RECREATION
Fochriw United Choir
This choir was first mentioned in the Merthyr Express on 28 July 1888 as going to Cardiff on Bank Holiday (6 August) to compete in a chief choral competition to sing “Round about the Starry Throne”. They were not successful at the Dowlais Eisteddfod. But their pluck was admired.
In March 1893 it successfully competed in the Deri Eisteddfod under William Adams and was awarded a chair.
The choir’s next mention is in a newspaper report dated 6 March 1909 when a presentation was made to its conductor David James Thomas who was leaving Fochriw to conduct the Welsh Baptist Chapel Choir at Senghenydd and the Llanbradach Male Voice party.
Another presentation was reported on 4 September 1909 and this was to Miss Lilian Williams as a token of appreciation for her services as organist to the choir.
The last newspaper report about the United Choir that I have seen is that dated 7 August 1926
This choir was first mentioned in the Merthyr Express on 28 July 1888 as going to Cardiff on Bank Holiday (6 August) to compete in a chief choral competition to sing “Round about the Starry Throne”. They were not successful at the Dowlais Eisteddfod. But their pluck was admired.
In March 1893 it successfully competed in the Deri Eisteddfod under William Adams and was awarded a chair.
The choir’s next mention is in a newspaper report dated 6 March 1909 when a presentation was made to its conductor David James Thomas who was leaving Fochriw to conduct the Welsh Baptist Chapel Choir at Senghenydd and the Llanbradach Male Voice party.
Another presentation was reported on 4 September 1909 and this was to Miss Lilian Williams as a token of appreciation for her services as organist to the choir.
The last newspaper report about the United Choir that I have seen is that dated 7 August 1926
Eisteddfod Honours At the Deri Eisteddfod on Saturday last, chief honours were carried off by the Fochriw Mixed Choir under the conductorship of Mr. James John Lewis; the Fochriw Male Voice Party under the conductorship of Mr. Griff Jones; and the Fochriw Children's Choir under the conductorship of Mr. David J. Davies.
However, two other reports on a Mixed Choir are given below and it would seem that the choir disbanded a number of times only to be reformed some time later.
Merthyr Express 12 September 1931 issue.
Choir's Success Fochriw Mixed Choir, under their conductor Mr. Thomas Walters, scored a triumph at Brithdir Eisteddfod on Saturday last, when they carried off the chief honours. The choir has only been formed a few weeks, and great credit must go to the conductor for bringing it up to such a fine state of perfection. On their return home, they were accorded a great reception. The accompanist was Mr. Wyndham Lawrence.
Merthyr Express 13 September 1941 issue
Mixed Choir A mixed choir has again been formed in the village which is so rich in musical talent. The conductor is Mr. T. Walters, A.L.C.M. who has led many choirs to victory in the past. The inhabitants can look forward once again to some musical treats.