Simon Atkinson (Publicity Officer / Webmaster)
Geoff Davies
I joined the choir initially in 1970 but left in 1990, returning in 2007. Singing has been a part of my life - it started from singing in chapel, then Eisteddfodau, as a soloist and in a choir, it was a natural progression.
I cannot recall my first performance with the Fron – it is too far back. My favourite venue is probably the Royal Albert Hall in London where we’ve song quite a few times. My favourite performance was our recent win at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod (my third time with the Fron), that and the Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto.
Joining the choir is one of the best things I’ve ever done. You are surrounded by lads who become mates, you have a chance to travel, and you are always learning new music, and it also improves your self-confidence.
I have been retired for 16 years from my job as an Electrical Inspector at a local Chemical Factory, now closed.
An interesting fact . . . I was one in the first hundred babies born in Wales at the start of the National Health Service in 1948.
Tudor Evans
I am a farmer who has always enjoyed singing and I joined the Fron in 1980/81 to sing under the baton of John Daniel. My first performance was in Ellesmere in 1981.
I always enjoy the annual Christmas concert we give at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme but my favourite performance was in the Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto, Ontario, during the Choir’s tour of Canada in 2000.
If you enjoy singing, join a male voice choir – you will never regret it!
Paul Foster
I joined the choir in 2024, wanting to return to musical performance after a 30-year break — and to socialise and make new friends. I had no previous choir experience apart from singing at primary school! In the 1980s and 1990s, I was a singer in indie rock and cover bands and also played guitar. My first performance with the Fron was at the Ifton Miners Welfare Institute, St Martins, Oswestry, in June 2024.
My favourite venue so far has been the Teatro Comunale di Modena, Italy, where we performed at the invitation of the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation. My favourite performance was at South Stack Cliffs, Anglesey, for Wrexham Football Club’s shirt launch film shoot — something I never imagined being part of when I joined the choir. It was an unforgettable experience shared with some of the nicest blokes you could ever meet!
I enjoy guitar-based music, singer-songwriter material, and indie bands — and my new guilty pleasure is American country music.
I work as an IT Director, and when I’m not working or singing with the choir, I love playing guitar and performing in a vocal/guitar duo called Madoc. I also enjoy cycling.
To anyone thinking of joining, I’d say: don’t hesitate to come along to a rehearsal if you’re at all interested. You’ll receive a very warm welcome and can simply listen with no pressure. If you decide to commit, you’ll find the same level of support — our musical team is second to none.
An interesting fact: I also work as a registrar in Shropshire. It’s my ambition to sing at a wedding with the Fron — and also conduct the ceremony!
Jon Haddy
Jeffrey Harrison
I joined the choir in 2024 after my previous choir, Rhos Orpheus, sadly folded. Around twenty of us wanted to stay together, so we joined the Fron as a group. I had been a proud member of the Orpheus for 20 years.
My first performance with the Fron was at the Welsh Tattoo in 2024 at the William Aston Hall in Wrexham. My favourite venue so far has been the New Vic Theatre — also my favourite performance — as singing in the round was a fantastic experience.
I have a very eclectic taste in music, from classical and opera through to rock, country and western… but definitely not jazz!
I spent 30 years as a college lecturer in Chemistry, then worked for Careers Wales as an adult advisor for five years before retiring. These days I enjoy gardening, walking, swimming, and going to concerts and the opera.
To any prospective members, I would say: Just give it a try. I don’t regret a thing — my only wish is that I’d joined a choir earlier. It’s great fun, the camaraderie is fantastic, and the afterglows are brilliant. I’ve made wonderful friends through the choir.
Paul Healey
I work in children’s services and am passionate about supporting young people and families in the community. I enjoy walking, running, and singing, and I bring the same energy and enthusiasm to the choir that I do to everyday life. I value friendship, music, and the strong sense of community that comes from singing together.
Berwyn Jones
I was an Industrial Security Manager and I have always loved singing. The Fron Choir sang at my daughter’s wedding, so I joined in April 2003. My first performance was at the Male Voice Choir competition at The Llangollen International Eisteddfod.
The Symphony Hall, Birmingham is my favourite performance, but my favourite venue is the Sage Theatre, Gateshead.
Being in the Fron is a big commitment but it is wonderful to sing in so many different venues in the U.K. and abroad. The social side is also wonderful and besides, singing is proven to be good for your health!
Cyril Jones
I joined the choir in 1987 as I had always wanted to be a member of a big male voice choir
My first performance was at the New Vic Theatre, Stoke but my favourite venue has to be The Albert Hall.
I am a retired Police Officer and being a choir member is a wonderful pastime.
It is a great brotherhood and you get to sing in some wonderful venues and go on some great trips.
My favourite performance was at The Tower of London with Leslie Garrett
I was able to meet Bryn Terfel and be involved with the choir on his TV programme.
David L. Jones (Compere)
I joined the choir in the Spring of 1996. Male voice singing is in my bones. My father was a member of this choir and his father was a deputy conductor of Cefn choir and an adjudicator at Eisteddfodau.
My first performance was at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, but my favourite venue is the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme.
If I was asked to name my favourite performance it would have to be Milwaukee Cathedral. U.S.A
I was a Senior Officer in the Prison Service for nearly forty years, and at the height of our recording success I was dubbed “The Celebrity Screw”
I would tell any prospective member of the choir to come along and give it a go. Singing lifts your soul and you become part of a brotherhood in song .
I have sung most forms of music from being in a Rock Band, a Barbershop Octet and this wonderful choir.
Tim Jones
I joined the choir in 2024 after retiring, keen to broaden my horizons and get involved in new activities. In my younger days I was a choirboy at St Margaret’s Church in Garden Village, Wrexham, and I also played the clarinet and alto saxophone.
My first performance with the choir was at the Gresford Disaster commemorative concert at St Giles’ Church, Wrexham, on 20 September 2024.
My favourite venue so far is Mellieħa Church in Malta — a stunning setting with a wonderful atmosphere, especially on a warm Mediterranean evening.
I enjoy most styles of music, though I have a particular affection for ska and the Two Tone label of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Before retiring I was a chartered accountant, and my hobbies now include pickleball, crown green bowls, and chess.
To any prospective members, I always say: you’ll gain around 70 new friends for life.
An interesting fact… Dame Margot Fonteyn presented me with my degree from Durham University.
Dulyn Moss
I joined the Fron in 1987 after the Wrexham Police Choir was disbanded the previous year. My choral journey stretches back much further — I was a member of the winning choir at the National Eisteddfod in 1949, and later sang with the Rhos Orpheus Choir from 1961 to 1964.
My first performance with the Fron was in December 1987 at the New Vic Christmas Concert under the direction of John Daniel. Over the years I’ve sung in many memorable venues, but the standout experience has to be performing at the Royal Albert Hall in 2009 for the Festival of Remembrance. The atmosphere that day was truly extraordinary.
My musical tastes lean towards classical music, military bands, and organ recitals.
I am a retired Police Traffic Sergeant, and my hobbies include caravanning and DIY.
To anyone considering joining the choir, I always say: definitely do it. It keeps the mind active and the camaraderie is second to none.
An interesting fact… I once drove Jackie Stewart around Donington Race Circuit in a Ferrari Dino.
David Rogers-Hughes
The Fron is the fourth male voice choir I have been a member of. I joined my first male voice choir when I was 16 years of age and progressed to the Fron when I retired from dairy farming in September 2007.
My first performance with the Fron was at St Francis’ Church, Bourneville in October 2007.
My favourite venue is the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme and my favourite performance was singing at
Prince Charles’ 60th birthday in November 2008
If you enjoy singing – give the Fron a try!
Wynn Owen
Allan Smith
I joined the choir in September 1986. A neighbour was already a member, and joining gave me the perfect excuse to finish work at a reasonable hour while enjoying something I’ve always loved — music. Although I had no previous choir experience, I had played guitar in a small group.
My first performance was at Lampeter Theatre — a venue that felt miles from anywhere. My favourite venue, however, is the New Vic Theatre. As for standout performances, two in particular stay with me. The first was Milwaukee Cathedral: watching the audience’s faces as we began to sing, seeing them suddenly sit upright and become completely spellbound, and then walking down the aisle to a standing ovation — unforgettable. The second was in Holland, where we were invited to perform with a large choir called The Maastricht Star, with around 120 singers. They opened the concert and we followed in the second half. During the interval, Val Jones gathered us together and said, “They may have over 120 on stage, but you’re better than them.” By the end of our first song, the other choir and the entire audience were on the edge of their seats. At the end, their conductor stood up and pointed out to his choir that we had a marvellous sound, sang without music, and performed straight from the heart.
It was also a tremendous honour to be invited to Modena in October 2025 to celebrate what would have been Pavarotti’s 90th birthday — especially as his favourite choir. It was a brilliant, if exhausting, weekend.
I enjoy all sorts of music, though I must admit I’ve never quite managed to get my head around jazz. Before retiring, I worked as an accountant and continued in that role as Treasurer of the Fron for over 30 years.
Outside the choir, I love fishing and travelling to visit family all over the world.
To any prospective members, my advice is simple: Do it. Your only regret will be not having joined sooner.
An interesting fact...I am looking forward to celebrating the choir's 80th birthday in 2027. With the introduction of a 'Choir Book' (some great memories to relive there!): revisiting some of the tracks of our amazing journey with Universal/Decca - our 'Voices of the Valley' years; it promises to be quite a year.
Gareth Thomas (Secretary)
My first performance with the Fron was the joint concert with Flint Male Voice Choir at Flint on 5 October 2024. My favourite concert remains the 1,000 Male Voice Choir event at the Royal Albert Hall, where my former choir, Bestwood MVC, appeared twice in 1980 and 1982. Singing to a full house alongside a thousand choristers from across England was an epic experience. Since joining the Fron, the highlight has undoubtedly been performing at the Modena Opera House in Italy as part of Pavarotti’s 90th birthday celebrations — truly memorable on several levels.
I love indie and rock music, but my favourite artist is Bruce Springsteen, whom I’ve seen live at home and abroad on 18 separate occasions.
I am a Chartered Town Planner and recently retired as a Government Planning Inspector, having previously served as Chief Planning Officer for Powys County Council in Mid Wales.
I’m an avid mountain and hill walker and have spent the past 35 summers exploring the French and Swiss Alps, though the mountains of Eryri remain my favourite. I’m also a lifelong Wolverhampton Wanderers supporter and season ticket holder, having followed the Wolves since the 1966–67 season. My mate’s father, who met his mother during the Second World War in Harlech — where 4,000 troops were stationed on the sandflats — was from Wolverhampton. It was always a long train journey along the Cambrian Coast from Harlech!
I play the trumpet and, as a lad, played cornet with the Harlech Silver Band.
To anyone thinking of joining, I’d say this: singing with like‑minded people is a wonderful experience. The name Froncysyllte, steeped in history as a first‑rate choir, shouldn’t put anyone off. We’re a hugely supportive group of lads who will help you find your voice and confidence. It’s great for your mental wellbeing, and the friendships and camaraderie you build will last a lifetime.
An interesting fact… I learned to fly gliders at the age of 16 at the old RAF Sealand while in the Air Training Corps. I still have my pilot wings, though I suspect I’d need full retraining before taking off again! Another fun fact — I was once selected to play rugby for Wales ATC against England ATC, but the match was called off for reasons long forgotten, and sadly, I was never picked again!
Gordon Urquhart
I am a pharmacist who works in the pharmaceutical industry in Wrexham.
I joined the choir in 2016 having been dragged along kicking and screaming to the Charity Choir by Roger Williams, our current chairman. I had never sung before and expected to be booted out at the first rehearsal. I eventually joined the full choir, becoming the second Scotsman in the choir.
My first performance was a concert at Tern Hill, Market Drayton.
My favourite venue so far is St Peter’s Church Vienna in 2018 – a magical experience. My favourite performance was our winning performance at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in 2018
Joining the choir has added a new dimension to my life. I am a life-long cynic, but my life-long cynicism was blown away by the buzz I got after my first public performance. I have always wanted to make music in front of an audience – now I can do it regularly supported and encouraged by fifty-odd talented singers. But watch out – it’s a highly addictive pastime!
Interesting fact – I used to be the goalkeeper for The Diplomatic Service F.C.. The dirtiest game I played in was against Buckingham Palace F.C., made up of staff from the palace – what a bunch of thugs!
Alan Williams
I joined the choir in 2019, wanting to experience singing with a large, well‑established choir. Before that, I spent 30 years with the Orthopaedic Choir, 2 years with the Half Way House Male Voice Choir, 7 years with Newtown Male Voice Choir, and 5 years with Dyffryn Ceiriog Male Voice Choir.
My first performance with the Fron was at Oswestry Golf Club on 29 February 2020. My favourite venue is the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle‑under‑Lyme, and one of my most memorable moments was singing at the Wrexham AFC promotion match at the Stok Cae Ras — an unforgettable atmosphere and a proud day for the choir.
I’m a big fan of 60s music. Before retiring, I worked as a joiner, and I’m also a Wrexham season ticket holder with a love of motorcycling.
To any prospective members, I always say: I can’t read music — so don’t let that put you off!
An interesting fact about me… I’m a man barely alive with only one good knee, one kidney, and one eye — yet over the years I’ve performed almost 300 solos.
