Arthur Jones Remembered

Arthur Jones, one of the choir’s founder members, passed away on December 21, 2022.

Choir chairman, Paul Harrison, states that ‘Arthur was a true character and one of the choir mainstays for many years. On behalf of the choir, we send our deepest condolences to Arthur’s family at this sad time.’

Arthur Jones Recollections

Arthur Jones grew up in Llanrhaeadr. A small village on the outskirts of Denbigh, and lived in the district all his life.

Music has always been a feature in Arthur’s life. He recalled 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 enjoyed the “comradeship that you experience in a choir; the feeling of togetherness and friendship is notable when taking part.”

Arthur described the celebrated “Night of a Thousand Voices Concert” at the Royal Albert Hall.

“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 had no doubt that his family had been the greatest influence on his musical and singing career.

No fewer than four close relatives have been members of the Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir.

Failing health caused Arthur to reluctantly resign from the choir in 2017, after 30 memorable years.
We always enjoyed your company Arthur, and remember your service and sterling contribution.