Did you hear about Arthur Jones, the original choir member, who wanted to join a fitness club? When asked how flexible he was, he said he couldn’t make Tuesdays or Thursdays.
Every choir, like any other group, has to have a fall guy. Our compere, Clwyd Wynne, relies on the good nature of Arthur Jones. The original choir member seems to be the butt of most of his humorous anecdotes.
As a long time member, Arthur has seen and heard it all before and takes it all in his stride with good grace.
Arthur Jones grew up in Llanrhaeadr. A small village on the outskirts of Denbigh, and has lived in the district all his life.
Music has always been a feature in Arthur’s life. He recalls one his earliest musical duties.
“My father was a member of the original Denbigh Male Voice Choir, well over 50 years ago. I had a Ford 8 car at the time and I enjoyed taking him to the choir practice at St Thomas’s Church. That’s how I acquired my first interest in choral singing.”
Arthur became more involved when he joined the Denbigh Mixed Choir. Mrs Phyllis Dryhurst-Dodd was the conductor.
He also sang with the North Wales Hospital Mixed choir. Again with the redoubtable Mrs Dodd holding the baton.
Arthur Jones Original Choir Member
The Hospital choir disbanded in 1988. She became the first conductor of the Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir in 1988.
It was then that Arthur became an original choir member of the Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir.
Being a sociable type Arthur enjoys the “comradeship that you experience in a choir.” The feeling of togetherness and friendship is notable when taking part.”
Arthur cites the celebrated “Night of a Thousand Voices Concert”at the Royal Albert Hall.
Arthur remembers with emotion. “It was a special occasion. The atmosphere was moving. The Royal Albert Hall will forever remain my favourite concert venue.”
Night of a Thousand Voices at the Albert Hall
Another stand out performance was singing The Messiah with the Eisteddfod Choir at the Rhyl National Eisteddfod. The popular Charles Groves conducting the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Arthur Jones Family Influences
Arthur has no doubt that his family has been the greatest influence on his musical career. No fewer than four close relatives have been members of the Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir.
The trend still continues.
Currently, there is Glyn Edwards, brother in law. Also first cousins David Bryn Jones and Ken Armstrong.
Arthur’s brother, Bob Jones, a member for many years, passed away three years ago.
David Bryn , Glyn, Arthur and Ken
At a family get-together you can be certain of one thing. Singing and talk of the choir is never far removed from the conversation.
Ed: Arthur reluctantly resigned from the choir in 2017.
Ed: Arthur Jones passed away December 2022.
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