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From world-famous concert halls to performances high above the clouds and deep below the sea, Caerphilly Ladies Choir has spent the past 60 years taking the town’s voice far beyond the basin.

This week, the much-loved choir is celebrating 60 years of music, community spirit, and supporting good causes.

The choir was first set up in January 1966 and was known as the Margaret Roach Singers – named after the choir’s founder and first musical director.

Three decades later, in 1996, the choir rebranded as Caerphilly Ladies Choir to reflect its connection with the town and borough.

Over the last six decades, the choir has performed at world-renowned venues like the Royal Albert Hall, and has toured across the UK and Europe.

The choir performs around eight concerts a year, raising money for charity in the process. The choir has also toured various parts of the UK, and has even performed in France, Germany and Spain.

As well as the three performances at the Royal Albert Hall, the choir has performed at venues including the Millennium Dome, St David’s Hall, the Millennium Stadium, York Minister, Brangwyn Hall and Buckfast Abbey, as well as Caerphilly Castle.

The choir has even performed inside the Channel Tunnel, as well as thousands of feet above the ground during a flight to Spain.

To mark the 60th anniversary, choir members and supporters are meeting at Bedwas and Trethomas Bowling Club on Friday January 16, where they will be holding a cheese and wine night.

Presently, the choir has around 45 members, including accompanist Beverley Baker and conductor Ellie Baker. Former headteacher Marjorie Gray is its longest serving member, having joined back in 1966.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Marjorie said: “We have people from all walks of life, all backgrounds and all ages here. You get to meet so many people and make lifelong friends.

“It’s such a great thing singing in a choir. It’s good for your mind, it keeps you active, and it enhances you all round.”

Members of the choir have also formed the ‘Ladies of Leisure’ group, which visits care homes to sing to the residents, completely free of charge.

“We sing songs they remember from when they were young,” Marjorie explained, including hits from Frank Sinatra and other songs from the 1950s and 1960s. “We do it at least once a month.

“We enjoy doing it and they enjoy us coming. It’s what we like to do, because music can be so uplifting.”

As the choir celebrates its anniversary year, it has eight concerts booked in for 2026 – including a trip to the Isle of Wight in May.

Anyone interested in joining the choir can contact Marjorie Gray on maigray@btinternet.com, or visit the choir during a practice session. These are held at Caerphilly Miners’ Centre every Tuesday during school term times at 7.30pm.

Anyone who would like tickets to see the choir perform, or would like the choir to perform for them, can contact Marion Watts on marionwatts46@aol.com or 02920 885612.