EVENTS BLOG —– Number 1
In the words of Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates- you never know what you’re gonna get “ – much like our choir gigs ! We set off for Llanfihangel Yr Arth with a full bus, half our body weight in snacks, picnics and voice lubricants, and, as ever, masses of enthusiasm and anticipation.For this Eisteddfod we were a little more relaxed—only 2 songs to sing, both of which we knew well, no coach gymnastics to perform changing into our formal uniform , and no pressure to bring home a cup.But, being Cor Y Gleision , we all wanted to win of course.
The journey to the depths of West Wales was uneventful. In the dark and rain the bus stopped , seemingly in the middle of nowhere—were we lost ? Again ?? Never fear, our trusty driver turned a corner and we spied a few glimmering street lights and the lights of a small building up a hill—we’d arrived! But where was the big tent, where was the coach park and where were the people surging in to get their seats? This was going to be a small but perfectly formed event for sure. We piled off the coach and tried our best to squeeze into Llanfihangel village hall—if the man from the Guinness book had been there I think we would have broken a few records! The overflow marquee was quickly full too.We huddled together for warmth, ate our picnics and hoped we wouldn’t have another Caerphilly evening, waiting for hours for our category to come round.
The Eisteddfod might have been small but the organisers had done a great job and we were called dead on time to perform.Hang on though – Wot, no rehearsal? Wot, no line up ? Having heard our competition singing before us ,we started to feel a little less relaxed, but once we’d shoehorned all 60 of us onto the stage , the floor and hanging from the eaves – well almost – we got going.It may not have been the best we’d ever sung our 2 song choices but we gave a good account of ourselves , the audience seemed to enjoy themselves and were very appreciative.
Some people stayed to listen to the next category of competition and our adjudication, whilst a small breakaway group went to do their bit for the local economy and put some funds over the bar , and indulge in our usual post competition sing song , in the small pub nearby. This was also well received by the locals [ a few of our girls almost got themselves married off ! ] and it was a pity that time, space and circumstance conspired against us and prevented us staying to enjoy the hospitality for longer.
Meanwhile back in the hall it was adjudication time. It was by no means a foregone conclusion . The women’s choir competing against us had sung a beautiful second song which the judges clearly loved , and when our “bête noir” of open vowels was raised by the judge my heart sank. In the end we just shaved it – 18 points against 17.5 – another great result for CYG.
Although the venue and audience were small , the local people made up for this in spades. We had a wonderful welcome and they did everything they possibly could to accommodate what must, at times , have seemed like an invasion on our part.The local accompanist who played for us , was clearly extremely nervous , but she did us proud. The fact the Richard had to practically force payment on her for her services sums up the warmth of our reception.Everyone seemed to genuinely enjoy our performance and it was a pity our visit was so brief.
From the smallest stage to the largest ,CYG go out and give their best and have a ball in the process. Long may it continue !