On the morning of Saturday 29th March, the choir arrive at St Stephen’s Church Bodfari by Royal Command.
Well, almost! It was the Declaration of the incoming High Sheriff of Clwyd, Mr David Meredith Jones.
As the appointment of the High Sheriff is by Royal Command, it is the closest the choir will come to an official Royal appointment.
On a lovely, sunny spring morning the choir arrive early at the church. The Cadet Force of St Brigid’s Scool, Denbigh, resplendent in their uniforms, made us feel welcome.
Choir performs for Arriving Guests
The choir first performed during the arrival of the invited guests. The first item Y Ddau Wladgarwr or The Two Patriots, a stirring and very patriotic Welsh song.
Then a change in tempo and mood with Panis Angelicus, which was very well received by the assembled congregation.
Again, the mood changed with the choir singing The Rose, in which Peter Davies’ solo was very much appreciated. The choir finished with a fitting rendition of Gwahoddiad, or in English, An Invitation.
Organist, Mr Raymond Williams, played an Organ Voluntary which, which was followed by a Trumpet Fanfare, performed by members of St Brigid’s School.
Procession of Shrieval Party
The Procession of the Shrieval Party then entered the church. Led by His Honour Judge Niclas Parry and His Honour Judge Philip Hughes, followed by Mr Edwin Hughes, JP; Mr John David Meredith Jones, Incoming High Sheriff; Mr Henry Wilson, Under Sheriff; Mrs Celia Jenkins, JP, High Sheriff of Clwyd, The Venerable Chris Potter, Chaplain to Incoming High Sheriff and Mr Henry Fetherstonhaugh OBE, HM Lord Lieutenant.
The choir performs Tydi a Roddaist
The Declaration Service then took place during which, and at the special request of Mr Meredith Jones, the choir sang Tydi a Roddaist.
Once outside, the Shrieval Party took advantage of the spring sunshine to meet the invited guests before retiring to the High Sheriff’s home.
In conclusion, the choir would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr David Meredith Jones, High Sheriff of Clwyd, for his very kind invitation to be a part of such an important occasion.
We hope that we served you well and we wish you a fruitful and enjoyable year in office.
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