Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP Gerald Jones recently welcomed Rhymney Silurian Male Choir to perform at the Houses of Parliament.
The Rhymney Silurian Male Choir was formed in 1951 and swiftly established a reputation for the quality of its performance and variety of its repertoire. So much so that the choir’s performance drew in numerous MPs and staff, including Shadow Cabinet members Emily Thornberry MP and Christina Rees MP, Shadow Defence Minister and Caerphilly MP Wayne David, and Shadow Women and Equalities Minister and Deputy Leader of Welsh Labour Carolyn Harris MP.
Mr Jones said: “The choir were fantastic and I know that everyone who attended had a really enjoyable afternoon listening to them. We have some exceptionally talented groups across the constituency and I was delighted to be able to welcome the choir to Westminster to perform in front of colleagues from right across the country.
“I am particularly humbled to accept the position of President of the Choir– a role which I am pleased to take up. I am glad the choir were able to perform and to tour the building and witness the history and heritage that the Houses of Parliament has to offer.”
Bernard Jenkins, Secretary of Rhymney Silurian Male Choir, said: “This was a truly wonderful experience and a huge privilege to be able to sing in Parliament. I know I speak for everyone from the choir in thanking Gerald for organising this event for us. We’d like to extend our thanks to Wales and West Housing, Rhymney Community Council, RPC bpi Recycled and Gerald for their donations, which made our trip possible.”
Very interesting read. Great choir, have the record the best of….
Relatives ( my mother’s cousin, Les Cushen and another cousin Al O’Shea were in the choir)
I think my uncle Richsrd Benjamin ( RIP 1984) may have been in it too at one point as I think I spotted him in a photo in a book about Rhymney showing the choir. Do you have a register of past and present members?