Old Men Are Loud: The Plough Singers Whitchurch

One of Cardiff’s popular choirs, The Plough Singers, started life in the front room of The Royal Oak pub, Whitchurch, in 1991.

Shortly after, they moved to The Plough Inn, a short distance up the road, adopting the name in the process and there they remained until the early part of 2009. Popularity and growth of the choir forced them to seek larger accommodation and they are now based at Whitchurch Rugby Sports and Social Club. They have one overriding ethos – ‘to give pleasure and have fun doing so’. Wales is renowned for its “male voice choirs” much of which can be traced back to the early 1800’s and the influence of ‘chapel’, heavy industry and pubs. In those days the church and the local taverns were inextricably linked to a working man’s spiritual salvation. (There was the odd occasion, after work, when a man had a preference for either the church or the pub, but rarely both, so we’re led to believe).

The Plough Singers are a 3 part harmony choir comprising of tenors, 2nd tenors and bass. They don’t consider themselves to be a ‘male voice choir’, in the accepted sense. They are less formal with a varied repertoire that includes traditional Welsh songs such as Gwahoddiad, Calon Lan, Myfanwy and Men of Harlech and other popular ballads, folk songs and popular music from the 60’s 70’ and 80’s. Such is their popularity that they also include a season of Christmas carol concerts towards the end of each year. They are a ‘not for profit’ organisation and provide entertaining concerts at weddings, wedding receptions, corporate functions, charity fund raising events, parties and other ceremonies. Their favoured charity is currently the Alzheimer’s Society (Wales) and over the years they have donated over £30,000 to the cause. They have appeared at some prestigious venues namely: Llandaff Cathedral; Millennium Centre (public area); Tredegar House (Newport); National History Museum; various Churches; Golf Clubs; Vale Hotel Golf and Country Club; local hospitals and all sorts of hotel based functions.

They have raised funds and performed for the Stroke Association, the National Eisteddfod, Parkinson’s Disease, Fostering Network Wales; British Heart Foundation, George Thomas Hospice and various care homes. The list goes on. They are very well run, well organised, friendly and approachable. If you are looking for a choir for a particular occasion get in touch with them, or better still… Why not join them? They are looking for new members. Just turn up on a Monday evening relax and have a go with a group of friendly people. There’s no audition. It’s a matter of blending your voice to those around you. There’s no need to feel embarrassed, after all, their members were just like you with the same feelings and concerns, but they took the first step. You don’t have to be able to read music either, it helps of course, but it’s not essential. You can contact them via their website www.theploughsingers.co.uk or e-mail at ploughsingers@hotmail.co.uk

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