Côr Persain enjoy a grand day out at the Porthcawl Flower Festival

Saturday June 14 dawned dark and glowering over the town of Ammanford, with rain showers and dark clouds. Despite this, spirits were high as the members of Cor Persain, a local ladies’ choir based at the Miners’ Theatre, embarked on their bus journey to the bustling seaside metropolis of Porthcawl, where they would perform as part of the Flower Festival. ‘We’ve held a concert in Porthcawl fairly recently,’ explained choir member, Brenda Thomas, ‘And we were thrilled to be asked to come back and take part in the town’s prestigious Music and Flower Festival.’

By the time the coach arrived at Porthcawl, to everyone’s delight, the sun had emerged from behind the clouds and there was time for some serious relaxation, which may or may not have involved ice-cream on the beach and shopping, followed by a light lunch. The Festival, celebrating the town’s bicentenary year, took place in the beautiful setting of All Saints’ Church, which was decked for the occasion with a stunning array of floral tributes. In addition, tables were set aside for a special flower arranging workshop, which took place later in the afternoon. Choir member Mary Thomas commented, ‘As well as the wonderful concert, I loved joining in on the flower making.’

Other notable musical performers at the festival included The Bandits, Col Canto and Saxidentals, while the day was rounded off with a magnificent performance of the 1812 Overture by Porthcawl Community Orchestra. Choir members Elaine Maul and Marilyn Yates were warm in their praise for the orchestra. ‘They were absolutely brilliant!’ enthused Elaine, while Marilyn added, ‘I’m so glad we stayed right to the end to listen to them.’

Côr Persain’s own performance, however, was the peak of the excitement for many choir members. Under the expert guidance of choir director, Huw Morgan, and with superb accompaniment on piano from Dr Catherine Morgan, they showed the range of their repertoire while delivering both traditional Welsh favourites such as ‘Calon Lan’, a classical piece, ‘The Snow’, by Edward Elgar, and some great musical show-stoppers from ‘Sister Act’ and ‘Chicago’, which were rapturously received by the appreciative audience. Keeping with the Welsh theme, the choir also delivered a rousing version of the Bonnie Tyler classic, ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart.’ Two highly talented students from Neath College, Charlotte and Estera, also took part, with two songs showcasing their amazing vocals and guitar talent. ‘They moved me to tears with their gorgeous version of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’, choir member Jenny Morgan said. ‘That song was the highlight of the day for me!’

At the end of a long but highly successful day, the coach departed for home with choir members tired but elated by having the opportunity to perform in such a spectacular venue. ‘I absolutely loved every minute of it!’ said choir member Leanda Sutton. ‘Such a happy experience,’ added Susan Woodman. ‘Thank you Huw and Catherine for your patience and hard work with us.

Onwards and upwards. Whoopie!’ And so say all of us!

JM