Minutes of Annual General Meeting Held at Arlington Road Church Friday 9 February 2024
1 Present:
Action
John Pearman (Chairman), Noel Williams (Secretary), Marilyn Hill (Treasurer), Adrian Powis (ViceChairman), Alec Brooks (Musical Director).
Chris Davies, Gareth Lewis, Jon Machin, Mark Smith, Ian Williams.
Roy Bowen, John Mathias, Stuart Phillips, Brian Raybould, John Wright.
Phil Davies, Chris Evans, Mike Francis, Stan Hill, Lyn Sullivan, Phil Tew, Ian Thomas, Glenn White.
John Crocker, Malcolm Evans, Eddie Fearnley, Richard Harris, Kelvin Isaac, Tony Kavanagh, Haydn Wheeler.
Howard Evans, John B Jones, Phil Rowe, Ian Williams.
Non-voting attendees: Laura Deenik, Roy Jeynes, Daryl Strong.
2 Apologies:
John Bevan, Rob Cotter, Mike Griffiths, Viv Griffiths, Ian Jacka, David Jones, Owain Jones,
3 Adoption of Minutes: Adoption of Previous Minutes 24 February 2023
Proposed: Lyn Sullivan Seconded: Fred Draper
Adoption of Minutes 9 February 2024
Proposed: Jon Machin Seconded: Mark Smith
4 Matters arising from Minutes:
Chairman: All matters from the minutes of the previous AGM have been actioned. These related to:
-
split proceeds of raffle
-
contact Charity Commission to update trustee registrations
-
sing at Principality Stadium
-
sing at Royal Albert Hall.
5 Notices of motion:
No notices of motion were submitted.
6 Chairmans Report:
Copied from prepared script.
In welcoming you all to this year’s AGM I do so, as last year, with a sense of deep gratitude for the commitment and support given to the Choir during 2023. Numbering 52 choristers at end December we welcomed Tony Kavanagh to the Second Tenors but were sorry to lose Dave Wall from the Baritones. Dave was a master at the art of using computer technology to provide musical composition for section voice practice, a facility widely appreciated. - With a seemingly settled membership over the last two year period, I have found myself reflecting as I
Registered Charity Number 1195139
prepare to write this report on the vision of those individuals who met together in 1980 to look at the possibility of forming a Porthcawl Male Voice Choir. Stuart was at that meeting, as was Kelvin, Roy joining the group a few months later and Phil in 1982. Stuart, Roy and Phil have served the Choir continually for over 40 years since joining, whilst Kelvin made a welcome return in 2021 after stepping down for a period. When I look back at these stalwarts of our Choir, I see in them the standard bearers of the flags of achievement and enjoyment that the 1980 pioneers wished us to carry. Would we meet with approval from those early enthusiasts for the wide variety of events to which we have contributed over the year? I feel confident we would do so. We have stayed close at all times to the ‘Objects’ cited in our Constitution for the advancement of music, featuring strongly in concerts and recitals. So let us now look back at our busy programme of 2023.
Our programme commenced in February with the invitation from Parkdean to sing at the annual Parkdean Management Conference with over 300 delegates at Trecco Bay. What a truly memorable evening it turned out to be. The warmth of the welcome, the enthusiastic audience responses and the subsequent messages of thanks delighted us. You may recall Ian’s excellent cover of this event in the Spring edition of ‘The Chorister’.
We returned to Porthcawl Primary School on St David’s Day. What a pleasure it was to see the smiles on the children’s faces as they sang along with the Choir. A happy development of course is that the children from the school will be joining us at our St David’s Day Concert at All Saints this year. The next concert on 11[th] March was at All Saints with the visiting mixed-voice ‘Amici Cantate’ Choir from Bishop’s Stortford on the Hertfordshire/Essex boundary. We thank Jane Watkins, a former resident of Porthcawl, for initiating these arrangements. A lovely evening was enjoyed by a large and appreciative audience.
Attention switched to filming in April. We were part of the Jamie Adam’s film ‘It’s Christmas’ starring Simon Callow and Brittany Snow which, we understand, is premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival this year. With filming taking place at both Arlington Road Church and at Porthcawl RFC and then again later in the year around the village green and local hostelries of Newton we look forward to an extra Xmas present this year.
The successful tour of attractive Llandudno took place in early June. A party of 80 Choir members and friends stayed in the well-appointed Chatsworth House Hotel, an ideal spot for exploring the area. Some took the tram to the summit of the Great Orme; others boarded the local tour bus to Conway whilst some found the bracing walk along the Pier blew the cobwebs away. The choir was warmly welcomed by the Colwyn Male Choir with whom we shared the stage at St. John’s Church in a memorable concert. I am sure that many will remember ‘Fields of Athenry’ sung so movingly by a top tenor with Colwyn. A passionate rendition. Tranquility was the order of the day for the following Sunday, with those who wished to see farther afield enjoying a coach tour via Betws-y-Coed, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Porthmadog and across the Menai Straits to LlanfairPG. Time allowed to photograph the longest station name in the UK and also time for some to snap up those eye-catching multi-coloured shirts. I blame Jon and Mark!
Another concert on the calendar was yet to be held before the annual. Social chats in Cwmafan Rugby Club by Gareth and Mal, our Welsh language speakers with colleagues at Onllwyn had led to initial thoughts of a joint concert, to be held in Porthcawl, and this came to fruition in All Saints on 15[th] July. A wonderful evening earned a rousing standing ovation. After-concert pleasantries continued with refreshments served at the Farmers Arms in Nottage, whilst landlady Stacy’s excellent ale fuelled fine singing voices.
Attention turned to the Annual Concert at the Grand Pavilion, with Mike Doyle this year’s Celebrity Guest. Thanks once again to a co-ordination of good publicity via Ian’s media programmes and the efforts of Choir members in selling tickets we achieved an almost full house on 2[nd] September. Marilyn will give details in her report of the financial benefit accrued from the successful annual concert in underpinning the annual accounts. What a lovely night it was. You increasingly felt the audience engagement whilst the enthusiastic response to ‘Gonna rise up singin’ is a memory in itself. The Dilwyn Evans Award was made to Megan Prance and Will Evans reflecting the links across the generations and close association the Choir holds with Porthcawl Schools. There was much celebration after the Concert as Choir, guests and friends met together in the lower room. A special moment for me was to see my daughter Mari-Clare and her children Grace and Sebastion meeting up with friends old and new. They had travelled from West Sussex for the Concert, loved the event and
Registered Charity Number 1195139
there I was wondering if my daughter was chatting with Jon about those halcyon days at Porthcawl Comprehensive School.
The Elvis Festival followed quickly. At 12.15 pm on Sunday 24[th] September the Choir assembled in a large marquee at the Hi-Tide to sing live broadcast on the ‘Owen Money Show’. Here was another new experience and the Choir response to the challenge could not have been better. Not only did we have enthusiastic audience applause (I remember a particularly enthusiastic Pontypool Rugby Group) but we received appreciative words from Owen Money, whilst Louise, the Programme Director, had wanted to make sure that she saw me before leaving ‘to thank all in the choir for their wonderful singing’ It was quite emotional. It seems that we are ‘with Elvis’ to stay.
The Remembrance Sunday Service at All Saints Church on 12[th] November saw the Choir again sing in the Devotional Service inside the Church before re-assembling with other Worshippers, Representative and Community Groups outside the Church for the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph. Stuart Phillips laid the wreath on behalf of Porthcawl Male Choir. His wife Julie’s father had been taken from HMS Exeter and had been held a prisoner of war in Burma by the Japanese from St David’s Day 1942 until VJ Day 1945.
Then the busy Christmas programme was upon us. This featured a mix of Community events, visits to local hostelries, support for the local RNLI, Masonic Home and Stroke Club, but with our own two Christmas Concerts very much on our minds. On Saturday 9[th] December we held the Choir Christmas Concert at All Saints, welcoming guests and official dignitaries. With ‘mistletoe and wine’ sung in good cheer and the Church itself fully decorated with Christmas trees it was a moving Service. Finally on Tuesday 19[th] December we sang for the Arlington Road Church faithful, expressing the Choir’s gratitude to Brian Willment and the Elders for granting us the use of the Church over many years to hold our Practices. It was lovely to see Brian and his wife Jean at the ‘Carols and Lessons Service’. In addition to these concerts, we have been delighted during the year to sing at weddings, provide support at funerals, support town events and even open the new Aldi. I must of course repeat our thanks for the wonderful day we enjoyed at the wedding of Ben Cotter and Vicky Toye at the Vale Resort and being so much part of the family celebration. In a family sense but in a very different setting the Choir sang outside life-time supporter Jean Machin’s house in a live-time ITV News broadcast to celebrate Jean’s 95[th] birthday. Then at the funeral service of 91-year-old Dorothy Jenkins in St John’s Church the appreciative words expressed by the family about the Choir’s attendance meant so much. I am sure that many of us will recall the words spoken by the 2 grand-children so lovingly about their grand-mother and I felt we were privileged to have heard them. Music does open the Choir to many experiences and the year 2023 has proved particularly memorable. It has indeed been poignant for me that the last 2 choir events of my Chairmanship should have a personal touch. The British Legion ‘Centenary of Foundation Dedication Service’ had former chorister and friend Ray Street as Honorary Secretary and flag bearer. The funeral of dear Fred Draper, whom many of you know was a passenger in my car to Choir Practice over many months, was in fact attended by Ray Street. Ray said he had found the funeral to be a truly moving and memorable service.
Behind such a busy and successful event packed calendar there has to be a dedicated group of workers, undertaking their own duties but recognising also how closely the responsibilities of one office-holder are inter-related with those of another. In thanking my committee for their fulfilment of duties, I thank you all as a team. Individual thanks would find me repeating all that I said last year and that was gold-plated thanks. One change in office this year did however occur with the election of top tenor Section Leader Adrian to Vice-Chairman.
Adrian has slotted into his role seamlessly since re-placing the warmly regarded John Mathias as Vice-Chairman. In providing details of a possible Choir tour in Italy, in support of Viv’s sterling work as Choir Marshall at Choir Events and in his success as ‘Film Editor’ of the ‘Calendar Girls’ style Choir calendar for 2024. Adrian has worked ceaselessly. I did smile on observing that the front page of the calendar had appeared in the ‘ARTS’ section of the January Seaside News and wondered if this was ‘media partnership’ at work! Adrian’s valued service this year, I know, has equipped him well for Chairmanship and the challenges that lie ahead.
So, to all members of my committee team, my thanks. Noel and Marilyn, such professional application, Noel’s total command of secretarial necessities and action points ensures that everyone is fully informed of the outcome of committee meetings and on any matter impacting on Choir
Registered Charity Number 1195139
developments and membership. Marilyn’s Monthly Accounts and the wide ‘collection channels’ she monitors to support them are testament to her dedication in all aspects as Treasurer. A maternal eye watching over us from her desk at Practice Time! Here also we find Noel and Marilyn working in partnership in seeking to obtain the ‘Gift Aid’ entitlement that we should receive under our ‘Charitable Status’.
Ian and Mark can also see their duties over-lap. Ian continues to use and develop with great effect our Choir image in local social media outlets such as Facebook, in BBC News outlets and in local news sources such as ‘Seaside News’. Mark’s enthusiasm for his task is infectious which means everyone wants to book with Porthcawl Choir. Mark’s commitment and hard work in his many duties as Concert Secretary are greatly appreciated. Rob as Librarian always seems to have every piece of music available. Section Leaders Adrian, Jon, Chris and Gareth are key to the operating functioning of the Choir with their pastoral care and ensuring that practical matters are discussed at committee. From ‘new songs’ to modifications to uniform, our Section Leaders raise issues that are widely appreciated by members. Chris also deserves our thanks for selling tickets for the Raffle before each Choir Practice. Outside of committee I thank Mark, Ian and Glenn for their unobtrusive and efficient handling duties in the Piano Team. Likewise, thanks to Kelvin for arranging social events and particularly for arranging such an enjoyable fun-filled Xmas party.
Our Ladies Team has as ever supported us splendidly. Their ‘Bring and Buy’ in Trinity Church Hall is always an important initiative. At Concert and Social Events your presence and contributions are integral to the success of the Choir. You designed our new ‘gold tie’, doing so much to make us feel we have enjoyed a ‘gold brand year’.
May I turn finally to our Musical Team of Alec, Musical Director, Richard our Musical Accompanist and Laura our Musical Accompanist. Music is a wonderful gift and we as a Choir are blessed in having 3 highly talented and gifted musicians in leading us. 2024 has been a memorable year. A word also to Paul, Laura’s husband, who provided moments of magic for us as Musical Director at the Choir Concert in the Masonic Home. We thank you all so much.
As you know I have given notice that I shall not be seeking re-election this year. I have served 2 years as your Chairman and am grateful to have had the opportunity of putting something back into our Choir. Music has been so kind to me. Through the Porthcawl Choir I have visited countries in Europe. Through the ‘Comrades Choir’ organised by Mark Burrows in Cardiff I visited countries across the world during the 2000’s decade. From New Zealand and Australia to China and Hong Kong, from South Africa to Patagonia, from Russia and Estonia to the USA, I have been fortunate to meet and sing with other people in memories that last a life-time.
It has been a wonderful journey but age and experience does now tell me that this is the time to ‘bow out’. I look back on another year highlighted by a memorable Annual Concert and with gratitude to a dedicated and supportive Choir that it has been a privilege to serve.
Noel Williams: I would like to record my thanks and I am sure those of everyone here to thank John for two very successful years as Chairman. As secretary I have been fortunate to have worked with Roy and John as Chairmen and now look forward to working with Adrian.
7 Musical Directors Report:
Alec Brooks: It has been a very enjoyable year, the same as the previous year. High points were the Parkdean concert, the film which had been something different, the Llandudno Tour and the Annual Concert where the choir had been so good. Thanks to the Musical Team, Laura who is here tonight, Richard and Paul. Thanks to the committee for their support and help throughout the year. The friendship of the choir has been very important. I have been involved in twenty choirs and none are like you. All are so friendly and thanks for the year and now looking forward to this year.
8 Treasurers Report:
Registered Charity Number 1195139
Copied from prepared script. Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 and Budgeted forecast for the year ending 31 December 2024 were also distributed.
2023 proved to be a very financially sound year. The Tour account ends the year with a healthy balance of £5881, the Friday raffle brought in £1714 and we subsidized the Llandudno tour by £100 per chorister, also paying for the church and expenses. The Deposit account has increased by £31.97 interest and stands at £4258.85. The current account balance is £7068. With our annual concert raising an amazing £5282.70 with a record 525 in the audience.
Income, we performed at various events, concerts, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, funerals, we opened a supermarket, and even made a film, our standard charge for these events is £350. The bucket collection at the Elvis was £269.28, Contata joint concert gave us and contata £206.30 each Onllwyn joint concert gave us £195.53 with £400 to the Latch charity. Our Globe concert gave us £375. We also performed at 5 free concerts. Porthcawl Primary School, Church Fayre, Newton Fest, R.N.L.I. Remembrance Sunday.
The ladies section ran raffles at some events, and at the Carol Concert sold wine for the first time, raising £160. My thanks to all the ladies who help at all the events. We have 50 members and 2 life members who both gave contribution to the choir. Donations came in from our supporters with £350 from our bankers after a long-drawn-out change of signatures, as compensation. We had a £250 grant from Cefnogi. £500 from the race night. We sold poppies, song books and had £500 sponsorship for our calendar. Thanks to Norman at Harris printers for setting me the challenge and matching our sponsors.
Outgoings. We paid our musical team £10855; rent was £220 per month. We had our Dilwyn Evans award at the annual £250, crowd funding for a heart defibrillator and gave a contribution for training on how to use it. £300 purchased us a mic stand PA system.
This year I propose an increase in subscriptions by only £5 bringing subs to £125 a small increase in line with inflation.
For the first time you will see attached a budget for the year ahead. Ian's hard work with this is much appreciated. The gift aid of £1200.00 is for our first year as a charity and I'm in the process of applying to HMRC. With no Pavilion for the next two years, we face uncertain times ahead, but we have built up a solid financial base.
My thanks to Chris our raffle guru, to all members for parting with their money on time. Again, it is a privilege to be part of such a hard-working committee and I thank them for their help and support. Special thanks to Kelvin for being the choir auditor again this year and putting up with me.
Following the above presentation Marilyn Hill added that the committee would be discussing fundraising and concerts bearing in mind Porthcawl was a small area with a limit on locals attending our concerts. We have a wedding confirmed for next year and possibly one later this year. There was need to continually look at outgoings and expenditure.
Chairman: Asked the meeting to vote on the proposed increase in subscriptions to £125. A show of hands indicated unanimous support for the increase.
9 Auditors Report:
Kelvin Isaac: The accounts have been well set out, easy to follow and understand. All is in order and I thank Marilyn for assisting me to carry out this work and providing answers for all questions. It is good to see a Budgeted forecast prepared by Ian Williams.
10 Election of Officers:
Registered Charity Number 1195139
With the exception of Vice Chairman and Social Secretary, a single nomination was received for each position. Each nominee was unanimously elected.
| Position | Nominee | Proposer | Seconder | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | Adrian Powis | Kelvin Isaac | Ian Williams | |
| Vice Chairman | ||||
| Secretary | Noel Williams | Mike Griffiths | Kelvin Isaac | |
| Treasurer | Marilyn Hill | Kelvin Isaac | John Wright | |
| Concert Secretary | Mark Smith | John Wright | Mike Griffiths | |
| Social Secretary | ||||
| Public Relations Officer | Ian Williams | Kelvin Isaac | Haydn Wheeler | |
| Librarian | Robert Cotter | Kelvin Isaac | Mike Griffiths | |
| Section Leaders | ||||
| Top Tenor | Viv Griffiths | Rob Cotter | Marilyn Hill | |
| Second Tenor | Jon Machin | Kelvin Isaac | Eddie Fearnley | |
| Baritone | Chris Davies | Rob Cotter | John Crocker | |
| Bass | Gareth Lewis | Mike Griffiths | John Wright |
To contact Charity Commission to update trustee registrations.
NW
Kelvin Isaac was prepared to continue as Events Co-Ordinator helping for social events but did not wish to be on the committee.
Howard Evans: Do we have the opportunity to elect all nominations?
Chairman: We will have a block vote. This duly took place and all were unanimously voted as per the nominations list.
Chairman: We have had a wonderful 2 years following on from all the good work of Roy in keeping us together with Zoom during the covid period. Adrian has a very good team around him, although we will not have the Pavilion for our annual concerts. I wish him every success.
11 Any Other Business:
Howard Evans: We should wear official choir outfit - white shirts, navy choir jumper, grey trousers and black shoes at the Seagull tomorrow.
Eddie Fearnley: We wear white shirts at a concert.
Howard Evans: We are getting paid and should treat as a concert.
Chairman: In line with the discussions, we will wear white shirts, navy choir jumper, grey trousers and black shoes.
Noel Williams: I will send out an email on this as some choristers who are not here tonight will be at the Seagull tomorrow.
Chris Evans: As we do not have the Pavilion, could we do ‘2-3’ annual concerts this year.
Ian Williams: This is something we are looking at.
Registered Charity Number 1195139
Marilyn Hill: We must remember All Saints costs £400 for each evening concert plus an extra £100 if we want an afternoon rehearsal.
Ian Williams: The budget is based on 5 concerts, 3 are fundamental and 2 marginal which may not be of benefit.
Mark Smith: A leaflet has been prepared to promote the choir singing at weddings. Currently we have two weddings booked for 2025.
Noel Williams: I would like to record how well Mark has done with concerts throughout the year.
Adrian Powis: Thanks for being voted in as Chairman and it will not be easy to replace John. I had not been in the choir that long before being section leader. There are many experienced choristers who will be a source of advice.
12 Date of Next Annual General Meeting:
Noel Williams: The Members Handbook states ‘The AGM will normally be held on the third Friday of February each year, or as near to that date as possible.’ The term ‘normally’ does give us the flexibility to change the date. On this basis the AGM is planned for 21 February 2024.
Noel Williams – Secretary
Registered Charity Number 1195139
202 202 202 UmRy CURRENT ACCOUNT OEPOSIT ACCOUNT OUR FUND ACCOUNT r7.067.99 £4,258.85 £5,880.65 £7,067.9 £4.258.8 £5,880 6 TOTAL CASH IN HAND a>at 31st DECEMBER 2023 £17 207.4 ANK RECONCILLIATION URRENT ACCOUNT ank Slalemenl a5 al 31st December 2023 ESS Un resented Ch ues 0014 All Saints 3311 Laura Deenick 03299 First Res onder 03319 Harris Piinters 03320 Makin Musi¢ EPOSIT ACCOUNT ank Slalrnenl as a131ST December 2023 20 202 202 £8.026. £350 £50.1 £449 00 -£9S9.QO 7067.9 OUR FUND ACCOUNT ank SlaleThent as at 31 sl Dember 2023 £5,880.65., BANK RECONCILLIATIOPI as at 31st DECEMB 2023 £17 207.4 PORTHCAWL MALE CHOIR Jan-2 Marilyn Hill Treasurer Ke5vin Isaac- Auditor- Page 4
Minutes of Annual General Meeting Held at Arlington Road Church Friday 9 February 2024
1 Present:
Action
John Pearman (Chairman), Noel Williams (Secretary), Marilyn Hill (Treasurer), Adrian Powis (ViceChairman), Alec Brooks (Musical Director).
Chris Davies, Gareth Lewis, Jon Machin, Mark Smith, Ian Williams.
Roy Bowen, John Mathias, Stuart Phillips, Brian Raybould, John Wright.
Phil Davies, Chris Evans, Mike Francis, Stan Hill, Lyn Sullivan, Phil Tew, Ian Thomas, Glenn White.
John Crocker, Malcolm Evans, Eddie Fearnley, Richard Harris, Kelvin Isaac, Tony Kavanagh, Haydn Wheeler.
Howard Evans, John B Jones, Phil Rowe, Ian Williams.
Non-voting attendees: Laura Deenik, Roy Jeynes, Daryl Strong.
2 Apologies:
John Bevan, Rob Cotter, Mike Griffiths, Viv Griffiths, Ian Jacka, David Jones, Owain Jones,
3 Adoption of Minutes: Adoption of Previous Minutes 24 February 2023
Proposed: Lyn Sullivan Seconded: Fred Draper
Adoption of Minutes 9 February 2024
Proposed: Jon Machin Seconded: Mark Smith
4 Matters arising from Minutes:
Chairman: All matters from the minutes of the previous AGM have been actioned. These related to:
-
split proceeds of raffle
-
contact Charity Commission to update trustee registrations
-
sing at Principality Stadium
-
sing at Royal Albert Hall.
5 Notices of motion:
No notices of motion were submitted.
6 Chairmans Report:
Copied from prepared script.
In welcoming you all to this year’s AGM I do so, as last year, with a sense of deep gratitude for the commitment and support given to the Choir during 2023. Numbering 52 choristers at end December we welcomed Tony Kavanagh to the Second Tenors but were sorry to lose Dave Wall from the Baritones. Dave was a master at the art of using computer technology to provide musical composition for section voice practice, a facility widely appreciated. - With a seemingly settled membership over the last two year period, I have found myself reflecting as I
Registered Charity Number 1195139
prepare to write this report on the vision of those individuals who met together in 1980 to look at the possibility of forming a Porthcawl Male Voice Choir. Stuart was at that meeting, as was Kelvin, Roy joining the group a few months later and Phil in 1982. Stuart, Roy and Phil have served the Choir continually for over 40 years since joining, whilst Kelvin made a welcome return in 2021 after stepping down for a period. When I look back at these stalwarts of our Choir, I see in them the standard bearers of the flags of achievement and enjoyment that the 1980 pioneers wished us to carry. Would we meet with approval from those early enthusiasts for the wide variety of events to which we have contributed over the year? I feel confident we would do so. We have stayed close at all times to the ‘Objects’ cited in our Constitution for the advancement of music, featuring strongly in concerts and recitals. So let us now look back at our busy programme of 2023.
Our programme commenced in February with the invitation from Parkdean to sing at the annual Parkdean Management Conference with over 300 delegates at Trecco Bay. What a truly memorable evening it turned out to be. The warmth of the welcome, the enthusiastic audience responses and the subsequent messages of thanks delighted us. You may recall Ian’s excellent cover of this event in the Spring edition of ‘The Chorister’.
We returned to Porthcawl Primary School on St David’s Day. What a pleasure it was to see the smiles on the children’s faces as they sang along with the Choir. A happy development of course is that the children from the school will be joining us at our St David’s Day Concert at All Saints this year. The next concert on 11[th] March was at All Saints with the visiting mixed-voice ‘Amici Cantate’ Choir from Bishop’s Stortford on the Hertfordshire/Essex boundary. We thank Jane Watkins, a former resident of Porthcawl, for initiating these arrangements. A lovely evening was enjoyed by a large and appreciative audience.
Attention switched to filming in April. We were part of the Jamie Adam’s film ‘It’s Christmas’ starring Simon Callow and Brittany Snow which, we understand, is premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival this year. With filming taking place at both Arlington Road Church and at Porthcawl RFC and then again later in the year around the village green and local hostelries of Newton we look forward to an extra Xmas present this year.
The successful tour of attractive Llandudno took place in early June. A party of 80 Choir members and friends stayed in the well-appointed Chatsworth House Hotel, an ideal spot for exploring the area. Some took the tram to the summit of the Great Orme; others boarded the local tour bus to Conway whilst some found the bracing walk along the Pier blew the cobwebs away. The choir was warmly welcomed by the Colwyn Male Choir with whom we shared the stage at St. John’s Church in a memorable concert. I am sure that many will remember ‘Fields of Athenry’ sung so movingly by a top tenor with Colwyn. A passionate rendition. Tranquility was the order of the day for the following Sunday, with those who wished to see farther afield enjoying a coach tour via Betws-y-Coed, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Porthmadog and across the Menai Straits to LlanfairPG. Time allowed to photograph the longest station name in the UK and also time for some to snap up those eye-catching multi-coloured shirts. I blame Jon and Mark!
Another concert on the calendar was yet to be held before the annual. Social chats in Cwmafan Rugby Club by Gareth and Mal, our Welsh language speakers with colleagues at Onllwyn had led to initial thoughts of a joint concert, to be held in Porthcawl, and this came to fruition in All Saints on 15[th] July. A wonderful evening earned a rousing standing ovation. After-concert pleasantries continued with refreshments served at the Farmers Arms in Nottage, whilst landlady Stacy’s excellent ale fuelled fine singing voices.
Attention turned to the Annual Concert at the Grand Pavilion, with Mike Doyle this year’s Celebrity Guest. Thanks once again to a co-ordination of good publicity via Ian’s media programmes and the efforts of Choir members in selling tickets we achieved an almost full house on 2[nd] September. Marilyn will give details in her report of the financial benefit accrued from the successful annual concert in underpinning the annual accounts. What a lovely night it was. You increasingly felt the audience engagement whilst the enthusiastic response to ‘Gonna rise up singin’ is a memory in itself. The Dilwyn Evans Award was made to Megan Prance and Will Evans reflecting the links across the generations and close association the Choir holds with Porthcawl Schools. There was much celebration after the Concert as Choir, guests and friends met together in the lower room. A special moment for me was to see my daughter Mari-Clare and her children Grace and Sebastion meeting up with friends old and new. They had travelled from West Sussex for the Concert, loved the event and
Registered Charity Number 1195139
there I was wondering if my daughter was chatting with Jon about those halcyon days at Porthcawl Comprehensive School.
The Elvis Festival followed quickly. At 12.15 pm on Sunday 24[th] September the Choir assembled in a large marquee at the Hi-Tide to sing live broadcast on the ‘Owen Money Show’. Here was another new experience and the Choir response to the challenge could not have been better. Not only did we have enthusiastic audience applause (I remember a particularly enthusiastic Pontypool Rugby Group) but we received appreciative words from Owen Money, whilst Louise, the Programme Director, had wanted to make sure that she saw me before leaving ‘to thank all in the choir for their wonderful singing’ It was quite emotional. It seems that we are ‘with Elvis’ to stay.
The Remembrance Sunday Service at All Saints Church on 12[th] November saw the Choir again sing in the Devotional Service inside the Church before re-assembling with other Worshippers, Representative and Community Groups outside the Church for the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph. Stuart Phillips laid the wreath on behalf of Porthcawl Male Choir. His wife Julie’s father had been taken from HMS Exeter and had been held a prisoner of war in Burma by the Japanese from St David’s Day 1942 until VJ Day 1945.
Then the busy Christmas programme was upon us. This featured a mix of Community events, visits to local hostelries, support for the local RNLI, Masonic Home and Stroke Club, but with our own two Christmas Concerts very much on our minds. On Saturday 9[th] December we held the Choir Christmas Concert at All Saints, welcoming guests and official dignitaries. With ‘mistletoe and wine’ sung in good cheer and the Church itself fully decorated with Christmas trees it was a moving Service. Finally on Tuesday 19[th] December we sang for the Arlington Road Church faithful, expressing the Choir’s gratitude to Brian Willment and the Elders for granting us the use of the Church over many years to hold our Practices. It was lovely to see Brian and his wife Jean at the ‘Carols and Lessons Service’. In addition to these concerts, we have been delighted during the year to sing at weddings, provide support at funerals, support town events and even open the new Aldi. I must of course repeat our thanks for the wonderful day we enjoyed at the wedding of Ben Cotter and Vicky Toye at the Vale Resort and being so much part of the family celebration. In a family sense but in a very different setting the Choir sang outside life-time supporter Jean Machin’s house in a live-time ITV News broadcast to celebrate Jean’s 95[th] birthday. Then at the funeral service of 91-year-old Dorothy Jenkins in St John’s Church the appreciative words expressed by the family about the Choir’s attendance meant so much. I am sure that many of us will recall the words spoken by the 2 grand-children so lovingly about their grand-mother and I felt we were privileged to have heard them. Music does open the Choir to many experiences and the year 2023 has proved particularly memorable. It has indeed been poignant for me that the last 2 choir events of my Chairmanship should have a personal touch. The British Legion ‘Centenary of Foundation Dedication Service’ had former chorister and friend Ray Street as Honorary Secretary and flag bearer. The funeral of dear Fred Draper, whom many of you know was a passenger in my car to Choir Practice over many months, was in fact attended by Ray Street. Ray said he had found the funeral to be a truly moving and memorable service.
Behind such a busy and successful event packed calendar there has to be a dedicated group of workers, undertaking their own duties but recognising also how closely the responsibilities of one office-holder are inter-related with those of another. In thanking my committee for their fulfilment of duties, I thank you all as a team. Individual thanks would find me repeating all that I said last year and that was gold-plated thanks. One change in office this year did however occur with the election of top tenor Section Leader Adrian to Vice-Chairman.
Adrian has slotted into his role seamlessly since re-placing the warmly regarded John Mathias as Vice-Chairman. In providing details of a possible Choir tour in Italy, in support of Viv’s sterling work as Choir Marshall at Choir Events and in his success as ‘Film Editor’ of the ‘Calendar Girls’ style Choir calendar for 2024. Adrian has worked ceaselessly. I did smile on observing that the front page of the calendar had appeared in the ‘ARTS’ section of the January Seaside News and wondered if this was ‘media partnership’ at work! Adrian’s valued service this year, I know, has equipped him well for Chairmanship and the challenges that lie ahead.
So, to all members of my committee team, my thanks. Noel and Marilyn, such professional application, Noel’s total command of secretarial necessities and action points ensures that everyone is fully informed of the outcome of committee meetings and on any matter impacting on Choir
Registered Charity Number 1195139
developments and membership. Marilyn’s Monthly Accounts and the wide ‘collection channels’ she monitors to support them are testament to her dedication in all aspects as Treasurer. A maternal eye watching over us from her desk at Practice Time! Here also we find Noel and Marilyn working in partnership in seeking to obtain the ‘Gift Aid’ entitlement that we should receive under our ‘Charitable Status’.
Ian and Mark can also see their duties over-lap. Ian continues to use and develop with great effect our Choir image in local social media outlets such as Facebook, in BBC News outlets and in local news sources such as ‘Seaside News’. Mark’s enthusiasm for his task is infectious which means everyone wants to book with Porthcawl Choir. Mark’s commitment and hard work in his many duties as Concert Secretary are greatly appreciated. Rob as Librarian always seems to have every piece of music available. Section Leaders Adrian, Jon, Chris and Gareth are key to the operating functioning of the Choir with their pastoral care and ensuring that practical matters are discussed at committee. From ‘new songs’ to modifications to uniform, our Section Leaders raise issues that are widely appreciated by members. Chris also deserves our thanks for selling tickets for the Raffle before each Choir Practice. Outside of committee I thank Mark, Ian and Glenn for their unobtrusive and efficient handling duties in the Piano Team. Likewise, thanks to Kelvin for arranging social events and particularly for arranging such an enjoyable fun-filled Xmas party.
Our Ladies Team has as ever supported us splendidly. Their ‘Bring and Buy’ in Trinity Church Hall is always an important initiative. At Concert and Social Events your presence and contributions are integral to the success of the Choir. You designed our new ‘gold tie’, doing so much to make us feel we have enjoyed a ‘gold brand year’.
May I turn finally to our Musical Team of Alec, Musical Director, Richard our Musical Accompanist and Laura our Musical Accompanist. Music is a wonderful gift and we as a Choir are blessed in having 3 highly talented and gifted musicians in leading us. 2024 has been a memorable year. A word also to Paul, Laura’s husband, who provided moments of magic for us as Musical Director at the Choir Concert in the Masonic Home. We thank you all so much.
As you know I have given notice that I shall not be seeking re-election this year. I have served 2 years as your Chairman and am grateful to have had the opportunity of putting something back into our Choir. Music has been so kind to me. Through the Porthcawl Choir I have visited countries in Europe. Through the ‘Comrades Choir’ organised by Mark Burrows in Cardiff I visited countries across the world during the 2000’s decade. From New Zealand and Australia to China and Hong Kong, from South Africa to Patagonia, from Russia and Estonia to the USA, I have been fortunate to meet and sing with other people in memories that last a life-time.
It has been a wonderful journey but age and experience does now tell me that this is the time to ‘bow out’. I look back on another year highlighted by a memorable Annual Concert and with gratitude to a dedicated and supportive Choir that it has been a privilege to serve.
Noel Williams: I would like to record my thanks and I am sure those of everyone here to thank John for two very successful years as Chairman. As secretary I have been fortunate to have worked with Roy and John as Chairmen and now look forward to working with Adrian.
7 Musical Directors Report:
Alec Brooks: It has been a very enjoyable year, the same as the previous year. High points were the Parkdean concert, the film which had been something different, the Llandudno Tour and the Annual Concert where the choir had been so good. Thanks to the Musical Team, Laura who is here tonight, Richard and Paul. Thanks to the committee for their support and help throughout the year. The friendship of the choir has been very important. I have been involved in twenty choirs and none are like you. All are so friendly and thanks for the year and now looking forward to this year.
8 Treasurers Report:
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Copied from prepared script. Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 and Budgeted forecast for the year ending 31 December 2024 were also distributed.
2023 proved to be a very financially sound year. The Tour account ends the year with a healthy balance of £5881, the Friday raffle brought in £1714 and we subsidized the Llandudno tour by £100 per chorister, also paying for the church and expenses. The Deposit account has increased by £31.97 interest and stands at £4258.85. The current account balance is £7068. With our annual concert raising an amazing £5282.70 with a record 525 in the audience.
Income, we performed at various events, concerts, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, funerals, we opened a supermarket, and even made a film, our standard charge for these events is £350. The bucket collection at the Elvis was £269.28, Contata joint concert gave us and contata £206.30 each Onllwyn joint concert gave us £195.53 with £400 to the Latch charity. Our Globe concert gave us £375. We also performed at 5 free concerts. Porthcawl Primary School, Church Fayre, Newton Fest, R.N.L.I. Remembrance Sunday.
The ladies section ran raffles at some events, and at the Carol Concert sold wine for the first time, raising £160. My thanks to all the ladies who help at all the events. We have 50 members and 2 life members who both gave contribution to the choir. Donations came in from our supporters with £350 from our bankers after a long-drawn-out change of signatures, as compensation. We had a £250 grant from Cefnogi. £500 from the race night. We sold poppies, song books and had £500 sponsorship for our calendar. Thanks to Norman at Harris printers for setting me the challenge and matching our sponsors.
Outgoings. We paid our musical team £10855; rent was £220 per month. We had our Dilwyn Evans award at the annual £250, crowd funding for a heart defibrillator and gave a contribution for training on how to use it. £300 purchased us a mic stand PA system.
This year I propose an increase in subscriptions by only £5 bringing subs to £125 a small increase in line with inflation.
For the first time you will see attached a budget for the year ahead. Ian's hard work with this is much appreciated. The gift aid of £1200.00 is for our first year as a charity and I'm in the process of applying to HMRC. With no Pavilion for the next two years, we face uncertain times ahead, but we have built up a solid financial base.
My thanks to Chris our raffle guru, to all members for parting with their money on time. Again, it is a privilege to be part of such a hard-working committee and I thank them for their help and support. Special thanks to Kelvin for being the choir auditor again this year and putting up with me.
Following the above presentation Marilyn Hill added that the committee would be discussing fundraising and concerts bearing in mind Porthcawl was a small area with a limit on locals attending our concerts. We have a wedding confirmed for next year and possibly one later this year. There was need to continually look at outgoings and expenditure.
Chairman: Asked the meeting to vote on the proposed increase in subscriptions to £125. A show of hands indicated unanimous support for the increase.
9 Auditors Report:
Kelvin Isaac: The accounts have been well set out, easy to follow and understand. All is in order and I thank Marilyn for assisting me to carry out this work and providing answers for all questions. It is good to see a Budgeted forecast prepared by Ian Williams.
10 Election of Officers:
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With the exception of Vice Chairman and Social Secretary, a single nomination was received for each position. Each nominee was unanimously elected.
| Position | Nominee | Proposer | Seconder | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | Adrian Powis | Kelvin Isaac | Ian Williams | |
| Vice Chairman | ||||
| Secretary | Noel Williams | Mike Griffiths | Kelvin Isaac | |
| Treasurer | Marilyn Hill | Kelvin Isaac | John Wright | |
| Concert Secretary | Mark Smith | John Wright | Mike Griffiths | |
| Social Secretary | ||||
| Public Relations Officer | Ian Williams | Kelvin Isaac | Haydn Wheeler | |
| Librarian | Robert Cotter | Kelvin Isaac | Mike Griffiths | |
| Section Leaders | ||||
| Top Tenor | Viv Griffiths | Rob Cotter | Marilyn Hill | |
| Second Tenor | Jon Machin | Kelvin Isaac | Eddie Fearnley | |
| Baritone | Chris Davies | Rob Cotter | John Crocker | |
| Bass | Gareth Lewis | Mike Griffiths | John Wright |
To contact Charity Commission to update trustee registrations.
NW
Kelvin Isaac was prepared to continue as Events Co-Ordinator helping for social events but did not wish to be on the committee.
Howard Evans: Do we have the opportunity to elect all nominations?
Chairman: We will have a block vote. This duly took place and all were unanimously voted as per the nominations list.
Chairman: We have had a wonderful 2 years following on from all the good work of Roy in keeping us together with Zoom during the covid period. Adrian has a very good team around him, although we will not have the Pavilion for our annual concerts. I wish him every success.
11 Any Other Business:
Howard Evans: We should wear official choir outfit - white shirts, navy choir jumper, grey trousers and black shoes at the Seagull tomorrow.
Eddie Fearnley: We wear white shirts at a concert.
Howard Evans: We are getting paid and should treat as a concert.
Chairman: In line with the discussions, we will wear white shirts, navy choir jumper, grey trousers and black shoes.
Noel Williams: I will send out an email on this as some choristers who are not here tonight will be at the Seagull tomorrow.
Chris Evans: As we do not have the Pavilion, could we do ‘2-3’ annual concerts this year.
Ian Williams: This is something we are looking at.
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Marilyn Hill: We must remember All Saints costs £400 for each evening concert plus an extra £100 if we want an afternoon rehearsal.
Ian Williams: The budget is based on 5 concerts, 3 are fundamental and 2 marginal which may not be of benefit.
Mark Smith: A leaflet has been prepared to promote the choir singing at weddings. Currently we have two weddings booked for 2025.
Noel Williams: I would like to record how well Mark has done with concerts throughout the year.
Adrian Powis: Thanks for being voted in as Chairman and it will not be easy to replace John. I had not been in the choir that long before being section leader. There are many experienced choristers who will be a source of advice.
12 Date of Next Annual General Meeting:
Noel Williams: The Members Handbook states ‘The AGM will normally be held on the third Friday of February each year, or as near to that date as possible.’ The term ‘normally’ does give us the flexibility to change the date. On this basis the AGM is planned for 21 February 2024.
Noel Williams – Secretary
Registered Charity Number 1195139