Ken Benbow
I joined the choir in 2019, just before lockdown, having always enjoyed singing. My first concert with the Fron was in Llangollen Church, performing at a fundraiser for the church tower. Before joining, I sang with Shifnal MVC as well as various operatic and pantomime groups.
I enjoy a wide range of music, especially West End musicals, classic folk tunes and opera choruses.
Outside the choir I run my own tree‑contracting business, and when I’m not working you’ll usually find me playing golf, bowling, or enjoying a well‑earned beer!
To any prospective members I would say "Welcome!"
Dave Brown
I joined the choir in July 2024 to continue singing after my previous choir disbanded. For 30 years I was a member of the Rhos Orpheus Male Voice Choir.
My first performance with the Fron was at St Giles’ Church in Wrexham, and my favourite performance so far was also at St Giles’ — the Welsh Guards Concert, which was a deeply moving occasion.
I enjoy all styles of music, though my favourite is the Blues. I previously worked as a process operator at Pilkington’s and later as a warehouse forklift driver. My hobbies include playing guitar, going to the theatre, painting with watercolours, running, and walking.
To any prospective members, I’d say: come and join a great bunch of guys.
Interesting facts about me… I cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats at 55, ran my first marathon at 60, completed my second marathon and a half at 65, and at 70 I tackled a triple challenge — a 10k, a half marathon, and a metric marathon. I’ve also climbed the highest mountains in Wales, England, Scotland, and Ireland, and I’ve volunteered with Nightingale House Hospice for the past 10 years.
David Carey (Treasurer)
I joined the choir in 2023 after being encouraged to give it a try — and I’m glad I did, because I’ve enjoyed it from the very first rehearsal. Before joining the Fron, I sang as a boy chorister and later with the Rugby Bards.
My first performance with the choir was at the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe, but my favourite venue — and favourite performance — was at St Alkmund’s Church in Whitchurch. The full audience, the wonderful acoustics, and the atmosphere made it a truly memorable evening.
I enjoy Classical music as well as popular musicals. I spent over 40 years working in banking, and now I enjoy woodworking and walking.
To any prospective members, I would say: give it a go and stick with it — it really does all fall into place.
Interesting fact… I once scored a try from our own 22!
Glyn Davies
I am a retired Electrician / Electrical Fitter who joined the Fron in 1971 as I wanted to sing in a better choir than the one I was in. My first concert was at the De Havilland factory in Deeside (now Airbus) alongside the great Foden Brass Band.
In my years with the choir my favourite place to sing is the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver, Canada, where we sang whilst on tour there last century!
Being the very first Welsh choir to win the Male Voice Competition at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod is my favourite performance! We were conducted by a young John Daniels. It was in 1977, the same year we won ‘The Double’ by also coming first in the National Eisteddfod when it was held in Wrexham.
Singing in the choir is wonderful but make sure your wife / partner is on board!
Simon Edwards
I joined the choir in September 2024, having grown up listening to Welsh choirs with my parents. Although I’d always wanted to see if I could join, time never allowed — until a friend encouraged me to take the plunge. It’s been the perfect antidote to a challenging career… the Fron Choir truly saved me!
My musical background includes piano lessons as a child, and I’ve always loved playing the guitar. My first performance with the choir was at the William Aston Hall in 2025 for our St David’s Day concert. My favourite performance so far was at the Saluting Battery in Valletta during our Malta tour, overlooking the Grand Harbour — what an unforgettable experience!
I enjoy listening to rock and guitar music and am a massive AC/DC fan — I’ve seen them live 18 times!
Now retired from my role as a headteacher, I have more time for my hobbies. I’m a devoted Wrexham fan and a keen angler, fishing rivers all over the world for salmon and sea trout.
To any prospective members, I’d say that singing in a male choir is like singing with your best mates — sharing camaraderie and friendship with people from all walks of life.
An interesting fact: when I was ten, I broke my arm skateboarding. Arfon Griffiths, then manager of Wrexham FC, phoned our house to ask if I’d like my plaster cast signed. I went into the changing rooms, where both the Wrexham and Liverpool teams signed it — this was during the 1978 League Cup 5th round at the Racecourse, when Dalglish scored a hat-trick!
My musical background includes piano lessons as a child, and I’ve always loved playing the guitar. My first performance with the choir was at the William Aston Hall in 2025 for our St David’s Day concert. My favourite performance so far was at the Saluting Battery in Valletta during our Malta tour, overlooking the Grand Harbour — what an unforgettable experience!
I enjoy listening to rock and guitar music and am a massive AC/DC fan — I’ve seen them live 18 times!
Now retired from my role as a headteacher, I have more time for my hobbies. I’m a devoted Wrexham fan and a keen angler, fishing rivers all over the world for salmon and sea trout.
To any prospective members, I’d say that singing in a male choir is like singing with your best mates — sharing camaraderie and friendship with people from all walks of life.
An interesting fact: when I was ten, I broke my arm skateboarding. Arfon Griffiths, then manager of Wrexham FC, phoned our house to ask if I’d like my plaster cast signed. I went into the changing rooms, where both the Wrexham and Liverpool teams signed it — this was during the 1978 League Cup 5th round at the Racecourse, when Dalglish scored a hat-trick!
Mike Green
Keith Grose (Voice Rep)
I became a member of the Fron in February 2016 after I watched the choir in a concert in Llangollen, truly enjoyed the performance so decided to give it a go.
My first performance was St. George’s Hall in Liverpool with the Charity Choir formed to raise funds for the battle against Prostate Cancer. It is a great venue but I like all of the venues, so a favourite is difficult to choose.
My favourite performance, however, is winning the Male Voice Competition at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod 2018.
I enjoy fly fishing.
It doesn’t matter what background you come from – I was a Chef - Come along to listen and be amazed, then join and be more amazed!
An interesting fact . . . Being a travelling chef able to visit and ride upon the Steam Preservation Lines – this is my second hobby after the Choir.
David Hamlington
I am a machine operator for Kellogg in Wrexham. I lived in South Africa as a child but my mother and father were always playing Welsh Choir music - my father had recordings of the Fron in his CD collection - so I sort of grew up with the choir.
I joined the choir in April 2018 but due to a knee operation which took some time to recover from I did not actually make my first appearance until 23rd March 2019 when we sang at St. Alkmund’s Church in Whitchurch for the local Rotary Club. It was a wonderful evening but we later sang in the splendid ballroom of the magnificent Stockport Town Hall which is both my current favourite venue and performance. I am sure this may change as I go along.
Do come along to a practice night for a listen and to meet the choir. That’s what I did . . .
Chris Jones
Colin Jones
I became a member of the Fron in 2016 after singing in the Charity choir, encouraged by family. My first performance was as part of the Wrexham Charity Choir concert, with the Fron choir in May 2016. The first time I stood on stage as part of the Fron was at Tern Hill in December of that year.
My favourite venue is Vienna Cathedral where we sang during our tour of Austria in 2018 but my favourite performance was winning the Male Voice Competition at Llangollen in 2018.
I work in agriculture, so hours can be awkward, but I would encourage anyone to join - you will meet like-minded people who love to sing and drink beer.
An interesting fact . . . I have a passion for motorbikes
Paul Jones
I joined the choir in July 2014 as I’ve always enjoyed music and was invited to a rehearsal by my friend Paul Owens from the 2nd Tenor section and it allows me to escape from the wife (Ha ha! NO! Seriously - I’m only joking )
My first performance was at the Christmas concert at Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry with Porthywaen Band
My favourite venue is, without doubt, the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme. I love the venue and its great atmosphere, but my favourite performance was at The Williams Aston Hall, Glyndwr University with the Three Tenors 2017 – awesome show!!! What a night!
I was a creamery worker for 30 years, worked for Dairy Crest, then for the First Milk Cheese Company
I would say to anyone thinking of joining: Give it a go! You never know, you might even enjoy it and you gain an extended family. Come and join your Brothers in Song – you won’t regret it . . .
An interesting fact . . . I recorded a CD at Sun Studios in Memphis, USA. The CD was an Elvis track called ‘Little Sister’ and I actually had Elvis’ recording engineer ( Sorry, not very interesting – but true)
Rod March
I joined the Fron in 2010 as the choir I then sang with was folding and I wanted to sing with a good choir. My first performance was at the St Francis of Assisi's Church, Bournville later that year.
I think my favourite venue to sing in has to be the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme, but my favourite performance was the sell-out concert with the Three Welsh Tenors at the William Aston Hall, Wrexham in 2017.
If you think you might be interested in joining us do come along – it’s a great hobby.
Before I retired I was a CT scanner and IT technician and, whilst visiting the Science Museum in London, I came across a CT scanner I installed in the 1970s, just behind a giant dinosaur.
Steve Mills
John Nicholls
Gareth Owen
Mike Richards
I joined the choir in January 2018 as I love singing and enjoy being part of a choir. I’ve always loved music and often sing karaoke at weekends.
My first performance with the Fron was at a wedding at the Albright Hussey Manor Hotel in June 2018. My favourite venue and performance was singing at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod — and winning in 2018.
I enjoy many styles of music, especially Motown, Soul, and Jazz. I work for Wrexham Environmental Services at WCBC, and my hobbies include gardening, cycling, watching football, and DIY.
To any prospective members, I’d say that the choir is incredibly rewarding — it boosts your wellbeing, helps you meet new people, and takes you to lots of different places.
Ron Wilkinson
I joined the choir in March 2009. I’ve always loved singing, and it was my first real opportunity to return to it since my days as head boy chorister in my home church. I sang in the church choir from the age of 8 to 15, but my careers in the Merchant Navy and the Army left little time for music.
My first performance with the Fron was with Ann Atkinson in October 2009—though I can’t quite remember the venue. My favourite venue, without doubt, is the New Vic Theatre in Stoke; the audience participation there is superb. I also enjoy Classical music, especially the works of Mozart and Beethoven.
I served as a Major in the Army within Logistics (RAOC), and since retiring I’ve enjoyed golf and reading.
To anyone thinking of joining the choir, I would simply say: “Join and enjoy the choir participation!”
Dennis Williams
Before I retired I was an Engineer and held various managerial positions in the chemical industry and was also a technical college lecturer.
I joined the Fron when it was founded in August 1947 - I was a member of the youth club Choir, our leader took us all to the first meeting of the Fron Choir.
The Choir made its first public appearance in November 1947 at the St David’s Church Armistice service where we sang Laudamus.
We have sung at the Royal Albert Hall in London many times. I feel it has a special atmosphere.
We were sent to perform at the opening of Expo 86 in Vancouver. A highlight for me was singing in an amphitheatre overlooking the harbour and the beautiful city.
Singing is good for your health whilst also bringing joy and friendships.
An interesting fact . . . When I was a young boy living in the Aqueduct pub, my great uncle Billy Meredith, the famous Welsh International Footballer, visited the family. He presented me with a small football. I was delighted and gave it one kick and it disappeared into a nearby wood. It has never been seen again . . . mother was not best pleased!