grateful thanks and fondest regards.

 

Margaret Keys, Derry, N. Ireland.

Just a little note to say a big thank you for inviting me as your guest artiste at your annual concert. You all made me feel extremely welcome and I had such a lovely time. It’s every girl’s dream to perform alongside such a group of handsome men! I hope we can keep in touch and sing in concert together again. Many congratulations on your successes. You are not only talented but have such a healthy rapport with each other, which shines through on stage. This is ultimately the “Key” to your success. Good luck with all your upcoming concerts and events. Perhaps you could add a little Irish melody or two to your rep! Lots of Irish Blessings, Go rabh maith gat.

 

Danny Harris, Northern Ireland.

Just a quick note to thank your Chairman David and the entire Choir for the excellent evening spent with you all last Saturday in Wrexham. Our seating was great, the music was fantastic, and the company all night was brilliant. I have attended musical events all my adult life, but that was the best, and I was particularly pleased when invited to the club afterwards, with Margaret Keys and her family, plus a couple more fans. The improptu sing-song was magic, all in all rounding off a wonderful event. Please convey my thanks to one and all.

 

John, Indonesia.

I am John from Indonesia. I am a member of male choir in our church. I listened “Abide with me” sung by your choir, amazing.

 

Craig Hertsgaard. Kindred, ND USA.

I enjoy the recordings of your choir tremendously. The music selection and performance is outstanding and the arrangements of the music such as “Abide With Me” are beautiful. Thanks so much for the music you make.

 

Rachel and Brian Wright.

Just a small note to say a big thank you to all of the men who sang on our special day on the 3rd July 2010 at All Saints Church Hoole. We had such a fabulous day (as you can probably see from the smiles on our faces in the photos!). It was extra special to have the Fron sing "You Raise Me Up" as I walked down the aisle: my Granddad at the front of the choir, my Dad holding my hand and my future husband waiting excitedly for me to join him in our celebration. I enjoyed dancing back up the aisle out of the Church to the Fron's lively version of 'Amen' as we left for our reception celebration and it certainly put a great end to the service. The Fron went down a treat and many of the guests praised their presence/voices. Some of Brian's University friends stated they'd never sang so loudly in Church! Thank you so much for such a wonderful turn out, for all those who came - it was a truly wonderful occasion!

 

Elissa Rose.

Meeting you guys on the train down to Marylebone was a real treat, I can't remember the last time a journey went so fast! Anyway, just thought I'd wish yourselves and the choir all the best of luck for the future, and if you didn't win the Classical Brits award you were nominated for then in my opinion it was grossly misawarded! Hope to see you on the London billboards soon (with or without trousers!).

 

George and Janet Cole. Grantham.

My wife and I visited your rehearsal at Acrefair on Monday 21st of June, during our holiday in Llangollen. May I say what a privilege it was to observe the hard work that you put in, prior to your concert at Northop. Sitting in and listening was delightful. Hopefully you were not disturbed by my quietly joining in at the back. The welcome we received was exceptional, added to which, to be acknowledged by name and applauded by the whole choir at 'half time' was very moving. The intention now is to attend a further practice some time in the future, and when possible take in a full concert if and when the choir should appear in the East of England. In the meantime I shall attempt to 'wear out' my collection of the choirs CDs.

 

Julie Wuest.

Many years ago we had the honour of watching your group practice as we made our way on a canal boat trip in to Wales.

You were practicing for an upcoming competition and sang a song which I believe was "The Witch" or "Allison Gross". We all thought it was brilliant!

 

Kevin and Jan Smith, Yeovil.

What can we say. What a fabulous performance the choir put on for us. Despite being depleted in numbers, they all gave it their all. Fantastic. Your accompanists and musical director were also brilliant. My wife and I are both of Welsh extraction and when the choir sang "Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" at the end of the show, we went to pieces. Please pass on our sincere thanks to all the performers. We spoke to several members before and after the show and every one to a man was very pleasant. We hope that you will, in the not too distant future return to Yeovil. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Very Best Regards.

 

Susie Veale, Sydney, Australia.

I've just realised it's been over two and a half years now since you were here in Australia and it was great to meet you all in Sydney. This morning Aled Jones made a wonderful dedication to me and to all Australians on his radio show "Good Morning Sunday". As it was Anzac Day I had asked him to play “Abide With Me” by the Fron Choir as it is the special hymn always sung at all our Anzac Day ceremonies around the country as well as in New Zealand. I teach at a Pre-School (Nursery School) and one of the favourite CDs (other than Aled's of course) that is regularly played to the children as they have their daily rest-time is your "Voices of the Valley - Home" a favourite of the other teachers too who range from 19 -35 yrs. Are you planning to return to Australia in the near future by any chance? A concert tour would be great.

 

Elaine (Lively).

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed attending a recent choir practice whilst on holiday visiting my family in Shropshire. I attended with my friend who lives near Corwen and we both had a marvellous time. Listening to the choir was a real treat and I have brought my two CDs back home with me here in the States to continue the enjoyment. Thanks again for the opportunity to hear all those wonderful voices.

 

Peter Meurig Jones, Treasurer, St Mary’s Church, Mold.

I write on behalf of the Vicar and Churchwardens of St Mary’s Church, Mold to thank Côr Meibion Froncysyllte for their most generous donation of £500 in respect of the magnificent concert held at St Mary’s Church recently. The Choir was well balanced, the repertoire well chosen and wide ranging, the soloists were very talented. It was indeed a privilege to host you. Gyda llawer o ddiolch am haelioni’r Côr a phob hwyl yn y dyfodol.

 

Peter Williams.

Another wonderful evening in Whitchurch, can you thank Leigh and the Boys for all their efforts on the evening, also can I ask you to congratulate Caroline and Alex for playing beautifully. The Rotary Club of Whitchurch was proud to have you all in our town and providing a memorable evening, and for us, a profitable one. The money raised will be going to the Presidents Charity (the RNLI) and other good causes. Thanks once again.

 

Jerry Paul, Trail B.C. Canada.

In reading through the "messages" on your web site I saw where you were considering planning a Western Canada/Northern Pacific US States tour. Great news but when and where? I would, selfishly, recommend that you consider Victoria, Vancouver or Kelowna B.C. Calgary Alberta and Spokane or Seattle Washington as excellent venues, mainly because I can reach any of those places. I, and I'm sure, many of your other Canadian "West Coast" fans would be delighted to attend a live concert of our favourite Welsh MV choir. So please don't keep us in suspense too long. Best regards. p.s. Can I reserve two front of house seats now??

 

Dylan & Elaine Burgess, Burton-on-Trent.

May I take this opportunity in thanking you for making our Ladies Night so special. We wish we could have thanked you all individually but that was not possible. Everyone had a wonderful time and the choir was the highlight. A lot of ladies had to re-apply their make up as a few tears were shed. Once again, from the bottom of our hearts thank you, and we wish you every success in all that you do.

 

Yvonne Davies, Ossining, New York, USA.

Just home in America from my wonderful visit to family in North Wales. Attending your choir rehearsal was a real treat. Thank you for being so warm and welcoming and have a wonderful concert at the top church in Mold in a few weeks.

 

Michael Cope.

I am a singer in a couple of Community Choirs in North East England and would like to say how much I enjoyed the recent TV Programme about your Choir. An inspirational programme !!

 

Jerry Paul, Trail B.C. Canada.

Gentlemen, I sent a message recently to say how much I enjoyed your CD "Voices of the Valley" and would look for others. Well, I found them and now possess "Voices of the Valley Encore" and "Voices of the Valley Memory Lane". I also have Voices of the Valley Home" on "back order", keep them coming. As you can see you have a new "fan". Should you ever find your way clear to tour Western Canada, especially B.C., you can be sure that I will be front and center at any concert. Once again congratulations and thank you for sharing your musical talents.

 

Ann Jones.

What a wonderful Choir. My grand uncle Tom was a choir member many years ago and my family still live in the village. Congratulations on all the CD's they are great.

 

Glyn Evans, Australia (ex Ellesmere lad).

I came to see you a couple of times the last time I was over in 2008 and it was the best part of my trip. You also all signed my copy of your CD “Home” and it was the best pressie I got for my 60th or indeed that I've had for a long time. I'm coming over again in May and June of 2010 and would really like to see and hear you again. I was wondering what days you practice and if you still allow people to drop in? Your music is still a big part of my days so keep up the good work. I was sad to see Ann has left you; she will be hard to replace. Well that's it for now, hope to see you soon.

 

Reply from Allan Smith.We still rehearse at Acrefair School on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm and visitors are always welcome. You can get details on how to find us by clicking on this link . We do occasionally change our rehearsals if we have other commitments and you can check with us by e-mail whether we are rehearsing on a particular evening.

 

Mike J Dunn, Warrington.

I went out after the show in New Brighton and bought a copy of ‘Voices of the Valley’ and I've got to be honest with you, it has travelled round the country in my van for the past two months and I can’t stop listening to it! Thank you!

 

Jerry Paul, Trail B.C. Canada.

I had the good fortune to first hear your great choir on the "Knowledge Network" T.V. channel in B.C. As a former Male Voice Choir member to say that I was impressed with your singing would be a major understatement. Fortunately my wife gave me a copy of your CD "Voices of the Valley" for Christmas and I have played it, very loudly, many times since then. Although I can no longer "sing along" with you, due to the after effects of the removal of a "singers node" from my larynx, I do mouth all the words and "direct" the choir with great enthusiasm and gentlemen, I am not ashamed to say that you bring tears to my eyes. Needless to say I will be purchasing other CD's of the "Fron Male Voice Choir" as circumstances permit and I wish you good fortune and good singing in the years ahead.

 

Ann Mather, (Canada).

I want you to know what a comfort your Choir has been to my husband and me since he was diagnosed with brain cancer in September 2008. While he was recuperating from an operation in October 2008 and again in August 2009 we listened constantly to your beautiful music. When he passed away in early December, I didn't hesitate to have your music played at his memorial service while a slide show of his life unfolded on the screen. First we started with "Sailing" - a particular favourite, then to "Abide with Me" and "How Great Thou Art". When I listen to your music I can picture him sitting by the fireplace reading with a smile on his face. Thank you for your great music. You are truly blessed with wonderful voices.

 

Elizabeth Pulford.

Well you did sing your hearts out and I really enjoyed the evening at Llandudno. Santa did deliver your new CD and I am listening to it while I type this - any mistakes I can blame it. We noticed in the programme you are looking for a new Musical Director, we are curious to know why? I would love to apply but I would only want to listen to you all sing to me. Well, I wish you all a Very Happy New Year for 2010 and look forward to seeing you all again.

Reply from Allan Smith.Ann is leaving us to pursue her singing career - the Choir was taking just too much time to allow her to do so. We hope however, to join forces occasionally - starting in Shrewsbury on January 16th.

 

Del and Allan Wilford, Bournville.

Thanks to everyone for a great concert at St Francis Church, on 5th December. All the audience enjoyed themselves, and passed comments about how wonderful it was. As organisers of this concert (the fifth in Bournville) we are pleased to say that we raised a considerable amount of money for Foresters Roman Way chosen charity, the Acorns Childrens Hospice. It will be sad to see Ann Atkinson depart, we shall miss her. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

 

Yvonne, Wolverhampton.

This is an emotional message for me to write to you but thought I would share it with you all. My dear Dad was in Compton Hospice in July and we visited him every day and we were told we could take his CD's in to play for him. As days went by we knew he was slipping away from us and I was there along with my Mom when indeed he did pass away. How comforting it was to us as he went to Glory that at that very moment your CD was playing "Going Home". God Bless you all and every Good Wish for the future.

 

Chris & Adrianna Glover.

Another great concert last night, gentlemen! We had a most memorable evening - the music was sublime and St Francis' is the perfect venue to hear the choir at its natural best.We would especially like to thank Ann for the dedication, it was very moving for us in remembering dear Ma.Best wishes to you all, we know you have a busy schedule before Christmas.Hoping you all get to enjoy a peaceful break with family and friends.

 

John Summerton, Nottingham. 

Gentlemen - I am a big fan of male voice choirs particularly the Fron - I have all your CD s and have been to a couple of your concerts. Your first three CD s were great - but I am sorry to say I was disappointed with Memory Lane, if I want to listen to Vera Lynn I will buy her CD. There doesn't seem to be enough of the choir and some of the songs featured do not do the choir justice - sorry.

Reply from Allan Smith. We are sorry to hear that you are disappointed with 'Memory Lane', but thank you for taking the time to write to us. We value your input and will bear your views in mind if or when we produce a new one. Best wishes, and perhaps we'll see you at another of our concerts in the future.

 

John Tanner.

I always think the latest CD is the best but having now obtained the fourth, "Memory Lane", all I can say is you astound me every time by producing more surprises. Keep up the good work.

 

Lynne Painter, Chirk.

Have just listened to your new CD - very very good indeed. Your rendition of "Nearer My God To Thee" brought a lump to my throat. Well done.

Tim Marshall, Producer, Festival of Remembrance.

Just a note to thank you for your contribution to the Festival. I have had nothing but very complementary comments about the event, both from people in the hall and those watching on TV. The BBC have told me that the event got an audience appreciation of 91 out of a 100 – one of the highest scores that any programme can achieve. One viewer left a message at the BBC switchboard which seems to be typical of many - "This programme was the best thing I have ever seen on television". Your contribution to the song was faultless and the reception in the Hall says it all. Many thanks for adapting to enable us to make this somewhat ambitious idea work – I promise I was sober when I decided to add Dame Vera’s recorded voice to the live performance! I realise that I sometimes have to “push” people around in the limited time we have for rehearsal but am most grateful for your patience. As you know – Dame Vera was absolutely delighted with the end result. I’m also pleased that some of you were also able to take part in the service, just sorry that it was not possible to fit you all in due to space. For taking the time to perform at the Festival I cannot thank you enough. With every good wish for the future.

 

Chris, Adrianna and Francesca Glover.

We would very much like to say how much we enjoyed seeing you all on the BBC last night at the Festival of Remembrance in London. The singing was beautiful and emotional. Hayley Westenera not bad either! Until we meet again, regards to you all.

 

Jenny and Geoff Rasmussen, Australia.

We so enjoyed being able to attend your rehearsal in late September, it was a wonderful experience and the highlight of our trip. The singing was magnificent, and certainly lifted the spirits! We have watched the DVD and it was really great to be able to pick out the various people we met that night as well as to enjoy the show, which was terrific. We would like to know if you have recorded that hauntingly beautiful prayer that you all sang at the end of the rehearsal, we would love to have a copy of it, it was just so beautiful. Have you thought of making it your "sign off "piece at the end of your concerts and CD's? All the very best to you all and keep the music going!

 

Reply.Thank you so much for your comments and we are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us in practice. The evening prayer that we sing at the end of rehearsal is based on an old Welsh Congregational Hymn "Saran". The words; "Ere we this evening do depart, each to his homestead dear: To all who on their sickbed lie, we pray o Lord be near" were composed by Wilfred Jones, one of the Founder Members of the Choir. Lloyd Edwards the Conductor was very ill with tuberculosis of the spine in June of 1949 and was in hospital for many months at the nearby Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen. The choristers were rather concerned and it was sung as a simple prayer for Lloyd at the end of practice, and has continued to be sung ever since. Lloyd eventually made a full recovery and continued as our Conductor until his untimely death in 1970.

 

Phil Wilkinson, Lincoln.

Just a few lines to thank all the members of your WONDERFUL CHOIR for allowing me to attend your rehearsal last Monday evening. I was absolutely buzzing with zest and enthusiasm (and still am) having heard and witnessed the fantastic vocal harmonies the Choir demonstrated, particularly when all the sections of the Choir blended together – l look forward to hear and see you all on the annual forthcoming series of the BBC Remembrance Programme (this will be very soul wrenching for my Dad, ‘Roosevelt’ now 92, as he was one of the first Brits to land on ‘Sword Beach’ during the ‘D Day Landings’, and he still refers to ‘Vera Lynn’ as his ‘Sweetheart’). May l wish you all safe journeys to and from the ‘Albert Hall’ – but above all ‘Good Health, Generous Wealth, and Great Happiness’ at all times. Keep banging out those harmonies!!!

 

Marion and Malcolm Lane.

Just a note to say a huge THANK YOU for the song "The Rose" that you dedicated to my husband Mal and myself for our 39th anniversary at your concert in Shrewsbury. The request for a dedication had been made by a friend, unbeknown to us so I don't know who was more surprised and emotional, her or us, because she didn't know you sing "The Rose" which happens to be our favourite song. Mal always sings it at our parties it brings a tear to everyone's' eyes, not because he sings it poorly but because he sings it with passion. We loved your Concert and the "After Concert". Very Best Wishes to you all.

 

Gareth and Diana Davies, Harrogate.

We want to tell you how so very much we enjoyed attending your rehearsal at Achrefair on Thursday 1st of October. It was a joy to listen to the choir at close quaters and experience the full blast of all four parts.We would also like to thank members of the choir for their "croeso cynnes cymraeg". We were also delighted to see Emrys Roberts again, to see him looking so well and we wish him well for the future.We are looking forward to hearing you in Manchester in December. Best wishes for the future. Yours in song.

 

Julie Beyler, Mahomet, Illinois USA.

Have been enjoying reading your comments page on the Internet. Thanks again for the great rehearsal we attended in August and for the extra time you took talking to me after rehearsal. It was a serendipidous find for us that particular Thursday evening and everyone was most welcoming.

 

Jim Hilton.

At last I managed to see you live on Saturday at the Pontcysyllte World Heritage celebrations. Enjoyed every minute in spite of the weather. Looking forward to the 16th November for your next offering.

 

Emrys Roberts, Ruabon.

During my long years as a member of the choir there were occasions when everything seemed to go according to plan, resulting in a performance of exceptional quality. It was at such times that I felt sheer joy and pride in being a member of the choir. As a retired member - from the other side of the fence as it were - I want you to know how proud I was with your performance on the recent Songs of Praise programme. Everything came together - the storyline, choice of music, staging of the choir magnificent acoustics of the cathedral and superb singing by the choir - to remind me of former times. Thank you for giving me so much pleasure in what I consider to he one of the best episodes that I have ever watched of this programme. 

 

Merike Aava, Estonia.

Yesterday evening I saw from Estonian national TV documentary about you “Voices of the Valley” and it was so warm, touching, humorous, beautiful etc. You are absolutely brilliant with your beautiful conductor Ann Atkinson!!!

 

George Cole, Grantham.

Insufficient words in my vocabulary to describe the emotion felt when Songs of Praise featured the Choir. Thank you so very much. 

 

Lois Dean.

I noticed that your new CD was to be released on November 16th and I planned to order it as a belated gift for my Mum', Phyl Evans's 87th birthday the day before. Sadly, she died on Monday of this week following a stroke. Mum's father, Thomas Owen Roberts was born in Fron in 1879 and although he came to live and work in Tyldesley, the family spent many happy holidays "back home". My Mum and Dad spent their honeymoon in Fron in 1947. Mum was a great fan of the Choir and I believe even knew some of the older members slightly. We came to concerts at the Bridgewater Hall and Manchester Cathedral and had hoped to bring her down to Fron this year to coincide with your rehearsal night, but she had been unwell with chest infections over spring and early summer, so we never made the trip. I have still ordered the CD and will think of her pleasure at listening to you sing whenever I play it. Please say a prayer for her. With sincere thanks for the joy you gave her.

 

Tony Robson.

I was reduced to tears today as I watched and listened to the Fron Male Voice Choir when you appeared on "Songs of Praise". The performance throughout was magnificent, and would stand comparison with any other of the great Welsh Male Voice choirs. Please pass to the Choir members, and their lady conductor, my very sincere congratulations and thanks, for a wonderful and most moving performance. As they sang "Abide with Me", I was transported back to a day in 1950 when, as a leading Soprano in the Choir of St.Mary's Church in Dolgellau, I stood by the graveside of a former choir member, Mr.Willy Gwilym at his committal, and sang that Hymn at the request of his family, solo and unaccompanied. It has always been one of the defining moments of my life. I had come to Dolgellau as a wartime evacuee from Birkenhead and my family had allowed me to remain there after the end of the war with the kind people with whom I was billeted. Sad to say, in 1951, when I was 16, they decided that it was time for me to rejoin my family, which is what happened and the rest is a long and not a happy story. That is why I was so moved as the boys gave that wonderful rendition of "Abide with Me". It will be the Hymn that will be played, (probably from a Fron CD if I can get one) at my Funeral Service; whenever that may be. I can pay them no higher compliment than that. Yours Very Sincerely.

 

Adrianna and Chris Glover.

Just to say a huge thank you to you all for the fabulous Concert at the Tower of London! Once again, you have clearly worked so hard to give us all a magical evening, all we had to do was watch and enjoy! The setting was pretty good too!

See you all in Bourneville!

  

Tony Watson, Invercargill, New Zealand.

For Fathers Day 2009, my daughter has sent to me "Voices of the Valley". I have a large collection of Welsh Choir recordings collected over the years..The Fron has appeared on several cassettes, among other choirs, but this is my first CD sung by the Fron in its entirety..What a revelation! Magnificent! From the choice of music to the beauty of the voices, a huge success and well worth waiting for. I was born in Cannock, Staffs, too many years ago, and my early life included church choir, and being not too far from the Wales border and from a coal mining family, the "Miners Anthem" or Cwm Rhondda was a regular hymn at church and also in my home. This gave me an early taste and love for Welsh singing. After emigrating to NZ in 1965, I was lucky enough to be asked to join a group of Welsh expats in setting up the "Auckland Welsh Choir" of mixed voices and was taught enough of the language of Heaven {phonetically} to be able to complete the repetoire of the choir. Since retiring, and moving from Auckland, I have enjoyed choir life at church by teaching our choir to sing one verse, in Welsh, of "Guide me O thou Great Jehova"...More success to The Fron..Diolch yn fawr.

 

Jean Redpath.

My thanks to the Choir and its Director for the friendly and gracious welcome on Thursday, August 6. Mr and Mrs Beyler and I had spent a long day in the car to reach Llangollen that evening and it was all worth while when we discovered the Fron Choir rehearsal. May you go from strength to strength!

 

Del and Allan Wilford, Bournville.

We both thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Poland with the Choir and "Wags". Thanks to everyone for making us so welcome within the group and a special thank you to Steve Cox for arranging the tour. We will always have fond memories.

 

Victoria Larley.

Recently the Fron Choir gave a concert as part of the Chichester Festivities and afterwards they very kindly visited my Grandfather Raymond Shone in his nursing home. This was a fantastic gesture and one which I know he greatly appreciated. Very sadly, Grandpa died on Friday but I know the choir's visit meant a great deal to him in his final weeks.With very best wishes.

 

Brian and Jaqui Ball, Worthing, West Sussex.

Once again you exceeded all our expectations at your recent concert in Chichester. We took some friends along and they were just blown away by the beautiful singing. We thought that you were very good the first time that we saw you, but even an untrained ear like mine can tell that you have just improved every time that we see you. We can't wait for the new CD (in November I believe) but I suppose reluctantly we must as it isn't even finished yet. Thank you so much for all the pleasure that you give to us and everyone that hears you. Keep up the good work.

 

Anna Powell, Skipton, North Yorks.

I want to thank all the choir for the concert at Grassington in Yorkshire last Friday. I thought both the Choir and Ann Atkinson were wonderful and highly talented. I felt tears down my face as they sang " Land of my Fathers " with my welsh father singing in welsh beside me. Thank you.

 

Betty Jacobs, Denver, Colorado, USA.

I had the pleasure of hearing your rehearsal on May 18th, 2009. I was there with a friend Marilyn Fagan and our friends Brian and June James-Strong from London (June is Welsh originally from Llanelli). How talented your choir is. Asking us to sit smack dab in front was just so amazing. We felt the whole experience was a "pinch-me-can-we-really-be-here" one. Thank you for allowing us to hear your rehearsal. Best of luck to you all.

 

Jacqui & Jim, Australia.

If you are thinking of coming to Australia we would be the first to come to see you as we have got all your CD's, but if you don’t, keep putting out your wonderful music, we play them all the time.

 

Elizabeth Pulford.

So sorry to hear you missed out on the Classical Brit Awards but I’m looking forward to watching the programme. I did try very hard for extra votes - maybe next time. Best wishes to every one.

 

Lorraine Macintyre, Australia.

What joy you are giving the world with your magnificent voices. My grandaughter bought me your first CD and I have ordered the other 2 as they have become available. Unfortunately I have'nt been able to tract down your DVD in West Australia. I am not even sure that It is available here. Please keep singing and keep making CD's. We are all anxiosly waiting for your next album. All the best for the future.

 

Adrianna, Chris, Catherine and Francesca Glover.

Hi, just wanted to send lots of love to you all, and good luck for the Classic Brit Awards! We look forward to the results! XX

 

Ian Robinson.

I was shocked to hear about the sudden death of Phil Cowsill over the weekend. I work for Fedex which delivers and collects parcels to Phil's workplace. Although only knowing him for a few years he was one of the nicest men you were ever likely to meet. We used to have great conversations about cricket and he would often ask me to keep him up-to-date with the scores! Whenever he was off on one of his little trips with the Choir he always had a beaming smile on his face like a Cheshire Cat! Anyways, I'd just like to pass on my condolences on behalf of me and my colleagues at Fedex. He was a great guy and will be sadly missed.

 

Chris (nee Cowsill).

This is not an easy email to write, but I just want to say a few words to ALL the Choir. Phil was my big brother and I want you pass on my thanks to the Choir for giving him so much joy and enjoyment for the years he was a member. He enjoyed his life anyway, but the Choir was a big part of his life. He would either phone me or text me when you were in any part of he country singing, to tell me what he was up to, the most memorable was a voice mail when he was at the party following the first Brit Awards you were nominated for, I couldn't understand a word he was saying, but knew he was having a good time and had one or two drinks!!! I was, and still am very very proud of my big brother Phil and love him very much. Both my Mother and I take great comfort in knowing that he did enjoy himself and especially with the Choir. So much love and thank you to ALL of you.

 

Heather & Bruce Young, Victoria, Australia.

What absolutely beautiful music. We feel so emotional every time we listen to your CDs - specially the rendition of "You Raise Me Up". Some of your CDs are hard to obtain in Australia though, what can you do about that? We were at a concert of the Melbourne Welsh Choir last week and I understand that you know of this choir as Ann and Alan DeJong have worked together.

 

Tim Moore, Beaumont, Southern California.

I was born and raised in North Wales but a few years ago moved to California. My wife who is American and I love listening to your music. We have your CD's and have persuaded our friends to purchase them also - there is quite a fan club over here.

 

Ann and Gordon Mather.

We are Canadians who first saw the Fron Male Choir on our local PBS TV station. For my husband's birthday I purchased two of your CD's and I wanted to let you know how much we are enjoying them. My husband has been through an operation for a brain tumour and you have no idea how soothing the Choir's music is to us. We probably play the two CD's once a day and have another one on order. Please pass along our thanks for such wonderful music. You have made our days such a joy! 

 

Joan Abley.

Hi. Just wanted to congratulate the choir on yet another WONDERFUL CD, Voices of the Valley-Home. You just keep making better and better music. My Welsh is getting better. Even though I don't know the words in English when I sing along with you. But no matter, I really love you voices and the music .Thank you all for many hours of heavenly music. Just waiting, NOT very patiently for the next CD, please don't let it be too long.

 

Lisa Wintermute, United States of America.

While travelling abroad (UK) from the U.S., my parents went to dinner to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. During dinner, a lovely couple seated near them noticed my parents' very different dialect and introduced themselves. The gracious couple invited my parents to have tea with them. During their brief visit the following day, their new-found friend said that he wanted to play a very special CD for them. When my parents heard the beautiful vocal music, they couldn't believe what they were hearing. It was "Unchained Melody," a very special song indeed to my parents.....it was "their song" from their courtship. Not only that, but my mom's maiden name is Welsh, so it brought on an even more special meaning to them. My parents purchased, "The Voices of The Valley Home" while in the UK and listen to the beautiful voices and songs every day. When I visited my parents who are back from the UK, they played some of the inspirational songs for me, and I couldn't stop from tearing up....they were sooooooooooooooo deeply touching and beautiful for the soul. I would love to purchase "Voices of The Valley" with "Unchained Melody" on it. How can I do that from the U.S.?

 

Reply from Allan Smith. Thanks for your e-mail and we are so pleased to know you're enjoying our CD. For the future, we are working hard on getting all three albums released in the USA and Canada, but for now, they can be bought over the Internet through Amazon.co.uk and shipped to the USA. Not all merchants ship outside the European Union because of customs rules but if you follow the links for "new and used" you will find ones that do and the rates for shipping to the US.

 

Eve Barrett, Llangollen.

Thank you for being so kind for allowing me to photograph Ann and the Choir. I came first with my photograph in the Urdd.

 

Julie Williams, Froncysyllte. (Royal Visit Co-ordinator).

May I take this opportunity to thank Ann, Owen and all the members of the Choir for your contribution to the successful day on Monday the 2nd of March and the visit by HRH the Prince of Wales. I have received a letter from the Palace saying how much the Prince enjoyed the day. The feedback from the village has been very positive and I am sure the day will be a talking point for some time to come. Your presence certainly added to the wonderful atmosphere.

 

Myra D Easton, Australia.

I am the conductor of an all male voice choir in Bunbury in Western Australia. Recently one of our members returned from the UK with one of your CDs. I was thrilled listening to it. Your choice of repertoire and moods were just beautiful to listen to, and we especially liked your arrangement of "Sailing".

 

Gill Britten.

Thank you all for a fantastic concert in Wrexham last night. I can’t tell you how much better it sounds when you’re at front of the stage.

 

Jeff.

Following your appearance on TV with Rolf Harris your 'Home' CD was put on my Christmas list. I was so enhralled with it that my wife has purchased the 'Voices of the Valley' and the 'Encore' CD's as well, so that I don't wear out the first one too quick. Thank you for so many hours of beautiful music.

 

Scott E Stringer, United States of America.

"For All Our Soldiers In Iraq". I love music and have heard many great renditions of the song "Abide With Me", yours is simply the most moving pieces I have ever heard in my life. I fear for all our soldiers everywhere and should death knock at their door I desire with much emotion that this song to be in their hearts if that time comes. I think your Choir is incredible; The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has been my favourite for many years and now yours.

 

Marjorie Richardson, Yorkshire.

My husband and I spend many wonderful hours listening to the Choir and especially enjoyed your latest one featuring Will Martin singing "Home". My husband Bill was born near Wrexham and left to live in Yorkshire to further his career many moons ago but still has connections and has some family connection with Owen Roberts. 

 

Debbie Reynolds, New South Wales, Australia.

I just wanted to add my appreciation for the music the choir produces. I come from the Rhondda Valley, and now live in Australia, and came by the first Voices of the Valley CD purely by chance. Once I heard those fantastic voices I was hooked, there is nothing that can top a Welsh MVC singing "Land of my Fathers" it sent shivers down my spine. I also managed to get "Encore", and "Home" as well, although I had to go to a UK website for those and get them sent to me in Australia, well worth every penny. I have even managed to convert some of my Aussie colleagues to fans. I spend a fair amount of time in the car, I live about an hour away from my work, so it's great to be driving down the freeway, with the strident tones of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" playing. I am torn between a favourite, of "Wonderful World" or "Suo Gan" but all the songs are just wonderful.. I bought my Father the set of CD's for Christmas, so he is also keeping a welcome in the hills, but is slightly closer to you as he lives in Bristol, UK. I will keep visiting the website and try and coincide my visits to the UK with one of your concert tours and then my world will be truly complete.. Keep up the fantastic work.... I did manage to settle in the right state for my lineage... new south Wales (lol).

 

Keith Williams, Petersfield, Hants.

I’ve just been given and am now playing the Choirs’ “Voices of the Valley - Home” CD with ‘Imagine’ to join another Fron CD commencing with ‘Sailing’. Delightful indeed, pure hiraeth. Born in Esclusham Above, (The Wern), Dad and his family come from the Rhos, Mum and family from Pentrecelyn, Ruthin. My wife and I come home, from our Hampshire base, to Ruthin three or four times each year. I’ve just realised that we might, if it’s permissible, come along to a rehearsal or a local concert when we are next up. Would you kindly let me know any convenient 2009 dates and whether we might come along?

Reply from Allan Smith. Thanks for your mail and we are pleased to know you're enjoying our CDs. We are very proud of all three! You'd be very welcome at any of our rehearsals. We practise on Monday & Thursday nights from 7pm to 9pm at Acrefair CP School - directions are on our website www.fronchoir.com and choose "Visit Us" from the menu. I recommend you contact us in advance just to make sure we are indeed rehearsing on that date.Looking forward to seeing you soon.

 

Denise Petch, British Columbia, Canada.

Found the choir on Knowledge Network and was completely blown away! 

 

B. Wooding.

I really enjoyed the DVD as well as the CD. I bought them for my family and friends for Christmas and sent them to my family in Australia. My favourite was "The Rose", I played it 'till I wore it out. Keep it up, can't wait for the next one to come out. 

 

Ken & Barbara Legg, Waterlooville, Hampshire.

We have just enjoyed watching the DVD "Voices of the Valley - Live", which brought back fond memories of our visit to North Wales in July 2008. Together with some of our friends and neighbours (Susan Harris, Tony & Janet Saunders, Ron & Maureen Sheppard, Dave & Elaine Robertson) we stayed at Trevor Hall for a few nights, and the undisputed highlight of our trip was our Monday evening visit just down the road to Acrefair School to sit in on the choir's rehearsal. We were all made to feel so very welcome by all of you, and especially by David and Ann, and felt privileged to witness at first hand all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes before you go on stage or into the recording studio. The sight of so many familiar faces made the DVD so much more enjoyable - including the documentary as well as the concert in St Jude's Church. Thank you, all.

 

Les Lacey, Rogerstone, South Wales.

I had your C.D. as a Christmas present and when I played it I broke down in tears at the music and the pleasure that it gave me. The complete compilation and musical direction was fantastic. As well as being almost blind I can hardly walk so the music to me brings me so much pleasure. God bless you all, and have a happy New Year.

 

John Tinkler, Northumberland.

Just a note to say that the piece "Green Green Grass of Home" is just what a Male Voice Choir should sound like. Really great! More of the same please.

 

Ian Edwards, New Zealand.

We have just recieved your CD (Home) may I say it brings back memories of home (Ewloe). We now live in Opotiki, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, but you cannot beat a good Welsh choir no matter where in the world you live.

 

Liz Lazenby, Victoria, B.C. Canada.

I now very happily have the three discs of the Fron Choir...Wonderful music...played over Christmas...I do hope you gentlemen will consider making a Christmas CD.....all the old favourites like Silent night...and many more.....if you all put your Santa hats on it would be great...There are so many great songs out there...the old war songs too would be nice.....If you ever come to Victoria on the west coast of Canada...I'll be first in line to see you.....Keep up the good work lads...

 

Tim Dykes, Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

Thank you for such a brilliant CD and the "Live" DVD is just outstanding. I was glad to see your partnership with The Salvation Army as I am an Officer in The S.A. Keep up the good work and keep singing, you bring a lot of joy to a lot of people.

 

Elizabeth Pulford, Chester.

The new CD is super, I had it for Christmas. Calon Lan with Cerys brought tears to my eyes as does a lot af your songs. I am originally from Pembrokeshire, cannot speak welsh but I feel I understand it. Thank You So Much.

 

Hector Macleod.

I've just being listening to the CD "Home" over and over again - its superb. Not sure now whether Calon Lan has replaced Myfanwy as my all time favourite. Thanks for sharing your wonderful Welsh voices. I'm Scottish - it must be the Celtic blood that makes me so at home with the wonderful Welsh singing. Wishing you a very successful 2009.

 

Alan Martin

I love listening to the Fron Male Voice Choir and I would love them to sing "You Are My Sunshine" on the next CD.

 

Jenny Rasmussen.

Greetings from Australia and wishing you all a very Happy Christmas. A short note to let you know the endless pleasure I get from your 3 CD's. I hope you will produce some more and include the hymn "God be with you till we meet again !"

 

Sue Davenport, Wonga Beach, Far North Qeensland, Australia.

Just received "Home" from my Mum in Oswestry. It's great. I love "Two Little Boys" it brought Tears to my eyes and made me quite home sick as it's 3 days 'till Christmas. I have always loved Rolf from about 4 years old when "Boys" was released. My son who is six now likes it too. Another great triumph for the choir. Hopefully this time next year I will be in Oswestry and will be able to catch a Christmas Concert if you are doing one with Porthywean Band just a little hint from an x member. Love all 3 CD's as it helps keep home real for me to listen to them. Have a very Merry Christmas.

 

Betty Windmill.

I'm listening to "Encore" at the moment - never tire of hearing the songs and have just about worn out both CDs. I must look out for "Home" - don't get to the shops all that often and then most times forget!!!!! Yes, I'm 82, so no wonder!!!!! I love the hymns - have been in the Church all my life and just love Church music, well the older style I mean, not the new stuff that has no rhythm in it. Also love "The Rhythm of Life" - a good finish to a great CD. Hope you don't mind my raving on but I do love your work. This is mainly to wish you all The Compliments of the Season and a Happy and Healthy and Musically Productive New Year.

 

Fiona Jerman, Help the Aged.

The Choir were wonderful - I hadn't heard them live before- and in Ann's absence Dave did a grand job carrying the concert - thank you very much Dave. Alex stepped up on the piano and Owen did a grand job running back and forth between the organ and the piano! You'll be delighted to hear we raised nearly £5000 for isolated, vulnerable older people in the community and that was no doubt down to the Choir's presence. Help the Aged would be DELIGHTED if the choir would be able to perform for us in Manchester Cathedral again next year. Thank you all once again.

 

Tony Farmer, Surrey.

I just wanted to say thank you so much for dedicating 'How Great Thou Art' to my Mother and the memory of my Dad - my Mum was really moved by it and it brought tears to both our eyes. I know that my Dad would have loved your music. Your concert was fantastic and if that was with members missing, I cannot wait to hear the full choir at your St Davids Day Concert in Wrexham. It was also special to hear "Land Of My Fathers" which I requested to Richard on the night. Please extend both mine and Mother's thanks to the choir for the dedication and we both look forward to seeing you in March. Kindest regards and continued success.

 

Jackie Llewis.

Yet another great Saturday lunch-time listening to your wonderful singing. I hope your success continues. Can't wait for your next CD.

 

Louise Aubrey, Event Organiser, Nightingale House Hospice, Wrexham.

I am writing to thank you all so much for your fabulous performance at the Nightingale House Hospice’ "Celebration of Christmas" concert at Chester Cathedral on 11th December, 2008. The feedback we have had from members of the audience has been tremendous and we cannot thank you enough for your support of the Hospice. Please pass on my thanks to Ann Atkinson, accompanists Caroline Tate-Lovery and Alex Hughes, and every single member of the Choir. Happy Christmas and best wishes for a successful 2009.

 

Gilmour Pemberton.

What an amazing Concert and boost to Nightingale House Hospice funds after your wonderful efforts at Chester Cathedral on Thursday night. Every member of the Choir deserves a Knighthood !! We wish you and yours a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year.

 

Del & Allan Wilford, Bournville, Birmingham.

A splendid concert at St Francis Church, Bournville, on the 6th of December. Although the Choir were depleted in numbers due to illness, they performed admirably with Ann conducting and singing with her usual verve. As organisers of the Concert for the Foresters Roman Way, it was very pleasing to get such lovely comments from the audience after the show and to have raised a considerable amount of money for the Acorns Childrens Hospice. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

 

Jane Jennings

Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the concert at Chester Cathedral last night. What a great way to start the festive period! Your singing made me cry.....in a good way, and along with Aled, Anne, Kings School and Pheonix Brass I had the most wonderful evening. As a single mother of 12 year old twins, I do not get to go out too often, so this was such a treat. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas.

 

Catherine and Francesca Glover.

We just wanted to write to say thank you for such a lovely evening that we had last night in Bournville. All your songs sounded beautiful in the church- especially 'The Rhythm Of Life'! It was very kind of you to do the request for us and we did enjoy it. It was even better because it was our first time seeing you in concert. We will both now have all your songs in our heads for weeks now!

Thank you once again and have a lovely Christmas.

 

Derek Lammers-Wood.

I have just added your third album to my collection. Congratulations and thank you for yet another sublime, relaxing album. I work for the emergency services and listening to your albums in my work response car is the perfect way to relax after stressful calls. Listening to HOME, I began to imagine how an album of Christmas songs and Carols would sound given the Fron treatment. Also versions of other songs which I can imagine would sound fantastic sung by your Choir, in particular two of my favourites, the Hollies - "He Ain't Heavy" and the Mike and Mechanics - "Living Years". Please keep up the good work and thank you.

 

Tony Farmer, Surrey.

Hi, I am attending my first Fron Concert this Saturday in Bournville and travelling up from Surrey with my mother who was 80 last month. We are both really looking forward to the concert. I have all three of your CD's and listen to one most days. My current favourite tracks are Myfanwy and Sailing By which remind me of my father who passed away nearly 30 years ago. He was a very proud Welshman from Dowlais nr Merthyr Tydfil and would have loved your music. I would like to ask if you could dedicate a song to my mum Barbara Farmer and the memory of my dad George at the concert on Saturday. If posible How Great Thou Art (a favourite of my mum) or All Through the Night. I appreciate this may not be possible as they may not be part of your current repetoire. If not maybe a song of your choice. We also have tickets for your St Davids Day Concert in Wrexham. Keep on recording the fantastic music! Kindest Regards.

 

Lucas de Jong, (MD Melbourne Welsh Male Choir) Australia.

In the 1990's Ann Atkinson and I worked together in some operas in London and Wales before I moved back to Australia. Through a curious coincidence I have now taken a position as the MD for the Melbourne Welsh Male Choir and have recently returned from London after participating in the Massed Choirs Concert at the Albert Hall under the baton of Hayden James. I have discovered the wonderful recordings of the Fron Choir and in doing so I have also discovered that Ann is your MD. The Melbourne Welsh and I spent last weekend in workshop and concert with Alwyn Humphreys, so my head is full of Welsh Choir repertoire. Our gentlemen are quite impressed with the CDs that the Fron Choir have produced so I send you compliments from them all.

 

Pat Jacobs, Canada.

I am English but have lived in British Columbia, Canada for 30 years, I heard your choir singing on our Knowledge Network T.V, and I tracked down your CD "Voices of the Valley" via Amazon.com and purchased a copy of it. Whilst sitting and enjoying your beautiful CD, I thought there is no doubt only the Welsh can produce voices like that, then doubt set in and I looked at the CD to make sure they were Welsh singers, other than the write up on Ann Atkinson there is no mention of where the singers come from. With voices like that you must be very well known in the U.K. and Europe and where you come from is common knowledge, but the rest of the world might not know. When you next make a description for a CD do you think you could say (if I am right) that you are from Wales. Wales should get the credit for producing those wonderful voices.

 

Reply from Allan Smith.Thank you for taking the time to write to us, and for your kind words and comments. We are indeed from North Wales - in the beautiful Vale of Llangollen. The choir was formed in a small village called Froncysyllte in 1947 (pronounced Vron-cuss-ulth tay. There is no letter V in the Welsh alphabet and the V sound is written as a single F), but as our full name is rather difficult to pronounce correctly we are usually known as the Fron Choir (Vron Choir). You are quite right that our CD information does not include much in the way of our geographical location and you have highlighted an issue that we can address in the future.

 

J. Beachus, Calne,Wiltshire.

The new CD has brought my family much pleasure. My grandmother was from the village and her youngest brother Idris Jones (bass) sang with your choir for many years. I recently had the privilege to gift the CD to an elderly lady I visit in the course of my work, also from Fron. We sat and listened to it together and it made us both weep, the beauty of your voices was a joy.

Thank you for keeping this lovely traditional music alive.

 

Chris O'Connell

Thank you for some of the most beautiful music I have heard - my daughter gave me 2 CDs of your music as a gift and they must almost be worn out! as I listen to one of them at least once a day! My favourite piece is Ar Lan y Mor - such a moving song. Any chance of a concert in High Wycombe Reading Oxford area? Best wishes and keep singing.

 

Keith Reading

I have just bought your third album, and , as with the previous ones, is very enjoyable. May I make just one comment please, Men of Harlech is,as I remember my late father stating, the regimental march of the Welsh Guards. He served in the regiment during World War 2. That recording would be even better I feel, if the Welsh Guards Band had accompanied the singing of the song on the C.D. Would that have been possible, or are they abroad in Iraq, or somewhere? I know the area around Froncysyllte fairly well, as my late father was the vicar of Pen-y Cae until his retirement in the early eighties.I have walked over the aqueduct a number of times, and this year, walked up to Castell Dinas Bran again! Keep up the good work everyone.

 

Reply from Allan Smith.Thanks for taking the time to write to us, and we're happy to hear you like the third CD. Yes, it would have been nice to have the Welsh Guards with us and I'll pass on your comment to our Producer - who generally decides these things. If you're ever around the area, please call in to one of our rehearsals at Acrefair School - Mondays & Thursdays - where you'll be made very welcome.

 

Adrianna and Chris Glover.

Hi, just wanted to wish you all the very best of luck with the new Album! We are so looking forward to the Concert in Bourneville, it really is the most wonderful venue! My two youngest daughters, Catherine and Francesca will be joining us for the evening, this will be their first live performance of your wonderful Choir, they will be so excited! Again, our very best wishes to you all.

 

Nora and Dick Wilson, Ireland.

I really love this C.D. and I have just discovered that you have 2 more C.D's so I am off to the Record Shop to buy or order them. Do you ever do concerts in Ireland ? I would travel to see the Choir and so would my husband. Keep up the good work 

 

Sue Brodie.

I very much hope that the Choir and Rolf got as much out of today as the spectators who attended the "Silence in the Square". Those who gathered in Trafalgar Square were clearly very moved by the proceedings and particularly delighted to see and hear from Rolf, who is obviously loved by the public everywhere. The performances by the Choir ensured there was not a "dry eye" in the Square - you are truly wonderful.

 

Julie Preston, Llanfairtalhaiarn.

What a wonderful CD, even better because it is ‘our’ bridge at Llanfairtalhaiarn that you are crossing! I am particularly interested because I live on School Lane where a photograph in the little booklet has been used.

 

 

John Butters

Congratulations to all members of the choir for their magnificent achievements over the years. Particular congratulations to the 'Father' of the choir, as I discovered, when I saw him on the the BBC Breakfast programme last week. I recognised Dennis immediately and fifty years rolled away for me. I lived in Trevor in the late fifties and worked with Dennis at the then major chemical complex in Ruabon. I was a chemical engineer there and Dennis a mechanical engineer, so we had a lot in common though not in 'serious' singing I must add. I got my singing at Saturday night visits to the work's Social Club though as I remember, Rhos Choir members were strong on the ground there too. Again, heartfelt thanks to you all for the pleasure you have given to so many people all over the world. And Dennis, it was great to see you again (if not in the flesh) and looking so well after all these years.

 

Betty Windmill, Melbourne, Australia.

You can't imagine what pleasure your CDs give me - I have "Encore" playing at the moment whilst I work on the computer and other things. I have that one and also "Voices of the Valley", but must look for more at my local ABC shop. I haven't read any of the other messages sent to you so don't know what others write - I just wanted to convey to all your Members how much I love listening to the Fron Choir. I love to sing along with you too but it's not a sound you would like to hear!!!!! LOL. I live in a Retirement Village and we have a Male Choir here which gives entertainment every now and then - the Residents love it.

 

Ken Dewerson, Kelowna.BC Canada.

Just watched your documentary on TV - what a great show. I am an Englishman living in Canada and my Mothers maiden name is Jones so I must have some Welsh blood in me. Must buy your CDs. Thanks.

 

Brian and Jaqui Ball, Worthing, West Sussex, England.

We have just watched the new DVD from St Jude's in London. How we wish we had been there! So many of our favourite Fron songs. We didn't know the story behind 'Softly when I Leave You'. Brian says thanks for 'Glory, Glory Hallelujah', especially as he was singing 'When The Spurs Go Marching On' at the end. Jaqui says thanks for 'How Great Thou Art' and for the 'Welsh Lullaby' which we will be playing for our new Welsh grandson, James Ellis Ball, born in Cardiff in September. Looking out for the new CD next week - can't wait to hear Calon Lan.

 

Marilyn, Canada.

I am a transplanted "South" Wales girl and share your passion for male voice choirs (Welsh of course). When I'm feeling homesick I put on a Welsh MVC CD sit back and listen to that "awesome sound" that only comes from Wales (usually I have a little cry!!). I was back in Wales in May this year (after a 20 year absence) and was hoping to attend some MVC concerts, unfortunately though there was nothing on at that time. Many moons ago (more than I care to remember!) I sang with the Duffryn School Choir and watching your choir traveling by coach to venues and competitions on the television brought back many very happy memories. May I take this opportunity to wish your choir continuing success in the future.

 

Liz Lazenby, Victoria, B.C. Canada.

I just received two CDs from my cousin in the UK... you have made my day.... this oldie is very very happy to hear your beautiful voices.... I take them out in my car and turn up the boom boom box... never to old to do that...God Bless you all for making an ex brit shed a few tears... I do hope you will come you to beautiful Vancouver Island one day and sing for us in Victoria the capital...... Keep the music coming...

 

Sally McPherson, Ontario, Canada.

I am a big fan of your Choir, originally from N Wales and now living in Canada. I will be visiting my Mother for Christmas (all of Dec) and was wondering if you would be performing anywhere close to Penrhyn Bay (where my Mother lives and as she is in her 90's, traveling too far at night is difficult). Do you have any plans to visit Canada in the future as I do hope I will be able to see one of your performances live?

 

Ben Davies, Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada.

I’m writing from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada and just wanted to say that I was over at my folk’s house the other night and watched a program called the World’s Oldest Boy Band which highlighted the choir. We thoroughly enjoyed the story and the songs. My parents are from South Wales and I’ve visited the country many times, the last time we were near Llangollen for a few days. If you are ever planning a tour to Western Canada, please let us know as I can guarantee a sellout in my town of Comox. All the best to the lads and keep the CDs coming!

 

Mary Mack, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.

I have just spent a glorious hour listening to your documentary on the Knowledge Network. Any chance of your group considering a visit to Canada in the near future, if so, please include western Canada. I have many happy memories of listening to the lads from Wales singing at rugby games in Scotland. Wishing you every success in the future.

 

Lizzy Lazenby, Victoria. B.C. Canada.

Saw you all on the telly last night...fine looking bunch you are....lovely lovely voices...you make us ex brits really homesick....got two other ex brits here that are wanting your music...keep up the good work....keep them thar voices fine tuned...wonder if we will ever see you here in Victoria on the west coast of Canada?

 

 

Christina Dutkowski, British Columbia, Canada.

My name is Christina and my husband and myself live in British Columbia Canada. This evening we watch a wonderful documentary about your fantastic male singers on PBS. Your music, out look on life and wonderful energy was such an inspiration. I will for sure be purchasing your music and telling other about it. I truly think the Lord has given all of you a wonderful talent and a way of making people happy. Keep up the amazing work, I will look forward to future compilations and hope one day your group can come to Canada.

 

Yvonne Topf, Kelowna. B.C. Canada.

Just saw the program about your choir on TV. Wow! If you ever plan a tour of Western USA and Canada we would be interested. We are 500 km from Vancouver.

 

John & Kathleen, Parksville, B.C. Canada.

We had a chance to watch your TV show; "World's Oldest Boy Band" here on Vancouver Island this evening. It was really enjoyable and being a singer myself, I can appreciate the commitment that goes into your ongoing musical program. You have all come a long way since we met up with you in Edmonton, Alberta back in the early 1980's when you were doing a tour of Western Canada. I'm still singing on this side of the world, but only in my quartet. Gave up the (I know this is probably a dirty word?); "barbershop" chorus last year!! With all best wishes for the future.

 

Peter Williams, Whitchurch, Shropshire.

On behalf or The Rotary Club of Whitchurch can I say "Diolch yn fawr iawn" to all choir members, Ann, Owen, Caroline and Alex. The evening was a great success and those who missed it were the losers. I trust that everyone in the Fron managed to catch the coach home, as some of my rotary friends and the members of the choir were last seen in the pub enjoying a second concert! Once again "Diolch yn fawr" for giving Whitchurch a memorable evening. 

 

Bill & Hazel Patton, Solihull.

I am writing to thank you for the warm welcome extended to my wife and myself last week when we visited your choir practice. It was our first ever visit to such on occasion and we learned a little of the effort and attention to detail that is needed to bring out the best in the music. We felt very privileged to be invited to the front at the end of the evening to be sung to (or was it sung "at"?) by the choir. It has given us a very memorable experience we shall always treasure. With many thanks and best wishes to all.

 

Sue & John Connerty, Walking With Giants Foundation

We write to say a very big heartfelt thank you for the donation of £545 raised during your recent concert. This is very generous and we are extremely grateful to all the people who have kindly supported the "Walking With Giants Foundation". The £545 will help towards financing travel and accomodation costs for MOPDH families from the UK and other parts of the world to attend the 1st WWGF annual convention, which is being held here in Liverpool in October 2008, and will allow individuals and families affected by MOPDH to meet and thereby help to alleviate the isolation that MOPDH brings. Click to see the "Certificate of Appreciation"

 

Ann Able, Blackburn.

I don't know if you will remember me but we met the Choir in Cyprus when we stayed at the same hotel and again at the concert in Preston. I know it's a bit late but I wanted to thank the Choir for the wonderful singing that we heard at that concert, both during the event and afterwards in the bar. It was fantastic to know that the guys love their singing so much that they put all their enthusiasm into it even when they don't have an audience. One of the "lads" said you were about to go back into the recording studio to record your third CD. I hope everything went OK and I look forward to it coming into the shops. I see you are in Manchester Cathedral in December and hope to be there and to say hello.

 

Glenis & Peter Harris, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Your wonderful CD was sent to us by my one remaining cousin in England. My grandmother was Welsh (from Neath) and we always make a point of attending any Welsh Choir concert here in Christchurch, New Zealand. We have had a number of visits from Morriston, Llanelli, Aran and Pendyrus. We realise it is a long way, but any chance of an Australasian visit??

 

Reply from Allan Smith. We are not discounting an Antipodean visit, but the Choir is currently planning a tour of Canada and the USA. Three of us did in fact visit Australia late last year to promote the CD (Brisbane, Melbourne & Sydney) and managed to get it to Number One in the Classical Charts for a week or two, so who knows what might come from that?

 

Richard and Celia Mackay, Kilworth House Hotel

We thought the concert on Saturday was just perfect and will long be remembered by all who were lucky enough to get a ticket. I have had wonderful feedback from many of the audience all asking if we can do it again sometime - let's hope so! Please pass on our sincere thanks to Ann and the whole Choir for providing a most memorable evening at Kilworth. The singing in the log cabin after the show will always be a personal memory for us each time we sit in there. Thank you once again and we do hope that we can repeat the experience soon.

 

Elizabeth and Glyn Hesketh

Chairman, all members of the committee and every chorister of the Fron Choir. On behalf of our son Jon Hesketh and Mel Danidge, we would like to thank you all, for allowing us to be able to sell tickets (50) for the "Walking with Giants" charity for our granddaughter, and her three friends in the UK, and part of the 100 in the world. £500 was made, plus £100 donations to make a grand figure of £600. Special thanks to Ann and Alwena for their concern for her. Finn is now in New York, Detroit to see the Professor of Genetics.

 

Mike and Dianna Bevis.

I am writing to say how much we enjoyed the concert given by the Choir at the Royal Festival Hall in May. We had a lovely weekend in London but the "icing on the cake" was the surprise we had at the concert when we heard the choir sing "The Rose" for us on our Wedding Anniversary.We wish to thank members of the choir who kindly signed our programme for us and for the memorable evening and the wonderful singing of the Choir.Good luck to you all and we look forward to buying your next CD.

 

Mr Nigel Kiely, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon,

Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Gobowen.

I would like to thank the Choir for a splendid evening last Friday at Llay. We all had a most enjoyable night and raised a good sum for our appeal. The money will go towards our new centre for the treatment and research of muscle disorders in children, and so will be of great benefit.

 

Allen & Steve

I was lucky enough to be at your concert at the Birmingham Symphony Hall in May and what a fantastic place to hear such wonderful voices. I and my partner (who was not a fan 'til he went) really enjoyed the whole concert and it was a shame when the concert ended. I have got both CDs and look forward to the film!!! All the best in the future hope to see you soon.

 

Betty & Arnold Jones (nain Matthew)

This is to congratulate you on the tour just finished. Thank you for the dedication in the concert at Preston it was a complete surprise. We want to thank the choir for the welcome when we travel to concerts with you. We really feel proud to be part of your success. That first choir in 1947 would have never have believed the choir would still be going 60 year later and known throughout the world. We want to wish you another excellent third CD and hope we can still travel to some of your concerts. Diolch yn fawr.

 

Anna Palazon, Director, Help the Aged in Wales.

I write to you to thank you for your friendships and fund-raising support for Help the Aged over the last year. Your efforts have not only helped raise funds for our Isolation Campaign, but also awareness of Help the Aged and the work undertaken by our charity. My colleagues Iwan Rhys Roberts and Glenys Hughes-Jones, who have had the privilege of meeting the Choir and the Ladies Committee, were both very enthused by the warm welcome you extended to them at the launch of your CD, 'Voices of the Valley – Encore' in Llangollen earlier this year, and also at your recent concert in the "Stiwt", Rhosllannerchrugog. Your donation of £400 from the Choir's own coffers to top up the amount raised from the sale of the Fron Male Voice Choir's calendar was also very generous, and I'd like to thank you very much for this kind gesture. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you and the Froncysyllte Male voice Choir all the very best with your future endeavours, and hope that our paths will cross again.

 

Sandra Jones.

We were given tickets to see the Fron Choir in Preston on the 24th of May and as we used to live near Wrexham it was like going home. It was great seeing and listening to their music. Will Martin singing with them was great as we have never heard or seen him before and the Brass Band were excellent. Looking forward to the new CD of the Choir being released - can't wait.

 

Margaret Fowler.

Thank you for a great night on Sunday at the Tower Hotel, London Bridge. You made our weekend.

 

Yvonne Hardy

Just wanted to thank Ann Atkinson and the members of the Fron Choir for such a memorable evening at the Royal Festival Hall in London yesterday. The concert was absolutely wonderful and I was brought to tears with the Choirs rendition of 'Bring Him Home', one of my favourite songs - one which I hope will be included in the next album. It was wonderful to have the Fron visit London at last as when I saw them in Windsor last year we weren't sure if we would have the pleasure of welcoming them to London. Thank goodness the opportunity arose and what a wonderful evening was had by everyone who attended. It certainly was a memorable evening and I sincerely hope that the Choir will be able to fit in another visit to London in the not too distant future. I really can't thank you enough for the enjoyment Ann and the Choir bring to their many fans. Can't wait for the next album.

 

Vaughan Pendred, Oxted, Surrey.

Just a quick note to thank you and the Choir for a thoroughly enjoyable performance at the Royal Festival Hall last night.

 

Jenny Flude and family, Stafford.

On behalf of myself and my family I would like to thank you so much for the beautiful tribute you gave us on Friday night at the Birmingham Symphony Hall. It was more than we could ever have expected and it truly did make our night. We all had a tear in our eyes and my Dad was so thrilled that he hasn't stopped talking about it! We thoroughly enjoyed the concert despite the fact that we were up in the gods! I'm sure it won't be the last time we come and see you perform. Thank you so much once again for a truly wonderful evening and good luck with the rest of your tour. x x x.

 

Paul Hanmer, Chairman "Stiwt Friend's".

As Chairman of the "Cyfeillion y Stiwt Friends" I write to express our sincere thanks to you for making the concert on Saturday 10th of May here at the "Stiwt" such a huge success. As you will be aware it was a sell-out, and all the feedback from the evening was very positive. The audience came from quite a wide radius, and were extremely complimentary in their praise of the evening's entertainment. We, as a fund raising committee, are most grateful to you for attending at a very busy time in your schedule to help us raise funds for our beloved theatre. Please pass on our thanks to Ann, Alwena and all the Choristers for their input in making the evening such a success. Our volunteers (stewards, shop helpers & programme sellers) commented on everyone's friendly manner which made their jobs so much easier. Thanks again for everything, and we hope to see you back at the "Stiwt" in the future.

 

Caroline Smith-Jeffs, Marchwiel, Wrexham.

Firstly, may I congratulate you and the choir for yet another outstanding performance at the Rhos "Stiwt" on Friday 9th May. It was absolutely superb. Also, I would like to 'Thank You' so very much for involving Louis. He was absolutely thrilled to bits. He was ecstatic to be up on the stage with you all. You truly made his night. He has talked of little else since and has taken the pictures I took into school to show his music teacher and told her all about his magical "debut" with the Fron Choir!- you have made a little boy very very happy.

 

Glyn Davies.

I took a party of nine people to your concert in Ipswich and I want you to know how much we all thoroughly enjoyed the performance of the Choir and the supporting cast - it was just fabulous. There was a particular emotional link for me with the Welsh hymns and anthem since I was born and grew up in the Swansea Valley and am Welsh speaking. Whilst I have lived in East Anglia now for more than 40 years, on occasions such as your concert it reminds me just how Welsh I am.With thanks and best wishes to you all.

 

Carole and Alan, Preston.

We met you all at the Avanti Hotel in Cyprus last year (I was one in the wheelchair). We said we would come and see you at the Guild Hall when you were there but unfortunately we will be in Bournemoth visiting family. So we send you our apologies and are dissappointed we won't see you. We hope all goes well and that we will meet again some day.

 

Adrianna and Chris.

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to you all for a fantastic evening in Birmingham! My mum-in-law Lynne was enthralled with the singing and music, we are truly blessed to have you! Hope to see you in Bourneville.

 

Jenny Flude, Stafford, Staffordshire.

My Dad is a huge fan and for his birthday this year myself, my brothers and sister are bringing him to see you at the Birmingham Symphony Hall on the 16th of May 2008. He introduced us to your music a couple of years ago and when we lost our mother in March 2007 he wanted 'The Rose" played as we entered the church. It was extremely moving and now whenever we talk about

her we inevitably end up playing your CD and that song in particular. They were married for 48 years and not a day goes by when she is not deeply missed. We are really looking forward to the concert and hope 'The Rose" will be part of the nights repertoire. Best of luck to you all X.

 

Adrianna and Chris Glover, Daventry, Northants.

Hi all, hope all is going well!! We are coming to see you at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham on the 16th of May and we are bringing my mother-in-law, Lynne as a surprise treat yet again. She is an amazing lady for 87, still sings, mostly Welsh songs of course, and although she has to spend a lot of time in her home these days, still enjoys life to the full! It will be great to see you all again, it seems such a long-time since the Bourneville Concert last November, Chris was truly moved by the lovely surprise request! Take care, try and get some rest, its going to be another wonderful, but clearly fun time once again for you all on your tour!

 

John and Elsie McCavery.

To Neil, Matthew and the rest of the Fron Choir - "Good Luck with the Classical Brit Awards"

 

Dai Davies.

Four of us, three "locals" from the Dee Valley, came to the Pavilion in Bournemouth and enjoyed an "emotional journey". My sister Deleth and I were brought up in Trevor, attended Garth Primary School and then Dinas Brân. Since then we have become "Missionaries" in the south of England! My father Edward (Ted) Davies from Froncysyllte and was once a member of the Fron Choir and I have very fond memories of Saturday evenings at the Bryn Howel Hotel after the Male Voice Choir Competition at the International Eisteddfod where "many voices" would come together for a very enjoyable rendition. It was wonderful to touch base with Owen (our second cousin) and John Evans after more than thirty years! We very much enjoyed the concert, but if constructive criticism is okay, felt the Brass Ensemble on occasions drowned out the simple harmonic beauty of the male voices. I think we are purists! Best wishes for the future.

 

Brian and Jaqui Ball, Worthing.

Thank you for a great evening at Bournemouth Pavilion on Sunday. We really enjoyed it, especially "Creation" at the end of the first half. A special thanks for the rendition of Calon Lân in the bar afterwards which made my evening and was very special. Why not put it on the next CD? You know it makes sense! All the best for the rest of the tour.

 

Martin and Beryl Campbell, Inverness.

We were at the Glasgow Concert Hall on Sunday 13th April to hear the Choir. They were excellent as was the young New Zealander William, and the Brass Ensemble. It was my Christmas present from my husband and it is the best one I have ever had.

My roots are in Anglesey and I spent many a day trip from Liverpool to Llangollen as a child so many happy memories were revived. We live in Inverness and have a wonderful Theatre that you could maybe visit. I realise it is a long way from where you all live but we know you would get a wonderful reception if you came here. Thanks again for a wonderful evening.

 

Adele from Acrefair, and Pam (the leggy blonde).

Diolch yn fawr for a most memorable Friday night at the Bridgewater Hall. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening both at the Hall and in the "Briton's Protection", where the highlight had to be the heart-rending performance of Calon Lân. Your voices make us proud to be Welsh. We hope the rest of the tour goes equally well.

 

Ian and Lynne White, Scunthorpe.

We have just returned home from seeing you in concert for the first time at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. A lovely venue and wonderful performance, not forgetting the amazing Fine Arts Brass, Ann Atkinson and Will Martin - what a star in the making. We thoroughly enjoyed the Choir's performance and look forward to seeing you all on your next tour. We can't wait for the next CD - your two previous are just about worn out. Once again, well done to all concerned on a great concert. 

 

Luke Todd, South Wales.

Just a quick note to let you know that I really enjoyed your concert in Cardiff last night. I had heard many wonderful things about your choir in the past and it was the first time that I managed to hear you sing. I must admit that there is something very special about a male voice choir and I think it's wonderful that you have been going for sixty years and have a bright future ahead of you. I hope that your tour continues to be successful and look forward to seeing you perform again when you are in South Wales.

 

Pam & Ian Browne.

Just a few lines to say how much we enjoyed the concert on Sunday night - every bit as good if not better than last year - we particularly enjoyed Anne and of course Fine Arts Brass who make those instruments do things they probably weren't designed to do. It was lovely to see you all, and hopefully we'll be able to do it again next year. Dad is enjoying the calendar - he's now looking forward to August! Keep up the good work.

 

Glyn Smith.

My Wife and I were given tickets for the Cardiff Concert as Christmas presents and duly attended the concert on April 6th. We would like to thank the Choir for what turned out to be the most fantastic Christmas present we have ever received. The singing, the presentation and the venue were absolutely superb and we wish the Choir every success on their tour. We thoroughly enjoyed the piece about "The Creation" and would like to know if there is a record available of the Choir singing it?

 

Reply from Allan Smith.Regarding "The Creation"; we wanted to give our audiences a little taste of what we do when not producing "easy-listening" records, and this is one of the pieces we use in competition. We love the challenge that such pieces pose, and are so glad you enjoyed it too. To answer your question, we do not have this on a CD although we did win a Llangollen Eisteddfod with it as one of our choices - so others must also share your views!

 

Sarah Bynum, USA.

I hope to win the contest of " the person who travels farthest for a Froncysyllte Concert" in April 2008. I have been a fan of the Choir since hearing your music on Virgin Airlines last year and I recently persuaded my mother to buy and send me the "Encore" album. She sent it begrudgingly because she had heard it first...... So in April my American husband and I will fly from the Americas to take my mother and aunt to Bournemouth for the concert on the 20th of April. I'm already counting every minute until then.

 

Bob Rix, Co Durham.

"'Would you like to join?" It says at the end of your members page. I wish I could but I am a member of two Male Voice Choirs here in Co Durham with practice in Stanley and Consett each week. I also sing with two mixed voice groups at The Sage Gateshead every Monday and Tuesday. As you can imagine this keeps me rather busy. Good Luck to the Fron Male Voice Choir, long may your notoriety continue.

 

Pat and George Machin.

We have just received an e-mail from Canada, with some very happy news for us. We brought our son up to go to Church but when he got married he drifted away like so many do. We used to take our little granddaughter to Sunday School and Church when she stayed with us in Manchester but they now live in Calgary. I had a feeling that the music on your CD would have a very deep meaningful effect on him, and it has. They have all decided to start going to Church again. Well, another prayer has been answered and it is all down to your beautiful singing and music - God moves in a mysterious way. Thank you, I cannot tell you the very real happiness this news has brought to us. Panis Angelicus has always been a very special favourite of mine and at this point, I must say that the beautiful singing of Ann Atkinson is so lovely, and she blends in so beautifully with the Choir. God Bless you All.

 

Richard Lewis, Maidstone, Kent.

Having had 'The Voices of the Valley Encore' CD for Christmas I was compelled to buy the original album too! What a fantastic selection of songs on 'Encore', both in terms of content and style. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I've found myself playing the album over and again, with 'Rhythm of Life' being a particular favourite and a fine, lively song to end with. It works very well for a male voice choir. 'Bridge over Troubled Water' is also a favourite and the rendition of 'Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Redeemer' is superb. As one who visits North Wales for a week's holiday each year, some of the traditional Welsh songs on the album bring back memories, and I shall endeavour to see one of the choir's performances this year, although this might have to be one of those in England because of the timing of my holiday. These albums have kindled an interest in male voice choirs and I will certainly look out for any future releases by the Fron Choir and might be tempted to buy some CDs of other such choirs!

 

Pat and George Machin, Colwyn Bay.

Hope I am not a nuisance e-mailing you again, but I had to let you see an excerpt from my son's E-mail received this morning:- "The CD arrived today and had a good listen to it. Will play it in the car as its really nice. You don't get that kind of stuff over here". Is it possible you could let me know when you are touring Canada and whether you will be in Calgary at any time? You have another 3 fans over there already and if I know my lad he will be telling everyone at work to go to your concert.

Reply from Allan Smith. Thank you once again for your e-mail and interest in the Choir. We have for some time been exploring the possibility of releasing the CD's in North America with our Management and Universal Music, and following that up with a concert tour. If and when it happens, you can rest assured that Canada would be prominent in our thinking. 

 

Gwilym and Megan Evans, Sidney BC, Canada.

My brother Gwyn, who now lives in Manchester, sent me your second CD for Christmas. I could not have wished for anything better. Absolutely heavenly!, you are such a credit to Wales. I have just requested a few songs from "Encore" to celebrate St. David's Day here on Vancouver Island on a request show on CBC 2 called "Here's to You". I hope they play the tunes that I asked for and I hope that the rest of Canada is listening too. They will be as bowled over with emotion as I was. Keep giving us more of this wonderful singing and maybe one day soon you will come and visit us so that we can experience a "live" concert. Diolch, diolch diolch!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

John Tanner.

Firstly let me say "Thank You" for bringing wonderful music back into my life. It makes me emotional & I put this down to having Welsh Relations who live in the Rhondda Valleys. I am wearing out my copies of "Voices of the Valley" & "Encore". When can we expect the next CD? Will you ever do a DVD of any of your live performances? I can only hope the answer to both my questions is soon. Best wishes for the future & keep on bringing your songs into our lives.

 

Patricia Machin, Colwyn Bay.

We purchased "Encore" recently and it has given us enormous pleasure listening to it (over and over again!!). We especially love the ones sung in Welsh even though we do not understand the language. I have asked around and found out what some of the titles mean in English so we have a rough idea. I have purchased another copy and sent it to our son and his family in Canada this week, as he visited Wales so much in the past, before he was married and our little granddaughter keeps saying she wants to come over to "Walus" (she is not very good at spelling in her E-mails yet!!!). We have lived here in Wales in a retirement flat in Colwyn Bay for the past 5 years, but have travelled all over North Wales many times in years gone by and have always wanted to live in this area. We now feel like we have "died and gone to heaven" after spending all our lives living 6 miles outside of Manchester. "Voices of the Valley Encore" is excellent, very inspirational and uplifting.

 

Carol Mutton.

There is nothing more beautific to listen to than a Welsh Male Voice Choir. As a result of my interest I treated myself to your "Encore" CD, which I bought primarily because it contained three of my favourites namely, "How Great Thou Art", "Panus Angelicus" and the "Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves" and was very disappointed with all three. I did not expect to hear a female soprano in a Male Voice Choir and the emotional "Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves" was spoiled by an overblown introduction and an unnecessarily obtrusive piano accompaniment.

Reply from Allan Smith. Thank you so much for your e-mail and what a pity that our rendition of your favourite songs failed to match your expectations. Hopefully some of the other 11 tracks on "Encore" were to your liking. Our Arranger and Producer Jon Cohen tries to frame and underscore the Choir to bring out its best and we are very pleased with the results. The "female soprano" is our Conductor Ann Atkinson. In Concert she is the regular soloist for several items in our repertoire, so we felt it was appropriate for her also to be our soloist on the recordings. So once again, sorry that you were disappointed.

 

Michelle Mills-Porter, Birmingham.

SUBLIME! -Just listened to your first album 6 times back to back!

 

Her Majesty The Queen.

 

Sue Davenport, Near Port Douglas, Australia.

G'day from the Far North of Queensland. Just doing the ironing on a Sunday afternoon listening to "Encore". Must say it's very good and relaxing to listen too. All I am seeing in my mind is my home and the surrounding valleys of North Shropshire and Wales - being an expat from Oswestry. It's a few years ago, maybe 6 or 7, that I was at the Church for the Christmas concert with the Porthywean Silver Band - I'm an ex member. I really enjoyed the first CD and the second was just as enjoyable, once my Mum was able to send it to me, "Encore" has been difficult to get in the local area back home SOLD OUT of course. I also watched the "Susie Show" (not usually as I'm not keen on her), but when I saw an advert for the show and saw that some of the Choir was going to be on I didn't miss it. Keep up the good work and I'll await the next CD.

 

Michelle Mills-Porter, Birmingham.

Just a very quick note to say "thank you" for a fabulous album! I got it for Christmas, and I simply cannot stop playing it. It¹s just marvellous. I have been looking at your web site and I would love to have come to your show on the 2nd of February, but unfortunately it's our annual show on the same day! Poo! I will definitely come to another show once that¹s out the way. I love singing along to all the tracks, which I can do comfortably as a Ladies Bass singer - I am the PRO for a Ladies Barbershop Chorus, the "Second City Singers", and we are ranked about 7th in the country. I am sure that my Great Grandfather would have known some of your original members. In addition to being a well known Bass singer, he was the conductor of several choirs in Birmingham from the 1940's and onwards. He was Thomas Osborne. Anyway, thanks again for a fabulous album, you have replaced Treorchy as my favourite Male Voice Choir now, so can't wait for the next album. We¹re recording an album this year, (amateur) so I might drop you a copy.

 

Polly Shamy, Peterborough, New Hampshire USA.

When I was in North Wales last summer I was introduced to your music and ended up buying many copies of your first CD as gifts for friends. If you ever plan a North American tour I would appreciate knowing as I serve a UCC (like URC) church in Peterborough, NH, and we would be interested in hosting one of your appearances. Thank you for the joy you bring to so many people.

 

Yvonne Keniston, South Australia.

Hello all..... Was given "Voices of the Valley" by a friend .... how wonderful you all sound...... God bless.

 

Joan Abley.

WELL. What can I say, just you are all fantastic, and yes I have got the new CD "Encore", it was on order just as soon as you told us it was to be released. Can't wait for the next one - sorry to over work you guy's, but you are so good. Thank you for yet another wonderful CD, I now have two on my CD player that never come off.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL AND YOUR FAMILIES.

 

Alwyn James, Pyrénées Orientales.

A wonderful, wonderful Christmas present of your Encore CD has already given me hours of pleasure in a valley very different from the one I was brought up in, when, half a century ago, I got along to every concert by the Tredegar Orpheus.The male voice choir repertoire has exploded since those days, although I miss the old test-pieces of "Martyrs of the Arena", "Crossing the Plain" and such like. Do any male voice choirs ever record one or two of these? Alas, they may not have the commercial fit for today’s buyers. May I suggest one revival which would suit Fron down to the ground and would be a stellar hit, "Top of the Pops" even? Many years ago, my uncle Tom Seyes ran a London choir, the St David Singers, who did some film and radio work in the 1930s. He arranged for Welsh male voice choir the Richard Genée comic fantasy "Un Potpourri Italian", an "Italian Salad", in which a jumble of Italian musical terms are sung in the style that they suggest. The old 78 record regularly turned up in radio request programmes. I haven’t heard it since those days but it would wow audiences and CD buyers.Your choir has a style and, I fancy, an extravert tenor to make it zing. Strangely your repertoire does not seem to have anything in Italian – surely the delightful Ann Atkinson will confirm it is the loveliest of all languages in which to sing. Once again, thanks for the pleasure you have given to me and mine.

 

Ian White

Just want to say how wonderful your music is. I used to be a church choir boy myself and choral singing is just so beautiful especially when song by God's voices. I have never heard any one who can sing as beautifully as the Welsh especially the Fron Choir. It fills me with tears of joy and happiness. Hoping to make Manchester in April to hear you live for the first time. Bravo, keep up the beautiful singing.

 

Christine Jones, Rhondda.

I have just played Voices of the Valley Encore and was disappointed as I really enjoyed the original. I thought it was technically good but it lacked the passion that was in the first CD.

 

Christine Roderick.

My daughter gave me "Voices of the Valley" for Christmas. Wonderful harmonies. Keep it up boys

 

Adrianna and Chris Glover, Daventry, Northants.

Hi, just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I am sure you are all busy and looking forward to a family break over the Christmas period! All the best for 2008, cannot wait to seeing you all at the Symphony Hall in May.

 

Wendy MacKenzie, Hertfordshire.

Thank you to the Fron Choir for their second CD. I enjoy them very much, especially Exodus. It leaves me spellbond. I look forward to the next CD and wish the choir a Very Happy Christmas.

 

Joan Harpham, Canada.

I just received your CD from my cousin in Wales as a Christmas gift in the mail. It is so brilliant and nice to hear all these miles away it makes us homesick. Thanks to everyone in the choir, and please, when you all get together, I want them all to know their music is brilliant and makes us feel close to our Homeland all these miles away.

 

Jackie Lewis, Manchester.

What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday lunchtime, listening to a fabulous concert. Thank you so much. I also loved the Calendar.

 

Margaret McLean.

I would like to thank the Fron Choir and everybody concerned in the production of the wonderful music on both CD's and wish you all the best for the coming season. Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Thanks again.

 

Yvonne Hardy.

Just a note to let you know I received my new CD a few weeks ago and have been playing it constantly ever since. I love it and many congratulations to everyone for reaching the No:1 slot on Classic FM Radio. I am now awaiting release of the tickets for the concert in May and can't wait to be part of the audience and enjoy a live performance once again. My very best wishes to everyone for a very Happy and Peaceful Festive Season and every success in 2008.

 

Ally, Cambridgeshire, wishing to be in Capel Curig!

After being woken every morning by Voices on my alarm, I wanted a change, so have just bought Encore. The lady in Woolies asked me if I wanted a gift receipt, to which I replied -No it's for me! - perhaps she thought I looked too young to enjoy good music! Encore is wonderfully emotive - takes me back to the wonderful times I've had in Wales. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

 

Maggie Pugh, USA.

I happened to click on the film clip of your appearance on what seems to be the BBC "Today" show and of course had to investigate further. I was born a month after your choir was formed and grew up with Welsh music beginning with " A Nation Sings" on LP. I bought your first CD and what a surprise that your second was being released the next day; so I ordered that one too. I've had the first one for a week now and have played it over and over-at home, in the car, at my brother's. and it will accompany my to my niece's' tomorrow. "Encore" came today and is playing for the second time as I write this. I didn't think it could get any better but it is. Your selection and mix is wonderful ; I'm looking forward to your next release as there are a few unrecorded selections in your repertoire! 

How wonderful it would be to see you on tour here in North America, but until then I'll be listening. Diolch yn fawr for your beautiful music, and congratulations on your well deserved recognition.

 

Janine, San Diego.

Good Morning Choir. It is 8am, just opened yesterdays mail and recieved a copy of 'Voices of the Valley - Encore'. I have just had the best morning, played it twice already and 'Rhythm of Life' 5 times.Truely fabulous.Guys you have excelled yourselves. Now you have the travel bug how about San Diego? Merry Christmas and Best Wishes to you all for 2008.

 

Brenda, Cottage Fields, St. Martins.

Saw you all in the concert in Walsall and had a wonderful afternoon. Good wishes and success for the new CD.

 

Michael King, Grantham.

Just brought your ' Encore ' album, another wonderful selection of music. I have a long association with friends in Merthyr and I am transported back to the Valleys. Both albums are played and played. Thanks very much. More please.

 

John Holland

Having read in The Times a few weeks ago that the Fron continued to prosper I was reminded of my days in the City of London. In the mid to late 70's my then employer's senior litigation partner (Eddie Sibley of Berwin Leighton, solicitors) asked if I could help a friend of his. The Froncysllte Male Voice Choir wished to set itself up as a registered charity and Eddie asked if I could help. I cannot recall if Eddie's friend was a member of the choir or perhaps a local solicitor. Thus, I cannot recall the name of the person with whom I was put in touch. You see, my task was to advise on and subsequently draft the Trust Deed constituting the Fron's charitable status and to communicate with the Charity Commission in order to get its approval to that Deed. So long ago and I was pleasantly reminded by the Times article. I am delighted that you continue to prosper (in spite of my small contribution all those years ago!) and wish you continued success.

 

Bernard D.W. Wright, Ponteland, Northumberland.

I am writing to say that my wife and I have enjoyed listening to your latest recording on CD, " Voices Of The Valley Encore ". When I wrote to your Chairman in April this year I enquired whether it would it be possible to include the lyrics of the songs in the booklet accompanying future Fron albums? I am pleased to see that you have enhanced the album by so doing. Thank you. When you produce another album, hopefully in 2008, please consider including an English translation of songs having Welsh lyrics? I am pleased to say that we have seats for your visit to The Sage on the 9th May, 2008. Apparently, tickets are selling fast. I am sure it will be a great success as was your last visit earlier this year. Unfortunately, we were unable to obtain a copy of your programme at The Sage this year, perhaps additional copies could be made available in 2008. Trust you have a most enjoyable tour in 2008, roll on the 9th May !!!

 

Alastair, Lyndsay and Toby Dobson.

A really fantastic CD, please keep them coming. In fact, We think you should enter X Factor next year and show the nation what real talent is all about!! You should release Rhythm of Life as a single and watch it fly off the shelves - great stuff, we wish you every success.

 

Mrs M. McLean.

I have recently bought the new CD and I am enjoying it very much.Thank you.

 

Christine Mose.

I recently watched a clip on BBC Breakfast featuring the Fron Male Voice choir and the Voices of the Valley Encore CD. It was beautifully sung in a lovely setting.

 

Catherine McGrath, Holywell.

I am sitting here listening to Encore with tears streaming down my face. I could listen all day to your beautiful voices so thank you all so much. I never thought I would hear Yesterday and Falling in Love sung better than by their original artistes - the Beatles and the lovely Everly Brothers - how wrong I was. I watched the BBC interviews and recognised Talacre/Gronant immediately. Thank you for using the lighthouse and beach for your promotional video recording - I would have loved to have been there to see you all. The inclusion of the words are so welcome - especially for Ar Lan Y Mor, one of my favourites, thanks to Bryn Terfel of course. I am English by birth, just across the water in Wirral, but live not that far from you all in North Wales, near Holywell, so am Welsh now. I will take you all up on the offer to sit in on rehearsals at Acrefair! God Bless you all.

 

Chris Ladkin 

Well I didn`t think the 2nd CD could be better than the 1st one, got that wrong didn`t I. Just bought the new CD and I think it`s fabulous. I`m not biased because I`m a Llan girl now living in the midlands, or that my brother is in the choir (Phil Cowsill) but because you have ALL done the Taffs proud, the Rhythm of Life, made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.Well done to you ALL on another number one album.

 

Beryl Trimby

I had to write to you again………….I thought it was Christmas this morning as the 2nd Fron Choir CD came through my door, brilliant! Just as enjoyable as the first one. It has been playing ‘on repeat’ all day and it gets better and better. How great to have the words as well, as I love singing along, albeit out of tune and very quietly so as not to spoil the effect. Keep producing………how about an operatic one next time?

 

Annette Hobson, Walkeringham, South Yorks.

I always get goosebumps when I hear the Welsh National Anthem being sung at rugby matches, and now the goosebumps are doing overtime when I listen to your CD as I work about in the kitchen or anywhere in the house! What wonderful, wonderful voices and the music is the perfect accompaniment. I am about to order your "Encore" CD and cannot wait to hear it. I am Scottish, but always looked forward to the Welsh rugby invasion in Edinburgh during the (then) 5 Nations rugby tournament. Your music and voices are wonderful, keep up the good work and I wish you every success for the future.

 

Paul Dilks, Chairman, Nottingham Male Voice Choir.

Hearty and many congratulations on the achievement of your 60th year, and thank you so much for being such fine ambassadors for the Male Voice singing art . 

 

June & Bob Hopkins, Dundee

We were staying at your hotel in Paphos and have just returned home. We enjoyed your performances both informal in the pool & more formal at the evening concert. The camaraderie between you all was so nice and we were all a bit lonely after you left. Chris appeared after aerobics on Thursday and suggested that we sing the "Banana" song but it didn¹t happen ! We live in Dundee and would be keen to hear dates when you will be up in Scotland.. 

Rob Elliot, Wessex Male Voice Choir

I was on the way home from Kent last night and heard the Choir on Radio 2 - great stuff. I arrived home to see and hear the video clip with "Yesterday" - it's fantastic. I wish you well on the forthcoming CD release and lots of publicity to go with it. You carry the torch for the whole Male Choir tradition. Keep it going chaps we are all very proud of you.

 

Geoff & Janet Davies

I just had to write to thank Ann and "The Boys" for the wonderful concerts that she and the Choir gave in St John's School, and St Barnabas Church whilst you were in Cyprus. The choir made such an impression, that many of our ex pat friends are still talking about the Welsh Night, with a little bit of "Hiraeth". As an ex Fron Chorister (first tenor) for 20 years, it was great to meet up with so many old friends and fellow choristers, and you gave us such a warm welcome. We are eagerly awaiting release of your new CD. Diolch yn fawr iawn o galon.

 

Tom Jones, Rochdale

Greetings. It wonderful to see that the Choir has gone from strength to strength. My father, John Hugh Jones, is in the photo's of 1947 - 49. My mother is still alive and in her 80's, and now lives in Mold. Keep on singing.

 

Brian Robertson, Tamworth NSW, Australia

The ABC had a wonderful interview with one of your group, hence I managed to get the CD which is distributed by the ABC bookshops in Australia. I can only say how wonderful it is to listen to your beautiful voices. Well done! You must all be so proud as a group.

 

The Saltash Ladies Choir, Devon

To all the members of Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir - congratulations on your 60 years of singing. We read your story in the Daily Mail and have listened to your CD - may you go from strength to strength. We also celebrate 60 years in 2008.

 

Beryl Trimby

Heard the choir in St Asaph Cathedral last night, left our expectations at the starting gate, I have never heard such a sound in my life, was totally transported, transfixed, ....... not enough words in the dictionary to explain my feelings, it was not just entertaining it was also a very moving, spiritual experience. The silence in the Cathedral after the singing of "Abide with Me" was almost tangible, and the only time there was no clapping. The concert could have gone on all night and I don't think anyone, other than the choir, would have fallen asleep. Also must mention Glain Dafydd whose playing of the harp was 'magical' and greatly enhanced the evening. For such a young person she has such poise as well as being a brilliant harpist and we will obviously be hearing a lot of her in the future. Thankyou is such an inadequate word, but nonetheless, thankyou.

 

Robert Sells

Whilst enjoying my cocoa night cap I thought I would congratulate you on tonight's gig at St Asaph. You have worked so hard with that excellent choir and the results are terrific. You seem to have set new standards of articulation, diction and balance: not many of your compatriot groups could have done justice to the Brian Hughes piece as you did. Enjoy each new success as it comes.

 

John Mason

Congratulations on the concert in St Asaph on Saturday, Kathleen and I enjoyed it very much, in fact we are of the opinion that it was the best choir that we have ever heard, which together with a nicely balanced programme made it a fantastic evening.

 

Carol Vickers (nee Hart) Melbourne Australia

Congratulations on a very successful visit by the choir members. I heard them on the radio in Melbourne and felt very homesick, and proud to be an Abernant/Cefn "girl" !.

 

David Jull MP, Logan City, Australia

Thank you all very much for your visit on Friday last to 101 FM in Logan City and for your appearances on our Popular Classics programme. We still receive great reaction to your CD. I hope the trip home, although long, was not too arduous and you made it on time for Choir Practice. On behalf of Syd Abrahams and myself, very special thanks again and we look forward to a Brisbane Concert in the not too distant future.

 

Nerys Owen.

I had to send you a note to tell you how much pleasure your CD gave to one of Wales famous sons. (Ivor Emmanuel). I was with Ivor at his home in Spain two weeks before he died. We arrived at about 10 o'clock in the night, and although Ivor was not a well man he sat with his cousin Mary and myself and spoke of the thrill your choir had given him. Someone had sent him a CD, and he couldn't get over it. He was full of admiration and praise for the beautiful sound of the choir. He went back into hospital the following day, but I can assure you The Fron "Abide with Me" was with him to the end. I had a call from Spain last night, and was told that part of the CD was played at his funeral on Monday. I know that Ivor's widow intends writing to you, but I wanted you to know what pleasure your choir gave to the famous son from Pontrhydyfen during the last few weeks of his life. ( Diolch yn fawr am y pleser gafodd Ivor wrth glywed eich Cor).

 

Reply from Allan Smith. Thank you so much for your mail. We are all so very sorry to hear of Ivor's death - he really was one of Wales' famous sons. Many of the choir remember him with great affection from a session at the Strawberry Recording Studios in Stockport in the seventies, which resulted in a very successful record - "A Salute to Wales". Undoubtedly, his voice will continue to be heard by many, many people, not just in Wales but all over the world for many years to come. It is a very great honour to know how much he enjoyed our CD and we are humbled to hear that it was played at his funeral.

 

Ann Tetlow

I have the "Voices of the Valley" and would like to know if there are any plans to record a second CD as I think it is wonderful.

 

Phill Jones, Blaenau Ffestiniog

Just a short e-mail from the Brythoniaid Male Voice Choir from Blaenau Ffestiniog to say many congratulations on your success with the CD and also at the recent Brit awards ( who's Paul McCartney anyway ). It's nice to see a choir from North Wales being so successful and bringing a spot of publicity up North for a change. By the way, if you arrange something for Australia and want some page turners, we have 55 of them in the Blaenau area.Well Done.

 

Sue Stark, Australia (a Llangollen girl)

Love the CD. It makes me so proud of my heritage You had a mention on a Perth radio station in Western Australia a couple of weeks ago and some tracks from the CD played - the response was overwhelming. I can only say keep the Valley Singing..

 

Gillian McGovern

I heard Voices of the Valley on a chart show, bought it immediately and another 3 for presents. I was excited to find that Fron is near Ruabon, where my grandfather was born (I live near Edinburgh) - I may even be related to some of your members! My husband, who otherwise is a rock music fan, puts it on at night in bed to help him wind down and says its the best CD he owns, but he plays it so much I would really like to hear some more of your repertoire.

 

Reply from Allan SmithThank you for your mail - it's always good to hear that our music is being received so well, and by a 'rock fan' - no less! The Choir have just finished recording a follow-up CD to 'Voices of the Valley' which should be on general sale around October/November. It promises to be as good, if not better than "Voices" and we are all very excited about it.

 

Yvonne Hardy

I was very fortunatein being able to attend the visit of 'The Fron Choir" to Windsor and it was the most enjoyable experience. I would like to know if there are any plans for the Choir to perform at a London venue? - if not - why not??? We have some very good venues in and around London especially now that the Royal Festival Hall has re-opened plus the 02 millenium dome and Wembley, which I am sure this superb Choir could fill very easily. I had the added pleasure of speaking with your excellent Conductor - Ann Atkinson - after the performance and she didn't think there were any immediate plans to perform in London or surrounding area but I sincerely hope that you will bring this excellent Choir into a broader spectrum in London. I think you are absolutely fantastic and would love to see you perform again but your website shows you are only playing in venues well out of the reach of London. PLEASE, PLEASE put this suggestion to your management. The Choir has many fans who would love to be able to see you perform and not just listen to your excellent CD, which has now - quite rightly - gone platinum.

 

Sheila Nottle

I have recently heard some of your music and breathtaking is the word that comes to mind.

 

Emily Curwen, Bath

I discovered Fron Choir entirely by chance as I was listening to Classic FM yesterday morning. 'Shenandoah' came on the radio and brought me to tears. I then bought 'Voices of The Valley' and the rest of your music has had the same effect! I am a music A level student and my love for classical music has grown hugely throughout the past year with the help of inspirational music such as yours. I am a flautist but I also enjoy singing and have sung in a couple of choirs. My school choir competed in the final of the BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year in 2005, which was an amazing experience. So, thank you for this beautiful album which will, no doubt, bring me hours of enjoyment. Good luck for the future and perhaps one day I will pop in for a visit!

 

Paul Gilchrist

I just wanted to thank you for arranging for a song to be dedicated to my parents when the Choir performed at Llanfair Caereinion. They were so thrilled to have this done that they have been telling all their friends and it was a highlight of their 50th Wedding Anniversary weekend. Once again, thank you very much.

 

Stuart Flint

I just wished to thank your Choir members for the wonderful C.D. recently released which has given me hours of listening enjoyment. For over 45 years I have been involved in Male Choir singing and have always been troubled over those years as to why Male Choral singing does not get the air time on either radio or T.V. and to suddenly be hearing The Fron Choir nearly every day on Classic F.M. and other radio and T.V. programmes has gladdened my heart more than anyone will know. I often visited Llangollen in my youth in the 40s &50s when my Uncle, the Rev Sidney Austin Price, was the Methodist Minister in the Llangollen Circuit and lived near Ruabon. The times I travelled the Canal was many and it was in this period that my love of Male Voice singing began, although being of Welsh blood via my Grandmother Gwenillian (dare I say from South Wales), I was born in England into a family where choral singing and brass bands were a part of my everyday life. It is of little surprise that my love of singing in and hearing Male Choirs is still as strong as it was in my teens.

 

Malcolm Bowker

It is quite by chance that I ‘discovered’ the Fron Choir. I borrowed a CD from our central lending library’s music section, and how glad I am. The quality of the recordings and the arrangements are wonderful. I’m only a novice at this sort of thing you understand but I know a good thing when I hear it. I was so moved when I heard the first track ’We are sailing’ that I was overcome with emotion. It brought back such vivid memories of all those British service personnel setting sail for the Falklands conflict.

 

Adrianna Glover, Daventry, Northants

Just wanted to send a quick email to say how much we enjoyed your wonderful singing at the Classic Brit awards on ITV 1, really beautiful. It seems ages since we saw you all in Birmingham in March. My mother-in-law, Lynne, who you dedicated a song to, still talks about it. Hopefully we will be able to visit you all one day, a lovely excuse to visit Wales!! Love to you all.

 

Joan Abley, Hampshire

I was given "Voices of the Valley" by my grandson for Christmas and I now have 3 CD's of your choir plus 10 other welsh choirs and I can honestly say that they are never off my CD player. The other choirs are very good but I really think your choir is by far the best. Every word you sing is so clear that I find myself singing along, even in welsh and I am not welsh. You have a fan for life here, old admittedly (72) but a faithful fan. Thank you for so many hours of pleasure. My best wishes for your continued fame. 

 

Brian J. Ashley, Llanfair Caereinion

Last night my wife and I treated Jerry Gittens, (who lives here in Llanfair Caereinion and used to sing with your choir) to the concert at St Mary's. He, as were we all, was thrilled. He quietly joined in with most of the choir's repertoire and spoke to a few of the longer serving members during the interval. His eyes glistened with nostalgia and I suspect he's still smiling. You made an old man very happy. And what of the singing? Enthralling, spellbinding, arousing; what can one add to the accolades heaped upon you; except perhaps to say that it's amazing and inspiring, to see, and hear, what 60 seemingly ordinary people can achieve when they put their shoulders to the wheel. Your success has been earned - enjoy it.

 

Heather, Vancouver, Canada

Congratulations to all on your "overnight" success(!) and a big thank you for your "Voices of the Valley" from a lonely expat. I love the view on the cover of the CD. Can you please tell me where this picture is taken? Any plans for a North American tour as I'm sure you would be very successful here. Best wishes.

 

Reply from the Fron Choir Treasurer Allan Smith -The picture on the front cover of the CD was taken on the summit of a hill above Llangollen in North Wales amongst the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân (Crow Castle would be a rough translation), and was taken at 5 am as the sun was rising. It features a few of our younger, more agile members as the climb up to it is quite strenuous. 

 

Brian and Jaqui Ball Worthing

My wife and I were at St Davids Hall, in Cardiff for your concert which was fantastic. We had travelled from Worthing in West Sussex to see my brother and the wonderful choir he is in. "Voices of the Valley" has been nearly worn out here but could I put in a request for Callon Lan song on a future CD please. The first time that we saw the choir was at Bournemouth a few years ago, long before you were this 'famous'. It was at a concert given for a retired President of the choir I think and it was with the Bournemouth Male Voice Choir as well. Bournemouth were on in the first half and they were really good. Never have I experience what happened after the interval when you started singing. I thought that the roof was going to come off. A magic moment for sure. Hopefully you will be touring the south at some time so we are really looking forward to seeing you all again.

 

Dawn Holland.

The Voices Of The Valley C.D. has given us many hours of enjoyment during the past couple of months and it deserves to be back at Number One on Classic F.M.. 

 

Jean Heyes - Besses o'th'Barn Band

Well what next for our friends from Wales. I heard it on the radio yesterday travelling back upnorth - we were listening to Classic FM and they mentioned you and the Classical Brits. Well I'm spreading the news and asking people to vote so lets hope you win. Even if you don't, what an experience you have all had this year. What will be next ? Congrats to you all from Besses, especially to Ann who deserves some publicity. Hopefully when the dust settles we might be able to do another concert together. Fingers crossed.

 

Wendy Norman (nee Jones), London, Ontario Canada

It is such a pleasure to send this email to you with regards the wonderful Fron Male Voice Choir CD which was given to me as a Christmas gift 2006. I am a Welsh girl residing in Canada and have been following the remarkable life story of this choir. The CD itself transports me back to Wales in an instant and once again allows me to feel so proud of my Welshness. My favourites are too numerous to mention but I will say that I can't wait for your next CD to happen. I am hoping to return to Wales this summer and look forward to visiting the valley and perhaps hear the choir practice. Keep up the wonderful work, the powerful singing and the joy you send to all of us no longer living in Wales but will always have their welsh spirit within them. I hope you plan to visit Canada real soon. With warm wishes and great appreciation to you all.

 

Trevor Jones (AUSTRALIA)

I am delighted to see the Vron Choir doing so well, it brings back a wonderful memory for me the last time I was over in Wales. My brother David who is a member of the choir and his lovely wife Angie were renewing their marriage vows at Vale Crucis Abbey" in Llangollen. Anne, the conductor of the choir, with the aid of some members of the choir sang I'll walk beside you, and it was a wonderful rendition. Afterwards we all retired to a small reception and the choir members gave us a little concert on their own. All of a sudden Anne who knew I loved singing in a choir asked me if I would like to join the boys in a rendering of "Myfanwy". I was over the moon and I joined the baritone section and gave it all I had. It touched me very much to be included in a wonderful moment, and I will remember it as long as I live. Thank you Anne and the boys all the very best in the future.

 

Alan Jenkins, Cardiff

After listening to the Choir at St David's Hall recently we are excited to find we will be in Cyprus during the same time in October. Can you please forward the venues for your tour so we can have the great pleasure of listening to you again.

 

Peter Mountain, Sunderland

I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing your performance at the Sage Gateshead on 1 April 07. My first experience of your talents was a CD bought for me by my wife for Christmas. My experience on the 1st April was out of this world. Both my wife and I had an extremely enjoyable evening and look forward to the next tour which we will be looking out for.

 

 Nita Prior, Connecticut USA

Thrilled to read on the BBC News that you have been nominated for the Classical Brit Best Album award. Well done, we look forward to many more of your wonderful CD's.

 

Angela Whelan, Fine Arts Brass

A huge thanks again for a very enjoyable tour with the Choir. All the best of luck for all your future endeavours and I look forward to seeing you all on "the box" at the "Classical Brits". Thanks especially for the kind gift - Baby Ben will wear it with pride when he finally arrives!! Kindest regards to you Ann, Alwena and the rest of the Choir.

 

Shaun Edwards, Wrexham

Just thought I would send you a quick e-mail to say I thoroughly enjoy listening to your CD Voices of the Valley. We've actually just taken a copy up for my Uncle who is now living in Scotland so expect to get a few Scottish fans as well. My Mum is also an avid listener of the CD playing it constantly in her car except, being a Man Utd fan, has to constantly skip track 09 despite me telling her it's from Carousel! Kind Regards and best wishes for all your future endeavours!

 

Bernard D.W. Wright, Northumberland

Over fifty years ago I was a second tenor in an evangelical male voice choir in Portsmouth which gave mutual pleasure to the members of churches of different denominations and the choir members. My wife presented me with the "Voices of the Valley" CD as a Christmas present and as a senior citizen I have most things in life and Christmas presents from the family are really unnecessary. However, the Fron Choir album is a present to treasure. For the past fifty years, I have been unable to attend cinemas and theatres owing to the restriction in leg room for my disability. However, I am grateful to my wife for making arrangements for me to attend the Fron Choir Concert at The Sage, Gateshead. The expected discomfort throughout the three hours was greatly ameliorated due to the emotions I felt listening to the renditions by the Fron Choir which were both moving and warmly inspiring. It is indeed a gift to have a fine singing voice, and in particular, the lovely voice of mezzo-soprano and conductor Ann Atkinson, also the unexpected humour by the artists was good to see, particularly with the singing of "Lazy Bones". Also, mention should be made of the humour and voice of tenor Alfie Boe, and the talented Fine Art Brass who accompanying the choir. May I wish the members of the Fron Choir and those concerned with the production of the albums every success in the future.

 

Mike Packham, Utah USA

We're home safe in the USA but with fond memories of our UK vacation. Our evening with Fron was a highlight of our trip. Thanks so much for the picture on the webpage. With all the excitement that night I didn't take any still shots--just video, so your pictures are a treasure. The ones of your tour were fun to look at now that we recognize so many faces. I'm glad that you are enjoying the CDs of our Choir, we surely enjoy the CD we were given that night. My wife will wear it out, I'm sure. 

 

Samantha, California USA

Have just listened to your 'Voices of the Valley' album. Truly wonderful and heartening to hear those lovely voices and ballads; especially "Land of my Fathers", "Abide with Me" and "All through the Night". My Father lived in Penarth, near Cardiff; although passed on some 9 years ago. It fills me with tremendous pride and joy to hear those voices of homeland. Another album soon please. All the best, keep going.

 

Mary Martin

I purchased your CD after Christmas on the recommendation of a family member. I was simply stunned at the music and the wonderful singing and moved beyond tears by the some of the tracks especially "Abide with Me", "Jerusalem" and "Unchained Melody" all music used at the funeral service for my late husband, Michael, a police officer who sadly died last June aged just 50. Michael was a lifelong brass musician and would have loved your music just as my daughter and I do. When are you touring in the South of England? We would love to see and hear the choir live. With grateful thanks and best wishes to the choir.

 

Marama Williams, Oswestry

I would like to thank the choir for the Happy Birthday dedication at the Llandudno concert. We had a great night.

 

Alistair Campbell, Birmingham

What a great night! I sing with the Birmingham Icknield Male Voice Choir and was given tickets to your concert for a birthday treat, and what a treat it was. Starting with Alfie Boe who has such a fine voice and such a great sense of humour, and then such a great programme from the choir. I must admit I was a little concerned when I saw on the ticket that you were appearing with a brass band as I have heard many choirs overwhelmed by brass. But what a delight!, a small group of quality players who played and accompanied so well. My only regret from the evening was not being quick enough to get a programme. The highlight for me was "World in Union" which was stunning and I loved the soft Welsh songs which showed a real control of tone. Your audience was very warm and appreciative, the atmosphere light-hearted and the music wonderful. I hope you go from success to success. Please hurry back to Birmingham.

 

Margaret and Neil Wallace

Just a note to say what a marvellous experience the concert provided at St Davids Hall. The blending of the voice was as wonderful as on the CD. We also enjoyed the Brass quintet. We wish you all the best for the future - we're looking forward to the next CD. 

 

Pamela Lloyd-Jones

Fabulous CD - treated myself to it at Christmas - when is the next one coming out - my grandson says he's fed up of hearing this one!! Good luck to you all

 

Adrianna Glover

We had asked you to dedicate a song in Welsh for my Mother-in-law Mrs Lynne Glover at the Symphony Hall and we were delighted when our request was read out by the compere. As it happens, the hymn you dedicated happened to be a favourite of her Father and brought back many happy memories. We all enjoyed the concert immensely - especially Lynne! - and hope to be able to see you all again. Kind regards and thanks again.

 

Kay Jones, Salford, Lancashire

Just before Christmas I bought your CD "Voices of the Valley" - please hurry and make another one as I have almost worn mine out.. Before my dear husband died, we used to go to the Male Voice Evening every St Davids Day to listen to a visiting Welsh Choir. I miss that so much. Imagine my delight when my youngest daughter took me to the Bridgewater Hall to hear your Choir as an early Mothers Day present. We both enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for singing "The Rose", Gaynor, my daughter was hoping the choir would sing "Bring Him Home" - perhaps you'll include it on a future CD. Diolch yn Fawr for bringing so much pleasure to so many exiled from those lovely Welsh hills.

 

Carina and Malcolm Brown

Congratulations on your past and present successes (they could not have gone to a better Choir) and good luck for the future. We thoroughly enjoyed your concert at Llandudno - it was excellent. All the very best to you all.

 

Moira Flint, Surrey

I saw the Choir at St David's Hall on Sunday the 11th of March and thought the concert was wonderful. My husband bought me the CD a couple of weeks ago. I love it. I was born in Wales but now live in Surrey.

 

Tim Walter, Cardiff

My wife, and members of her family attended the concert last weekend at St Davids Hall and had a great time - they thought the concert was superb.

 

Robin G. Bevan, LLanelli

Hi, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your Concert in Cardiff on Sunday Night. As an ex-member of a Male Voice Choir in my locality it was a refreshing change to hear a choir singing the more popular music such as "Sailing", "You Raise Me Up" and "World In Union". Well done, keep it up and I hope there is more of the same on your next album - looking forward to it already.

Anne Bedson, Cardiff

Would you please convey my thanks to the choir for their magnificent rendering of Happy Birthday for Betty Wood on that wonderful evening. It made this special lady's day - it was the best evening she had ever had and you all made her feel very important . We all enjoyed every second of the concert and we cannot wait for the release of the next CD !.Once again my grateful thanks for taking the trouble, she will remember that night for the rest of her life !

 

Betty Wood, Blaenffos, Pembrokeshire

Annwyl Côr Meibion y Fron, I wish to send you my grateful thanks not only for your superb concert, but for me, the trouble you took to acknowledge my 80th birthday, and the glorious rendition, by the Choir of 'Happy Birthday'. Although stunned at the time, it was a wonderful finale to a truly memorable day and will stay with me for ever. Diolch yn fawr iawn unwaith eto.

 

Pam & Ian Browne Nailsworth. Gloucestershire.

Hope you all got back home safely last night. We would just like to say how very much we enjoyed the 'boy band's' performance last night at St Davids Hall. Not only the Choir but also Fine Art Brass and the lovely lady in red, who is so obviously passionate about what she does. Thank you so much for talking to us and for giving Dad a mention - he enjoyed that. Enough rambling - thanks again for a truly memorable evening - and also thanks to the singer at the beginning. We shall look out for your next performance in our area, and wish you every success - there is something magical about Welsh singing, which you don't seem to get anywhere else in the world.

 

Ray & Ena Shepherdson, Grimsby.

I received your CD as a Christmas present and enjoyed it immensely. Then we were offered a joint birthday present (my wife's being in February and mine in April) of tickets to the Harrogate concert and an overnight stay! It was worth driving the 90 miles each way for such a wonderful evening even though we are some years older than your Choir! We really appreciated the variety in the programme and the links given by your compere and your conductor. Fine Arts brass were also brilliant and I thought the percussionist deserved special mention for the range of skills he displayed. When we were younger we came to Wales for many years in succession, staying at a farmhouse in Cefnddwysarn, nr. Bala and were introduced to choral penillion singing at a concert by Cor Godr'er Aran (our host translated for us!) We have retained our love of Welsh Male Voice singing, especially the hymn tunes, and look forward to your next CD with keen anticipation.

 

Jeff Stone. Blackburn, Lancashire

I have recently bought your CD Voices of the Valley. I can't stop playing it, I have it on everytime I get in my car. I buy lots of CD's but your's is the best of them all. I read an article about the Fron Male Voice Choir in the Lancashire Telegraph and thought I must have that CD. Good luck for the future. I can't wait for your next recording.

 

Rod and Barbara Spriggs, Shrewsbury

We attended the Voices of the Valley concert at Rhyl last Thursday night having bought the CD some weeks ago. The evening was truly memorable and the sound that the choir produce can only be described as beautiful. Thanks to everyone involved for giving us such a wonderful evening. 

 

Ann, Rhyl

Never have I enjoyed any evening so much. I could have sat through the entire performance again. Fantastic! You sang Deep Harmony which brought tears to my eyes it was so beautiful. Please include this on your next recording. I am not Welsh and only have a limited knowledge of the language, but music is beautiful in any language and you don't have to understand the words to be moved. Thank you again

 

John Botwright

Went to your concert at Llandudno last night with my 86 year old mother in law - she actually knew a couple of the "boys" from her school days. What a wonderful evening we had. The tears rolled down her cheeks as you sang songs that brought back such happy memories for her. Keep up the good work and once again thank you so much.

 

Karen Sinclair AM, Clwyd South

After attending the wonderful concert last night in Wrexham I felt compelled to let you know what an enjoyable evening it was. Please pass on my thanks to all the choir members. With all best wishes.

 

George, Wrexham

Fantastic album and great vocalists but don't you think you were at the right place at the right time!

 

Steve Allsup. Chairman, Cotswold Male Voice Choir

On behalf of the Cotswold Male Voice Choir, I wanted to say "Well Done to Fron" because your recent success has done much to promote the cause of male voice choirs everywhere. Your repertoire is very similar to ours and we have had people requesting music because it is on your CD. If any of your members are ever in Gloucestershire, pop in and see us at one of our rehearsals or one of concerts. We're a happy band and we always find time for a beer afterwards. In fact, some of our regular supporters describe us a "Drinking Club with a Singing Problem" ! Best wishes to all our fellow singers at Fron.

 

Sarah 

First I like to say well done for selling so many CD's, they're fantastic. Is it possible I could get all your autographs please?

 

Margaret and Brian Bassnett 

Please pass on to all of the Choir our thanks for a fabulous, emotional and unforgetable evening at The Phil on Tuesday last. A request or three for your next CD please. Calon Lan, Cwm Rhondda and Myfanwy. All three songs have a special place in our hearts and they were my mum's favourites (she would have been 100 in May). Keep up the good work. God bless you all.

Linda and Emily Thornhill, Newton le Willows, Merseyside

Just to let you know that we really enjoyed the concert in the Royal Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool tonight. It was my mother's day present from my daughter, who accompanied me. I notice you are performing in Rhosllanerchrugog, my ancestors are from that village and we intend to visit there to try and savour the atmosphere. One of the lullabies you sang, was sung to me by my great grandmother as well as "The Welsh Home". Happy St David's Day and good luck with the rest of the tour. Hope you enjoyed visiting our great city, we certainly enjoyed your performance.

 

Mrs Morris, Liverpool

It was absolutely marvellous, for 2 hours I felt like I was on a different planet. I looked around the auditorium and could see how much pleasure everybody was getting- it was magical. I certainly hope that we don't have to wait too long before you make a return visit.

 

Betty Hodgson, Liverpool

First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us during the interval at Liverpool. You really are as happy in person as you appear on stage! Now, will you please pass on my congratulations and very best wishes and thanks to Ann and all the boys for an evening of sheer and absolute magic. Together, you all have a God given gift, not only to entertain, but also to touch the emotional depths of your audience. Your obvious enjoyment and love of what you do shines through. Long may you continue!! I look forward to seeing you all at a future concert and eagerly await the next CD (definitely another No.1) Take care and love to you all.

 

Margaret, Cheshire

We were at The Bridgewater Hall Feb 25. What a truly memorable evening. As an old Trevorite I must admit I was unable to recognise many of the choristers, probably too old, the majority were younger than I am. I wish you every success.

Chris Baker

Firstly may I say how much I and my brother in law and his wife enjoyed the concert on Saturday in Bradford. My son had bought me the CD for Christmas and it was nice to see everyone in the flesh, so to speak. My only comment is that having paid £25 to see the concert, programmes were priced at £8 each, which both my brother in law and myself felt was slightly steep, so neither of us purchased one. If they had been say £4/5, then you would have had a further two sales. I trust you don't mind me writing to you on this point. I accept touring is not cheap, but I feel that your popularity depends on the buying public and by trying to charge what I feel is a high price for a programme does not go down well. Best Wishes for a successful 2007.

 

Reply from the Fron Choir Treasurer Allan Smith- Thank you so much for taking the time to write - it's really great to receive so many e-mails. You make a very valid point about the programmes. The pricing of tickets, programmes, and other ancillaries were determined by the production company 'Production North' and 'SMJ Concerts'. We had no say in the matter and were surprised ourselves! all we had to do was "turn up and sing". So, sorry if that in any way lessened your enjoyment. We enjoyed it immensely and it was a great start to our tour.

 

Keith Shaw, Houghton Main Male Voice Choir

Very many thanks for a very, very, enjoyable evening last Saturday in Bradford. My wife and I thought that the varied programme was excellent particularly "Tom Tom" and "Lazy Bones". I must try and introduce them to my Choir. I didn't have the opportunity to come for a chat on Saturday, and I presume you were busy preparing for the performance-- perhaps another time! Many thanks also for the "happy Birthday" Chorus- totally unexpected- but well received. I shall look forward to having your next C D. With best wishes for the Choirs future and continued success.

 

David & Lorna Riley

My wife and I have just arrived home, from the concert in Bradford. What a wonderful evening. We sat next to a lady whose husband was in the choir, Mrs Glyn Hesketh. I would just like to thank everyone for making a perfect evening. PS Hope the rest of your tour goes well.

 

Jonathan Craig

Congratulations on an excellent CD, I really enjoy it. Just wondering if you had planned to release any more in the near future?

 

Gill Carrington

I just wanted to write and tell you how much my Mum and Dad enjoyed the "Parky" Show when you accompanied Katherine Jenkins.

 

Brian, Llanfair Caereinion

I recently moved to Llanfair Caereinion. I¹ve struck a friendship with a Jerry Gittens, also now living in Llanfair; he¹s a charming old chap who still speaks with great pride of the "old days" when he sang with the Fron Male Voice Choir. I hear that your choir is to sing in Llanfair on 5th May. I can¹t think of a better present for him than to take him along there to hear you sing and reminisce about his glory days.

 

Cyril Bowler, Scunthorpe

Well done Fron Choir. It gives me so much pleasure to listen to the choir singing with so much passion as only the Welsh can do, once again Fron Choir, you sing, we Welsh will listen, very well done.

 

Chris 

As an ex probationer on the choir, I sadly had to leave (long story) but this choir is the best. They have wonderful members and everyone who is working in the background does a lot for them. My only hope is to rejoin them one day.

 

Peter Davies

Would like to congratulate you on a wonderful CD. I hope you go on to make more CD's or even better a dvd Especially for people who cant get too see your performances and it would generate revenue for the choir at the same time. I was brought up in Penycae but moved away nearly 30 years ago and hearing your voices and the songs on your CD. made me feel like I was back home amongst them rolling hills, so once again thank you for a lovely CD. and hope you do get to make more, I would be first in the queue to buy more.

 

Fred Schofield, Southend on Sea

I remember, when I was a travel consultant organising a tour for the Fron to southern Holland. They took part in a joint concert in Maastricht with another Dutch choir. I am now a member of Leigh on Sea Orpeus Male Voice Choir myself. . I was looking at all the CD Albums listed in my local ASDA store. The Fron is at no.34 BUT this is the only one of the whole list that is SOLD OUT! What an achievement! Well done.

 

Pauline Le Page

We have just purchased 'Voices of the Valley', it is beautiful!! Are the Choir intending to record any more for us to enjoy? Particularly 'Men of Harlech' and 'Battle Hymn of The Republic' and 'Amazing Grace'? Incidentally, was it Anne singing on the CD.? Thank you all for the enjoyment you are giving to my husband and I. Regards

 

Graham Heathcote, Ilfracombe

Good luck lads what a fantastic CD. Dymuniadau gorau.

 

David de Young, Minnesota, USA

Was introduced to the lads' music by my friend Norma while in Wrexham last month. The CD sounded heavenly while in Wales, so I brought one home to America where it is loved as well. As a Christmas gift to my parents, it was one of their favourites

 

David Whelan, Windermere

I have just listened to my newly purchased copy of 'Voices of The Valley'. Magnificent. Will the choir be making any more?

 

M&J Vaughan, Nantwich Cheshire

Well done Ann and the lads. We are both thrilled with your achievements. We never thought that the Fron Choir would be competing with the Scissors Sisters! But there we are, enjoy your success. We purchased your album on day 1. 

 

Paul Pearce-Smith

Just to tell you that I received "Voices Of The Valley" as Christmas present. It is a thoroughly enjoyable CD., and raises the hair on the back of my neck in a lot of cases. Keep up the good work, and long may you enjoy your singing and the companionship that a choir can bring. Any chance that you may be coming to Northern Ireland at any time?

 

Helen Lovgren, Portland Oregon

While visiting our son in London at Christmastime, my husband was given a beautiful gift Voices of the Valley. Since returning home to Portland, Oregon (USA), I have played no other CD. for the past month. I am total "addicted" to this fantastic collection I play it in the car and at home, and I have introduced friends and family to your group! Thank you for this lovely gift of music it's a spiritual experience!

 

Rhiannon, Chichester

My sons bought me the CD. for my recent birthday and I've hardly stopped playing it since (came in very handy when I was typing my husband's dissertation through the night!). We'll try to get to Birmingham but will keep a look out on your site, as you suggest. I think concerts would sell out at the Chichester Festival Theatre (great acoustics!) and nearby Worthing and Fareham have good concert halls. My youngest, born in Wales, is putting together something for and with his classmates on a Welsh theme for St David's day soon and no doubt Fron's Mae Hen Wlad will get things off to a great start! Well done, all of you, on your much-deserved success. Dymuniadau gorau.

 

Malcolm Head, Surrey

Just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful, wonderful CD. I bought it for my wife for Christmas and have just listened to it for the first time. It reduced me to tears! We have lived in England 45 years but Wales is still 'home'. If the next offering is as good as this, you are surely destined for international success. Good luck and thank you once again for 45 minutes (actually 90 because I played it right through again) of pure bliss.

 

Paul, Maryland, US

I saw the report on BBC yesterday and the song "Sailing" was beautiful. I know when I hear those beautiful voices, I will be brought to tears. I really look forward to buying their CD and sharing it with others as well as seeing the movie. Thank you very much for such a inspiring gift of music.

 

Chris Davies, Lytham St Annes

As another local lad, now an ex-pat living in Lancashire, it's always good to be reminded of your roots & the people you grew up with. My Taid (Grandfather to you non-Welsh) was J R Davies, & both my Father & Uncle, Haydn & Merfyn Davies were members of the choir for a long period. Alas, now both passed over, I'm sure they'd be proud of how the choir is finally achieving the accolade it deserves. I'm obviously biased, since my brother Stephen carries on the family tradition of representing the Davies family in the choir for a 3rd generation. Well done to you all!

 

Steve Beech, New York. USA

Wonderful! What a great choir. Bring back great memories. Wishing you luck in the future, and keep recording. (Ex Price of Wales Company, Welsh Guards) 

 

Paul Edwards, St Neots Cambs

Once a Froner always a Froner, good to see that now the rest of the world knows what the locals have always known - Best Choir in the World. Congratulations Boys from "Down South".

Moira Edwards, Ludlow

I live in a small village called Downton on the Rock, six miles from the county town of Ludlow. A while ago our dear friend Olive had bought a CD. of a wonderful choir. "Oh we must have them she exclaimed," (to perform at the church) meanwhile this wonderful choir have become very famous. So maybe they would be to busy or to expensive to come. We raise funds for our church Fabric fund, (St. Giles) We have fought tooth and nail to keep our church open and now have turned things around, through bloody mindedness and hard work. We would love to have some of your wonderful choir to come along.

 

Menna Jones, Wrexham.

Ardderchog! Excellent! Llongyfarchiadau i Ann a'r bechgyn! Congratulations to Ann and the boys! It is good to see such hard work and dedication rewarded. I have long been a fan of the choir and I'm particularly fond of your version of 'The Rose'. 

 

Patrick Thornton, Dublin, Ireland

I love the album, it's a breath of fresh air, and I think Sailing & You'll Never Walk Alone make the album all the better. Hope to see & hear you over Christmas.

 

Dafydd Jones, exiled in County Durham

As Wilfred Jones' grandson it's great that the choir he was so proud to have helped form is having the success it deserves. Congratulations. P.S. Is Brad Pitt lined up to play him in the film?

 

AJ de Haan & Marieke Tetteroo, Hertogenbosch 

Ann and Chaps; a truly great album. What a result and how deserved after all those hours of hard work. We congratulate you. Since we bought it the CD is either in the player at home or in the car. Thank you for this great performance.

 

Tony & Beverley Wheaton ( and Eddie the Oyster)

Will you please pass our congratulations on to your whole choir on your superb CD. which we were lucky enough to receive as a Xmas present. Could you please pass our sincere best wishes to Ann Atkinson with whom we shared a memorable Lions tour to New Zealand-the CD. and hearing her singing brought great memories flooding back. Our very best wishes for your continued success in 2007 and beyond,

 

Dr Phillip Cooper Antigonish, Nova Scotia

I will be visiting my father Bill Cooper (a proud Vron alumnus!) for a few days this April. I will be travelling from my home in Nova Scotia Canada with my wife Simone and we will probably also be accompanied by my mother Marjorie. You might be interested to know that the Vron Choir was a topic of conversation at a New Year's Eve party we attended here in Antigonish last night - Jack O'Donnell (music director of the Men of the Deeps Choir from Cape Breton) and I were both delighted to receive copies of 'Voices of the Valley' from Santa Claus! Jack had also seen a TV documentary about the choir. I have lived in Canada for more than 20 years and I remain an active chorister and choir director, although my 'day job' is as a General Surgeon. Best wishes for your continued success, looking forward to future recordings of your core repertoire (a capella!), a very happy new year to you all and hoping to see you in April.

 

Norma Weekes

Wonderful. I have played it so many times. Even my non-Welsh friends enjoy it. The piano at the beginning is magical. I was born in Chirk, went to Llangollen Grammar School and was an usher at the Eisteddfod 1950/51. R.T.Jones who was in the choir was my boss at Ceiriog RDC. I took some of my family to the Eisteddfod last year to the male voice concert and they are all enchanted by your wonderful sounds. Incidentally my maiden name was Butler. I am now going to try and get tickets for your concert in Birmingham Best wishes,

 

Karen Miller

I am writing regarding my Father who will be 70 this year in June and who is a huge admirer of the Fron Male Choir, I bought him your CD for Christmas and he is absolutely made up with it. Many thanks.

 

Malcolm, Eastbourne

A week ago, I was in the depths of despair, as I am in the throes of a divorce, after forty long years of marriage. I wandered into The Music Zone record Shop in Eastbourne, where by chance I spotted the "Voices Of The Valley" album in their "New Releases" section and picked it up to have a Listen in Store, as I have a Welsh Middle Name "Gwyn", although I am not Welsh and for some reason I do enjoy songs in the Welsh Language, even though I only know three Welsh words, my belated father's middle name "Llewellyn", "Gwyn" and of course, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychymdrobwyllllantysiliogogoch"! In the event, after listening to just a couple of tracks, I was so impressed that I bought two copies of the album and I have hardly stopped listening to this wonderful team effort and have posted my views on the Katie Melua Forum, to initial scorn when I said that I believed it would make it into The UK Album Chart, which of course it most deservedly has. I sent my second copy to a friend in Germany and he admitted that he was surprised that I sent him an album of that genre of music, as he had never, ever heard a Welsh Male Voice Choir in his life, but he and his wife were completely bowled over by the soul stirring renditions. This album has been a great solace to me already, so please pass my thanks on to Ann Atkinson and the Boys from The Vale of Llangollen for a Musical Masterpiece.

 

Margaret McLean

I recently saw the TV advert for your CD and knew that I wanted to buy it. I purchased it on my next visit to the City centre and have not stopped playing it since. The music is out of this world and has brought me much pleasure. Although I do not understand the Welsh language, I also enjoyed the Welsh songs. Looking forward to the next CD.

 

Tom Jones 

God bless the chaps in their chart success. My late father was in the choir 1947/48. My mother is still alive. This what we call a real boy band.

 

Mr & Mrs E Roberts

We have just bought the CD and thought it was excellent especially You Raise Me Up in Welsh. We think the choir deserve their success especially the older ones who have been with the choir through thick & thin. Keep up the good work. See you in Hollywood! 

 

Sue Mayes, Banbury

I have just received the first CD, having followed the exciting story of the 'discovery' of the choir. Love the disc but may I just pass on a comment: please put more Welsh songs on future discs. (Where is Myfanwy? Or many of the great Welsh hymns?) Wonderful to have a Welsh MVC going into the charts so let's show fans more of the best, please? Good luck with it all.

 

Bill Evans

I, together with Dennis Williams, was a founder member of the choir. Apart from the people already mentioned I think that J R Davies should receive an accolade. He lived for the choir and was responsible for keeping it together when the conductor Lloyd Edwards was in hospital for a few months. J R, although not a professional musician, did a brilliant job conducting the choir and giving a creditable performance at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. Fron choir owes its existence to :- Gomer Powell, Lloyd Edwards, J R Davies, Wilfred Jones, Bob Hughes and Menna Hughes. 

 

Ian Gough, Tainant 

First congratulations to the best Choir in Wales on the CD and second to my Dad GREN GOUGH a founder member and the longest serving member of the Choir - a great achievement. And lets not forget the backroom staff the Ladies Committee and the wives / girl friends. WELL DONE LADS.

 

Mark Hill, Chirk

Congrats to all in the Fron Choir, my Dad was a member from the late 60's till his death in 1982, have always wondered why international acclaim missed you all, now it will come in leaps and bounds. Fantastic music through all the years, and you still have that magic sound and feel, that you give to each piece, making it your own and wowing the audience.

 

Jessica

Hi my name is Jessica and my Granddad was in the Fron choir for a number of years under two conductors Lloyd Edwards and John Daniel. My Granddad's name is Haydn Powell of Rhosymedre.

 

Reg Jones, Shrewsbury

Come and sing at the new meadow next year boys.

 

Julie Young, Acrefair.

From a VERY proud auntie Jue, to Mark Williams, and all the boys who are in the best choir in the world, loads of love and well done.

 

John Evans, Acrefair

As a former member of Fron Choir, I'm delighted that the choir is not only surviving, but thriving, and as Stage Manager at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, I'm pleased to welcome the boys (old friends & new), every time that they compete! 

 

Julie Edwards - Cyprus (but really a Rhos girl!!)

This is fantastic! I can't wait to see you all here in Cyprus to celebrate your 60th Anniversary. Having spent a few years as your accompanist, I fully understand what Ann has to put up with in organising you all!!! All the best boys. xx 

 

John & Irene Coates, Adelaide Australia

Congratulations, well done and well deserved, it is just great news, "good on you" as they say down-under.

 

John and Irene Vernon-Jones

This is a great choir. My Uncle Edward Jones(Ned) was a member of this choir right from the beginning, he died during choir practice one night. I am so glad for all of you good luck.

 

Don Jones (Delph) Gainsborough

For most of my life Male Voice Choirs have been a passion with me. I have a very old LP of Fron Choir with none other than David Hart singing solo. I am now looking forward to obtaining a copy of this CD which I know will be first class.

 

John Hughes Roberts

Good Luck with the CD. Congratulations! Your choir will be great ambassadors of music home and abroad and will be world known from now on. Ann Atkinson is a wonderful conductor and singer and a great asset to you all. 

 

David Hart, Acrefair/Cefn

As an old member of the Fron Choir, I was delighted to hear of their good news, and wish them all success in the future. To my old friends who are still singing with them, I would say "Tiddler" would be proud of you! Good Luck. 

 

Terry Smith, Chester

I had the privilege of attending the Fron Male Voice Choir's concert Songs of the Shows on Saturday 21 October. It was the first choir concert that I've ever attended. My wife and I were curious after all publicity the choir have attracted with their new CD and we were not disappointed. Leyland Band and the Fron Male Voice Choir must be congratulated on a thoroughly professional and entertaining concert and both more than deserved the standing ovation given to them at the end of the concert. We are now new converts to Male Voice singing, I am not surprised that Daniel Glatman was so moved when he first heard them. We are looking forward to the release of the Choir's CD in November and their concert in the William Aston Hall in March. 

 

Barry +Jan Hughes, Cefn

To the Fron choir, wishing you every success! Barry + Jan Hughes (Cefn) 

 

F.W. New Zealand

For Nigel Francis (Snigs) To the funniest man in the Cefn - keep up the fantastic singing with the best choir in the world but more important keep up that Cefn humour that you ooze with natural flair that makes everyone's face ache with laughter whilst in your company - take care..

 

Kathleen Hatchett nee Rowlands

What an achievement - good on you boys. My Taid was in the choir way back in the early days. His name was Lloyd Morgan. Hope you do very well - lots of luck. 

 

 

Ivan Grixti, - Malta

I am currently in Southampton on a PhD visit and I was viewing the BBC Breakfast show this morning. I was really struck by the lovely melody of this choir. Well done and I look forward to purchasing a CD with their tracks. Keep it up and best wishes for the coming years.

 

Mike Connolly

Well done - Ann Atkinson and your 'boys'. Da iawn ! 

 

Colin Hockridge, York

What great news for all lovers of Male Voice Choirs! With all best wishes to the boys from York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir (founded 1925)

 

Kath Jones/Cefn Mawr/USA

I would like to commend all the members of the Choir, not only for their remarkable achievements in the past, (entertaining the local people in the Eisteddfods and other venues) but for the humble and gracious attitude they have exhibited upon their upcoming notoriety.

 

Phil Beaumont - Forge Recording Studio

Proud to be a part of this wonderful new album I am sure it will be great success! 

 

Jon Cohen

It was a pleasure and an honour recording the Fron choir for this album. Best of luck boys!

 

John Voller, Kent

What a fantastic news story, and what a sound - this new version of Sailing breathes new majesty into a classic song. Congratulations to the Fron boys!

 

Adrian Taylor, Costa del Sol

I have been listening to your latest album and I just love your Welsh version of "You Raise Me Up".

 

Lundie and Sue Hall

We love the CD and wonder whether you are planning any dates a bit nearer to London! We really hope you are! A very Merry Christmas to you all.

 

M Edwards

Just bought the CD - brilliant, brings a lump to your throat! Any plans for an album "tour"? Do you cover any of the album in the Christmas Carol concert at Llangollen.

 

Stephen France

Firstly, congratulations on a fantastic CD, both my Dad and I think it is excellent! You say on your website that visitors are always welcome to come along to your rehearsals at Acrefair School Hall. I was just wondering if you still rehearse every Monday and Thursday and if the invitation is still open. I would really like to bring my Dad along; he is a massive fan of all Choir music.

 

 

Evelyn Morris,Hereford

I just thought I would let you know that I have just been listening to the CD ", Mae oedd yn braf iawn, ac yr ydwyn fi un crio fel babi "!! I am exiled in Hereford, so I can be reminded of home when I listen to the "Boys ".Please congratulate them on such wonderful music, may they long continue !! North Wales should be proud of them I shall be buying extra tissues, as I also have a couple of CDs of Côr Godrer Aran,!!!! I was a native of those parts when I was a little girl, but ended up on Ynys Môn when my father was Vicar of Holyhead. So as you can guess, my heart is still very much in North Wales. Cofion Cynes

 

Mike Rogers, Scotland

Bought your CD in Inverness today and just been listening to it. Awesome, bloody awesome, the sound is just fantastic, this is one listener blown away. Best regards

 

No Name

We were fortunate to win a copy of your CD in a competition with Radio Gloucestershire on Sunday morning, which we picked up today. What a wonderful set of songs and so well performed we were both very impressed with the rich tones the choir achieved. Congratulations!

 

Dee Jones

Ron, my husband, who is originally from Ystradgynlais and therefore Welsh speaking sings solo with various groups on numerous occasions during the year around Gloucestershire. One song he has recently added to his repertoire is You Raise me Up and to hear your version in Welsh was a real pleasure. He often sings a verse or two in Welsh and always finds someone who is exiled from Wales is in the audience

 

Janet Baggaley 

I have just bought your 'Voices of The Valley' album and I think it is absolutely wonderful. So spiritually uplifting to hear music of this quality. I shall be recommending it to everyone I know. You've done a brilliant job. Happy Christmas and lots of luck in the New Year to you all.

 

Chris

Hi, after Christmas my wife and I would dearly like to attend one of your choir practices, we will be travelling from Ludlow. We were wondering if we may bring our little Westie, he is well behaved and never off his lead when out, thanks.

 

Robert Herbert, Birmingham

Switched on by chance Wednesday 18th October 2006 - made my day - fantastic. How do I get your CD?

 

Barry Jones, St. Petersburg, Florida

Great to see reports on your CD showing on BBC America. How can I get a copy?

 

Walter Pitchford

I am a member of the Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir from Nottinghamshire and we have a very valuable Member who is seriously ill in the local hospice and is not expected to be with us very much longer. His favourite song is "The Rose" and I think every member of our Choir has bought a copy of your C.D. with it on. We have been today and sung it to him but have not yet got the male voice setting for it. His wish is to purchase it for the choir and I am trying to get 45 copies so that the family can donate it to the choir in his memory.