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12 December 2009
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The Blaenavon Male Voice Choir

Blaenavon Male Voice Choir

Owen Leek is the sectretary of the local choir which was involved in the Coal House series.

What is your involvement in Coal House?

We performed at Park Street chapel in Blaenavon in the concert to raise funds for the hunger marches, which was part of the storyline. As it was a gymanfa ganu we sang hymns and songs from the period, such as Comrades in Arms.

Coal House has really put Blaenavon on the map. Everyone's talking about it in the town. The men of the families taking part in Coal House joined us during a few practices which were televised.

We were asked to find something suitable to wear. The charity shops of Blaenavon are empty. There are no shirts or waistcoats left. I should know, my wife and I have been looking!

Watch the men practicing for the concert

Tell us a bit about the history of the choir

There are around 60 members in the choir which was established in 1910. There are no original members left. We have a centenary celebration coming up in the next couple of years which we have already started planning for.

The oldest member is Owen White who has been in the choir for more than 51 years. I've been a member of the choir for 31 years and the secretary for 30 of those.

Gareth Whitcombe has been the musical director for nearly 20 years. He knows exactly how to get the best out of us and is always lively and enthusiastic. We practice every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7.30pm.

Comments

Julie - Tredegar
Mr Whitcombe was a brilliant music teacher - he made everything so much fun and has an excellent voice. Great to see him on the show.

katie undy 11
lol its mr witcome

Kerry Smith
Mr Witcombe has an AMAZING VOICE before i left i used to hear him humming

Brenda Davies - New Tredegar
Great show, really enjoyed it, and as a family we are proud of Gareth Whitcombe (our nephew). All the best to all the families as they get on with their normal lives, I hope modern living isn't to much of a shock, and the noise is not too much for them.

Katie Jones (21) - Abersychan
Im really going to miss watching the Coal House - its the only thing worth watching!

Cheese - chepstow
Mr. Whitcombe is a deputy head teacher at my school and has an amazing voice!

suzanne hughes cardiff
I was brought up in the valleys and gymanfa ganu was always a very special time.We sung with our hearts and the community spirit was amazing.It's really moving listening to the singing and I'm looking forward to the `big day'.Well done lads,keep it up!

cath.horlor-pontypool
Really enjoying this show. Nice to see Mr whitcombe teaching the singing. He was a great teacher in Trevethin Comp. My family were miners so it's nice to see how they all lived after hearing all the stories about it. goodluck 2 everyone taking part.



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