Llandybie
is one of the largest villages in Wales, situated on the perimeter
of the anthracite coal field and incorporating one of the largest
Lime quarries in Europe. Llandybie Male Voice Choir was formed
in 1908 and was one of the first Male Voice choirs in Carmarthenshire,
Wales, UK. At its inception the choir was formed mainly of employees
of the local lime firms and collieries. Choir membership now consists
of people of all professions, including Accountants, Bank Staff,
Engineers, Police Officers, Teachers and others from all walks
of life.
The
choir has experienced successes in every major competition throughout
Wales and the UK and has been placed in first on numerous occasions.
Llandybie Male Voice Choir has consistently experienced successes
at the Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales, Cardigan Eisteddfod,
Porthcawl Miners' Eisteddfod and Pontrhydfendigaid Eisteddfod.
The choir has consistently raised a great deal of money for charity
throughout every year of its existence and the total figure now
stands at well into several hundreds of thousands of pounds sterling.
In 2008 the choir celebrated its centenary (1908-2008) which included a highly successful tour of the USA, taking in Niagra and Philadelphia.
Llandybie Male Voice Choir--Côr Meibion Llandybie--has had
only seven directors of music despite its long life. The first three
conductors were from the same family, namely Mr Evan Thomas, the
founder conductor and his two sons--first Arthur Thomas and then
Mr Curwen Thomas.
Mr
Curwen Thomas died in 1973 and was followed by Mr Ieuan Anthony,
who stayed with the choir until 1976. In 1976 Mr Ieuan Anthony
left and Mrs Indeg Thomas became the conductor, staying with the
choir for seventeen years until, in 1993, Mr David B Jones took
up the baton. In 2008 Alun Bowen was appointed the conductor.
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Evan
Thomas
Founder
Conductor
Côr Meibion
Llandybie
Male Voice Choir
Alun Bowen,
Present Conductor
Côr
Meibion Llandybie
Male Voice Choir
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