**Male Voice Choir in Swansea Valley Revives Community Spirit and Changes Lives**
A cherished Welsh tradition has been given fresh life in the Swansea Valley after the resurrection of a male voice choir that is making a tangible difference to the local community. Cor Meibion Clydach, formed just over a year ago, is not only providing a musical outlet for its members but also forging new friendships and uplifting the area during challenging times.
For many, the choir has offered more than just an opportunity to sing. Martin Berni, one of its members, found solace in the group after the sudden passing of his wife. “It got me out of the house, and I started interacting with familiar faces from the village. Soon, I became part of a close-knit group striving towards a shared goal,” Berni revealed. He credits the camaraderie and collective ambition of Cor Meibion Clydach with helping him through his bereavement.
Similarly, David Waghorn, president of Vardre RFC and a first-time chorister at 77, reflected on how the choir filled a long-standing regret. “I used to help the previous choir and always wished I had joined. Everyone says singing is good for the soul, so I decided not to miss out again. It’s been one of the best things I’ve done,” he said. Waghorn also praised the musical directors, Gareth Sims and his wife Julie, calling their dedication “unwavering and patient”.
The roots of this musical resurgence can be traced back to Swansea Councillor Matthew Bailey, who was motivated to rekindle the spirit of the 1990s Clydach choir, once celebrated for its performances at the National Eisteddfod. With the support of the community—who donated an old keyboard—and a modest initial group of 16, Cor Meibion Clydach held its first rehearsal in March last year at Vardre RFC, the choir’s historical home.
Since then, membership has more than doubled to 35 and spans generations, welcoming participants from their mid-20s to their 80s. Councillor Bailey is keen for even more to join, stressing the importance of both the musical and social sides of choir life. “All the guys say, ‘I can’t believe I haven’t done it sooner,’” he remarked. “We tell newcomers: bring a mate, grab a pint, and see what it’s all about. You don’t even have to sing at first—just enjoy the experience.”
The choir’s impact extends beyond its own ranks. Their Christmas concert, held at Capel y Nant with pupils from YGG Gellionnen, was a packed event that raised £1,000 for charity, including a substantial donation to mental health charity Mind. The upcoming VE Day remembrance performance at St Mary’s Church will continue to strengthen these community connections.
Cor Meibion Clydach’s repertoire blends traditional Welsh choral pieces with popular favourites such as ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and ‘I Dreamed a Dream’. For non-Welsh speakers, phonetic lyrics are provided, helping ensure everyone can join in, regardless of linguistic background. “It’s amazing to learn how the sections of a choir merge to form the harmonies everyone recognises,” said Bailey.
The choir includes old and new faces from across the community, such as local councillors Gordon Walker and Bailey himself, and boasts former international rugby referee Derek Bevan as president. The youngest member, 25-year-old Josh Burtonshaw, encourages other young people to get involved, proudly stating: “All ages can do it, all ages are welcome.”
Amid wider concerns about social isolation and mental health, the revival of Cor Meibion Clydach seems to have arrived at just the right time. “In these days of doom and gloom, it has brought a bit of joy to the community,” summed up Waghorn.
The choir’s ongoing growth and popularity serve as a reminder of how cultural traditions can be a vital source of resilience, comfort and, above all, joy. As the voices of Clydach rise once more, the Swansea Valley is rediscovering not only its musical heritage but also a renewed sense of togetherness.