23 hours Ago
'Time spent singing, is time well spent' and 'The only thing better than singing, is singing in a Welsh male-voice choir' are just two of the slogans being used by the Male Voice Choir - or Cor Meibion Penybontfawr - as they search for new members. The tuneful group on the Shropshire/Powys is preparing to celebrate their 75th anniversary next year and they are keen to welcome new members to all sections. Chairman John Rowles said: "We are going to be 'carpet-bombing' local social media sites with posters that are eye-catching and humourous.
"You may have already seen them on some Facebook pages for local villages such as Welshpool, Oswestry, Llansantffraid, and many more. "We hope what we are doing is visibly arresting and that the posters we are sharing will stand out and catch people's attention." John said they are keen to let people know there is more to being in the choir than just rehearsals and performing - though for many that love of singing is very important.
He continued: "By making them humorous we are hoping the right people will realise a male-voice choir isn't just a lot of old blokes gathering and having a sing. We do do that, but it is lively, there's laughing and it's sociable." And they aren't just targeting the local gentlemen.
Although the group is men-only, they hope that a few special posters aimed at their wives and partners might just help to increase numbers. John added: "We're also reaching out to women with messages like 'Do you want to see less of him? Send him to the choir!' and 'Does he need a hobby? Send him to the choir!' "It's a big celebration for us next year and we have some plans in the pipeline, so hopefully new members will join ahead of that." The group meets at Canolfan Pennant - the village hall - every Wednesday at 8pm.
To find out more about the group, you can contact John by calling 07810 886648..
