Whitland Male Voice Choir add festive flair to Picton Castle

Published in the Narberth and Whitland Observer.

Whitland and District Male Voice Choir brought seasonal songs and cheer as they raised money for Picton Castle and Gardens near Rhos in their Christmas concert on December 14.

The choir performed to show their gratitude to Picton Castle for letting them record their second CD, out in February, in the Great Hall two weeks ago for free.

They sang Welsh, English and Latin songs from the (as yet untitled) CD including “Soldier’s Farewell” and a touching rendition of “Bring Him Home” in the Castle’s magnificent Great Hall.

The large and captivated audience got into the Christmas spirit by singing carols with the choir and talented guest soloist and Year 13 Ysgol Bro Gwaun student Catrin Raymond impressed with her mezzo-soprano range and rich, powerful voice.

“They are such a good choir. They’re fantastic. They’re local. The music just blows you away. It’s a staggering concert,” said Dai Evans, Director of Picton Castle and Gardens.

He added the Castle’s charity, the Picton Castle Trust, received “no government grants at all” and held a series of events throughout the year to attract additional visitors and generate income.

“The charity was set up specifically so that the Castle and Gardens could be open all year for the benefit of the people of Pembrokeshire and the people of Wales,” said Mr Evans.

Choir member and first tenor Brynmor Thomas said he had sung with the choir for 50 years and that his satisfaction came from helping different charities and meeting new people.

Second tenor Rob Williams said “to give something of ourselves, make an audience feel joyful and at the same time raise funds” made him very proud. He also felt it was important to preserve Picton Castle and Gardens.

“It’s such a wonderful piece of history. It’s a wonderful piece of architecture. Just look around you. These places need to be maintained for the benefit of the community and for posterity.”

To view Whitland Male Voice Choir’s scheduled performances or buy their debut CD “Can Mlynedd o Gan”, visit their website at http://www.whitlandmalechoir.co.uk.

Picton Gardens are open all year round and to find information about upcoming events at the Castle, visit http://www.pictoncastle.co.uk.

Whitland Male Choir were allowed to record their (as yet untitled) second CD, out in February, in the Great Hall two weeks ago for free.

“Tonight we came back to show our gratitude and our appreciation. Picton Castle were very good to let us come here to record,” said choir member and first tenor Brynmor Thomas after their performance.