Of the sixteen people who met at the Railway Tavern in 1968 to form the Tonna Male Voice Choir, we still have 1 who is an active member of the choir, an achievement of which he can be very proud. He is :-

Phillip Williams

Phil was probably one of the youngest of the 16 original members, as he was only 20 years old when the choir was formed. Phil has been in the Baritone section since joining the choir. Phil is still “going strong” in the Baritone section.

THE MUSICAL TEAM
The musical team of the choir are very talented musicians.

 

Geraint Hopkins B.A.(Hons.) J.P. – Musical Director

Geraint has been playing the piano and organ for the choir for over 25 years.  He is also organist at the Church of Resurrection in Ely, Cardiff, and St David’s church, Miskin. He replaced his mother as MD at Easter 2024.

Originally from Tonna, Geraint graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2000 and now lives in Llanharan.  He is clerk to Llantrisant Community Council and since 2004 has been County Councillor for Llanharan in Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough, where for 10 years up to 2021 he served in the Council’s cabinet, with portfolio responsibility for adult and children’s social services.

He also now sits as a Magistrate on the Cardiff Bench, and is a board member of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

Margaret Robinson A.T.C.L. – Accompanist

In 1978 Margaret was accompanist to the newly formed Melincryddan Male Voice Choir and in the same year took 1st prize for solo piano in the Miners Eisteddfod held at the Pavilion in Porthcawl.

After a long break from music she returned to study for her ATCL and became accompanist to the former Cadoxton Operatic Society and Buryport Operatic Society.

Margaret was also an accompanist for Neath Male Voice Choir and in more recent years involved with Morriston Ladies Choir.

Margaret is married with two grown up children and grand-children. She works for the local authority and is a keen cyclist.

Margaret joined Tonna Male Voice Choir on 28 July 2014 and is enjoying the return to choral music.